The Ombudsman has confirmed he's received a 'substantial number' of complaints in relation to medical cards this year so far.

Peter Tyndall today published his annual report for 2013 which shows his office received nearly 3,200 complaints last year - of which 491 related to the Department of Social Protection.

The Ombudsman received 203 complaints against the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and 68 against the Revenue Commissioners. Complaints in relation to local authorities amounted to 495 with 310 complaints against the HSE.

There's been public outcry in recent months over reviews of whether medical card holders are actually eligible for the card, and the government's confirmed they're going to examine the system.

Peter Tyndall says they want everyone to be treated fairly: