Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 135: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the change which she intends to make in the income guidelines for medical cards to take account of child care expenses; if there will be either thresholds or ceilings in respect of the amount of child care expenses which can be claimed; and when the new provision will come into force. [20270/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Reasonable child care expenses will be taken into account in the eligibility assessment guidelines for medical cards due to be issued shortly. These guidelines are promulgated by the Health Service Executive, HSE, and any changes will be publicised by the HSE as soon as the details have been finalised.

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 136: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the doctor only medical card is now in place; if the HSE has issued special application forms for this purpose; and the number of applications which have been received to date. [20271/05]

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

In 2005, funding has been provided to allow the Health Service Executive provide an additional 30,000 people with full medical cards and also to extend free access to general practitioner services under the general medical services scheme to up to a further 200,000 persons. The Health Service Executive has put in place the necessary administrative arrangements for the introduction of the GP visit cards. It is intended that a public information campaign will be undertaken which will indicate the process to be followed by applicants to obtain application forms and to have their eligibility assessed by the HSE. It is my firm view that this initiative should be implemented for the benefit of persons on low income as quickly as possible.