Alex White (Dublin South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I am sure the Deputy does not intend it, but the figures he has given are inaccurate. Of the 77,925 or so people who were in possession of a discretionary medical card in March 2011, one third still have a medical card on a discretionary basis and approximately one half still have a medical card but not through the discretionary route. This is what Deputies opposite continue to ignore - perhaps deliberately in some cases, although not in the case of Deputy Ó Caoláin. Of the March 20011 cohort, 19% no longer have a medical card. However, this is made up of 3% who are deceased, 7% who did not respond to correspondence from the HSE and 2% who did not complete the review process. That leaves approximately 6% or 7%, not 19%, who were found to be ineligible for a medical card. Somewhere between 5,500 and 6,000 persons, not 19,000, have been deemed ineligible.

I am not for one moment seeking to diminish the effect that loss has on people. That is why the Minister has asked the HSE to take steps to address the issue. However, I appeal to Deputies opposite that we get the numbers right. I realise we are in electioneering mode, but we must have the numbers right so that we can all work off the same pitch.

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