Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 507: To ask the Minister for Health if all cancer sufferers will automatically receive a full medical card when requested, despite their personal circumstances. [21090/11]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Under the provisions of the Health Act 1970, medical cards are provided to persons who, in the opinion of the Health Service Executive, are unable without undue hardship to arrange general practitioner medical and surgical services for themselves and their dependants. The assessment for a medical card is based on the means of the applicant and his/her dependants.

At the request of my colleague Dr James Reilly, Minister for Health, the HSE recently set up a clinical panel to assist in the processing of applications for discretionary medical cards where there are difficult personal circumstances. This should be of particular benefit to persons diagnosed with terminal illnesses whose income is in excess of the standard income guidelines".

It is of course the Government's intention to extend free GP services to the entire population during the course of this Government.

Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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Question 508: To ask the Minister for Health when a medical card will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21094/11]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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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.