Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 104: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the application process for the doctor-only medical cards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15418/05]

Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 113: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the doctor-only medical cards will be introduced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15447/05]

Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 124: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the discussions she has had with the IMO regarding the introduction of the promised doctor-only card; the plans she has for further discussions; the number of such cards issued to date; when she expects that the full complement will be issued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15314/05]

Gay Mitchell (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 137: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the services that will be provided under the new doctor-only medical card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15419/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 104, 113, 124 and 137 together.

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. That will include responsibility for the determination of eligibility of persons to "GP visit" cards.

In November, I announced the intention of extending free access to general practitioner services under the general medical services schemes to up to an extra 200,000 persons. Free access to general practitioner services will be the only service available to holders of "GP visit" cards. Funding has been provided in 2005 for that measure, and it is my intention that the required target can be met by the end of 2005.

Regarding the GP visit cards, the Health Service Executive has put in place the necessary administrative arrangements for their introduction. A public information campaign will be commenced over the coming days. That will indicate the process to be followed by applicants to obtain application forms and to have their eligibility assessed by the HSE. In the first instance, the HSE will consider the applicants' eligibility for a full medical card.

A process of engagement with the contractor and staff representative bodies is ongoing, and it is my intention to have GP visit cards available to persons on a low income as quickly as possible.