There is bound to be widespread outrage amongst families who cannot get a medical card as the Government confirmed that all ex-convicts will be given a medical card on the day they leave prison.
The new scheme which is being introduced as part of a new agreement between the HSE and the Irish Prison Service (IPS), will most likely upset struggling families who have terminally ill relatives who cannot receive a much needed Medical Card.
The news for medical cards for parolees was confirmed by Michael Donnellan, earlier today.
Mr Donnellan said all prisoners will automatically receive a card once they are released from prison. The Irish Prison Service chief went onto explain the system has already begun at Cork Prison, before the “system goes nationwide”.
Mr Donnellan also said arrangements have already been made whereby the prison service will notify the HSE when an inmate is being released, as well as supplying the address at which the prisoner intends to reside.
“So on the day they get home, there should be a medical card there for them.”