The government is drawing a halt to the controversial review of discretionary medical cards that has seen children with Down Syndrome asked to verify that they are still sick.

It is being suspended while the Health Service Executive (HSE) carries out a review of policy aimed at issuing cards on the basis of condition and not income.

There has been public outcry in recent months over reviews of whether medical card holders are actually eligible for the card.

The decision was made by the Cabinet sub-committee on health this morning.

Junior Health Minister Alex White announced the decision in the Dáil.

Yesterday, the Ombudsman said he had received a 'substantial number' of complaints in relation to medical cards this year so far. 

The annual report for 2013 showed that the Office of the Ombudsman received 491 complaints last year relating to the Department of Social Protection.