Willie Penrose
Ceist:449 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children the criteria by which a young person, who has Downs' syndrome, is entitled to a medical card, for themselves; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31100/03]
Vol. 577 No. 3
449 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children the criteria by which a young person, who has Downs' syndrome, is entitled to a medical card, for themselves; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31100/03]
No persons other than people aged 70 years and over are automatically entitled to a medical card. The determination of the eligibility of an applicant to a medical card is, by legislation, a matter for the chief executive officer of the local health board. All applications are assessed on income and medical needs grounds and should be made to the local health board for processing.