Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 206: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the way in which interest earned from the financial contribution scheme for senior citizens affects means testing for their medical cards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23707/06]

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. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy. Under Section 45 of the Health Act 1970, as amended, persons aged 70 or over are statutorily entitled to a medical card regardless of income. In all other cases an assessment is undertaken having regard to applicants' means.