Menu
05/12/2008
Government Publishes Medical Cards Legislation
The Government is to publish its legislation on the abolition of the automatic medical-card entitlement for the over 70s.
Following the announcement of the planned move in October as part of the Budget, widespread protest took place over the controversial measure.
The Government was forced to embarrassingly look again at the proposal, and eventually responded by significantly raising the income thresholds after which over-70s will lose their entitlement to a medical card.
Labour Leader Eamon Gilmore said it was "important legislation that should get the fullest debate and examination", and criticised the government for introducing the legislation with limited time to debate it with the upcoming Christmas break.
However, the Taoiseach Brian Cowen told Mr Gilmore today that the Cabinet had approved the legislation this week.
However, there is still some confusion over the new proposal's eligibility limit. To quell the original protests, it was announced only those earning over €75,000 would be affected by the removal of medical card entitlement. But it is unclear whether this figures applies to individuals or the combined total for a couple.
The new Health Bill would require all future applicants for over-70s to under a means test to ensure their income is within these thresholds.
(DW)
Following the announcement of the planned move in October as part of the Budget, widespread protest took place over the controversial measure.
The Government was forced to embarrassingly look again at the proposal, and eventually responded by significantly raising the income thresholds after which over-70s will lose their entitlement to a medical card.
Labour Leader Eamon Gilmore said it was "important legislation that should get the fullest debate and examination", and criticised the government for introducing the legislation with limited time to debate it with the upcoming Christmas break.
However, the Taoiseach Brian Cowen told Mr Gilmore today that the Cabinet had approved the legislation this week.
However, there is still some confusion over the new proposal's eligibility limit. To quell the original protests, it was announced only those earning over €75,000 would be affected by the removal of medical card entitlement. But it is unclear whether this figures applies to individuals or the combined total for a couple.
The new Health Bill would require all future applicants for over-70s to under a means test to ensure their income is within these thresholds.
(DW)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
11 July 2013
Cancer Patients No Longer Guaranteed Medical Card
People on low incomes diagnosed with cancer will no longer receive a special medical card unless their condition is terminal. Special medical cards are given to people over the "normal financial eligibility limit" but face high medical bills following an illness diagnosis.
Cancer Patients No Longer Guaranteed Medical Card
People on low incomes diagnosed with cancer will no longer receive a special medical card unless their condition is terminal. Special medical cards are given to people over the "normal financial eligibility limit" but face high medical bills following an illness diagnosis.
18 June 2014
Govt's Handling Of Medical Cards Is A 'Catastrophe' - Adams
Sinn Féin Leader Gerry Adams has asked Taoiseach Enda Kenny if those adversely affected by the removal of Medical Cards will be compensated and for the government to state clearly if all those who need medical cards will get them.
Govt's Handling Of Medical Cards Is A 'Catastrophe' - Adams
Sinn Féin Leader Gerry Adams has asked Taoiseach Enda Kenny if those adversely affected by the removal of Medical Cards will be compensated and for the government to state clearly if all those who need medical cards will get them.
22 May 2014
Govt Cannot Be Trusted On Medical Cards - FF
The government cannot be trusted on medical cards, Fianna Fáil has said. Fianna Fáil’s Seanad Spokesperson on Health Senator Marc Mac Sharry has said that the government’s "cynical election stunt on medical cards provides little comfort to the thousands of people who have lost their medical cards and were ignored by Fine Gael and Labour.
Govt Cannot Be Trusted On Medical Cards - FF
The government cannot be trusted on medical cards, Fianna Fáil has said. Fianna Fáil’s Seanad Spokesperson on Health Senator Marc Mac Sharry has said that the government’s "cynical election stunt on medical cards provides little comfort to the thousands of people who have lost their medical cards and were ignored by Fine Gael and Labour.
23 April 2010
Eight Held In Limerick Anti-Gang Operation
Eight people have been arrested by gardaí in Limerick as part of an operation targeting gang-related criminal activity. The arrests were made in a major pre-planned operation by gardaí early this morning.
Eight Held In Limerick Anti-Gang Operation
Eight people have been arrested by gardaí in Limerick as part of an operation targeting gang-related criminal activity. The arrests were made in a major pre-planned operation by gardaí early this morning.
22 October 2008
Call For Shake-Up In Hand Gun Legislation As Ownership Quadruples.
A Fine Gael has called for shake up of Ireland's gun laws after figures emerge that ownership of hanguns has gone up nearly four times over, by 458% since 2004.
Call For Shake-Up In Hand Gun Legislation As Ownership Quadruples.
A Fine Gael has called for shake up of Ireland's gun laws after figures emerge that ownership of hanguns has gone up nearly four times over, by 458% since 2004.
-
Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
