The HSE has been asked to reissue medical cards for women who were resident in certain institutions, including the Magdalene Laundries.

The request was made by the Minister for Primary Care, Social Care and Mental Health, Kathleen Lynch, after concerns were expressed that the cards in their current format ‘unnecessarily identified these women'.

The current cards state that the holder qualifies for health services as part of the Redress for Women Resident in Certain Institutions Act 2015. As a result, they identify card holders as having been former residents in these institutions.

According to Minister Lynch, ‘it was never intended to cause any offence or embarrassment by referring to the Act on the card'.

"However, I accept that by putting the full title of the Act on the card it identifies the holders in a way that is unnecessary. I am completely open to changing the title as it appears on the card if this is what the women want. It requires only a small amount of effort to correct this and I am happy to ensure that this happens," she commented.

She said that these cards are intended to ensure that eligible women ‘finally get access to much needed services'.

"I hope this puts to rest any concerns that have been raised. I will ask the HSE to make the required change and reissue cards in a more anonymised format," Minister Lynch added.