Medical Cards

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 February 2012

Tuesday, 14 February 2012

Questions (575)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

626 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of persons employed in processing medical card application forms; if staff are allocated to register applications within a set timeframe; the timeframe for same; if staff are allocated to open mail; if a dedicated postbox could be provided for the public to deliver forms and documents in view of the extent of material being lost; the changes he will make to improve the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7561/12]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall)

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

I very much share the Deputy's concerns in relation to lost or misplaced documentation.

A review of the medical card processing service is under way at the moment and the issues raised by the Deputy are being examined as part of this process. The review will be completed in a few weeks time.