Vol. 401 No. 2
68 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1, whose application for a medical card was approved on 28 June 1990, has effective cover from the date he first applied for the card as he had several medical expenses during that time.
The issue of a medical card to any individual is entirely a matter for the chief executive officer of the relevant health board. A person who applies for a medical card is not entitled to health services free-of-charge pending the making of a decision by the chief executive officer on the application.
I have been informed by the Eastern Health Board that, in the case in question the investigation of the application was prolonged because of the particular circumstances involved.
