Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is a week since I saw the report but I will speak from recollection. The figure of 0.8% means we are talking about 12,000 to 14,000 medical cards that are out there and being paid for. We will move away from percentages and talk about numbers. I do not know what the capitation fee is but a doctor is paid a standard capitation fee even when the card holder never goes near him or her. It must cost a few million euro each year.