Bernard J. Durkan
Question:250 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the extent to which general medical services can or are being made available to asthma sufferers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15078/01]
Vol. 536 No. 5
250 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the extent to which general medical services can or are being made available to asthma sufferers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15078/01]
People who are unable without undue hardship to arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be entitled to a medical card. Eligibility for a medical card is solely a matter for the chief executive officer of the relevant health board to decide. In determining eligibility for a medical card, the chief executive officer has regard to the financial circumstances of the applicant. Income guidelines are used by health boards to assist in determining a person's eligibility. However, even though a person's income exceeds the guidelines, the person may still be awarded a medical card if the chief executive officer considers that the person's medical needs or other circumstances would justify this. Medical cards may also be issued to individual family members on this basis.