Medical card holders could gain more income through proposed 'Rent a Room' scheme

The Minister for Health is seeking approval from Cabinet today as he will bring forward a new proposed initiative for medical card holders.

The new initiative will enable medical card holders to gain income through the "rent a room scheme", which won't affect their eligibility for the medical card.

The new scheme will come under the Health Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2024 and could see medical card holders or applicants gain up to €1,166 per month.

Stephen Donnelly is expected to describe the scheme as an important step towards the Government's goal of alleviating the housing and rental crises around the country.