Budget 2017 included a commitment to provide a medical card to all children in respect of whom a Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) payment is made.
It is my intention to bring a proposal to Government which will allow the necessary legislation be prepared to give effect to this measure and it is my objective to have this prepared and brought before the Oireachtas as quickly as possible.
I have asked the Health Service Executive to commence the process of planning for the new arrangements, so that they can be implemented in a smooth and efficient manner.