Gilmore: Repeated contact over medical card reviews 'a form of harassment'

Tánaiste Eamonn Gilmore has branded cases where people are repeatedly contacted over their medical cards as "a form of harassment".

It comes amid public outcry and criticism over changes to the system covering discretionary cards.

The Government has indicated that steps will be taken after this weekend's elections to address the controversy.

Mr Gilmore said has heard first hand of some of the ongoing problems.

"I think there are a couple of things that are problematic with the review," he said.

"I've come across people who have got letters three times in two years.

"That's a form of harassment, particularly (of) older people.

"The reality is that 96% of people that have been reviewed retain the medical card."