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

In regard to the medical card, there is one other issue on disabilities. I do not wish to list the disabilities, but I refer to a person with a diagnosis of a lifelong disability and who got a medical card in his or her younger years. At some point, there is a review. The person's income has not changed as he or she is on disability, and probably will be for life. Documentation comes back and the person must submit again a letter from his or her GP or consultant outlining the specific diagnosis. The diagnosis is not going to change. There should be an in-built mechanism within the medical card system whereby if a person has a disability or a chronic illness that is life-changing and for life, that should be noted. Families should not be asked whether the person is still disabled or whether he or she still has a specific diagnosis. This happens and it is completely unjust.

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