HSE Chief Tony O'Brien will face questions from TDs and Senators today over exactly how many people will lose their medical cards next year.
The Government wants 113 million euro be cut from the medical card bill - but hasn't explained just how many people will be affected.
Part of the plan involves investigating whether all those who hold a medical card are still eligible. The HSE velieves some may have died or emigrated and other may no longer fit the income threshold..
The Public Accounts Committee wants to hear how the Health Service plans to make those cutbacks - and whether the adjustment is a realistic target.
Mr O'Brien and the head of the Department of Health, Ambrose O'Loughlin, will also take questions on the discretionary medical card system.
The number of discretionary cards has fallen in recent years - and TDs will want to know whether it's because the HSE are denying cards to worthy recipients.
Sinn Féin TD Mary Lou McDonald says people have medical cards for a reason - and their lives could be jeopardised by the cuts.
