Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

To take the final point first, we have brought forward a different proposal in respect of widening the eligibility criteria in order that more people are entitled to the medical card. Therefore, the requirement for the GP-only card or the fee payment does not arise. These were graduated responses in the past when, while preparing the budget, the Government was dealing with a scheme as constituted then and as remains until it hears from Mr. Sullivan, which has a differentiated fee payment system in respect of those who now are over 70 and who have means tested medical cards because they entered the medical card system before turning 70 and those who acquired it simply because of their age, regardless of their means. As the Deputy is aware, a differentiated system was in place.

As for the question of the calculations of the Department of Health and Children regarding the numbers who would be eligible in respect of income etc., information is available and the Minister for Health and Children can provide it to the Deputy.

As for the question regarding the position after 1 January 2009, the Government's statement indicated that there will be a repeal of the Health Act 2001 such that the legal basis for the eligibility for a card is in line with the decision to which the Government has come and which was announced this morning. I also make the point that new entrants onto the scheme after 1 January will be required to apply for their medical cards under these new arrangements. Everyone will be notified by way of letter as to what are the new arrangements. Those who have an income above the limits set out in the letter will be asked to notify the Health Service Executive that they now are over the limit under the new arrangements. The repeal of the Act, which changes the legal basis upon which the entitlement of the card is provided to everyone, obviously is the legal basis upon which it should be held beyond 1 January, when the new scheme becomes operable.

On the question of how such a notification process would work, as I said, the Government believes it should be voluntary in the main. Obviously, administrative data exist which would be available to the Government through its agencies over time to ascertain the manner in which those who are over the limit can be identified. However, I believe that most people will comply and will notify the Health Service Executive of their situation in the future.

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