asked the Minister for Health when he will consider increasing the income limit for the granting of medical cards to benefit those in the middle-income group.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Medical Cards Eligibility.
20.
Such an increase would mean that the groups now entitled to hospital services, comprising perhaps 85 per cent of the population, would become entitled to the full range of health services, including general practitioner care, now available to about 30 per cent of the population. An extension of eligibility such as this was not envisaged by the Health Act, 1970. There is no immediate proposal to amend the Act in this respect.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary tell us if this is uniform all over the different health boards? Are the guidelines set uniform? In the Western Health Board we think it is ridiculous to have it at £17 for a man and his wife and £17 valuation. Is there uniformity? Is this set by the CEO of each health board?
Uniformity of means test would seem to be a separate question.
The question does relate to income limits. Is the establishment of an income limit for the grant of a medical card a matter for the health authority or is it a matter for the Minister?
As far as I am aware, it is provided for in the Health Act of 1970. It would be a matter of legislation.
A Cheann Comhairle, did you say that my supplementary question was a separate question?
In respect of the uniformity of the means test, yes, Deputy.
Questions Nos. 21 and 22 postponed.