Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 238: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a matter (details supplied). [45132/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Medical cards are made available by the Health Service Executive to persons and their dependants who would otherwise experience undue hardship in meeting the cost of General Practitioner services. In general, eligibility for medical cards and GP visit cards is determined following an examination of the means of the applicant and his/her dependants — income and relevant outgoings. In assessing a medical card/GP visit card application, the HSE uses guidelines based on people's means which includes their income after tax and PRSI, and takes account of reasonable expenses incurred in respect of rent or mortgage payments, child care and travel to work. The assessment process also takes account of other factors, such as medical or social need, which may impact on people's ability to meet the cost of GP services. I have no role in the process of determination of eligibility to medical cards or GP visit cards for individual applicants. If an applicant is not content with the outcome of an appeal by the HSE, the matter can be raised with the Office of the Ombudsman for adjudication.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 239: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 10 was not granted a medical card; if her attention has been drawn to their full medical history which includes being coeliac, having osteoporosis, suffering from thyroid problems and being on a expensive gluten free diet for life when refusing a medical card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45135/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 240: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 10 was refused a medical card despite their income being only €387 net a week and the fact that out of that they have to pay for their spouse's medication and their gluten free diet. [45136/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.