Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 442: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her views on the proposal of the Health Service Executive to centralise the processing of all applications for medical cards; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there is a concern that such centralisation depersonalises the process and removes flexibility and safeguards and the benefit from local knowledge and assistance provided by health staff and others; her further views on whether such centralisation will unnecessarily prolong determination of applications for medical cards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31004/09]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 501: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her role in the decision to centralise the processing of applications for medical cards; the discussions with the Health Service Executive she has had on this matter; if she will reverse this decision in view of the disruptive consequences of such centralisation for medical card applicants and HSE staff; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31600/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 442 and 501 together.

Up to the start of this year, medical card and GP visit card applications were processed in the Health Service Executive's (HSE's) 32 local health areas. However, under the HSE's 2009 Service Plan, the processing of all medical card and GP visit card applications will transfer to the Executive's Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS) in Dublin. The change is being implemented on a phased basis and has commenced with the PCRS processing all medical card applications for persons aged 70 or over. The phased implementation will allow the situation to be continuously monitored and, if required, modified to address any issues arising.

The HSE has advised my Department that there are no plans to close any of the local health offices and these offices will continue to deal with queries of a general nature about the medical card scheme and will provide any assistance needed with the application process. However, the process will involve a reassignment of existing human resources within the HSE to other critical frontline services and the Executive is working through the formal process with the trade union involved. This flexibility by public service workers is essential in the context of the current economic environment.

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. Applications from people whose income exceeds the income guidelines but have a case to be considered on medical or hardship grounds will also be processed by the PCRS.

I fully support the HSE's decision to centralise the medical card and GP visit card application and review process to one location. The HSE has advised that when fully implemented, this measure will ensure:

Improved turnaround time for the processing of applications;

Equitable application of eligibility across the country;

Consistency of service provision to customers;

Clearer lines of governance and accountability; and

Improved unified data.

The HSE has also indicated that this project, while realising health sector efficiencies and savings, will not have an adverse affect on patient care or the quality of service provided. This project is an example of the type of innovation signalled in the Transforming Public Services Programme announced by the Taoiseach last November. It demonstrates how improved services can be delivered within the more limited resources available in a way which meets the needs of citizens in a modern society.