Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 213: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the role of community welfare officers in assessing and approving the new doctor only visit medical cards in view of the fact that the published criteria for the allocation of such cards is based on income levels and means tests clearly set out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28419/05]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 214: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the extent of computerisation of community welfare officers in each county and health centre; the proportion of community welfare officers who have computer systems fully integrated with revenue and social welfare computer databases suitable for verifying incomes and means tests for the purposes of granting full medical cards and the new doctor visit only medical cards. [28420/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 213 and 214 together.

The Deputy's questions relate primarily 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 determination of eligibility of applications for a medical card is a matter by legislation for the HSE. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have the matters concerned investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

In examining applications for medical cards the HSE undertakes an assessment of the income of the applicant, and spouse, if any, after income tax and PRSI have been deducted. Allowances are made, where relevant, in respect of dependants and for reasonable expenses incurred in relation to child care, rent or mortgage and commuting to work. Medical cards may be made available by the HSE where the income guidelines are exceeded in circumstances, for example, where there is heavy demand for medical services.