Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 January 2017
134. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health when children with additional needs in receipt of the domiciliary care allowance will be offered a full medical card automatically; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3558/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy 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.
