Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 124: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of persons in receipt of medical cards at the latest date for which figures are available by county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23791/05]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 136: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of persons with medical cards in June 2004; and the number in June 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23803/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 124 and 136 together.

The number of persons covered by a medical card at June 2005 by county is set out in the table.

The total number of persons covered by a medical card in June 2004 was 1,154,411. In the 12 month period the reduction in medical card coverage was 0.6%. This is mainly attributable to increases in household incomes and the management of the medical card databases. In January, income guidelines and allowances for dependants were increased across the board by a minimum of 7.5%. Within the past week, fundamental reform of the income assessment process has been agreed and published.

Applications for medical cards and GP visit cards will be assessed on the disposable income of the applicant or spouse, and the reasonable expenses of child care, rent or mortgage and the costs of commuting to work will also be allowed. These significant improvements are aimed at ensuring that 1.378 million persons will be entitled to medical cards and GP visit cards by the end of 2005.