Vol. 529 No. 1
704 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of recipients of the lone parents allowance who have retained their medical cards on returning to work in each health board area for each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2117/01]
705 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of long-term unemployed persons who have retained their medical cards on returning to work in each health board area for each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2118/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 704 and 705 together.
The statistical information requested by the Deputy is not, at present, maintained by the health boards in a format that facilitates access under the particular headings referred to in the questions. I have asked the boards to investigate if it would be possible to extract the information from their records and I will communicate with the Deputy when their replies are to hand.
706 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the findings and recommendations of the review of medical card eligibility for large families carried out under An Action Programme for the Millennium; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2119/01]
The issue of medical card eligibility for large families is under consideration by my Department in conjunction with health board chief executive officers who, under the Health Act, 1970, are responsible for the determination of eligibility for medical cards. The Programme for Prosperity and Fairness refers to the fact that health board chief executive officers are examining the operation of the medical card scheme in consultation with the social partners. Particular emphasis is being placed on the needs of families with children, and on removing anomalies and barriers to take-up, including information deficits.
