Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Question 79: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of medical cards there were on a county basis on 1 January 1998; the number that are at the present time on the same basis; the number of general practitioner visit cards in place on a county basis; if she is satisfied that the means test being administered by the Health Service Executive is on a fair and equitable basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11415/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The current information in this regard, as provided on 1 March last by the Health Service Executive's primary care reimbursement service of shared services, is provided in the table. As the Department of Health and Children does not have information relating to January 1998, I have asked the HSE to provide it directly to the Deputy.

The assessment of applications for medical cards and GP visit cards is statutorily a matter for the HSE, which has prepared a manual containing guidelines for the assessment of applications for medical and GP visit cards. The HSE's objective in drawing up the document was to ensure that there is consistency throughout the country in making decisions on applications for these benefits and that there is a fair and client centred approach to decision making.