Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 December 2025
387. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the action being taken by her Department to ensure patients with a lung cancer diagnosis are awarded a medical card in a timely manner and that they have the necessary support post diagnosis and post operation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72779/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra388. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if due consideration will be given to reviewing the current eligibility criteria for medical cards to allow cancer patients to be automatically awarded medical cards when diagnosed and to ensure they have the necessary support post diagnosis and post operation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72780/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 387 and 388 together.
Medical card provision is primarily based on financial assessment. In accordance with the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE, which assesses each application on a qualifying financial threshold. This is the amount of money that an individual can earn per week and still qualify for a card. It is specific to the individual’s own financial circumstances.
People under 70 are assessed under the general means tested medical card thresholds which are based on an applicant’s household income after deduction of tax, PRSI and Universal Social Charge. Certain expenses are also taken into account. Detailed guidelines are available at: www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/medical-cards/applying/assessment/. People aged 70 or older are assessed under medical card income thresholds which are based on gross income. However, those aged over 70 can also be assessed under the general means tested scheme where there are particularly high medical costs. Details are available at: www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/medical-cards/other-types-of-medical-card/over-70s/
The issue of granting medical cards on the basis of illness or a disability was previously examined in 2014 by the HSE Expert Panel on Medical Need and Medical Card Eligibility. The Group concluded that it was not feasible, desirable, nor ethically justifiable to list medical conditions in priority order for medical card eligibility. In following the Expert Group’s advice, a person’s means remains the main qualifier for a medical card.
Every effort is made by the HSE, within the framework of the legislation, to support applicants in applying for a medical card - in particular, to take full account of difficult circumstances in the case of applicants who may be in excess of the income guidelines. In such circumstances, the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, for example:
• Discretionary medical cards issued to patients with significant medical expenses but who do not satisfy the means test.
• Emergency medical cards are issued to patients that are terminally ill, or are seriously ill, and in urgent need of medical care that they cannot afford.
Separately, I can advise the Deputy that, since 2015, medical cards are awarded without the need of a financial assessment to all children under 18 years of age with a diagnosis of cancer. Further information can be found on the HSE’s website at: www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/medical-cards/other-types-of-medical-card/emergency-medical-cards/
The NCCP Revised Best Practice Guidance for community cancer support centres was published in March 2022. The Alliance of Community Cancer Support Centres was also established in 2022. The Alliance is a HSE initiative which aims to develop a collaborative framework for community-based cancer support centres and services. This programme promotes participation in capacity-building activities and communication and networking forums aimed at ensuring that community-based cancer support services are integrated. The NCCP operates an activity-based funding model for organisations who have joined the NCCP Alliance of Community Cancer Support Centres & Services.
Ireland’s Programme for Government 2025 makes a commitment to increase supports for cancer survivors and continue to invest in community cancer support services. To support this commitment, the HSE National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) Alliance of Community Cancer Support Centres has been allocated €5.5m in funding for 2025, an increase from €3m in 2024.
Maximising the quality of life of those living with and beyond cancer is one of the four pillars of the National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026. Recommendations in the current Strategy aim to further survivorship supports and services in cancer care in Ireland. This includes the establishment of psycho-oncology services, provision of treatment summary and care plans, and the development of survivorship programmes. In tandem with these developments, in line with recommendation 41 of the Strategy, The National Cancer Survivorship Needs Assessment was carried out and published in 2019. Findings from this assessment have informed the development of survivorship supports. The National Cancer Strategy recognises the significant contribution of the voluntary and community sector in providing services to cancer patients, their families, and carers. It emphasises the importance of psychosocial support and integrated care.
