The Minister for Health has moved to reassure elderly people that they have nothing to be afraid of when it comes to a review of the medical card scheme.

James Reilly says he has spoken to the Taoiseach Enda Kenny and they have decided to launch a communications campaign to explain what the review is all about.

The government has announced it wants to save €113 million through the medical card probity scheme - but has declined to say how many medical cards will be lost as a result.

The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children was briefed by the Minister for Health and the head of the Health Service Executive (HSE), Tony O'Brien.

The quarterly meeting gives an opportunity for committee members to hear from those in charge of the agencies with responsibility for delivering healthcare services.

Planned budget cuts of €666 million in the Department of Health are also expected to feature

Minister Reilly says anyone who should have a card will keep their card but he accepts that some older people are anxious after receiving letters from the Health Service Executive (HSE) about their circumstances.