John Ellis
Question:37 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Health if his Department will allow all persons who participate in FÁS schemes to retain their medical cards for the duration of their participation in such schemes. [19612/96]
Written Answers. - Medical Card Eligibility.
Limerick East): Under the Health Act, 1970, determination of medical card eligibility is the responsibility of the chief executive officer of the appropriate health board.
The chief executive officers have introduced a number of measures to enable persons participating in FÁS schemes such as Community Employment, Jobstart, Job Initiative and recognised development courses to retain their medical card entitlement including implementation of the 1996 budget provision which allows persons who have been unemployed for at least one year to retain their medical cards for three years after entering employment.
The chief executive officers have agreed to review at the end of the year the arrangements in place in relation to this measure including those in place for FÁS schemes.