John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I thank Deputy McCormack for raising this matter on the Adjournment and apologise that the Minister, Deputy Harney, cannot be here this evening.

The assessment of eligibility for medical cards and GP visit cards is statutorily a matter for the HSE. Eligibility is determined following an examination of the means of the applicant and his or her dependents. Up to the start of this year, medical card and GP visit card applications were processed in the 32 local health areas. However, under the HSE's 2009 service plan, the processing of medical card and GP visit card applications will be centralised in the primary care reimbursement service in Dublin. The change is being implemented on a phased basis.

The decision by the HSE to centralise the processing of applications has been made in the context of the requirement to realise savings in the challenging economic environment. The change will provide an enhanced standardised service to the client population. It will deliver services for the public within sustainable levels of expenditure and with the aim of achieving efficiencies through greater use of shared services. The processing of applications centrally will result in the application of a more consistent and transparent approach. There will be no adverse impact on patient care or the quality of service provided, and there will be no adverse affect on the assessment of people whose incomes exceed the income guidelines but who have a case to be considered on medical or hardship grounds.

Under the new arrangements, the HSE will be aiming for a turnaround time of 15 days or less for all applications. Emergency applications will be dealt with immediately, with a card issuing within 24 hours.

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