asked the Minister for Health if he proposes to take any step to issue medical cards to secondary school students who have not yet reached the age of 16.
Written Answers. - Medical Cards for Secondary School Students.
315.
All children, including secondary school students who are under 16 years of age, have their entitlement to medical cards determined by reference to their parents' circumstances. If the parents of a child are unable without undue hardship to arrange general practitioner medical and surgical services for themselves and their dependants they are entitled to a medical card which will cover themselves and their children.
The issue of medical cards to all children under 16 years of age without reference to their parents' means is a matter which will be considered in the light of future developments and the resources available.