Vol. 505 No. 2
118 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Health and Children if income derived from a few hours home help duties for the health board should be considered or assessed for medical card purposes for a couple on invalidity pension; if an exemption from some income will be given; if it previously existed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13437/99]
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 have been drawn up by the chief executive officers to assist in the determination of a person's eligibility and these are revised annually in line with the consumer price index. However, these guidelines are not statutorily binding and even though a person's income exceeds the guidelines, a medical card may still be awarded if the chief executive officer considers that his or her medical needs or other circumstances would justify this.
There are a variety of arrangements in operation for the provision of home help services. Where a small amount of income is involved, health boards normally exercise their discretion as to whether this income should be taken into account in individual cases.
