andMr. McEllistrim asked the Minister for Health if he issued instructions to health boards to take into consideration moneys received under the EEC headage grant scheme when assessing means in respect of applicants for medical cards; if not, if he is aware that at least one health board is taking these grants into consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Headage Grant Scheme.
57.
Adult persons who are unable without undue hardship to arrange general practitioner medical and surgical services for themselves and their dependants are entitled to medical cards. The decision on an individual application rests with the chief executive officer of the health board concerned. In assessing an application the chief executive officer has regard to the income of the applicant as well as to the number of his dependants and to certain essential expenditure.
While I have issued no specific instructions with regard to money received under the EEC headage grant scheme, this money is part of a farmer's income and is properly taken into consideration in assessing eligibility for a medical card.