asked the Minister for Health if he is satisfied that the income levels at which medical services cards are issued have kept pace with the rising cost of living.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Issue of Medical Cards.
42.
In determining eligibility for general medical service cards, health authorities consider each application objectively, taking all relevant factors into account, and there are no set income levels which enable persons to qualify for medical cards.
The proportion of the population covered by medical cards has remained stable at about 29 per cent for some years, which would indicate that, generally, in considering applications for medical cards health authorities have made due allowance for changes in the economic situation, including the effects of any increases in the cost of living.
The method of determining eligibility for general medical services is one of the matters which I have under consideration in conjunction with my comprehensive review of the health services.
Would the Minister not consider that because of the greatly increased cost of drugs which are now being used, especially new and expensive drugs, the figures he has given do not give an exact comparison and that a person who is at the same income level now as he might have been five years ago, would need a medical card now, whereas he might not have needed it some years ago? Does he not think that there is evidence—I am convinced there is—that county managers and other local officials are not keeping pace with this change in the cost of living in issuing the cards?
Mr. O'Malley
It depends on the medicines used. I agree that some of them are very expensive, but, as I said, I am looking into the whole position.
The Minister will try to expedite his investigation?
It is all part of the comprehensive review. It is like the Second Programme for Economic Expansion, a universal alibi.
43.
asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that in certain local authority areas medical cards are being refused on principle to dependants of Army personnel, regardless of means or personal circumstances; and if he will take steps to ensure that such persons are regarded equally as eligible for medical cards as the remainder of the population.
Mr. O'Malley
I understand from inquiries which I have had made from a number of health authorities, in whose areas Army personnel reside, that the position is not as stated by the Deputy. However, if the Deputy furnishes me with details of any instances where medical cards have been refused, solely on the grounds stated in his question, I will have the cases investigated.
Is the Minister aware that it is becoming increasingly difficult for dependants of Army personnel, even of Army privates, to secure medical cards on the basis of their present rates of pay? Does he think it fair that the wife's or family allowance should be taken into account in determining income for this purpose? Would the Minister be good enough to issue a statement indicating that dependants of Army privates, and even of corporals, are entitled to medical cards? To my knowledge, many are being refused on the basis of the mere income they have.
Mr. O'Malley
I have made exhaustive inquiries about the suggestion in the Deputy's question and I am informed by all the health authorities who administer the services for Army personnel that they do not differentiate in any way whatsoever between Army personnel and the ordinary citizen who applies for a medical card. I should be very interested to know of any specific cases. If the Deputy can furnish me with particulars, I shall be obliged because I have failed to ascertain any case.
Does the Minister agree that the dependants, wife and young children, of an Army private are entitled to a medical card?
Mr. O'Malley
If the health authority carry out their duties and issue a medical card for the individual and his dependants, there is no danger that the medical personnel will not treat the case in the ordinary way. Each application is judged on its merits.
Will the Minister say whether he thinks an Army private with dependants, on his present pay, is entitled to a medical card?
Mr. O'Malley
The Deputy is confusing the issue. Each health authority must look at each individual case on its merits. An Army private might be married and have a great number of children under 16 years of age. He might have children earning a substantial amount of money. All of these things have to be taken into consideration. I cannot make global or sweeping statements.
In a case where there is no other income——
I cannot allow interminable questions.