Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 171: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if staffing allocation levels at the primary care reimbursement service have changed in view of recent plans to centralise the PCRS review of medical cards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16176/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Under the Health Service Executive's (HSE) 2009 Service Plan it has been agreed that the processing of medical card applications will be centralised and will transfer to the Executive's Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS) in Dublin. The change is being implemented on a phased basis and is designed to deliver a better and more cost effective service.

The Executive reports that there are no plans to close any of local offices that currently process medical card applications and there have been no changes to the staffing allocation levels at the PCRS. However, the process will involve a reassignment of existing human resources within the HSE. Under the new arrangements, the HSE will be aiming for a turnaround time of 15 days or less for all medical card applications. Emergency applications will be dealt with immediately with a card issuing within 24 hours. There will be no affect on the assessment of people whose income exceeds the income guidelines but have a case to be considered on medical or hardship grounds.

Local Health Offices will continue to provide advice and necessary supports to people applying for medical cards. They will also deal with queries of a general nature about the medical card scheme and, along with the HSE National Helpline (1850 24 1850), will handle inquiries from clients in respect of their medical card entitlements. The new arrangements will also deliver significant efficiencies by making greater use of shared services for both internal administration and direct service delivery.

This is a good example of the type of innovation signalled in the Transforming Public Services Programme announced by the Taoiseach last November. It demonstrates how the HSE can deliver improved services within the more limited resources available in a way which meets the needs of citizens in a modern society.