Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 409: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the reason the SWAHB are at odds with Government policy in regard to decentralisation by the altering of their previous decision to relocate the medical card sector from Athy Health Centre to Poplar House, Naas, County Kildare, the location at which it was originally situated; the reason this decision was made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5020/04]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I have had inquiries made of the South Western Area Health Board, SWAHB, and understand that a decision was made in January 2004 to return medical care processing services to one central location, Poplar House, headquarters of community care Kildare-west Wicklow. I understand from the SWAHB that the decision was taken due to difficulties experienced over the past few years in regard to the operation of the scheme at local level and the need to provide consistent high quality service to the public.

The SWAHB has assured me that the centralisation of this service will achieve a high quality service provision in Kildare-west Wicklow with all clients files available in one central location, prompt processing and output of applications as well as easy access for appeal cases. I understand clients can still get medical card application forms and return medical card application forms to the local health centre. They can also access advice, etc. on medical card application through the local health centre there. The only difference will be, the processing of the medical card application will be done in Poplar House.