Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 310: To ask the Minister for Health the number of persons with diabetes that are expected to benefit from his decision to grant free access to general practitioner services to persons on the long-term illness scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40462/11]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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There are approximately 35,500 persons with diabetes that receive medicines under the Long Term Illness Scheme.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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Question 311: To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that parliamentary questions on medical cards for constituents are not always responded to by the Health Service Executive; the procedures he has put in place to ensure a full and proper response to members questions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40479/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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To streamline the processing of medical cards the HSE implemented its decision to centralise the processing of all new applications and renewals of medical cards at the Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS) in Dublin from the 1st of July this year.

After the centralisation of the service PCRS reported that they were receiving approximately 20,000 applications a week. PCRS estimate that 80% of complete applications are processed within 15 working days.

In June of this year PCRS circulated an information bulletin to all Oireachtas members. As part of the bulletin members were provided with details of how information on medical cards could be obtained outside of the PQ process. The information provided included: PCRS contact names; a dedicated phone number; a dedicated fax number; and a dedicated email address; and details on how to access information through the online enquiry form www.medicalcard.ie.

Providing the above service does not lessen the HSEs requirement to respond in a timely manner to Parliamentary Questions. The Executive is very aware of its obligations in this regard and attempts to answer all questions referred to it as quickly as possible. There is regular liaison between my Department and the HSE on this matter.

If the Deputy has queries in respect of specific Parliamentary Questions on medical cards I would ask that he provide me with the details and I will follow it up with the HSE.