Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Perhaps they could clarify that or update us on it.

I tabled questions on medical cards and I want to go back to that issue. I have two points to make on it. The first is a general point. I would ask that when considering the over 70s it be based on their net pay, not their gross pay, because over 70s also have outgoings.

I will use my time here to raise an issue where I am experiencing problems with a particular case with the primary care reimbursement service, PCRS. I will not mention who or what, but the scenario surrounding it. On 30 May I made representations on behalf of a family that had a very sick child and I asked that it be viewed as an urgent case. I submitted the documentation by email. I received a reply where they were looking for another document - I think it was a bank statement - which we sent back straightaway. A couple of days later, on 11 June, we got an acknowledgement that the document had been received. Since then, however, I have been toing and froing with PCRS trying to get a decision on an urgent medical card. There have been phone calls as well as emails.

On 24 June, I wrote stating that the application was submitted with all documentation completed on 11 June - the initial submission was made on 30 May - and that it was not acceptable that nothing had been done up to that point. I was getting the general replies, for example, that it was the subject of assessment.

I also want to make the point I was informed, on 2 July, that in the event of further urgent cases, I should not hesitate to contact the office which would ensure any urgent information would be passed to the relevant department.