Vol. 544 No. 2
106 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Health and Children if reimbursement will be made to people over 70 years of age who did not receive their medical cards in time and had to pay a doctor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28446/01]
The delay in issuing medical cards to persons aged 70 and over was due to the protracted industrial relation negotiations which took place with the Irish Medical Organisation in advance of the 1 July start date. However, the provision was implemented from the scheduled date and the IMO advised its members not to charge patients in this age category pending the issuing of medical cards. I understand that most members of the IMO followed this advice.
Payment of the appropriate capitation fee was generally with effect from 1 July last and, accordingly, any person in the relevant group who has paid a general practitioner a consultation fee since 1 July should seek reimbursement from the doctor concerned.
