Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 September 2004
762 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people in County Kerry in possession of a medical card for each year between 1997 and 2004; when he proposes to extend eligibility for medical cards in line with Government commitments in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21504/04]
View answerThe number of persons who were covered by medical cards in County Kerry between 1997 and 2004 are as follows:
|
Start of Year |
No. of people covered by medical cards |
|
1997 |
46,993 |
|
1998 |
45,395 |
|
1999 |
43,040 |
|
2000 |
42,646 |
|
2001 |
43,071 |
|
2002 |
45,074 |
|
2003 |
43,189 |
|
2004 |
42,381 |
As the Deputy is aware the health strategy includes a commitment that significant improvements will be made in the medical card income guidelines 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. I regret that it is not possible to meet this commitment at this time but the Government remains committed to the introduction of the necessary changes during its current term.
