Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 287: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason the gross PAYE income, less PRSI, of a person applying for a medical card is fully assessable as income; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24708/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive, HSE, under the Health Act 2004.

Decisions on applications for medical cards are by legislation a matter for the HSE. It is understood that in examining such applications an assessment is made of the income of the applicant, and spouse, if any, after income tax and PRSI have been deducted. Provision is also made for reasonable expenses in respect of child care, rent or mortgage and commuting to work.