Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 135: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the promised 200,000 doctor only medical cards will be delivered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23802/05]

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 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 deem eligible for GP visit cards will be able to visit their general practitioner 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 Health Service Executive 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 or mortgage and commuting to work expenses has also been included.