Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 135: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has satisfied herself that the decision to make medical cards available to all persons aged 70 and over received the analytical input commensurate with the policy and operational importance of the decisions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9339/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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As a general rule, I am anxious that all policy proposals are thoroughly researched and evaluated before decisions are taken. However, the Government remains free on occasions, and taking account of all relevant factors, to arrive at policy decisions without necessarily having received a detailed analysis.

In the case referred to by the Deputy, I understand that the decision to make medical cards available to all persons aged 70 and over was only notified to my Department a matter of days before the announcement was made. This, in part, led to a serious underestimation of the costs involved. However, as the policy has now been fully implemented I have no plans to change it.