Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Independent)
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114. To ask the Minister for Health in view of the announced suspension of medical card reviews, if this suspension affects cards which are currently under review, and cases currently under appeal following a review. [24047/14]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Independent)
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119. To ask the Minister for Health when the discretionary medical cards that were withdrawn from medical card holders following the recent review by the Health Service Executive will be reinstated; and the steps he plans to take to arrange for the reimbursement of medical expenses for persons in such circumstances. [24072/14]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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123. To ask the Minister for Health if he will set out in detail the outworking of the Government decision of 29 May regarding medical card reviews; if the suspension of reviews includes the restoration of medical cards awarded on a discretionary basis and already withdrawn under after review; if it includes other categories of medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24077/14]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 114, 119 and 123 together.

The HSE decided last week to suspend reviews of medical cards held on a discretionary basis. The process of extending eligibility for those who had been undergoing a review or appeal has commenced.

Those affected are being notified through the normal routes, including text message.

With regards to individuals who had already lost their medical card following a review, there is currently no legal basis under which the HSE can reinstate eligibility. Identifying the appropriate legal and legislative measures required to provide medical card eligibility on the basis of medical need will be undertaken as part of the review of the legislative framework, supported by the work of the expert panel currently being established by the HSE.

Under the current legislation, persons with limited eligibility can benefit from the Drugs Payment Scheme.