Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

I am unclear on the matter because I have been supplied with two different notes, one which states the guidelines have issued and another which states they are about to be issued.

With regard to medical cards, some 1.3 million people hold doctor-only or full medical cards. Incomes have increased by 60% in real terms over the period to which Deputy McManus refers. The scenario was very different ten years ago, with 17% unemployment and 8% long-term unemployment. We have substantially increased the income threshold and have moved it to disposable income. In addition to the traditional medical card, a further 50% increase has been made in respect of the doctor-only card.

However, notwithstanding the advertising and public awareness campaigns which have been conducted, I continue to meet people in my constituency clinic who are unaware they qualify for medical cards. It is similar to the family income supplement in that I wish we could find another way of ensuring everyone who qualifies for the medical card is aware of his or her entitlement. A continuing programme of assessment will be required in that respect, possibly including having general practitioners target some of their patients.

I will investigate Deputy McManus's claims with regard to people on social welfare. The intention is that people will not be excluded from the medical card scheme by virtue of annual budget increases to social welfare payments.

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