Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

830. To ask the Minister for Health the details of the discretionary medical cards granted to women affected by the CervicalCheck controversy; if the medical cards are only granted to women; if their spouses and children are also eligible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25278/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy is  aware, the Government decided on 11 May 2018 to offer a comprehensive package of support measures to those women diagnosed with cervical cancer since 2008 for whom cytology review recommendations following clinical audit differed from the original test.  This support package also encompassed immediate family members, including the next-of-kin of those 18 women known to be deceased.

As part of this support package, a discretionary medical card is to be provided to all the  women affected and  to immediate members of their  family.  The women will retain lifelong eligibility while the eligibility of family members will be for a period of three years.  In addition, discretionary medical cards will be provided to the  next-of-kin of those women known to be deceased.

These cards will be provided  without the need for the standard assessment process, while the HSE has also made arrangements to ensure that the individuals concerned are not required to pay the statutory prescription charge.  The process of issuing medical cards to those affected is underway and applications are being processed as a priority.