Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)

Apart from the changes I outlined, an additional 20 staff were made available to the PCRS to bring it to its full complement of 150.

Members should be aware of the important provision that if a person engages with the HSE on the renewal process, he or she will not lose eligibility during that period. We are seeking to explain clearly that there will be no question of eligibility being withdrawn during the renewal process until such time as a decision is taken. I am requesting the HSE to produce an information sheet for Members, GPs, pharmacists and citizens information centres to bring people up to date on the current policy. I hope we will start to see improvements in the processing of medical cards as a result of these changes.

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