Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 193: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons with full medical cards as a proportion of the population at the end of 2007; and the comparable figures for 1992, 1997 and 2002. [35896/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Details of the numbers of medical card holders are provided to my Department each month by the Health Service Executive (HSE). The figures are provided on a net basis showing the balance after new cards have been issued and other cards, as appropriate, have been deleted from the Executive's database, e.g. following a review of holders' circumstances.

The most recent figure provided to my Department by the HSE is in respect of 1st December, 2007. In 1992 and 1997 medical card figures were supplied on a quarterly basis to my Department. The table below shows the number of persons, according to the health boards' databases, with medical cards as a proportion of the national population on the dates requested by the Deputy.

In interpreting this information, it is necessary to take account of the fact that the HSE (and before 2005 the health boards) has undertaken a substantial programme of work in recent years to improve data quality in the General Medical Services (GMS) client database. For example, in 2003 and 2004, work carried out by the health boards led to a deletion of approximately 104,000 inappropriate entries where, for example, there were duplicate entries for the same person, the expiry date on the card had passed, the person had moved away or was deceased. This exercise did not involve any reduction in the actual number of persons who held medical cards but rather resulted in a more accurate picture of the number of individuals in receipt of GP services under the GMS Scheme.

In addition, as at 1 December 2007, 75,542 persons held a GP visit card.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 194: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons over 70 who have received the non-means tested medical card for over 70s since its introduction. [35897/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Since July 2001, all persons aged 70 and over have a statutory entitlement to a medical card. In all other cases an assessment is undertaken having regard to the applicant's means.

Information provided by the Health Service Executive (HSE) to my Department indicates that as of 1st December 2007, 131,668 persons aged 70 or over have received a medical card under the provisions of Section 45 (5A) of the Health Act 1970.