Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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413. To ask the Minister for Health if he is aware that for terminally ill patients entering palliative care, the process of applying for a medical card is unnecessarily onerous, stressful and complicated; if this process will be simplified for such patients and their families; if he will introduce a simplified application process or alternatively provide a patient liaison within palliative care settings to oversee the process on behalf of patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5295/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The HSE has a specific procedure in place for the provision of emergency medical cards for persons who are terminally ill. They are issued within twenty-four hours of receipt of the required person's details and the letter of confirmation of the condition from a doctor or a medical consultant.

No means test applies and cards issued to people with terminal illnesses are not reviewed.