Mary Flaherty
Question:79 Miss Flaherty asked the Minister for Health the current position regarding an application for the renewal of a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in Finglas, Dublin 11. [11876/96]
Written Answers. - Renewal of Medical Card.
Limerick East): The issue of a medical card to an individual is a matter for the chief executive officer of the relevant health board.
The chief executive officers use income guidelines in deciding on eligibility and will take account of the medical circumstances of the person concerned.
I have had inquiries made of the Eastern Health Board in the case referred to by the Deputy and I understand that the board withdrew the card, following a review of the person's circumstances, in December of last year. The case was appealed to and reviewed by the board following representations on the person's behalf. However, as his income was still considerably in excess of the guidelines and there was no evidence of excessive expenditure on medical services, the appeal was refused. I understand that the board has informed the person concerned of the various other schemes which are available to assist him with his medical needs.
If the Deputy has any information relating to a change in the person's circumstances which would have implications for eligibility for a medical card, perhaps she could relay same to me and I will gladly have the matter followed up with the Eastern Health Board.