Breeda Moynihan-Cronin (Kerry South, Labour)
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Question 78: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of new medical cards which have been issued following the increase in the income thresholds for full medical cards; the number issued in each county; when the doctor-visit cards will be made available and issued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2194/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services.

Responsibility for the provision of a medical card rests with the executive. My Department has requested the executive's primary community and continuing care directorate to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and to reply to her directly.

The doctor-visit card will be introduced as soon as possible in 2005, when legislative and administrative issues have been clarified and put in place.