Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 436: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if there is a facility for Houses of the Oireachtas Members to access information through a direct line to obtain information on medical card entitlements for persons over 70 years of age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38087/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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The Health Service Executive (HSE) has the operational responsibility for the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme. Up to the start of this year, medical card and GP visit card applications were processed in the 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 PCRS is committed to responding to all queries from Oireachtas members and the wider public. Its phone number is 01-8647100. I have conveyed the Deputy's suggestion regarding a dedicated line for Oireachtas Members' queries relating to medical card entitlements for persons aged 70 and over to the HSE for consideration.