Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 177: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the status of an application for a medical card by a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19654/09]

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

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 178: To ask the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 351 of 22 April 2009, if she will confirm that when an applicant for an over 70's medical card wishes to have the actual interest from savings or investments considered, that actual interest means interest after the deduction of deposit interest retention tax, that is, interest net of DIRT; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19656/09]

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

Under the provisions of the Health Act, 2008, the new assessment of income for a person aged 70 and over who applies for a medical card is based on gross income. This is designed to make it easier to qualify for a medical card than under the net income basis in the means test used for persons aged under 70. A person aged 70 and over may still apply under that means test if, given their financial circumstances and outgoings, it would be more beneficial. It is also possible that a person could be granted a medical card by the HSE on discretionary grounds. Under the Act, gross income is income before taxation. The Act does not make an exception to this provision in respect of income arising from deposit interest. There is, however, an exemption from the calculation of interest income in respect of the first €36,000 of savings for a single person and €72,000 for a couple.

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 179: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the status of an application for a medical card by a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19667/09]

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

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.