Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 170: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of medical card applications received in relation to people over 70 years; the number granted; the number refused; the number of discretionary cards granted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22214/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Details of the number 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 a person's circumstances. The most recent figures provided to my Department by the HSE reflect the position on 30th April 2009. The total number of medical card holders aged 70 years and over on that date was 334,652.

The information sought by the Deputy is not provided as a matter of routine by the Executive to my Department. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 171: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of staff who have been allocated to the over 70 years medical card service in the primary care reimbursement service; the number of these who are permanent Health Service Executive staff; the number who are not HSE staff; the person who is their employer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22215/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.