Billy Timmins
Question:115 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people over 70 years of age who have availed of the free medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18109/02]
Adjournment Debate. - Medical Cards.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:116 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons holding medical cards, other than persons over 70, at the latest date for which figures are available; the proportion of the population this represents; the similar figures in terms of numbers and percentage of the population for the equivalent date in each of the previous five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18045/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 115 and 116 together.
I am advised by the GMS (Payments) Board that at the end of July 2002 the latest date for which information is available, 77,509 persons aged 70 years and over were registered as attracting the higher capitation rate applicable since 1 July 2001. This figure reflects the results of the data cleansing exercise currently under way in all health boards.