Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Question 262: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of medical cards which were available to persons in each county here on 1 January 2006 or the nearest date possible; the number of doctor only medical cards that have been issued on a county by county basis; when the proposed figure of 30,000 additional full cards and 200,000 doctor only cards will be reached; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2783/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The statistics for national coverage of medical cards as supplied to my Department by the HSE's primary care reimbursement services are set out in tabular form:

More than 5,000 GP visit cards have been issued by the HSE which has been requested to provide a breakdown of this figure by county directly to the Deputy. Since 2005 I have made significant improvements to the way in which 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 GP visit cards are 25% higher than those used for medical cards. The HSE has publicised these changes to encourage people to apply and has made the application process as simple as possible.

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 identify any changes which may be required to ensure 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. My 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 light of other competing service priorities, available resources and the graduated benefits approach which I introduced with the GP visit card.