Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 165: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children further to Question No. 135 of 22 March 2005, if she is satisfied that her Department was not involved in the development of the proposal to introduce the over 70s medical card before the decision on its introduction was announced in the Budget; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11323/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Government decision to extend automatic medical card eligibility to all persons aged 70 years and over, with effect from 1 July 2001, was announced on budget day in December 2000. The measure was subsequently unanimously approved by the House.

My Department did not prepare an estimate of the cost of the initiative, but supplied such data as was readily available to it in early December 2000, to the Department of Finance to assist that Department in determining the likely cost in 2001.

Dan Neville (Limerick West, Fine Gael)
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Question 166: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will be renewed for a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [11324/05]

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 has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the assessment of applications for medical cards. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's mid-western area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.