Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

The Health Service Executive has detailed operational guidelines in place for the assessment of medical card applications. The purpose of these guidelines is to ensure every person entitled to a medical card or GP visit card is given the opportunity to avail of his or her entitlement and that a consistent approach is taken to means testing nationally. The guidelines include provisions dealing with how applicants' savings and investments are treated. I have not issued any instruction to the HSE on this aspect of the assessment process.

Since the beginning of 2005, the medical card assessment income guidelines have been increased by a cumulative 29%. Other significant changes which I have introduced are that applications are now considered on the basis of income net of tax and PRSI and that allowance is made for reasonable expenses incurred in respect of mortgage or rent, child care and travel to work. In June 2006, I agreed a further adjustment to the income guidelines for GP visit cards. These are now 50% higher than those used in respect of medical cards.

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