Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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Question 271: To ask the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 669 of 24 January 2012, the plans he has to address the situation where medical cards cannot be extended by general practitioners despite persons having returned their application for renewal as the information is waiting to be put up on the system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22294/12]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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In the vast majority of cases, the renewal of a medical card by a GP is not necessary as the Primary Care Reimbursement Service is currently dealing with new applications and renewals in a speedy manner. Renewal notices are issued 3 months before a medical card expires and in the case of most persons who return completed applications their renewals are completed within 15 working days. The latest information from the PCRS indicates that 93% of complete medical card applications are processed within 15 working days.

A medical card holder who genuinely engages with the review of their medical card will not have their entitlement withdrawn before that review is complete. This period of continued eligibility is further extended if the person appeals the non-renewal of a card or the granting of a GP visit card. To avoid a situation where eligibility ceases because the client was unable to respond to a renewal notice, an additional safeguard is now present in that a GP can, where appropriate, extend eligibility to allow the medical card holder a further opportunity to engage with the review process.

John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 272: To ask the Minister for Health if an application for a medical card now under appeal will be expedited and approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow [22299/12]

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.