Michael D'Arcy (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

171. To ask the Minister for Health when a scheme (details supplied) discussed in budget 2017 will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8866/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

This is a Programme for Government commitment which received funding in Budget 2017. I received permission from Government to draft the relevant Bill in December 2016. This new legislation will effectively mean that all children in respect of whom a Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) payment is made will automatically qualify for a medical card and, therefore, no longer be subject to the medical card means test at any point in the future while in receipt of DCA.

The drafting of the legislation is at an advanced stage and will be brought before the Oireachtas as quickly as possible. The HSE has commenced the process of planning for the introduction of the scheme. My objective is that this measure be put into effect as soon as possible.