Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Despite the replies to previous questions, major difficulties remain with what are perceived as the criteria for discretionary medical cards. This is the case even for applications that have gone in over recent weeks and in respect of which people have been diagnosed with serious illnesses and have submitted their documentation. There is a major issue with the process. Reviews are still ongoing. We have people coming into our office who have a major difficulty with the process.

The Minister of State gave us figures and he alluded to changes in legislation. This matter is a priority and legislation should be before the House as soon as possible. The Minister gave us figures and stated there would be a report in the autumn, but that is far too late for the families concerned. These people have major medical difficulties and in some cases a terminal diagnosis. They are still waiting for medical cards and there is toing and froing with the HSE seeking clarification on pieces of paper and so on. It needs to be treated with more urgency than is the case at present.

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