asked the Minister for Health the increase in the consumer price index since the income limit for medical card eligibility was last reviewed.

These guidelines were reviewed in January last on the basis of the consumer price index figure for mid-November, 1976, which was 265.2. The latest available figure—for mid-August, 1977—stood at 288.7. The increase was 23.5 index points or 8.9 per cent.

The Minister will agree that in recent years, with the exception of 1976, it has been the practice to review eligibility at six-monthly intervals. In view of the fact that so many people are disallowed medical cards by July, does he not consider it advisable to have the review carried out at six-monthly intervals?

I understood the review was carried out annually.

In 1974 and 1975 it was bi-annually.

We will be revising them very shortly.

Some weeks ago in the House the Minister indicated he was consulting with the CEOs of the health boards with a view to having the review conducted on a more regular basis and he indicated such consultations would be taking place in the near future. Can he give any indication if there has been any result of that consultation?

Any change will be scheduled to take place from the 1st January next.

13.

asked the Minister for Health the reason for the very low percentage of the population in Dublin city and county holding general medical service cards as compared with every other county in the State; and if he proposes to take any action to rectify this imbalance.

The percentage of the population of Dublin city and county covered by medical cards has for many years been lower than elsewhere. It would seem that the main reason is that incomes in the area are generally higher than in the remainder of the country. In the circumstances I do not think any action by me is called for.