Vol. 492 No. 2
119 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will direct the Eastern Health Board to issue a medical card to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8 who is separated but who has been assessed on income grounds as if her husband continued to live with her; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13834/98]
Entitlement to health services 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.
I, as Minister for Health and Children, do not have a function in the issue of medical cards to individuals. However, as the issue is the responsibility of the chief executive officer of the Eastern Health Board I have asked him to have the matter investigated and to reply directly to the Deputy.
