Bernard Allen
Question:151 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has reached agreement with the Irish Medical Organisation in relation to the medical cards for persons over 70 years of age. [20345/01]
Written Answers. - Medical Cards.
Bernard Allen
Question:159 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has estimated the financial loss to each general practitioner as a result of persons over 70 years of age becoming eligible for medical cards; and if he has had discussions with the Irish Medical Organisation regarding compensation for this financial loss. [20354/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 151 and 159 together.
I have reached agreement with the Irish Medical Organisation on the remuneration and related terms to apply in the case of doctors taking on patients aged 70 and over acquiring medical cards under the automatic eligibility provision. While the negotiations leading to the agreement did not examine the financial implications for each general practitioner in respect of their particular former private patients in the relevant age group, full regard was had to all the issues involved, in particular the introduction of an appropriate remuneration level.