Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his reply. I am raising this matter in the context of what has occurred in recent weeks. Applications were made to the HSE's medical card office by people with serious illnesses, yet discretionary cards were not granted. There has been quite a lot of media comment on that. I fully accept what the Minister has said about Huntington's disease because I have dealt with another family on this matter. When the health and social services did get involved, they provided a comprehensive package which was extremely beneficial for the family.

As regards discretionary medical cards, I think there is a lack of understanding within the HSE of particular medical conditions. They are making a judgment on a financial basis rather than based on medical conditions. For instance, if a person submits only a GP report for assessment, in nine out of ten cases his or her application for a discretionary card is refused. However, if a medical consultant's report is submitted the applicant has a greater chance of obtaining a medical card. That is one of the issues I have noticed.

Because such a small number of people suffer from Huntington's disease, the HSE should highlight the issue with staff so that they will be aware of the condition. In that way, they will apply discretion rather than forcing people through the appeal process.