Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 October 2022
535. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection the arrangements that are in place to ensure continued payment of illness benefit where a GP has vacated a practice (details supplied) and no locum has been put in place with a registered general practitioner number who can provide the required medical certificates; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51950/22]
View answerMy Department is committed to providing a quality service to all customers. Where a GP vacates a practice and the locum who replaces them has not previously been issued a DSP panel number by my Department, the practice concerned notifies my Department and the locum is asked to complete an application as soon as possible. Pending approval and assignment of a panel number, paper certification may still be used by the locum to supply necessary medical certification.
The practice in question has made contact with my Department and an application for a DSP panel number is in progress. Paper certificates have been issued to the GP practice concerned to facilitate certification until the application for a panel number has been approved.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
