PAC calls for fast-track of medical card review

The HSE should fast-track ways of "extending medical cards automatically" to 80% of card holders whose entitlement to the help is still in doubt, despite the fact there is a "low risk" they will have the support removed.

The call has been made by the Dáil’s public accounts committee in a detailed document on the ongoing saga over the State-funded medical aid.

A report by the cross-party spending watchdog will recommend the move to the HSE as a top priority when it is published next week.