Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 341: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the extent to which she has ordered improved entitlements in respect of medical cards with particular reference to the raising of income guidelines for eligibility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3266/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I have made significant improvements to the way in which an applicant'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 and 200,000 GP visit cards would not 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. It will be noted that the income assessment guidelines used for the GP visit cards are 25% higher than those used for medical cards.

In December 2005 my Department asked the HSE to take account of the welfare, taxation or other changes announced in the budget on the operation of the income guidelines and to identify any changes which may be required to ensure that medical cards and GP visit cards continue to be available to those who need them. I expect to receive a report from the HSE shortly about this matter.