Derek Nolan (Galway West, Labour)
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To ask the Minister for Health the conditions that a person needs to satisfy to qualify for a discretionary medical card; if a person with Fibromyalgia whose income is in excess of the standard income guidelines could qualify in view of difficult personal circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39532/12]

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. Medical cards are not awarded to any particular group of patients on the basis of a specific medical condition. However, 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.