Medical Card Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 November 2013

Wednesday, 20 November 2013

Ceisteanna (203)

Lucinda Creighton

Ceist:

203. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Health the total number of persons since 2008 who either the Health Service Executive or his Department have referred to enforcement authorities on suspicion of their committing offences under section 49 of the Health Act 1970; the total number of prosecutions which arose from these referrals; the total number of successful prosecutions that arose from these referrals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49710/13]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The HSE has not, to date, made any referrals to the appropriate authorities under Section 49 of the 1970 Health Act. Medical card eligibility continues to be held on the understanding that a person meets the qualifying criteria. In circumstances where the HSE receives information that proves, on assessment, a person ineligible to hold a medical card, eligibility is withdrawn.