Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 156: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason elderly medical card holders are being required to pay for certificates from doctors in order to avail of sporting facilities; if she will make a statement on the matter of elderly people being therefore disincentivised to participate in activities in which really they ought to be participating owing to the health risks associated with being inactive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12420/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Under the terms of the general medical services scheme, GMS, contract, participating GPs 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.