Vol. 539 No. 1
254 Mr. D. Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children when the legislation on the provision of medical cards for persons over 70 years of age comes into force; and when the appropriate application forms will be with the Mid-Western Health Board. [18775/01]
281 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Health and Children the way in which a person who is over 70 years of age can now apply for a medical card when this provision will be in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18934/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 254 and 281 together.
I propose to make the necessary commencement order under the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2001, shortly. This will bring the provision entitling persons aged 70 and over to automatic medical card eligibility into force. In line with the Government's announcement in the budget, the new measure will take effect on 1 July next.
Negotiations with the Irish Medical Organisation and the Irish Pharmaceutical Union are still ongoing. Following consultations between my Department and the health boards, a new simplified application form for persons availing of automatic eligibility has been finalised. Arrangements to print these forms and make them available to interested persons are in hand.
