Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent)
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Question 11: To ask the Minister for Health his staffing plans for opening the Primary Care Reimbursement Service in Finglas, Dublin 11, to ensure speedy processing of medical cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17868/11]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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The Health Service Executive's decision to centralise the processing of medical card applications and renewals at the Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS) in Finglas, Dublin is aimed at providing a more efficient and consistent quality of service to members of the general public. The PCRS started processing medical card applications in January 2009 and has gradually expanded its role since then. In addition, its on-line medical card service is increasingly being used for processing of applications. Under the new arrangements, staff in local health offices will continue to provide information and assistance to individuals in relation to applications and renewals of medical cards. Almost 90 staff have moved to the PCRS to cope with the increasing workload and the HSE is now using redeployment, under the parameters of the Public Service Agreement, to increase the number to 150. The previous system of locally based processing required some 400 staff and the balance will be freed up for redeployment to key frontline services around the country.

I have expressed concern to the HSE that the full complement of staff should be in place before full centralisation takes place.