Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 56: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons with medical cards in June 2008; the number in June 2009; the projected number of qualifying persons in June 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26285/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The number of persons with a medical card, as at 1 June 2008 was 1,306,470 and as at 1 June 2009 was 1,398,686, representing an increase of 92,216 over the 12 month period. The number of persons applying for a medical card has increased greatly in recent months due to the downturn in the economy and the associated rise in the live register.

There has been a net increase of 46,556 medical card holders in the first five months of 2009, representing an average monthly increase of 9,313. It is not possible at this stage to forecast the number of persons qualifying for medical cards by June 2010. My Department and the Health Service Executive will continue to monitor this situation as the year progresses.