It was announced in the budget that the income limits for medical card eligibility for people over 70 would be increased to €550 from €500 for single people and to €1,050 from €900 for couples. Will the Tánaiste tell me when legislative effect will be given to this decision? It was meant to be introduced in July and we are already in July.

I thank the Deputy. Primary legislation is required to change those income limits upwards for people over 70 and also to provide for the expansion of free general practitioner care to children up to the age of 12. That legislation has been approved by Cabinet. It is intended to take it through the Dáil and Seanad before the recess, to get it done this month. That will allow the Minister for Health to bring those changes related to people over 70 into effect later in the year. It is more complicated for children and will take a bit longer, requiring discussion with general practitioners.