Updated 13.35
The Tánaiste has branded repeated contacts made to people with medical cards who are under review 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.
Eamon Gilmore told Newstalk's Pat Kenny he has heard first-hand of some of the ongoing problems:
The Tánaiste blamed an increase in the number of people seeking medical cards and the removal of local decision making powers for difficulties in the system.
Neanwhile, the Education Minister has made a heartfelt apology to parents of children affected by the medical card review.
It comes amid public outcry over parents of some children with long term illnesses, such as Down Syndrome, being sent letters from the HSE asking if their child still had the condition.
At the moment, discretionary medical cards are available for people who are over the income threshold.
But the Government has signalled it will change the law, so that anyone with a serious medical condition will automatically receive a medical card.
Speaking to KFM, Minister Ruairi Quinn says the Government is committed to fixing this problem:Earlier, a leading heathcare professional told Newstalk's Breakfast medical cards must address the needs of people with long-term conditions.
The Finance Minister signalled a potential shift in the government's policy on medical cards yesterday.
Dr. Ciara Kelly works as a GP in Greystones, Co. Wicklow - she has welcomed Michael Noonan's comments, and told Newstalk's Breakfast changes have to be made:
