Vol. 532 No. 2
142 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will create a single form for those applying for optical, dental or hearing aid benefit either under the PRSI scheme of medical card, so that claims can be processed more efficiently in view of the administrative delays endured by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6 and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7028/01]
Adult medical card holders can avail of sight testing and have spectacles dispensed by private opticians who hold contracts with health boards to provide such services. Persons with dual entitlement may avail of services under the treatment benefit scheme operated by the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs.
Procedures are in place for dealing with applications from persons with dual entitlement to the dental schemes of both Departments. The question of streamlining procedures in a similar manner for optical services is under active consideration.
As regards the specific case referred to by the Deputy, the details have been passed to the Chief Executive Officer of the Eastern Regional Health Authority and he has been asked to reply directly to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.
