Dáil Éireann - Volume 530 - 20 February, 2001

Written Answers. - General Medical Services Scheme.

Mr. Allen Mr. Allen

264. Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the situation regarding the extension of the general medical scheme to the over 70s. [4778/01]

Mr. Martin Mr. Martin

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin): The budget announcement to give automatic medical card eligibility to all persons aged 70 years or over from 1 July 2001 is consistent with the Government's overall approach to enhancing the position of the elderly in Irish society. The measure is also a logical extension of the three-year doubling of the medical card income limits for that age category, the final phase of which will be effective from 1 March this year.

The Department is concerned to ensure that the budget initiative will be progressed in a timely, effective and agreed manner and, accordingly, has issued an invitation to the Irish Medical Organisation to discuss the matter fully.

Dáil Éireann 530 Written Answers. General Medical Services Scheme.

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