Damien English (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 226: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a person who has cancer will automatically get a medical card on application or if they have to be means tested; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24731/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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At present, medical cards are granted primarily on the basis of means and individual circumstances. Under the Health Act, 2004 determination of eligibility for medical cards is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive. Persons aged seventy years and over are automatically entitled to a medical card, irrespective of means. The HSE has discretion, in cases of exceptional need, to provide assistance to individuals where undue hardship would otherwise be caused.

I have no plans to provide for the granting of medical cards to any particular group as a whole. However, my Department is currently reviewing all legislation relating to eligibility for health and personal social services with a view to making the system as fair and transparent as possible.