asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that army personnel below commissioned ranks with dependants are being refused medical cards and if he will take steps to allow such persons, particularly privates with large families, to be granted medical cards where they could qualify.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Medical Cards for Army Personnel.
80.
I understand from recent inquiries which I have made from a number of health authorities that applications for medical cards from the dependants of Army personnel are dealt with in the same manner as those from the general public. Each case is examined on its merits and if the health authority consider that the head of the family is unable to provide general medical services for himself or his dependants "by his own industry or other lawful means" a medical card is issued.
However, if the Deputy furnishes me with any instances where medical cards were refused to the dependants of Army personnel who would, prima facie, be eligible for general medical services, I will have the cases investigated.