Enda Kenny
Question:272 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the cost of providing doctor only medical cards to 200,000 persons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31985/05]
View answerDáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 November 2005
272 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the cost of providing doctor only medical cards to 200,000 persons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31985/05]
View answerThe estimated cost of providing 200,000 GP visit cards is in the region of €50 million in a full year. GP visit cards will be granted to individuals and families based on income guidelines 25% over the medical card income guidelines. However, the Health Service Executive, HSE, has discretion to grant a GP visit card to persons whose income is in excess of the guidelines but for whom, in the opinion of the HSE, it would be unduly burdensome to meet the cost of general practitioner services.
273 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of persons with intellectual and physical disabilities with a medical card; the estimated number of persons with intellectual and physical disabilities without a medical card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31986/05]
View answerThe Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.