Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 132: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if money received by persons on the maturing of their investment under the SSIA scheme will be assessed as means in regard to entitlement to a medical card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2719/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Entitlement to health services in Ireland is primarily based on residency and means. Under the Health Act 1970, determination of eligibility for medical cards is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive other than for persons aged 70 years and over, who are automatically fully eligible. Medical cards are issued to persons who, in the opinion of the Health Service Executive, are unable to provide general practitioner, medical and surgical services for themselves and their dependants without undue hardship.

It should also be noted that the Health Service Executive has discretion in regard to the issuing of medical cards and a range of income sources are excluded when assessing medical card eligibility. Despite someone having an income that exceeds the guidelines, a medical card may still be awarded if the Health Service Executive considers that person's medical needs or other circumstances justify this. It is open to all persons to apply to the Health Service Executive for health services if they are unable to provide these services for themselves or their dependants without hardship.

With regard to investment income generally, the Health Service Executive takes interest from savings into consideration in the assessment of means for a medical card. The question of the treatment of SSIA proceeds in the assessment of means for a medical card is under consideration.