Mr. Patrick Burke:

Yes. When we centralised the processing of medical cards, we did so with the intention of having a more efficient, standardised system. We would have preferred to standardise the entire operation in the first instance, centralise it thereafter, deal with our clients and then introduce probity and controls. Unfortunately, there was such resistance to centralisation from every quarter that we decided to centralise first and standardise and apply probity as we proceeded. We all know the result of that, namely, that we were obliged to deal with the backlog that arose in the latter part of 2011 and early in 2012. As we move forward with the centralised operation, we have already built in links with the Revenue Commissioners and we are establishing them with the Department of Social Protection and general practitioners. The new system is much more amenable to control. As we communicate with our clients, we are seeking to ensure that they know what is expected of them. At the same time, we will start to develop a challenge to anyone who is identified as providing incorrect information or anything of that nature. A small number are referred to our solicitors in order to answer questions. The answer to the Deputy's question about whether anyone has been prosecuted is "No". This is a work in progress as we centralise the operation and begin to use its strengths.