Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 254: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the ongoing delay in increasing the medical card eligibility limits at least in line with increases in the cost of living; the policy in relation to renewals of medical holders who now find themselves in excess of the guidelines as a result of annual increases in their State pension, welfare, or occupational pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13811/07]

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.

In assessing eligibility, the HSE uses national guidelines to assess people's means, which includes their income, certain allowable outgoings and the effect of other factors which may impact on people's ability to meet the cost of GP services. Under the assessment arrangements, persons whose sole income is derived from Department of Social and Family Affairs payments or HSE payments, even if these exceed the assessment guidelines, qualify for a medical card.