Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 133: To ask the Minister for Health his plans to issue medical cards to every person with muscular dystrophy, due to the higher need for medical interventions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31601/11]

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 muscular dystrophy 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.

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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Question 135: To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31640/11]

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.