John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

175. To ask the Minister for Health following the decision to re-instate discretionary medical cards, the number of cards that have been restored; the number waiting a decision; when this process will be complete; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36172/14]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

218. To ask the Minister for Health the number of discretionary medical cards that have been returned since 1 June 2014; if he will provide same in a tabular form on a monthly basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36370/14]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 175 and 218 together.

The Government decision announced in June 2014, enabled the HSE to make the necessary arrangements to return medical cards and GP visit cards to those with a lifelong medical condition, acute illness, or disability, who had been granted a card on a discretionary basis, and who lost their card following a review, since July 2011. The HSE has now completed the exercise and eligibility has been restored to 11,383 people in accordance with the Government decision. Final quality assurance tasks are in progress and enquiries can be made by calling 1890 252 919 - Monday to Friday - 8am to 8pm. At the time of the Government decision it was estimated that up to 15,305 people could have their cards restored. As the files have been reviewed in recent weeks it has become clear that some individuals included in the original estimate are no longer ill, some have had cards restored to one member of the family (as opposed to the entire family) and some have passed away.

This information is not available in tabular form on a monthly basis as it was not collated in that manner.

John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

176. To ask the Minister for Health the number of medical card applications currently with a medical officer awaiting a decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36174/14]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.

The Health Service Executive operates the General Medical Services scheme, which includes medical cards and GP visit cards, under the Health Act 1970, as amended. It has established a dedicated contact service for members of the Oireachtas specifically for queries relating to medical cards and GP visit cards, which the Deputy may wish to use for an earlier response. Contact information has issued to Oireachtas members.