67 Mr. D. Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of additional medical cards issued to those over 70 years as a result of the removal of income criteria; and the projected full year cost of this initiative in 2002. [30914/01]

The number of additional cards issued to persons aged 70 years and over since July 1 is 67,575. This figure includes people who would have qualified on income grounds as well as those who qualified as a result of the budget provision.