Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 Dec 1997

Vol. 485 No. 2

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.

Gay Mitchell

Question:

211 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will have examinations made into the case of persons who are 75 years or older with a view to considering this category of senior citizen for a medical card in view of their special needs and particularly in relation to persons (details supplied) in Dublin 12. [22966/97]

Noel Ahern

Question:

216 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Health and Children when he will improve the guideline figures for the granting of medical cards for elderly persons over 65 years as previously promised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22971/97]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 211 and 216 together.

Entitlement to health services in Ireland is primarily based on means. Under the Health Act, 1970, determination of eligibility for medical cards is the responsibility of the chief executive officer of the appropriate health board. Medical cards are issued to persons who, in the opinion of the chief executive officer, are unable to provide general practitioner medical and surgical services for themselves and their dependants without undue hardship.

Income guidelines are drawn up by the chief executive officers to assist in the determination of a person's eligibility and are revised annually in line with the consumer price index. It should be noted that these guidelines are higher for persons aged 66-79 and higher again for those aged 80 and over. However, these guidelines are not statutorily binding and even though a person's income exceeds the guidelines, he/she may still be awarded a medical card if the chief executive officer considers that his/her medical needs or other circumstances would justify this. Medical cards may also be awarded to individual family members on this basis.

It is open to all persons to apply to the chief executive officer of the appropriate health board for health services if they are unable to provide these services for themselves or their dependants without hardship. I have had inquiries made of the Eastern Health Board concerning the person mentioned and have been informed that the health board has no record of having received a medical card application in this case.

Notwithstanding the arrangements referred to above the Government has identified as a key priority in its programme An Action Programme for the Millennium, a review of medical card eligibility for the elderly and large families and my Department is currently making the necessary arrangements to advance this review with the health boards.