Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for allowing me to raise this matter. This is not the first occasion on which I have raised the issue of GPs charging medical card holders for service to which, I understood, they were entitled free of charge. In July 2011, I brought to the attention of the House the fact that some GPs were charging medical card holders for blood tests. At that time I received a strong commitment from the Minister of State's predecessor to the effect that the Department would ensure that any GP charging medical card holders for blood tests would be investigated. I understand the Department also wrote letters to all GPs advising them that blood tests are covered under the General Medical Services, GMS, contract. I am now seeking clarification from the Minister of State in respect of another service GPs provide to their patients which, I also understand, is covered under that contract.

I recently met one of my constituents from County Meath who has mobility issues. As a result, she is obliged to use a mobility scooter. She lives in a House that is not suited to her needs or to the use of said scooter. This makes it difficult for her to enjoy a good quality of life in her own home. The woman in question does not have the money to have her house refurbished so she has applied to Meath County Council for a house that would be more suited to her needs. The housing section of the council is helping the woman to find a new home. However, in accordance with the rules under which the latter operates, she was obliged to obtain a letter from her GP outlining her medical condition and the impact living in her current home is having on that condition. The woman concerned went to her local GP and obtained the following letter. Obviously, I will not read the names of either the woman or her GP into the record. The letter states:

To whom it may concern

This is to certify that the above mentioned is under our care. She has background history of osteoporosis and degenerative bone disease. She needs constant medical care and attention. She has recently been recommended use of a mobility scooter by the HSE's services which enables her to mobilise for longer distances. She also needs to have modifications made in her home, such as railings and ramps, to enable her to move more easily within her home environment.

I feel these adjustments would be of huge benefit to this lady with her disabling conditions. I would be grateful if you would take this into consideration on her application for housing. Many thanks for your help in this matter.

Yours sincerely

Dr. X

That is great and it is just what the council wanted. However, the woman - who is in her 70s and who has a medical card - was presented with a bill for €50 in respect of the letter, which contains only nine sentences. This is simply astonishing. It is not unusual for GPs to be asked to provide letters outlining the nature of people's illnesses to councils or other State bodies. These are very routine requests.

With respect, this is happening on the Minister of State's watch. That to which I refer is unacceptable and we need to do something about it. I ask the Minister of State to clarify whether there are circumstances in which GPs can charge medical card holders for services. If not, will he advise as to how this woman and others who have been asked to pay for the routine service to which I refer can obtain refunds? Will he also make it clear to GPs that this type of behaviour is not acceptable?

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