Seán Ryan (Dublin North, Labour)
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Question 73: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of people that have received a general practitioner only card; her views on the low uptake on these cards; the action taken to increase this uptake; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21312/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Information supplied to my Department by the Health Service Executive (HSE) indicates that as at 29th May 2006 there were 16,920 persons holding a GP visit card.

Since 2005, I have made significant improvements to the way in which people's 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, 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 tax and PRSI, and takes account of reasonable expenses incurred in respect of rent or mortgage payments, childcare 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 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.

My Department and the HSE are at present considering whether any further changes to the guidelines for GP visit cards are appropriate.