asked the Minister for Health what is the income limit for those who are eligible for free medicines for maternity treatment.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Eligibility for Free Medicines.
49.
Mr. O'Malley
I presume that the Deputy's question relates to drugs and medicines required by a patient receiving medical care under the Maternity and Infant Care Scheme, provided by a doctor under an agreement with a Health Authority.
The statutory authorities for the provision of such drugs and medicines, free of charge, by a health authority are section 14 of the Health Act, 1953 and Article 7 (b) of the General Medical Services Regulations, 1954, as amended. Eligibility is not determined in accordance with a prescribed income limit but on the basis of whether, in the opinion of the relevant health authority, the woman or her husband, as the case may be, is unable by their own industry or other lawful means to provide the necessary items. The persons eligible are, broadly speaking, those covered by medical cards.