Written answers

Wednesday, 22 February 2006

Department of Health and Children

Medical Cards

9:00 pm

Photo of Pat CareyPat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 194: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she views as an anomaly which needs to be addressed a situation where a student over 18 years of age and working part-time is eligible for a medical card while another student over 18 years of age who is not working is not eligible for a medical card unless his or her parents hold one; if she will address the anomaly, if such exists in this case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7339/06]

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Under current legislation, persons aged between 16 and 25 years are considered financially independent of their parents or guardians if they are maintaining themselves. Their eligibility for a medical card is then assessed in their own right. Financial independence may be established through student loans, education grants, employment, self-employment, part-time employment, savings or social welfare payments.

If the Deputy has a specific case in mind, the Health Service Executive could be advised of the particulars of the case with a view to its investigation. My Department has drawn the attention of the executive to the matter.

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