My constituency office in Donegal is inundated with calls from anxious people who have had to apply for or renew medical cards. With the systems down due to the cyberattack, it is very frustrating and worrying for people, and they are not even applying for medical cards.

As a GP, the Tánaiste will be aware that there is a facility available through GP surgeries to issue medical cards in emergency circumstances. Many GPs are not aware of that and my office has to tell them they can do it. I would ask the Tánaiste and the Government to ensure that GPs are reminded of this service, that they provide it, and ensure that pharmacies are notified so that people can get medication without having to worry too much about it.

I thank the Deputy. I will certainly mention that to the Minister, Deputy Stephen Donnelly. We are aware of problems, obviously related to the cyberattack, that have caused delays in processing medical cards. As the Deputy rightly states, it is possible for GPs to issue emergency medical cards. It is not something we particularly encourage, by the way, but sometimes it is necessary. This is one of those times where, I think, it is necessary. Perhaps we can send out a circular to GPs reminding them of that process and letting them know that it can be done in extreme circumstances such as this.