Vol. 531 No. 3
269 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children when free medical cards for people over 70 years of age will become operable; if he has discussed the matter with general practitioners operating the system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6045/01]
It was announced in the budget that it was intended that the granting of automatic medical card eligibility to all persons aged 70 and over would be introduced from 1 July of this year. That remains the position and an invitation has been extended to the Irish Medical Organisation to discuss the matter so that implementation of the budget commitment can be effected in an agreed and timely manner.
