Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 85: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the doctor-only medical card is likely to come into effect; if she will backdate the scheme and compensate persons who meet her criteria for qualification for the doctor-only medical card and who have had excessive medical costs since January 2005. [22956/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive, HSE, under the Health Act 2004. The HSE has placed advertisements providing details of the application process in the national press and intends to place further advertisements in the regional press over the coming week. Those people whom the HSE deems eligible for GP cards will be able to visit their general practitioner thereafter without charge and receive general practitioner services under the general medical services scheme from the date of approval of the card.

Eligibility to GP visit cards will be determined by the HSE, following an assessment of the income of the applicant and spouse, if any, after tax and PRSI have been deducted. Provision for the allowance of reasonable expenses in respect of child care, rent/mortgage and commuting to work has also been included.