Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 8 May 2001

Vol. 535 No. 4

Written Answers - Medical Cards.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

172 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in circulating an enabling order to the health boards in respect of the medical cards for persons over 70 years of age; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that without such an order the health boards are unable to begin processing claims or advising persons over 70 years of age on the application procedure; and if he will arrange for the order to be made as soon as possible. [12736/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The Government announced in its December budget that medical cards would be granted to all persons over the age of 70 years with effect from 1 July next. There are a number of steps that need to be taken to give effect to this measure. The Health Act, 1970 requires amendment and this is now in train.

As I stated in several recent answers to questions relating to this area, all health boards are positively involved in currently examining their organisational processes to ensure their readiness to deal with the applications which will result from the budget provision.