Vol. 542 No. 6
221 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children the issues raised by the Irish Medical Organisation in its discussions with his Department in relation to medical cards for all persons aged 70 years and over; and the reason his Department pays over five times more for new patients than it pays for those aged over 70 who were entitled to a medical card before the change in the rules; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25545/01]
Negotiations between my Department and the Irish Medical Organisation covered a range of issues including their opposition to the principle of granting medical cards to persons without consideration of their means. Agreement was reached under several headings which covered fees payable in respect of various patient categories and allowances in respect of practice support, both in the areas of staff and equipment.
The capitation rate now payable is a negotiated figure which reflects the outcome of the industrial relations discussions between the two parties. The differing capitation rates reflect the workload expected for the various patient groups.
