Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 165: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will review the situation whereby old aged pensioners must pay up to €50 for a medical letter for the purpose of their application for a driving licence; her views on having this particular charge met by their medical card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8946/06]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 166: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason people over 70 years of age with a medical card have to pay their doctor to get a medical form signed in order that they can get a renewal of their driving licence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9222/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 165 and 166 together.

Under the terms of the general medical services scheme, GMS, contract, participating general practitioners undertake to provide a range of treatments and general practitioner services for the patients on their GMS panel. Their GMS contract obliges them to provide the first and last certificates to explain work absence for their patients. All other requested certificates, such as those in respect of requirements for driving licences or life assurance policies, are a matter between the GP and the individual patient and may involve a charge.