Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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471. To ask the Minister for Health if he will consider making the application and review process for medical cards less onerous for persons with mental health issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8542/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Under the Health Act, 1970, medical cards are provided to persons who are, in the opinion of the HSE, unable without undue hardship to arrange GP services for themselves and their dependents and every application must be assessed on that basis. In accordance with the Act, the assessment for a medical card is determined primarily by reference to the means, including the income and expenditure, of the applicant and his or her partner and dependents. Where deemed appropriate in particular circumstances, the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card even though an applicant exceeds the income guidelines but where they may face difficult financial circumstances, such as extra costs arising from illness.

It should be noted that every effort is made by the HSE, within the framework of the legislation, to support applicants in applying for a medical card and, in particular, to take full account of the difficult circumstances in the case of applicants who may be in excess of the income guidelines.

Social and medical issues are considered when determining whether undue hardship exists for an individual accessing general practitioner or other medical services. The HSE affords applicants the opportunity to furnish supporting information and documentation to fully take account of all the relevant circumstances that may benefit them in the assessment, including medical evidence of cost and necessary expenses. Assistance in completing the forms can be obtained from the nearest Local Health Office or by calling 1890 252 919.

It should be noted that a priority within the 2017 HSE National Service Plan is to improve health outcomes for the most vulnerable in society including those with addiction issues, the homeless, refugees, asylum seekers, Traveller and Roma communities. Within this priority it details an aim to improve health outcomes for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, particularly those with addiction and mental health needs, by providing key worker, case management, general practitioner (GP) and nursing services.