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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 3 Apr 2001

Vol. 533 No. 6

Written Answers. - Medical Cards.

John Gormley

Question:

274 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will consider issuing medical cards to all people aged 66 and over; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10011/01]

Entitlement to health services in Ireland is primarily based on means. Under the Health Act, 1970, determination of eligibility for medical cards is the responsibility of the chief executive officer of the appropriate health board. Income guidelines are drawn up by the chief executive officers to assist in the determination of a person's eligibility and these guidelines are revised annually in line with the consumer price index. However, the guidelines are not statutorily binding and even though a person's income exceeds the guidelines, a medical card may still be awarded if the chief executive officer considers that his or her medical needs would justify this. Medical cards may also be awarded to individual family members on this basis. In the Budget 2001 package, this Government announced its intention to extend the eligibility for a medical card to all persons aged 70 and over to come into effect on 1 July 2001.

The Deputy may be aware that under the programme for prosperity and fairness, the 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.

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