Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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Question 473: To ask the Minister for Health If a person that suffers from epilepsy automatically qualifies for a Medical Card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23859/12]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Medical cards are granted by the HSE on the basis of means and individual circumstances and all persons seeking a medical card must be assessed under the undue hardship principle. There are no plans to provide for the granting of medical cards to any particular group of patients with specific medical conditions. The HSE may look beyond the applicants financial situation and have regard to other matters they consider appropriate in assessing a persons circumstances for a medical card. This can address an individuals circumstances including an illness or medical circumstances which result in financial hardship. At the request of Minister Reilly, the HSE has set up a clinical panel to assist in the processing of applications for discretionary medical cards where there are difficult personal circumstances.