Damien English (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 247: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of people in County Meath with a medical card as of 30 June for each of the years 2001 to 2006 inclusive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26281/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Damien English (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 248: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of people in the Coole District of Westmeath with a medical card as of 30 June for each of the years 2001 to 2006 inclusive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26282/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Damien English (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 249: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of people in County Meath who are currently in possession of a general practitioner visit card. [26283/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Damien English (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 250: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of people in the Coole district of Westmeath who are currently in possession of a general practitioner visit card. [26284/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Damien English (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 251: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason cancer patients are means tested for a medical card; if she will remove this test; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26318/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Under the terms of the Health Act 1970 applications for medical cards for persons, other than for persons aged 70 years of age or over, are a matter to be assessed and decided upon by the Health Service Executive (HSE) based on a range of measures including the household income guidelines, particular circumstances and medical needs of individual cases.

The HSE has indicated that applications from persons with a serious illness have and will continue to be dealt with in as sensitive and compassionate a manner as possible, with the exercise of discretion towards the needs of the applicant during what is a very difficult and stressful time for them and for their loved ones.

Damien English (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 252: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason general practitioner visit card holders are being charged by their GP for repeat prescriptions; the plans she has to clarify the guidelines for GPs to rectify this situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26319/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The GP visit card entitles the holder to free GP services under the General Medical Services Scheme and includes the provision of a prescription without charge. Contracted GPs are paid an annual capitation fee in respect of GMS services provided to GP visit card holders.

The contract for the provision of services to GP visit card patients is between the individual GP and the Health Service Executive (HSE). Therefore, it is requested that the Deputy provide the HSE with information in respect of any particular cases, where additional charges are being requested of GP visit card holders by contracted GPs for prescriptions, in order that the Executive may examine and investigate further.