asked the Minister for Health if he will give an assurance that any person who is in receipt of a medical card while drawing unemployment assistance and who subsequently goes on a social employment scheme will not lose his medical card during his period on the course.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
75.
Decisions on eligibility for medical cards are a matter for the chief executive officer of each health board, having regard to the individual circumstances of each applicant. In determining eligibility chief executive officers must have regard to income from whatever source. The situation has already been considered at my request and I am satisfied that the discretionary powers available will be uniformly exercised in favour of those in social employment schemes.