Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 199: To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide details of the current backlog of medical card appeals in an area (details supplied); the way he intents to tackle this backlog; if his attention has been drawn to the number of appeals that have been withdrawn by the Health Service Executive and appellants have been informed that due to the length of time that has elapsed since their appeals were submitted it will be necessary now to have their eligibility assessed and therefore they must submit a new medical card application form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14674/11]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

During the period 2008-2010, the number of medical cards increased nationally by over 26%. At the same time, the number of appeals of a decision regarding a medical card in the Dublin/Mid-Leinster area increased significantly. At the end of May 2011, there were 456 appeals on hand in that area. Where a person submits an appeal within 21 days of a decision, they retain their medical or GP visit card until the appeal is decided. The processing of some appeals was delayed while the necessary documentation was being collated by the Local Health Office. In view of this, it was decided that, where outstanding appeals had been received prior to 1 January 2011, the appellants would be permitted to retain their medical card for an additional 3 months to enable them to submit a new application to take account of any change in their circumstances. Appellants were advised of this decision and were also informed that, should they be refused a medical card, they could submit a new appeal.