Pat Buckley (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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534. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to ensure that all carers are provided with a medical card; the reason for this not being the case at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8409/20]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Under the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for health services in Ireland is based primarily on residency and means. The Act provides that persons who are unable, without due hardship, to arrange GP services for themselves and family can qualify for full eligibility (a medical card). The HSE awards medical cards in accordance with the Health Act, and assesses applicants on the overall financial situation of the applicant and his or her spouse or partner.

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 any difficult circumstances in the case of applicants who may be in excess of the income guidelines. The HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card or GP visit card, even though an applicant exceeds the income threshold where they face difficult financial circumstances, such as extra costs arising from an illness.

It should be noted that since July 2018, persons in receipt of either full or half rate Carer’s Allowance or Carer’s Benefit receive automatic eligibility for a GP visit card.