Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I understand that there will be pressures because of the unprecedented situation but there are also pressures for people trying to live in the areas and it is very difficult for international protection residents and Ukrainians who are coming here. A basic thing like a PPS number allows them to get a medical card and GP services in an area. This is very basic and nobody should end up in an area who does not have a PPS number. Surely, with computerisation and everything else, PPS numbers can be issued to people reasonably quickly. I received a response back from the HSE saying that it expects that it could take months before a PPS number will be registered and given to these people, which means that it could take months before they can apply for a medical card. When they apply for a medical card it may then, equally, take months before that medical card will be granted. That is untidy and should not be happening. I know that there are difficulties but I do not believe that those things should be presenting difficulties. I thank the Minister.

See this speech in context