Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 June 2010
22 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the proportion of the population that have a medical card and a doctor-only medical card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25008/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 1st May 2010, 36.74% of the national population had free access to GP services through a medical card (34.39% / 1,533,511 medical card holders) or GP visit card (2.35% / 104,630 GP visit card holders).
23 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the cost to the State of the medical card scheme; the proportion of this that relates to visiting general practitioners; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25009/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Primary Care Reimbursement Service's (PCRS) Statistical Analysis of Claims and Payments 2008 shows that General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme expenditure for 2008 amounted to €2.091 billion, €463 million of which relates to general practitioner fees and allowances.
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the HSE it is not possible for the Executive to supply information in relation to 2009. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
