At present medical card applications for people across North Cork, who are under-70, are processed in Mallow but under HSE plans, these applications will soon be dealt with by the Primary

Care Reimbursement Service in Dublin. Deputy Sherlock described the move as "unacceptable" and "a cause of major concern" for workers employed at the Mallow processing office.

"These workers fear they will forced to move or worse still lose their jobs if and when the proposed centralisation scheme gets underway. We have heard nothing for years but plans for decentralisation now we see the very opposite by happening with this attempt to centralise services in Dublin. The HSE must maintain these services at local level and maintain existing jobs,

"As it stands local staff know the geography of the area and are willing to discuss applications with the applicants. The form is very extensive and as such can prove very confusing for people. The facility is currently there for them to go in to the Mallow office and staff will go through it with them. There is a vital human touch that will be lost should this move go ahead," said Deputy Sherlock.

The Labour TD said his concerns are further compounded by the fact that those over 70 who have applied for a medical card are finding it impossible to get through to the Dublin office.

"I know of many people who simply cannot get through by phone to follow-up on their cards which have been renewed in time which is very distressing for them," he added.