Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 September 2022
351. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when the enhanced medical card regarding the redress scheme proposed for mother-and-baby home survivors will be issued; the services that it will cover; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47011/22]
View answerI am acutely aware of the sense of urgency surrounding the establishment of the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme and ensuring that it is open for applications as soon as possible is a key priority for my Department.
It is intended that the enhanced medical card will ensure the provision, without charge, of the following primary and community health services for those eligible:
- GP services;
- prescribed drugs, medicines, aids and appliances
- dental, ophthalmic and aural services;
- home nursing;
- home support;
- counselling;
- chiropody/podiatry; and
- physiotherapy.
As well as the above services, it is intended that cardholders will not be required to pay (i) the €100 Emergency Department statutory charge or (ii) the €80 public hospital statutory charge.
Those who are living outside of Ireland will have the choice of opting for an enhanced medical card or a once off health support payment.
I intend to bring the Bill to Government seeking publication in the coming weeks. My Department is also progressing the operational components of the Scheme alongside the required legislation so that the Scheme will be able to open for applications as soon as possible after the passage of the legislation.
