Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 297: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of persons in receipt of a medical card in Counties Roscommon and Leitrim respectively on 1 January 2006; the corresponding figures in January 2002 and 1997; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1010/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The number of persons in receipt of a medical card in Counties Roscommon and Leitrim respectively on 1 January 2006, the corresponding figures in January 2002 and 1997 are set out in the table:

A simple comparison of these figures does not take account of the fact that in the period covered by the Deputy's question, data cleansing exercises were undertaken by the former health boards. These occurred in 1998 at the time of the introduction of the new form laminated medical card and in 2002-03. The exercises sought to identify inaccuracies on GMS medical card databases. The recent exercise resulted in the removal of in excess of 104,000 invalid entries nationally. If allowance is made for the effect of these necessary exercises, there has been a net increase in the number of medical cards in recent years throughout the country.

Since 2005 I have made significant improvements to the way on which people's eligibility for medical cards and GP visit cards is assessed. In January 2005, I increased the income guidelines used in the assessment of medical card applications by 7.5%.

In June 2005, it was apparent that the effect of rising income in our successful economy meant that the target of 30,000 additional medical cards was not going to be achieved. At this 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.

I announced on 13 October 2005, that the income guidelines for both medical cards and GP visit cards would be increased by an additional 20%. This means the income guidelines are now 29% higher than they were at the end of 2004. These substantial increases in the assessment guidelines will allow many more people to visit their family doctor free of charge.

The Department and the Health Service Executive will continue to monitor the number of cards issued. The Government's commitment in the programme for Government to extend eligibility for medical cards will be kept under review in the light of other competing service priorities, available resources and the graduated benefits approach which I introduced with the GP visit card.