Michael McGrath
Ceist:306. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health when he expects to deliver on the commitment to provide a medical card to every child in receipt of a domiciliary care allowance. [9206/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraDáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 February 2017
306. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health when he expects to deliver on the commitment to provide a medical card to every child in receipt of a domiciliary care allowance. [9206/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI received permission from Government to draft the new Bill in December 2016. This new legislation will effectively mean that all children in respect of whom a Domiciliary Care Allowance (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 drafting of the legislation is at an advanced stage and will be brought before the Oireachtas as quickly as possible. The HSE has commenced the process of planning for the introduction of the scheme and my objective is that this measure be put into effect as soon as possible.