Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 53: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children further to Question No. 353 of 28 September 2005, in view of the fact that very few persons aged 70 and over are working and would require first and last certificates to explain work absence, her views on whether bringing to an end the practice whereby persons over 70 years of age with medical cards are charged for the medical examination in regard to the renewal of their driving licence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28431/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The General Medical Service's general practitioner contract details the range of treatments and services to be provided by the contracted GP to all people who are medical card holders notwithstanding their age. The GMS contract makes reference to certificates only in respect of work absences and provides that the GMS GP is required to provide the first and last certificates to explain work absences. Other certificates, such as those required for driving licences, are not covered under the GMS GP contract and therefore may incur charges. I have no plans to change this arrangement.

Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 54: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of persons aged 70 or over holding a medical card and who are working; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28432/05]

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. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy. All people aged 70 years and over are statutorily entitled to a full medical card since 1 July 2001.