Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

190. To ask the Minister for Health the details of the medical card provision to survivors of the Magdalen laundries; the scope of its cover; the services it does not provide for; the similar provisions that apply in other cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28215/18]

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

Qualification for health services under the Redress for Women Resident in Certain Institutions (RWRCI) Act 2015 is based on the following:

(i) The Minister for Justice and Equality has determined that a woman is eligible under the Restorative Justice Scheme, which provides for the making of ex-gratiapayments to women who were admitted to and worked in a relevant institution; and,

(ii) A woman has accepted a formal offer made to her by the Minister for Justice and Equality under the Restorative Justice Scheme.

These women will receive a 2015A Scheme card from the HSE, which identifies the holder as qualifying for the health services specified in the RWRCI Act 2015. 

The following primary and community health services are available to cardholders in Ireland and will be provided on the basis of assessed needs:

(i) General Practitioner Service

This includes standard attendances for routine general practitioner services at a GP chosen by the cardholder from the list of GPs participating in the General Medical Services (GMS) scheme or a non-GMS registered medical practitioner providing general practitioner services.

(ii) Drugs, Medicines and Medical and Surgical Appliances

The card holder is eligible to receive free of charge all medicines, medical and surgical appliances that are currently reimbursed by the community drugs scheme. This eligibility refers to items prescribed by a clinical professional. Cardholders are not required to pay any prescription fees.

(iii) Dental, Ophthalmic and Aural Services

The card holder has access to public dental, ophthalmic (eye sight) and aural (hearing) services.

Dental Services

Service under the Dental Treatment Service Scheme include:

- A free oral examination every calendar year

- Two fillings every calendar year

- All extractions

- Free emergency dental treatment for relief of pain and sepsis

- Dentures (every 5 years, if clinically necessary)

- Additional fillings, prophylaxis, other more complex dental treatments if clinically indicated

Ophthalmic Services

This service includes:

- Free eye examination by an optometrist or an ophthalmologist

- Any necessary standard spectacles, (frames and lenses, once every two years more often if required in certain medical circumstances). Lost or broken spectacles may be replaced within two years.

Aural Services

The HSE provides aural services, including hearing tests, hearing aids and repairs of hearing aids.

(iv) Home Nursing Service

The card holder can access the home nursing service, which is provided by the HSE under section 60 of the Health Act 1970, (as amended). The nursing service, which is defined as care provided at home, can provide advice on matters relating to the cardholder’s health and assist her if she is sick.

(v) Home Support Service

The card holder can access the home support service, which is provided by the HSE under section 61 of the Health Act 1970, (as amended). This service assists her to remain in her own home and provides assistance with personal care. The extent of support will be determined following an assessment by a registered medical practitioner or a registered nurse that the service is so required.

(vi) Chiropody Service

The card holder can access chiropody services, which are provided by the HSE, following a referral made by a registered medical practitioner, registered nurse or Primary Care team.

(vii) Physiotherapy Service

The card holder can access physiotherapy services, which are provided by the HSE, following a referral made by a registered medical practitioner or Primary Care team.

(viii) Counselling Service

The card holder can access a counselling service, relative to her admission to and/or work in any of the institutions specified in the Schedule in the RWRCI Act 2015. The counselling service is provided by the HSE, following a referral made by a registered medical practitioner, e.g. the woman’s GP.

In order to access the services of the RWRCI Act, card holders are required to produce their cards as evidence of eligibility to gain access to services.