Medical-cards campaigner not surprised it's not possible to allocate card on basis of illness

A medical-cards campaigner has said he is not surprised by the findings of an expert panel, which found that it is not possible to allocate cards on the basis of medical conditions or illnesses.

The 23-member group was unable to devise suitable criteria despite examining a wide variety of options that placed the patient at the centre of consideration.

The panel was unable to devise the list because of the range of illnesses that exist and the varying degrees of severity within each category of illness.

Some members on the panel had never heard of some of the conditions raised in more than 2,000 public submissions received, RTE news reports.

Minister for Health Leo Varadkar has reassured those who have had discretionary medical cards reinstated, saying they would be extended for people for as long as they need them.

CEO of Down Syndrome Ireland Pat Clarke said he was not surprised by the findings of the expert panel, but welcomed Minister Varadkar's statement.

"Over the summer when we met with the HSE focus grounds, the view was that this was impossible and was trying to fit a square peg into a round hole," he said.

"I welcome the Minister saying those who have a discretionary medical card will have those extended for as long as they need them."