Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 October 2012
230. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health the reason supporting documentation requested by the Client Registration Services and submitted by the applicant is not being received in an ever increasing number of cases; if this is a procedural failure or means of extending the 15 day processing timeline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46908/12]
View answerThe Health Service Executive (HSE) completed the centralisation of the processing of medical/GP visit card applications and reviews at the HSE's Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS) in Dublin in mid-2011. A backlog in applications arose in late 2011, which was cleared by end of April 2012. The HSE has implemented a range of changes to the application procedures, which have improved the process for applicants. As at September 2012, the latest information from the PCRS indicates that 97% of complete medical card applications are processed within 15 working days, which is well ahead of the performance target.
