337. Deputy Seán Conlan asked the Minister for Health the reason an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan cannot be processed until such time as her application for disability allowance has been fully processed, despite the fact that the maximum disability allowance payment is €188, which is below the eligibility rate for a medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19483/15]

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.