Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 97, 114, 126 and 144 together.

In January 2005 I increased the income guidelines used in the assessment of medical card applications by 7.5%. In June it was apparent that the effect of rising income in our successful economy meant that the target of 30,000 additional medical cards would not be achieved. At this time I simplified the means test for both medical cards and GP visit cards. It is now based on an applicant's and spouse's income after income tax and PRSI and takes account of reasonable expenses incurred in respect of rent or mortgage payments, child care and travel to work. This is much fairer to applicants.

I announced on 13 October 2005 that the income guidelines for both medical cards and GP visit cards would be increased by an additional 20%. This means the income guidelines are now 29% higher than this time last year. This substantial increase in the assessment guidelines will allow many more people to visit their family doctor free of charge. I urge people to apply straight away for these important benefits. I understand from the HSE that issues raised by IMPACT and SIPTU, which represent HSE staff assessing applications, have been addressed.

The HSE has advised my Department that in the period from January to September this year, nearly 150,000 new medical cards were issued while just over 145,000 were withdrawn for various reasons, including death, income changes and data updates. Many people have benefited by getting a medical card for the first time in 2005.

A simple comparison of the 1997 to 2005 figures does not take account of the fact that over 104,000 invalid cards have been removed since that time following concerns which arose about inaccurate GMS lists. If allowance is made for the effect of this necessary exercise, there has been a net increase over the period of 10,000.

My Department and the HSE will continue to monitor the number of cards issued. The Government's commitment in the programme for Government to extend eligibility for medical cards will be kept under review in the light of other competing service priorities, available resources and the graduated benefits approach which I introduced with the GP visit card.

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