Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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386. To ask the Minister for Health if he will raise the gross income limits from the current €500 per week for applications for medical cards from persons of 70 years of age upwards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43830/15]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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There are no proposals to change the gross income limits for medical cards for persons aged 70 years and older.

I can advise the Deputy that persons aged 70 years and over can be assessed both under the over-70s gross income arrangements and under the standard medical card means test which is open to persons irrespective of their age. Furthermore persons, including those aged 70 years and over, may be eligible for a medical card where discretion is exercised where they face undue hardship in arranging medical services as a result of medical or social circumstances.