asked the Minister for Health the reason for the reduction in the number of medical cards valid in the Eastern Health Board area during the year June, 1971, to June, 1972, in the light of increased applications for medical cards from this area; and whether he will consider a review of the present system of evaluation for eligibility in this regard.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Medical Cards.
20.
The reduction in the number of medical cards referred to by the Deputy, at 1.4 per cent, is not regarded as significant. Detailed analysis of the reasons for minor variations of this nature is not normally undertaken by the health board. In any event, the figure at 30th September, 1972, which has only just come to hand, shows a considerable increase on that applicable three months earlier.
The current criteria for assessing eligibility for general medical services were only introduced by the Eastern Health Board in June, 1972. It would be premature for the board to alter them at this time.
The Deputy will also have noted, from my answer to his question of November 2nd, that there was an increase of 2.4 per cent in the number of persons covered by medical cards as between June, 1971, and June, 1972.