Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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To ask the Minister for Health the links that are in place between the Health Service Executive and the Department of Social Protection and the Revenue to assist with means testing in determining persons eligibility when applying for medical cards or fair deal [10284/13]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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Legislation is currently being drafted by the Office of the Attorney General and the Department which will provide a legal basis for the exchange of personal data between the HSE and the Revenue Commissioners and the Department of Social Protection which will enhance the ability of the HSE to verify and audit the accuracy of eligibility status on the national medical card database.

The HSE has some links with the Department of Social Protection to assist with means testing in determining eligibility for the Fair Deal scheme. In a number of Nursing Homes Support offices, the HSE has access to the Department of Social Protection's IT system -which provide details of applicant's means. Information is shared in accordance with data protection legislation and social welfare legislation.

In regard to the HSE links with the Revenue Commissioners, there are no direct links between Revenue and the HSE to assist with means testing in determining a person's eligibility when applying for financial support under the Fair Deal Scheme.

Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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To ask the Minister for Health if he will give consideration to the idea of transferring responsibility for assessing eligibility for medical cards and the fair deal scheme to the Department of Social Protection on the basis that it could potentially eliminate the duplication of functions between Departments and agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10285/13]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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Under the Health Act 1970, determination of eligibility for a medical card is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive. There are no proposals to alter this process under consideration by the Government. The Nursing Home Support Schemes Act 2009 governs assessment under the Fair Deal Scheme and likewise there are no proposals to alter this process under consideration.