Medical Card Data

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 November 2013

Wednesday, 6 November 2013

Questions (180)

Eamonn Maloney

Question:

180. Deputy Eamonn Maloney asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a breakdown of the current medical card holders according to their occupation category, that is, PAYE or self employed, agricultural industry, service industry or manufacturing industry and so on; if he will provide information on same to establish which occupations give rise to a medical card requirement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47346/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

A person's occupation or socioeconomic status is not material to an assessment of medical card/GP visit card eligibility. The medical card and GP visit card application does not, therefore, ask this information to be stated/provided by an applicant. The HSE does not capture the information that would provide a breakdown of current medical card holders by occupation type or employment sector.