Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 153: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of medical cards in use; the extent to which this number is expected to increase in the near future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9727/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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On 1 March 2005, there were 768,316 current medical cards providing services for 1,144,578 persons, or 28.3% of the population of 4,043,800 — based on the official estimate of population as at September 2004. The medical card income guidelines were increased from 1 January 2005 and it is estimated that this will increase the numbers eligible for medical cards by approximately 30,000 in a year.

Free access to general practitioner visits under the GMS scheme will be provided to individuals and families based on income guidelines, which may be up to 25% in excess of the new medical card income guidelines. It is estimated that 200,000 persons will become eligible for free GP services under this initiative. The additional 200,000 doctor visit cards will be introduced progressively from April 2005, once the administrative arrangements are in place.