248 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has received a reply from the polio support group regarding an application for sufferers to be considered as a long-term illness and that a medical card would automatically be given to these people; if his Department has considered this; his plans to make a decision in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7577/02]

A submission from the Post Polio Support Group has been received and has been considered in my Department.

At present, there are no proposals to extend automatic eligibility to people affected by this condition. However, people who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be entitled to a medical card. Eligibility for a medical card is solely a matter for the chief executive officer of the relevant health board to decide. In determining eligibility, the chief executive officer has regard to the applicant's financial circumstances. Health boards use income guidelines to assist in determining eligibility. However, where a person's income exceeds the guidelines, a medical card may be awarded if the chief executive officer considers that the person's medical needs or other circumstances would justify this. Medical cards may also be issued to individual family members on this basis.