Seán Haughey
Question:547 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Health and Children the measures he has taken with regard to the over 70s and their eligibility for medical cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1124/01]
Written Answers. - Medical Cards.
Bernard Allen
Question:675 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the discussions he had with the IMO regarding the decision of general practitioners to block plans to extend the medical card system to those over 70 years of age regardless of means. [1872/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 547 and 675 together.
The recent Budget Statement announced the Government's intention to introduce universal medical card eligibility for all persons aged 70 and over from 1 July of this year. I should point out that a very significant majority of the population in that age category already enjoy medical card coverage. Indeed, the most recent figures available for end December 2000 shows relevant coverage at just over 250,000.
To ensure the timely and effective introduction of the budget commitment in an agreed manner, my Department has formally invited, through the Health Services Employers' Agency, the Irish Medical Organisation to discussions on the issue and I would hope that those discussions would begin in the near future.