Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 Feb 1992

Vol. 415 No. 8

Written Answers. - Eligibility for Medical Cards.

Joe Sherlock

Question:

76 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact, (1) that the numbers of persons holding medical cards has declined by more than 100,000 between 1987 and 1991 and (2) that the average number of persons holding medical cards in each health board area has decreased from almost 41 per cent to just over 38 per cent in the same period; if he will increase the income limits for eligibility for medical cards in view of the hardship being caused to many on low and middle incomes who do not qualify and face great difficulty in meeting doctors' and pharmacists' bills; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Connell)

The number of persons covered by medical cards fell from 37.9 per cent of the population at the end of 1987 to 35.1 per cent of the population at the end of 1991, representing a fall of just over 104,000 persons including dependants. It is essential to note however, that the reduction was mainly due to the removal of non-valid medical cards from the registers of all health boards in 1989 in preparation for the implementation of the new contract for doctors participating in the general medical service scheme.

The determination of eligibility for medical cards is, under the Health Act 1970, the responsibility of the chief executive officer of the relevant health board. Medical cards are issued to persons who, in the opinion of the chief executive officer, are unable without undue hardship to arrange general practitioner medical and surgical services for themselves and their dependants.

While the chief executive officers draw up income guidelines to assist in determining eligibility, I must stress that these are neither statutory nor binding and that a person whose income exceeds the guidelines will still be awarded a medical card if the chief executive officer feels that this is necessary in the light of the individual's circumstances.