asked the Minister for Health the estimated saving in 1984 and in 1985, as a result of the withdrawal of medical cards from students.
Written Answers. - Medical Cards.
471.
There are two reservations to be borne in mind in providing the estimates required by the Deputy. Firstly the Health Services (No. 3) Regulations, 1983, applied to all persons in the 16 to 25 year age group and the information which is readily available applies to persons in that age group. Secondly information is not readily accessible on the number of persons who would have become entitled to medical cards if the Regulations had not been made.
Bearing these constraints in mind, it is estimated that the withdrawal of medical cards from the 16 to 25 year age group will save approximately £1.9 million in 1984. A saving of about £3 million is estimated for 1985. It might be noted that the greater part of this saving will be offset by increased numbers of persons from other sections of the community becoming entitled to medical cards.