People on low incomes will be hit by higher health costs after it was revealed today that extended GP entitlements would not come into effect at the same time as a reduction in entitlements to the Drugs Payments Scheme and increased Accident and Emergency charges.
The economy measures come in to effect on January 1 stbut the Minister for Health, Ms Harney confirmed that the introduction of new GP-only medical card was still "subject to clarifying legislative and administrative issues".
In reply to a Dail question from Labour Party Health spokesperson Ms Liz McManus, Ms Harney said she hoped the doctor visit card would come into operation as soon as possible.
The changes announced following the publication of the Book of Estimates last month increase A&E charges by €10 to €55 and the monthly amount spent on drugs before entitlement to a refund kicks in by €7 to €85.
The Minister said the measures were worth €8.5m and €7.5m respectively.
"This means that up to 200,000 people will face the prospect of increased drugs bills and extra charges for hospital visits while still having to pay €40 or more for a visit to a doctor," Ms McManus said.
"This suggests that there was little thought given to this issue prior to its announcement on estimates day as she has still no idea when the GP card will be introduced," she added.
She called on Ms Harney to defer the new economy measures until the doctor-only card is available.