John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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515. To ask the Minister for Health the number of medical officers working in the medical card appeals office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39307/13]

John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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516. To ask the Minister for Health if all appeals on medical grounds for a medical card are seen and assessed by a medical officer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39308/13]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 515 and 516 together.

I am advised by HSE that the Appeals Service does not directly have Medical Officers employed, but have full access to HSE Medical Officers and avails of these officers on a regular basis where necessary and appropriate. When the HSE Appeals Service receives an appeal on the grounds of significant medical issues, the Appeals Service refers such cases to a Medical Officer for consideration.