Vol. 541 No. 4
323 Mr. Dennehy asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons who have been granted medical cards under his initiative; to extend such provisions to all persons over the age of 70; and if he will make a statement on the operation of the scheme. [23165/01]
Responsibility for the issue of medical cards rests, by legislation with the chief executive officers of the health boards. To date, 52,207 applications for medical cards from persons aged 70 years and over have been finalised. I am satisfied that the implementation of the budget provision on the extension of the medical card to these persons is progressing satisfactorily. Officials from my Department are continuing to provide clarification to health board personnel and the general public on matters relating to the scheme as required.
