Vol. 572 No. 3
368 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has estimated the cost of granting medical cards to all children with a significant disability; the steps he plans to obtain an estimate with a view to implementing the proposal as resources permit. [23197/03]
Many children with significant disabilities may already be covered by the medical card scheme having regard to their own particular needs and circumstances. My Department has not estimated the cost of extending medical card coverage to all children with a significant disability, since the term "significant disability" is open to many interpretations. However, as the Deputy is aware the health strategy includes a commitment that significant improvements will be made in the medical card income guidelines in order to increase the number of persons on low income who are eligible for a medical card and to give priority to families with children and particularly children with a disability. This should be viewed in the broader context of the strategy's emphasis on fairness and its stated objective of reducing health inequalities in our society. Due to the prevailing budgetary situation, I regret that it is not possible to meet this commitment this year but the Government remains committed to the introduction of the necessary changes within the lifetime of this Government. The situation will be kept under review. I remind the Deputy that additional revenue and capital funding of €50 million is being made available to services for people with disabilities in 2003.
