Bernard Allen
Question:267 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the way in which he proposes to introduce persons of over 70 years of age into the medical card scheme. [13529/01]
Written Answers - Medical Cards.
Agreement was reached with representatives of the Irish Medical Organisation in April on a number of outstanding industrial relations issues, through the HSEA. As a result, they have agreed to meet my Department, again through the HSEA, on the subject of the extension of the eligibility to all persons aged 70 years and over. I look forward to a positive outcome to these talks, which will commence shortly, and to the timely and efficient introduction of the scheme, in an agreed manner, from its official start date on 1 July 2001.