Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Question 112: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of medical cards which were available to persons in each of Counties Cavan, Monaghan, Louth and Meath in January 1997; the number available in January 2005; the number of medical cards available in County Cork in January 1997; the number available in January 2005; if she has satisfied herself that all means tests have been dealt with in a similar way; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9428/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The number of medical cards which were available to persons in January 1997 and January 2005 is as follows:

Persons are entitled to a medical card where they are unable without undue hardship to arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves or their dependants. In determining eligibility the local area of the Health Service Executive will have regard to the financial circumstances and medical needs of the applicant. Medical cards may be made available by the Health Service Executive where the guidelines are exceeded, for example, in circumstances where there is heavy demand for medical services. However, in all cases the decision is a matter for the chief officer of the relevant area of the Health Service Executive. In assessing a person's eligibility, every aspect of an individual's financial means and medical expenses are carefully examined to ensure that no financial hardship is caused by the Health Service Executive's refusal to grant a medical card in any particular case.