Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Health if he is concerned by the numbers presenting at constituency offices whose medical cards have been replaced by general practitioner cards who have not been taking their medications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58053/12]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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Under the provisions of the Health Act 1970, medical cards are provided to persons who, in the opinion of the Health Service Executive, are unable without undue hardship to arrange general practitioner medical and surgical services for themselves and their dependants. The assessment for a medical card is determined primarily by reference to the means of the applicant and his/her dependants. Where an applicant fails to qualify for a medical card, either as a first time applicant or under review, they are then considered for a GP visit card. Income limits for GP visit cards are 50% higher than those applying to medical cards.

Approximately 1.85 million people are covered by a medical card, an increase of almost 25% since the end of 2009. The cost of the General Medical Services scheme is estimated to have been approximately €1.9 billion in 2012.

Under the Drugs Payment Scheme no individual or family pays more than €144 per calendar month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The scheme is easy to use and significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals incurring ongoing expenditure on medicines.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Health if asylum seekers who leave the direct provision system will have their medical cards revoked, even if they have existing medical conditions; if so, the reason for this in view of the fact that their incomes will still be below the medical card threshold in view of the fact that they are excluded from employment and the social welfare system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58054/12]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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I have asked the Health Service Executive for a report on the issue raised by the Deputy. I will revert to the Deputy on the matter as soon as possible.