Primary medical certificate criteria
Deputy Roche said the primary medical certificate rules are too rigid and exclude people with severe disabilities, autism, sensory issues and serious illness. The Minister said the threshold is high but asked the Health Minister to review the Deputy’s feedback and any possible changes.
I want to put the spotlight on the primary certificate criteria. I understand there have to be criteria but they are very rigid. There are people with profound autism issues and sensory processing difficulties and people who are visually impaired. I dealt with a young gentleman recently who lost his arm as a consequence of a cancer diagnosis. To be refused the primary certificate is quite insulting. I ask for the criteria to be revisited with regard to those who would be eligible, taking into account all of the areas I mentioned.
Comment on this
I acknowledge for particular individuals there is a high threshold or bar for the primary medical certifcate. It can be extraordinarily difficult. I think we all, as constituency TDs, deal with that frequently. I will ask the Minister for Health to respond to the Deputy on the feedback he has given and any changes that will come of it. It is important to have a framework and parameters. I know that can create difficulties for particular individuals but I will ask her to engage and reflect the feedback.