It is extremely difficult to provide an estimate of the cost of extending eligibility in the manner described by the Deputy because of the negotiations which would have to be conducted with the service providers involved. However, the cost of extending eligibility to all persons up to age 18 years would be in the region of €115 million, on the basis of the existing fee levels. There would also, of course, be other associated costs with a medical card such as the dental and ophthalmic schemes.
The cost of extending eligibility to those in full-time education between the ages of 18 and 23 would, on a similar basis, be about €11 million. However, it should be noted that some students, aged between 16 and 25 years, who are in full-time education and are financially dependent on their parents, who are also medical card holders, may be eligible for a medical card.