Vol. 543 No. 3
112 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the way in which the income support entitlement of persons in institutions such as one (details supplied) in Dublin 20 fits with the obligations of the State to provide appropriate care free of charge to persons who have medical card eligibility under the health acts. [27019/01]
Responsibility for income support arrangements in the institution mentioned by the Deputy rests with the Eastern Regional Health Authority. My Department has, therefore, requested the chief executive officer to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and to reply directly. The Deputy may be aware that under the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness, a commitment was given that the health board chief executive officers would examine the operation of the medical card scheme in consultation with the social partners with particular emphasis being placed on the needs of families with children, and on removing anomalies and barriers to take-up, including information deficits.
This review has been completed recently and I understand that the chief executive officers will present a report of their findings to my Department shortly. This report will be considered as part of the existing examination of the issue of eligibility that is taking place in the context of the new health strategy that is currently being prepared in my Department.
