Andrew Boylan
Question:266 Mr. Boylan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of medical card holders in the North Eastern Health Board area for the years 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000. [26586/00]
Written Answers. - Medical Cards.
Andrew Boylan
Question:267 Mr. Boylan asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the large number of people who have had their medical cards withdrawn in the North Eastern Health Board area in 2000; the number of people who have lost their medical cards in 2000 in the North Eastern Health Board area; the way in which this figure compares with the rest of the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26587/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 266 and 267 together.
The statistics requested by the Deputy relating to medical card coverage in the North Eastern Health Board are as follows: 1997 covering 121,069 persons; 1998 covering 120,247; 1999 covering 112,673; 2000* covering 107,570.
*This represents figures at end of June 2000.
The number of eligible persons covered by the medical cards in the North Eastern Health Board area between the end of year 1999 and the end of June 2000 has dropped by 5,103, which is a reduction of 4.74%. The corresponding overall percentage reduction for the whole country for that period is 1.48%.
I would remind the Deputy that, under legislation, medical cards are issued by the chief executive officer of a relevant health board having regard to the general criteria referred to in the relevant legislation which states that chief executive officers should issue medical cards, where in their opinion, the person concerned is unable without undue hardship to arrange general medical services for himself or herself and their dependents.
In the case of the NEHB, the change in medical card coverage in 2000 had not been specifically brought to my attention. But I should point out that there are always bound to be regional fluctuations in medical card coverage influenced by localised economic and other factors which can vary between regions over time.
I have now been informed by the NEHB that factors, including income, failure to submit necessary information, movements in the region and death have affected the particular figures for the current year.