Medical Cards.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 October 2004

Wednesday, 13 October 2004

Questions (144)

Liz McManus

Question:

145 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the cost of extending medical cards to an additional 200,000 persons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24723/04]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

On the basis of the figures contained in the 2003 annual report of the GMS payments board, the current cost of extending medical card coverage to an additional 200,000 persons would be in the region of €180 million. This figure relates to fees paid to general practitioners, the costs of drugs and medicines and fees paid to pharmacists. There would also, of course, be other associated costs with medical cards such as the dental and ophthalmic schemes.