Medical Cards

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 April 2012

Tuesday, 24 April 2012

Ceisteanna (593)

Jerry Buttimer

Ceist:

686 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Health the preparatory steps taken by both his Department and the Health Service Executive prior to centralisation of the processing of medical cards; if any reports were commissioned in advance of centralisation; the cost of such reports; the total amount spent in preparation for centralisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19842/12]

Freagraí scríofa

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

I have asked the Health Service Executive for a report on the issue raised by the Deputy. I will revert to the Deputy on the matter as soon as possible.

Operational matters, including the management of the General Medical Services scheme, are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive. As a result, the Department did not undertake reports into an area that falls under the operational responsibility of the HSE.