asked the Minister for Health the total number of medical cards issued in Ireland in each of the past three years; and the total amount of State expenditure in relation to this service over this period.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Medical Card Issues.
8.
Information as to the total number of medical cards issued in each of the past three years is not available in my Department. The number of medical cards current at the 31st March in each of the last three years is as follows: 1970, 344,376; 1971, 340,810; 1972, 350,021.
Expenditure on general medical services for the corresponding financial years was: 1969-70, £4,668,000; 1970-71, £5,904,000; 1971-72, £6,834,000 (estimated).