James Reilly's comments come after a number of backbench Fine Gael TDs told him last night that their constituents’ number one fear was having their cards removed.
The Minister says he has asked TDs to give him a list of “hard cases” where they feel people should have been given cards – so his Department can get to the bottom of it.
James Reilly says adding a “third tier” to discretionary medical cards is one of the measures he is exploring.
“I've had a number of meetings with Tony O'Brien (of) the HSE to explore and examine other methods to ensure two things: that our duty to protest the taxpayer is observed, but that….people who are in difficulty and need care get it” he said.
“It's not just looking at a third tier of discretion, while also looking at other methods of ensuring that people who are in need get looked after” he added.
