Update: Medical Cards Withdrawn & Restored, 5th August 2015

QUESTION NO:  231

DÁIL QUESTION  addressed to the Minister of State at the Department of Health (Kathleen Lynch)
by Deputy
for WRITTEN ANSWER on 09/07/2015   

 
  * To ask the Minister for Health the number of Medical Cards in respect of Old Age Pensioners withdrawn over the past four years and subsequently restored; if it is recognised that very elderly patients may require the extra expenditure arising from their particular situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

                                                                         – Bernard J. Durkan.
 
REPLY.
The Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.

The Health Service Executive operates the General Medical Services scheme, which includes medical cards and GP visit cards, under the Health Act 1970, as amended. It has established a dedicated contact service for members of the Oireachtas specifically for queries relating to medical cards and GP visit cards, which the Deputy may wish to use for an earlier response. Contact information has issued to Oireachtas members.

If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office who will follow up the matter with them.