asked the Minister for Health if, following his interview on 26 February about the withdrawal of medical cards from those between the ages of 16 and 25 years, he will indicate to the House any changes that he made in the regulations; and the present position on the matter.
Written Answers. - Medical Cards.
167.
Arising out of events that took place on 24 and 25 February 1984 which I outlined to the House on 1 March 1984, I made a statement on radio on Sunday 26 February 1984. In it I referred to the interpretation of the Health Services (No. 3) Regulations, 1983, which I had agreed with the President of the Union of Students in Ireland.
This interpretation included the following elements:— 1. Students do not have automatic entitlement to medical cards. 2. Students whose parents hold medical cards or who are EEC nationals or who hold disabled persons maintenance allowance are entitled to free medical services. 3. Other students may be assessed for eligibility, using the same criteria as other applicants, including their family circumstances where appropriate. 4. In order to avoid hardship, students medical cards were not withdrawn while reapplications were being processed. This was done in accordance with normal health board procedures.
No changes in the regulations were required resulting from the agreed interpretation.