Dáil debates

Tuesday, 3 December 2013

3:35 pm

Photo of Eamon GilmoreEamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The number of people with medical cards and access to free GP care is the highest ever in the history of the State. Almost 2 million people have a medical card or access to free GP care. Since the beginning of this year, the HSE has awarded 100,000 medical cards, of which over 20,000 are on a discretionary basis. The Minister for Health wants people to be clear on their entitlements and to reassure anyone entitled to a medical card that the person will continue to hold the medical card. With regard to discretionary cards, when Deputy James Reilly became the Minister for Health he instructed the HSE to establish a clinical panel to assist in the processing of applications for discretionary medical cards. This was to ensure medical professionals with expertise and knowledge have an input into the granting of a medical card to people who exceed the income guidelines but face difficult financial circumstances. This ensures the specific circumstances of a person with a particular diagnosis can be considered on a case-by-case basis. The discretionary medical cards are granted on the basis of financial hardship, not on the basis of a particular condition.

The long-term illness scheme covers people with certain conditions regardless of income.

Down's syndrome is one of the conditions covered under the long-term illness scheme.

As Deputy Martin knows with regard to the health service plan, there is a procedure for its consideration. It is submitted by the HSE to the Minister for Health, and that was done on 25 November. He has 21 days within which to consider that plan, running to 16 December, and between now and then the Minister will bring the health service plan to the Government. It is with the Minister and he is considering it.

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