Michael Ring
Question:105 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health whether the income from the REP scheme is taken as means when a farmer applies for a medical card. [4962/97]
Written Answers. - Rural Environment Protection Scheme.
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 services for themselves and their dependants.
Assessment procedures are also a matter for the chief executive officers. The chief executive officers have agreed on a number of standardised procedures to ensure uniformity and consistency in all areas when the income of a medical card applicant is being assessed. Income from the REP scheme would be taken into account in the same way as other income, for example headage payments, which the farmer may receive.