Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

The number of medical cards issued and number of persons covered by a medical card for the dates are as follows. In 1997 there were 1,244,459 medical cards, or 34.37% of the population of 3,621,035. In June 2002, 1,207,096 persons had medical cards, or 30.81% of the population of 3,917,336. In September 2004, 1,151,106 persons were covered by the medical card, or 29.39% of the population of 3,917,203. In April 2005 there were 1,145,331 medical cards, or 28.32% of the population of 4,043,800.

Generally, the reduction in recent years in the number of medical cards may be attributed to the increase in the number of people in employment and also the improved economic situation nationally. Additionally, during 2003 and 2004, health boards undertook a review of medical card databases in which approximately 104,000 medical card records were removed. Many of the deletions from the databases would have been due to normal reviews but a number would have been duplicate or expired records. These reviews have led to deletions of medical card records due to duplicate entries, change of address, cases where the medical card holder is deceased or ineligibility due to changed circumstances. The determination of eligibility of applications for medical cards is a matter by legislation for the chief officer of the relevant area of the Health Service Executive. In determining eligibility, the local area of the HSE will have regard to financial circumstances and medical needs of the applicant.

In November 2004, I announced revised medical card income guidelines which were increased by 7.5 % for determinations of full eligibility, together with significant increases in respect of dependants, with a view to extending the number of medical cards by 30,000 in 2005. These guidelines are in operation since January 2005. In addition, the doctor-only card was introduced and these patients' income can be up to 25% in excess of the income guidelines used for the traditional card. The legislation required has been enacted and it is intended that a further 200,000 persons will become eligible. Additional funding of €60 million to allow these measures be introduced in 2005 has been provided.

The implications of my decision to extend medical card coverage will become apparent as the year progresses. We are determined to reach the figures. In relation to the doctor-only cards, the Health Service Executive has put in place the necessary administrative arrangements for their introduction. A public information and advertising campaign will commence over the coming days. This will indicate the process to be followed by applicants to obtain application forms and to have their eligibility assessed by the HSE. In the first instance, the executive will consider an applicant's eligibility for a full medical card in case he or she may be entitled to one. A process of engagement with the contractor and staff representative bodies is ongoing.

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