Simon Coveney
Question:118 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Health and Children the impact which the new health structures will have on the number of medical card holders in the health service. [17584/03]
Written Answers. - Medical Cards.
The health service reform programme was announced on 18 June 2003. Its priority focus is improved patient care, better value for money and improved health care management. The reform programme is based on the conclusions and recommendations of two reports, the Commission on Financial Management and Control Systems in the Health Service and the Audit of Structures and Functions in the Health System, which were published on the same day.
These reports and the reform programme do not deal directly with the impact of the new structures on the number of medical card holders in the health service. As the Deputy is aware, the health strategy includes a commitment that significant improvements will be made in the medical card income guidelines in order to increase the number of persons on low income who are eligible for a medical card and to give priority to families with children and particularly children with a disability. This should be viewed in the broader context of the strategy's emphasis on fairness and its stated objective of reducing health inequalities in our society. Due to the prevailing budgetary situation I regret that it is not possible to meet this commitment this year but the Government remains committed to the introduction of the necessary changes within the lifetime of this Government.
In addition, it is my view that a single executive will provide for a greater streamlining of the application process. In addition and very importantly, the reformed system will ensure that there is a single interpretation of legislation and a standard application of discretionary powers for the issue of medical cards. Combined with progress on new eligibility legislation providing greater clarity and transparency in relation to the existing arrangements for eligibility, this should also reduce barriers to access.