Medical Card Application Numbers

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 November 2012

Tuesday, 6 November 2012

Questions (1052)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

1052. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health the number of medical cards currently in the system; the number of persons directly dependent on these cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47881/12]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

At the end of August 2012, a total of 1,836,604 medical cards and 131,318 GP Visit cards have been issued. Nearly 43% of the national population currently has free access to GP services under the GMS Scheme (40% medical card & 2.9% GP visit card). This compares to 31% as at end 2007.