Vol. 463 No. 1
7 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Health if he will reduce or eliminate the limit on travelling expenses for medical card qualification in view of the hardship this causes to persons on low incomes who have to travel to work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4644/96]
(Limerick East): Under the Health Act, 1970, medical cards are issued to persons who, in the opinion of the chief executive officer of the appropriate health board, are unable, without undue hardship to provide general practitioner medical and surgical services for themselves and their dependants.
Income guidelines are drawn up by the chief executive officers to assist in the determination of a person's eligibility and these guidelines are revised annually in line with the consumer price index. However, these guidelines are not statutorily binding and even though a person's income exceeds the guidelines, that person may still be awarded a medical card if the chief executive officer considers that the person's medical needs or other circumstances would justify this.
Assessment procedures are also a matter for the chief executive officers. A working group has been established by the chief executive officers to examine the manner in which eligibility for medical cards is determined in each board and to make recommendations as to how procedures might be improved in the interests of efficiency and service to the public. The question of travelling expenses incurred in travelling to work is among the matters being considered by the group. It is expected the group will have completed its report shortly.
I will keep in mind Deputy Deasy's views on travelling expenses. Under the general guidelines costs over £13.50 per week are reckonable for an allowance covering expenses incurred in travelling to work.
I thank the Minister for indicating the matter is being examined. It seems punitive that a person who may incur costs of £30 to £40 per week in travelling to work is allowed only £13 travelling expenses. Some people find that a disincentive to work. I am sure we all know of people who have given up jobs because the fringe benefits are better if they choose to stay on the dole instead of incurring this type of expense which cannot be fully recouped. Will the Minister issue instructions to the health boards that the guidelines should be more flexible and ask them to change them to enable people who can vouch for their expenses to claim the full amount?
(Limerick East): I will take account of what the Deputy said when I consider the report of the chief executive officers on revising eligibility for medical cards. The amount of travelling expenses over £13.50 may be claimed. If a person incurs travelling expenses of £40, he or she may claim an allowance of £26.50.
