Vol. 506 No. 4
75 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the medical services, if any, available to a child born with only one hand; if the child will automatically be entitled to a medical card or to any financial assistance for the purchase of an artificial hand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15641/99]
People who are born with limb deficiencies are entitled to the same range of medical services available to the whole population under the public health services system operated by the health boards.
The granting of a medical card to any individual is a matter, under statute, for the chief executive officer of the relevant health board. The position is that a card may be granted where the chief executive officer is of the view that the person is unable, without undue hardship, to provide health services for themselves or their dependants.
Where a person is not covered by a medical card, a health board may provide assistance with the cost of items, such as artificial limbs. However, each case is dealt with by the health board on its own merits. If the Deputy is aware of difficulties in a particular case, I will be glad to pass on the details to the chief executive officer of the relevant health board for his/her attention and direct reply.
