Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 164: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the progress that has been made in discussions with the Irish Medical Organisation in introducing the new general practitioner medical cards; if, in the event of no agreement being reached with the Irish Medical Organisation, there are alternative arrangements for achieving the objectives behind the doctor visit card initiative; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26960/05]

Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 165: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the changes that have been made in the qualification criteria for traditional medical cards; the number of persons who will be able to qualify for medical cards in view of these changes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26961/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 164 and 165 together.

Following the recent clarification issued by the Labour Relations Commission, there is full agreement between the parties and this will mean the Health Service Executive can proceed with the introduction of general practitioner visit cards to 200,000 people who will have free access to general practitioner services under the general medical services scheme. Applications for assessments on eligibility for visit cards are being processed by the HSE. The income assessment guidelines used by the HSE in considering applications for medical cards were increased by 7.5% with effect from 1 January 2005. Significant changes were also announced in the area of allowances to applicants in respect of dependants and reasonable expenses incurred relating to mortgage, child care and commuting to work. It was anticipated that these increases would result in a net additional 30,000 medical cards. To date, the net number of additional cards issued has not significantly exceeded the figure for the end of 2004. My Department and the HSE are reviewing the operation of the income assessment guidelines with a view to identifying what further changes may be required to enable the desired number of additional medical cards to be issued.