383 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason it takes many weeks for a medical card holder to have an eye test form stamped taking into account that one person was told that they would have to wait four to six weeks in County Mayo as they were too busy in the Health Service Executive office; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9545/07]

The ophthalmic scheme operated by the Health Service Executive, under Section 67 of the Health Act 1970, provides for a sight test and spectacles, free of charge, once every two years for adult medical card holders and dependants not covered by the relevant child health service.

As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for the provision of these services, it is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.