Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 636: To ask the Minister for Health if persons suffering from motor neuron disease are automatically entitled to a medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5436/12]

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 determined primarily by reference to 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 the Government's intention to extend free GP services to the entire population during the course of this Government.

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 637: To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5439/12]

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.