Medical Card Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 February 2013

Tuesday, 26 February 2013

Questions (735)

Gerald Nash

Question:

735. Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Health if he will give consideration to the idea of transferring responsibility for assessing eligibility for medical cards and the fair deal scheme to the Department of Social Protection on the basis that it could potentially eliminate the duplication of functions between Departments and agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10285/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

Under the Health Act 1970, determination of eligibility for a medical card is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive. There are no proposals to alter this process under consideration by the Government. The Nursing Home Support Schemes Act 2009 governs assessment under the Fair Deal Scheme and likewise there are no proposals to alter this process under consideration.

Question No. 736 answered with Question No. 626.

Question No. 737 answered with Question No. 692.

Question No. 738 answered with Question No. 678.