Medical Cards.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 February 2006

Wednesday, 22 February 2006

Questions (160)

Pat Carey

Question:

194 Mr. Carey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she views as an anomaly which needs to be addressed a situation where a student over 18 years of age and working part-time is eligible for a medical card while another student over 18 years of age who is not working is not eligible for a medical card unless his or her parents hold one; if she will address the anomaly, if such exists in this case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7339/06]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

Under current legislation, persons aged between 16 and 25 years are considered financially independent of their parents or guardians if they are maintaining themselves. Their eligibility for a medical card is then assessed in their own right. Financial independence may be established through student loans, education grants, employment, self-employment, part-time employment, savings or social welfare payments.

If the Deputy has a specific case in mind, the Health Service Executive could be advised of the particulars of the case with a view to its investigation. My Department has drawn the attention of the executive to the matter.