asked the Minister for Health (a) the number of new applications for medical cards made to Dublin Health Authority during the 12 months ended 30th September, 1968, (b) the number granted, and (c) the number rejected.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Issue of Medical Cards.
115.
I am informed by Dublin Health Authority that information in the form sought by the Deputy is not readily available.
The considerable time and effort which would be required to segregate the approvals and rejections of new applications for medical cards from those relating to routine applications for renewals would not, I think, be justified.
I wonder would the Minister be good enough to inquire into what appears to be the position at present, which is that quite a substantial number of people who had cards up to the end of September of this year have not had their cards renewed and in fact have received a specific refusal? Would the Minister inquire into and ascertain the reason for it?
I will indeed.
116.
asked the Minister for Health whether he is aware of the hardship at present undergone by parents of children who are afflicted with cystic fibrosis; and whether he will consider having medical cards granted to the parents of such children, even where the parents' income is over the present statutory limit, where hardship to parents is proved.
I would refer the Deputy to my reply to a similar question by Deputy O'Connell on 30th April, 1968, when I explained that under existing legislation, health authorities can and do make arrangements to alleviate financial hardship which may fall on parents in any income group in arranging for proper care for children suffering from cystic fibrosis. The question of more formal provision for the free treatment of such cases is being considered in connection with legislation to implement the proposals in the White Paper on the Health Services and their further development.