Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 53: To ask the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 226 of 23 June 2009, if she will define the term financially independent of their parents; and the minimum weekly means necessary to be viewed as financially independent. [26856/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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As I indicated in response to Parliamentary Question No. 226 of 23 June last, persons aged 16 years or older, who are financially independent of their parents, including those living with their parents, are assessed independently. In such cases, the determination of eligibility for a medical card is based on their own income. The assessment is carried out in accordance with the Health Service Executive's general medical card and GP Visit card income guidelines. Under these guidelines, applicants aged 16 - 25 years, including students, who are in receipt of income equivalent to or greater than the current rate of supplementary welfare allowance are deemed to be financially independent.