Written answers

Tuesday, 25 October 2005

Department of Health and Children

Medical Cards

9:00 pm

Photo of Caoimhghín Ó CaoláinCaoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 257: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the estimated cost of the extension of the full medical card to all persons here under 18. [30240/05]

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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On the basis of the figures contained in the 2004 annual report of the former General Medical Services (Payments) Board, which is now the Health Service Executive, shared services, primary care reimbursement service, it is estimated that the additional cost involved if medical cards were provided to all those aged under 18 would be approximately €223 million. That estimate is calculated with reference to the average annual capitation fees paid to general practitioners and the average costs of drugs and medicines and fees paid to pharmacists for patients in that age cohort at the end of 2004. It also includes an estimate of other costs such as practice support, superannuation and other allowances payable to GPs.

The estimate does not take into account any fee increases which would apply under the terms of the Labour Relations Commission's recommendations of 20 June 2005 or any additional costs that might result from future industrial relations negotiations.

Photo of Caoimhghín Ó CaoláinCaoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 258: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the estimated cost of the extension of the general practitioner-only medical card to all persons here under 18. [30241/05]

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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On the basis of the figures contained in the 2004 annual report of the former General Medical Services (Payments) Board, which is now the Health Services Executive, shared services, primary care reimbursement service, it is estimated that the additional cost involved if GP visit cards were provided to all those under 18 years would be approximately €150 million. That estimate is calculated with reference to the average annual capitation fees paid to general practitioners and includes an estimate of other costs such as practice support, superannuation and other allowances payable to GPs.

The estimate does not take into account any fee increases which would apply under the terms of the Labour Relations Commission's recommendations of 20 June 2005 or any additional costs that might result from future industrial relations negotiations.

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