Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

With regard to medical cards, there seems to be a situation over the past month or so whereby the processing time has got longer, they are looking for more documentation and patients awarded medical cards for life are having their cards reviewed.

I have one constituent whose adult daughter has severe intellectual disabilities. She is her primary carer and her only income is disability allowance. A medical card review has been sought to see if her circumstances have changed. Unfortunately, this girl's circumstances will never change. This adds undue pressure and anxiety to certain families.

I also have a nurse who has been out of work over six months in receipt of cancer treatment and the amount of documentation requested is unbelievable. I have been assisting her every step of the way and every time we go back with something, something else is required. Is there a concerted effort by somebody to delay the issuing of medical cards? What is happening? People who need them are not getting them.

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