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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Sep 2003

Vol. 571 No. 1

Written Answers. - Medical Cards.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

975 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children if there have been changes in the criteria in relation to the granting of a medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20728/03]

Under the Health Act 1970, determination of eligibility for medical cards is the responsibility of the chief executive officer of the appropriate health board other than for persons aged 70 years and over, who are automatically eligible for a medical card.

Persons in receipt of Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs payments may retain the medical card for a specified period of time following return to work or participating in an approved scheme. The national health strategy includes a whole series of initiatives to clarify and expand the existing arrangements for eligibility for health services, including recommendations arising from the review of the medical card scheme carried out by the health board chief executive officers under the PPF which include: streamlining applications and improving the standardisation of the medical card applications process to ensure better fairness and transparency; providing clearer information for people about how and where to apply for medical cards; and proactively seeking out those who should have medical cards to ensure they have access to the services that are available.

As part of the implementation process for the strategy, a review of all existing eligibility legislation is ongoing in my Department. Arising from this review, legislation will be drafted to clarify and simplify eligibility and entitlements to health services in line with the goals and objectives set out in the strategy.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

976 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the withdrawal of a medical card from a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20729/03]

Responsibility for the provision of a medical card is, by legislation, a matter for the chief executive officer of the relevant health board-authority. My Department has therefore asked the chief executive officer of the Midland Health Board to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and to reply to her directly.

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