Medical Cards.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2004

Tuesday, 24 February 2004

Ceisteanna (273)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

373 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the way in which his Department determines when and if new health services, such as genetic testing, will be extended to medical card holders free of charge when such new services become known to his Department; the criteria used to make such a determination; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that delays in this regard are contributing to gross inequality in the health care system; the plans he has to extend free genetic testing in certain circumstances set down by his Department to all medical card holders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5739/04]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

Medical card holders are entitled to a range of services, including tests and examinations, which are publicly funded and available in public hospitals free of charge. These tests must be prescribed by their general practitioner or consultant and form part of a treatment protocol.

Arrangements for the provision of services to medical card holders are a matter for the chief executive officer of the relevant health board to decide, having due regard to the strategic, financial and need requirements.

The National Genetics Centre is situated at Our Lady's Hospital, Crumlin. I am not aware of difficulties being experienced by patients as suggested by the Deputy.