David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 51: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of recipients of the carer's allowance who hold a medical card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17684/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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It is understood from the Health Service Executive (HSE) that the statistics the Deputy has requested are not kept in this format and are not available.

The assessment of eligibility to medical cards is statutorily a matter for the HSE and is determined following an examination of the income and medical need of the applicant and his/her dependants. Under Section 45 of the Health Act 1970 medical cards are provided for persons who, in the opinion of the HSE, are unable without undue hardship to arrange general practitioner medical and surgical services for themselves and their dependants. Persons aged 70 and over are statutorily entitled to a medical card, regardless of income. In all other cases an assessment of income is undertaken.

In assessing eligibility income guidelines are used by the HSE. These guidelines are not statutorily binding. Medical cards may be granted by the HSE to persons in circumstances where the income guidelines are exceeded but the particular circumstances of the case warrant such a decision. Under the HSE's assessment guidelines income received in respect of Carers Allowance is not taken into account when assessing eligibility to a medical card. The assessment guidelines also provide that where an applicant's weekly income is derived solely from Social Welfare or HSE allowances/payments, a medical card will be granted.

In January, 2005 I increased the income guidelines used in the assessment of medical card applications by 7.5% and in October 2005, I announced that the income guidelines for medical cards would be increased by additional 20%. This means that the income guidelines are now 29% higher than they were at the end of 2004.