Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 274: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the statutory instrument that permits the HSE to set an age threshold, commonly 25 years, below which a person is considered a dependant when determining their medical card entitlement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22812/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Statutory Instrument 381/1983 issued in December 1983 stated that the provisions of the 1970 Health Act regarding full eligibility would not extend to persons aged between 16 and 25 years who are dependants of persons who do not have full eligibility for the service under Part IV of the Health Act 1970, save where considered by the Health Service Executive in order to avoid undue hardship. These changes in eligibility arrangements affecting young people aged sixteen years and over, ensured that entitlement would take account of their families income and circumstances.

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 275: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if persons who hold a medical card do not have to pay the health levy; if this concession applies equally to those who become eligible automatically on age grounds at 70 years as well as to those who qualify on a means test; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22813/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Section 11 of the Health Contributions Act 1979, as amended by section 24 of the Social Welfare Act 1995, lists the payments which are exempt from the payment of the health levy, and recipients of these payments together with the holders of medical cards are exempt from any liability to make a health contribution. On 1 July 2001, full eligibility was extended to all persons aged 70 or over and persons with full eligibility are exempt from the health contribution levy.