asked the Minister for Health if he will consider amending the GMS card scheme so that net pay i.e. gross pay less PAYE and PRSI plus where applicable family income supplement can be used as the basis for calculating eligibility; if he will give any estimate of the cost of such a change; if so, if he will give details of the way in which the costing was arrived at; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - GMS Card Scheme.
258.
Under the provisions of the Health Act, 1970 medical cards are issued to persons who are unable without undue hardship to provide general practitioner medical and surgical services for themselves and their dependants. Income guidelines are available to assist in determining eligibility and to ensure uniformity of decisions in all areas. The determination of these income guidelines is a matter for the chief executive officers of health boards.