asked the Minister for Health the number of students in Cork North West that have been removed from the general medical services register from 1 January 1984.
Written Answers. - General Medical Services Scheme.
435.
The information which the Deputy is seeking will tend to vary from day to day as the health boards proceed with the task of implementing the Health Services (No. 3) Regulations, 1983.
The total number of students removed from the general medical services register in any area at any point of time is not routinely available in my Department. I suggest, therefore, that the Deputy might get in touch with the Southern Health Board to get the most up-to-date statistical information available on this matter.
436.
asked the Minister for Health the savings to the Southern Health Board as a result of his decision to remove persons between the ages of 16 and 25 years whose parents do not qualify for medical cards from the general medical services scheme.
The general medical services scheme is funded largely by the General Medical Services (Payments) Board. The expenses of the board are provided for in subhead G.3 of the Health Estimate. The provision for such expenses in 1984 has been reduced to the extent of the estimated savings arising from the decision to re-assess the eligibility for medical cards of persons between the ages of 16 and 25 years who are dependants of persons who do not qualify for medical cards.
The overall savings resulting from implementation of this decision are estimated at £2 million for 1984 of which about £300,000 might be associated with the Southern Health Board area. As mentioned, however, the benefits have been reflected in the provision under subhead G.3 of the Health Estimate.