John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 311: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the new general practitioner visit cards will be distributed on a first come, first served basis or a [i]pro rata[/i] basis throughout the Health Service Executive regions; if the money allocated for the scheme will be sufficient for the take up by the public; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33256/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Applications for GP visit cards are assessed by the Health Service Executive, HSE, with reference to the national income assessment guidelines which I have established in agreement with the executive. The Deputy will be aware that I have made a number of changes to enable a greater number of people, particularly families with children, to qualify for these cards. All persons assessed as qualifying for a GP visit card will be issued with such a card.

In January 2005, I increased the income guidelines used in the assessment of medical card applications by 7.5%. In June, it was apparent that the effect of rising income in our successful economy meant that the expectation that 30,000 additional medical cards would be issued was unlikely to be fulfilled. At that time I simplified the means test for both medical cards and GP visit cards. It is now based on an applicant's and spouse's income after income tax and PRSI, and takes account of reasonable expenses incurred in respect of rent or mortgage payments, child care and travel to work. This is much fairer to applicants. On 13 October 2005, I announced that the income guidelines for both medical cards and GP visit cards would be increased by an additional 20%. This means that income guidelines are now 29% higher than this time last year. My Department and the HSE will actively encourage people to apply for these benefits and continue to monitor the number of cards issued.