Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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I have a question on the primary care reimbursement service and the position in respect of medical cards. I have been addressing some of the fallout of what I regard as a system that is not really running as it should in terms of tight performance. I have further evidence of wholly unacceptable and contradictory emissions coming from the PCRS in respect of a case I recently brought to the attention of senior management in the service. The application was approved, affirmed and confirmed but then there was a problem with the issuance. The case involved an elderly person in a confused state. A letter issued a fortnight later advising that the previous decision to withdraw the card had been upheld upon review. The letter was most upsetting for the individual concerned. Yet the attached assessment of income on which the decision was based showed that the individual qualified for a full medical card and a GP visit card. It was quite bizarre. I have yet to present the matter to the personnel concerned but I will do so. Anyway, these things are happening. I am anything but satisfied that the system is on top of its game, as it must and should be. I say as much because I believe it is appropriate to say so. I will bring the particular case to which I referred to the attention of Mr. Burke.