Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

With regard to Deputy Shatter's question it is not envisaged that any additional personnel will be required. Next year, as the Deputy is aware, the intention is to advance a redundancy programme within all levels of the HSE, beginning at the administrative management level and the GMS and it is understood there is scope there, as there is elsewhere.

The application process will be greatly simplified. The current application process, particularly for older people is unnecessarily long, as are official forms generally. With regard to what steps will be taken, we know the number of older people who pay tax and file returns on an annual basis. We have this data and if memory serves me right approximately 40,000 people over the age of 70 pay tax and many of them do so at the standard rate as they have relatively low earnings and age exemptions and additional benefits apply which relieve older people of tax liability.

With regard to the question from Deputy Reilly, a couple will have a net limit of €298. If one had a bill of €50,000 for a nursing home and other expenses which may be unusual and which we have not envisaged all of these will be factored out. At present the net limit for a person aged between 66 and 69 is €298. With regard to the nature of the means test for those aged over 70, it will be a simple application form. Everybody will be written to and the new provisions will be explained including the information on net positions, gross income and outgoings. While we want to keep the letter as simple and short as possible we also want to ensure we explain the situation.

I know from my constituency work that at present if a person applies for a doctor only medical card he or she is assessed for a full card. The HSE is required to carry out an assessment and ensure one gets what one is entitled to. Under this Bill the HSE will be obliged to help older people and this will be made clear in communications to older people. I presume general practitioners will also be informed so they can advise their patients on assistance that will be forthcoming.

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