Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The details of the case described by the Deputy are very distressing. Greater discretion is being exercised by the HSE and the number of discretionary medical cards in circulation has increased from approximately 52,000 in the middle of 2014 to over 106,000 at the end of May 2016. The programme for Government commits to maintaining that humane approach to discretionary medical cards. The Deputy has provided many details today; perhaps he could forward precise details on the case in question to the Minister for Health. The medical card assessment team is now liaising much more closely with local health officers to ensure that any significant extra information is taken into account. However, the legislation is clear that qualification for a medical card is means tested and some people are not eligible because their income is too high. We want a humane approach and to take into account all the facts relating to medical situations, such as undue hardship that may be caused by the decision not to give someone a medical card. The case referred to by the Deputy has been refused on appeal but, given the details he has outlined, I suggest he forward them to the Minister for Health.

There is now increased funding to the health services for cataract operations and there is a commitment in the programme to the National Treatment Purchase Fund, which can address cases where urgent operations are needed. The Minister for Health can engage directly with the Deputy regarding cataract operations.

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