15,000 discretionary medical cards to be restored

Following the announcement by the HSE that discretionary medical cards will be restored,  Fine Gael Longford/Westmeath TD, James Bannon, expressed his satisfaction that support will be restored for those most in need.

“It is regrettable that the discretionary medical card issue escalated and caused such huge distress to so many people. I am delighted that members of the cabinet have recognised the anguish across the country that was being reported by myself and my backbench colleagues. 

“Discretionary medical cards and GP visit cards are to be restored to those with a lifelong medical condition, acute illness or disability, who had lost their card following a review launched in July 2011. All cards should be received within the next three weeks, no action is required on the part of those affected; the HSE will be in contact.
  
“The breakdown of cards expected to be restored are as follows;
·    Move from GP visit card (back) to a medical card – 7,118
·    Medical Cards restored –  5,288
·    GP Visit cards restored – 2,899”