asked the Minister for Health if, in the light of recent findings by the Ombudsman to the effect that the notional system as used by the Western Health Board for assessment of farm income for medical card eligibility may not be in accordance with the principles of fair and sound administration, he considers it necessary to issue new instructions to health boards to ensure that the system used for farm income assessment, is in accordance with these principles.
Written Answers. - Medical Card Eligibility.
77.
The recommendation referred to arises from the investigation of a specific case in the Western Health Board area. The recommendation has been accepted by the board and will be implemented by them in relation to similar cases in the future.
The Deputy will be aware that the determination of eligibility is solely a function of the chief executive officer of the appropriate health board and, as the case referred to has been settled to the satisfaction of the Ombudsman, I do not consider it necessary or appropriate to intervene.