Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)

This is a very serious issue. The transfer of services from HSE offices throughout the country, including Roscommon and Leitrim will have an impact on local HSE services and staff.

The drugs payment, hardship medication, long-term illness and dental treatment schemes and the blind welfare and mobility allowances will be processed in the primary care reimbursement services offices in Dublin. We are all well aware of the confusion and disarray caused by the transfer of the over 70s GMS cards to these offices.

Decentralisation worked very well in this case. I cannot believe the Minister is undermining an excellent service and a source of employment in provincial towns. The staff of these offices are critically aware of the needs of the people in their counties. I am sick and tired of telephoning centralised Departments, being asked to press buttons 1, 2 and 3 and having to listen to songs on the telephone, which I do not have time for. Sometimes one's call is not even answered by these offices. A colleague of mine complained to me today about this very situation. The staff in centralised offices have no affinity with local areas and are far too busy.

Offices should be situated in the counties and constituencies they serve. I would like to hear the Minister's response on this matter.

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