Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 138: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [5852/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 139: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the centralisation of medical card applications; the local Health Service Executive offices that are still processing applications and the offices that have been centralised; if there is a timetable for centralisation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5855/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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I wrote to all Oireachtas members on 19th January 2010 regarding the Health Service Executive's decision to centralise the processing of all medical card applications and reviews and I outlined a range of measures being employed by the Executive to address issues arising from this initiative and I also referred to the various enhancements that this process will facilitate upon completion. In addition, my letter gave details of the two Local Health Offices (LHOs) that have already been centralised and referred to the HSE's intention to transfer the processing of medical card and GP visit card applications/reviews from all other LHOs in April this year. I am able to confirm to the Deputy that the information provided in my letter reflects the current position in this regard.

As the other aspect of the Deputy's question is an operational matter, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.