Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 251: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her views on the revised criteria for assessment of the over 70s medical cards (details supplied); and her proposals to alleviate this procedure for such people. [19108/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Health Service Executive (HSE) reports that all medical cards have an expiry date and are subject to review. The review is carried out prior to expiry to determine the card holder's current eligibility status under the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme. Under the new medical card scheme for persons aged 70 and over, the application and review process have been simplified and the HSE only requires information relating to the gross income of the person and his/her dependants. This is in accordance with the Health Act, 2008, which provided for the new arrangements, relieving those aged 70 and over of a major burden in making an application for a medical card, while ensuring that those with significant incomes no longer retain automatic entitlement.