Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 196: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the general practitioner only cards do not cover a patient wishing to obtain the services of the Irish Family Planning Association; if it is her intention to include this service to the general practitioner only medical cards to those who may not afford it otherwise; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35462/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The general medical services scheme is largely a treatment based scheme which provides medical and other services for eligible persons from primary care contractors in the community who hold contracts with the Health Service Executive. The services provided by the Irish Family Planning Association are not covered under the scheme. However, family planning services are available for medical card holders from the majority of GMS contract holding general practitioners. If a general practitioner does not provide family planning services, he or she is obliged to refer a patient to a GP who will provide the service.