Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)

As Deputy Ring noted, plans are at an advanced stage to have the medical cards, drug payments, ophthalmic, dental, domiciliary care allowance and immunisation schemes centralised in Dublin or other locations. In January, the administration of the medical card scheme for those aged over 70 years was centralised to Dublin. This is the start of a process. I understand it is envisaged that the other schemes will be transferred to locations outside County Kerry by next June. The net effect is that up to 20 people will have to be relocated and some may lose their jobs.

The quality of service provided by local offices and community welfare officers is generally excellent. Community welfare officers in County Kerry understand local people well and do their best to help them out. The Minister of State should imagine the scenario which will arise if members of the public must telephone Dublin. Clearly they will not receive the instant service they receive in counties Kerry, Mayo and other areas.

I understand the centralisation of these services is intended as a cost-saving exercise and could result in a reduction of 300 jobs. While a commitment has been given at local level that staff will be redeployed, temporary staff will lose their jobs. In addition, end users will lose out because, as Deputy Ring stated, they will not receive the same personal service they currently receive. For example, a person who experiences a problem on a Friday evening currently receives emergency medical treatment. This will no longer be available because communications will not be possible and they will not be able to wait.

The proposed centralisation is a retrograde step. I understood current policy was one of promoting decentralisation. The Government appears to be rowing back on its commitment in this regard. The proposals will affect all parts of the country, including County Galway. Before entering the Chamber, I met Senator Healy Eames who informed me that people in County Galway face precisely the same problem and ten staff could lose their jobs as a result. People will no longer receive a personal service. I appeal to the Minister of State, Deputy Barry Andrews, to use his good offices to ensure the HSE scraps this plan, which will not provide the service vulnerable people need. The new arrangements will be highly disruptive for people who are sick or hold medical cards.

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