Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:799. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health when children in receipt of domiciliary care will be issued a full medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1468/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 17 January 2017
Ceisteanna (799, 1315)
Imelda Munster
Ceist:1315. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Health when the necessary legislation will be passed allowing the issuing of medical cards to all recipients of domiciliary care allowance as per budget 2017. [1697/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 799 and 1315 together.
My Department recently received permission from Government to draft the new Bill. This new legislation will effectively mean that all children in respect of whom a DCA payment is made will automatically qualify for a medical card and, therefore, no longer be subject to the medical card means test at any point in the future while in receipt of DCA. The legislation is currently being prepared and will be brought before the Oireachtas as quickly as possible. In addition to the preparation of the legislation, I have asked the HSE, so that the proposal can be implemented in a smooth and efficient manner, to commence the process of planning for the requirements of the scheme and how the cards will issue.