Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 968: To ask the Minister for Health his views on the recent reports that state that the average length of time to process a medical card is 90 days; his views on whether this is an acceptable time for persons to wait for a medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1389/12]

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. The 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.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 969: To ask the Minister for Health his views on the processing of medical cards (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1395/12]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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I have asked the Health Service Executive for a report on the issue raised by the Deputy. I will revert to the Deputy on the matter as soon as possible.