Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 171: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if and when she will issue increased income guidelines for qualification for the medical card and general practitioner only card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4535/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Since the beginning of 2005 the medical card assessment guidelines have been increased by a cumulative 29%. Other significant changes which I have introduced are that applications are now considered on the basis of income net of tax and PRSI and that allowance is made for reasonable expenses incurred in respect of mortgage/rent, child care and travel to work. In June 2006, I agreed with the Health Service Executive a further adjustment to the assessment guidelines for GP visit cards and these are now 50% higher than those used in respect of medical cards. My Department and the HSE are at present considering whether any further changes to the guidelines are required, having regard to factors such as changes in income levels generally, the nature of typical household outgoings and also changes to the various social welfare schemes.