Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 May 2010
166 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding patients diagnosed with cancer who have applied for medical cards; if there is a specific application process in place for such patients; if not, if she will be in a position to put in place such a process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18981/10]
View answerWhen the new arrangements regarding the centralising of the medical card and GP visit card application process to the Health Service Executive's Primary Care Reimbursement Service are completed, the Executive will be aiming for a turnaround time of 15 days or less for all medical card applications. Emergency applications will be dealt with immediately, with a card issuing within 24 hours.
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the specific information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
