Vol. 535 No. 3
121 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Health and Children the position with regard to people on long-term disability allowance who take up part-time employment while retaining their disability allowance payment; if special arrangements exist to continue the granting of medical cards to them; the length of time this can continue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12704/01]
Under legislation, the issuing of medical cards to eligible persons is a matter for the chief executive officer of the appropriate health board. In making such decisions, chief executive officers have regard to income guidelines as well as to any other individual factors relevant to the decision. Medical cards are issued to persons who, in the opinion of the chief executive officer, are unable to provide general practitioner medical and surgical services for themselves and their dependants without undue hardship.
