Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy English, for replying on behalf of the Minister for Health, Deputy Varadkar and I acknowledge the Minister sent his apologies for his absence this evening. In respect of the Minister of State's response, what I seek is an investigation into the primary care reimbursement service, PCRS, at this point in time. The major problem appears to be with the processing of applications, as applications either are not being received by the PCRS or are being received and basically are being kept in bags of mail or whatever. There is a black hole in the system at present and every single piece of paper sent in to the PCRS should be scanned, computerised and put onto a computer system. The age of manual systems is past, particularly in respect of information so sensitive as people's confidential bank details and medical records. All that information must be scanned and retained and huge efficiencies are required in the system, as it appears to be outdated.

There also is an issue regarding the processing of applications, in that different sections process different parts of the application form within the PCRS. Does the Minister of State agree that the entire system must be streamlined in order that one person will deal with one file from beginning to end? Recently, one of my constituents was informed that she needed to submit a new application to renew her medical card, whereas when I made a representation directly to the PCRS on her behalf, I was informed that her medical card was valid until the summer of 2015 and that she would not be obliged to renew it until then. Consequently, I obviously have major concerns about the integrity of the system when different messages are sent by different staff within the service. There also is a difficulty about delays in sending out information to constituents. Recently, a case was brought to my attention in which, although one is meant to have 21 days in which to appeal a medical card application decision, the person concerned had less than seven days in which to make an appeal because once the letter had been printed off, a delay arose in getting that letter signed and sent out. From my perspective and I am sure from those of others - Deputy Ellis may have the same experience - there are multiple problems within the system that must be investigated thoroughly. People's information is too confidential for it be lost. There appears to be a problem with the integrity of the system and I ask the Minister to investigate.

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