Jimmy Harte (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Alex White. I have already spoken to him on the issue previously. It has been estimated that approximately 7,000 letters were received, mainly by pensioners in the Inishowen area of Donegal. The information I received on the ground is that the letters were received mainly by pensioners whose review date on the card in many cases specified 2015 but they were informed their cases would be reviewed in 2013. In addition, some people were issued with cards that have a review date of 2035, which is a long time.

I wonder whether the issue of medical cards with the expiry date of 2035 is a computer mistake or an action by the Department. I have spoken to constituents in Donegal who are concerned. I have advised them to supply the requested information and it is hoped they will not be refused a medical card. My reason for raising this matter is to ascertain whether this is a HSE western region policy, a national HSE policy or just an isolated incident. Clarification is required. The period leading up to the budget will result in uncertainty and scaremongering. People who believe they are entitled to the medical card are afraid to reply in case their card will be jeopardised.