asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that some people in receipt of the full non-contributory old age pension are being refused medical cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Medical Card Eligibility.
493.
The chief executive officers of the health boards have adopted standard guidelines for use in assessing eligibility for medical cards. The guidelines currently in use provide that persons with the following benefits are automatically entitled to medical cards: Old Age (Care) Allowance; Old Age (Non Contributory) Pension; Widows (Non Contributory) Pension; Orphans' (Non Contributory) Pension; Deserted Wife's Allowance; Blind Person's Pension—the recipient may also hold a blind welfare allowance; Infectious Diseases Maintenance Allowance; Disabled Person's Maintenance Allowance.
If the Deputy is aware of the refusal of a health board to grant a medical card to a person holding a non-contributory old age pension perhaps he would provide me with the details.