Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 281: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if medical cards will be provided to all full-time family carers, with one annual health check; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35604/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Eligibility for 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 over 70 who are automatically entitled to a medical card.

Medical cards are issued to persons who in the opinion of the HSE are unable to provide general practitioner, medical and surgical services for themselves and their dependants without undue hardship. It is open to all persons to apply to the chief officer of the relevant HSE area for health services if they are unable to provide these services for themselves or their dependents without hardship. The setting of income guidelines for medical cards is a matter for the HSE which has discretion over the issuing of medical cards. In cases where a person has income in excess of the guidelines, a medical card may still be awarded if the HSE considers his or her needs or other circumstances justify this.

My Department is currently reviewing all legislation concerning eligibility for health and personal social services with a view to making the system as fair and transparent as possible. I have no plans to provide for the granting of medical cards to any group as a whole. I anticipate continuing with the arrangement whereby medical cards are granted primarily on the basis of means and individual circumstances.