Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

493. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if he will make illness benefit MC1 applications available online; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12964/17]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The current IT systems which administer the Illness Benefit schemes are being modernized. A key part of this project is the overhaul of medical certification. A new A4 sized certificate is being designed which will allow GPs give a wider range of diagnoses in line with the WHO international standard of classification – ICD10. The new certificate will also give GPs greater flexibility on durations of certification. The new certificate will be scannable which will automatically generate payments to customers and GPs.

Separately a process is underway with the HSE to explore the possibility of leveraging new developments in GP IT practice systems to incorporate medical certification for my Department. Talks are at an early stage but I am hopeful of a successful outcome. New developments, both paper and electronic, are due to go live in Q1 2018.