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

The Government's intention is to provide the best possible health service. There have been very significant increases for the health services over the years and €500 million was given to the health services just two weeks ago so that we can deal with the situations outlined by the Deputy and prevent the consequences to which he referred. A good health service works at a preventative level to ensure these situations do not arise.

The individual who assesses an application has to consider whether undue hardship exists in determining an entitlement to social and medical cards. Discretion is allowed and we want discretion to be used in appropriate cases. The Minister for Health will want to hear about it if there are ongoing issues regarding the appropriate use of discretion and I am sure he will address it.

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