Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 832: To ask the Minister for Health the reason a cancer patient (details supplied) in County Cork who made an application for a medical card in July and having supplied all the necessary information and had receipt of the paperwork confirmed by phone, has been asked for the fourth time to submit the same paperwork that was given on three previous occasions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40867/11]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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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.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 833: To ask the Minister for Health if he is satisfied that the new centralised medical card application service is providing an efficient service to the people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40874/11]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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The Health Service Executive centralised the processing of all new medical card applications and renewals at the Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS) with effect from 1st July 2011.

The Executive has stated that completed medical card applications are processed within 15 working days. Delays occur where applications are submitted without the supporting documentation necessary to complete the processing of the application. e PCRS currently processes and issues approximately 15,000 medical cards each week. Over 85% of complete applications are processed within 15 working days and PCRS are working to achieve the goal of processing all complete applications within 15 working days. The scale of the project by its nature means that confusion can arise from time to time in the early stages. As such issues arise they are dealt with as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, such issues can cause delays in the processing of some applications. I have raised this issue directly with the PCRS and I expressed my dissatisfaction that such delays have occurred. However, I understand that every effort is being made to accommodate applicants and to minimise delays.

John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 834: To ask the Minister for Health if a medical card application now under appeal will be expedited and approved in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [40882/11]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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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.

Michelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 835: To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; when a decision may be expected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40897/11]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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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.