asked the Minister for Health when he expects to replace the present blue card dispensary system in Ireland.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Medical Cards.
10.
As I have already announced my Department is planning to introduce a "choice-of-doctor" scheme on 1st April next.
The implementation of the scheme on a nation-wide scale will, however, depend on the speed at which it will be possible before that date to overcome the many complex problems which arise in creating the administrative machinery for a new service of this sort.
Have the Minister's Department yet reached agreement with the doctors on the method and amount of payment to doctors under the scheme?
I think we are reaching the final stages of negotiations.
11.
asked the Minister for Health the percentage of medical card holders in (i) Kildare county, (ii) Dublin county and (iii) Dublin city up to 31st May, 1970.
The percentage of the population covered by medical cards in Kildare county, Dublin county and Dublin city on 31st March, 1970, the most recent date for which figures are available, was 41.0, 7.7 and 15.0 respectively.
Does the Minister not think that for Kildare county to have 41 per cent of its population medical card holders and Dublin city to have 15 per cent of its population medical card holders indicates that there is something radically wrong in the administration and the distribution of medical cards here?
I dealt with that at length last week.
Does the Minister seriously believe, as he said last week, that an improvement in the standard of living of the people in Dublin city and county is an adequate explanation?
I dealt with it last week in detail.
12.
asked the Minister for Health if he will instruct all local authorities to provide the medical card facilities for all mentally handicapped children.
The determination of eligibility for medical cards is at present a matter entirely for the appropriate health authority. I understand that in some instances, where a family would not qualify for a medical card, a card is issued or free medicines are authorised, for the sole benefit of a mentally handicapped child in the family.
I intend, however, with the consent of the Minister for Finance, to make regulations under the new Health Act whereby children of any income group with long-term mental handicap would be entitled to in-patient treatment, out-patient specialist services, drugs, medicines and appliances, free of charge.
13.
asked the Minister for Health if he will issue an order to the health authorities to omit the twelfth round increases in relation to the issue of medical cards.
The determination of eligibility for medical cards is at present a matter solely for the appropriate health authority.
I understand, however, that health authorities periodically adjust their standards of eligibility to allow for factors such as wage rounds and price changes. Under section 45 of the Health Act, 1970, the classes of persons eligible for cards can be specified in regulations which would be reviewed from time to time. I hope to lay before the House draft regulations, under this section, later in the year.
Pending the implementation, could the Minister not come to an ad hoc arrangement, similar to that some time ago with the diabetics, whereby mentally handicapped children would have free medicines?
I think the health authorities would use their discretion in this matter.