asked the Minister for Health if it is the intention of his Department to announce the income limits of persons who are entitled to medical cards.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Medical Card Entitlement.
6.
I propose to make regulations under section 45 of the Health Act, 1970, specifying classes of persons who have full eligibility for health services. I hope to bring these regulations before the House at the earliest possible date.
Would the Minister be prepared to make a guess as to when the earliest possible date will be?
I am afraid I would not.
Would the Minister not agree that he has, when introducing the Bill, and on a number of other occasions, said that he proposes to bring it in at an early date? Is the Minister aware that in the present situation, with the change-over from the local authorities to the health boards, a considerable amount of trouble is being caused to people who had medical cards and who are having them withdrawn by people who do not know what the facts are? Would the Minister not treat it as a matter of urgency?
I shall do the best I can.