General Practitioners can now refer their patients to consultants using a new electronic system instead of sending a traditional letter or fax.
The system has been developed to ensure faster and more efficient referrals.
It is also intended to prevent a repeat of the scandal at Tallaght Hospital in 2010 when it was discovered that thousands of GP referral letters for orthopaedic surgery had not been processed.
The new national electronic referral system has been developed by the National Cancer Control Programme and the Irish College of General Practitioners.
The first stage of the electronic referral system is now up and running for those needing referrals for suspected breast, lung and prostate cancer.
The Health Service Executive is using this first roll out to develop a universal system for all GP referrals.
Both GPs and consultants have welcomed the online referral system, as it is quick, efficient and easy to use while offering peace of mind for patients and doctors that the referral has been processed.
Once the GP fills out the form at their surgery and submits it to the consultant, they will receive an automatic receipt.
The consultant then reads and assesses the referral and must send back an appointment letter within five days.
Patients who are suspected of having cancer are then supposed to be seen at the rapid access cancer clinics within two weeks.
Currently over 80% of the country's general practices are computerised and have access to an online patient management system.
The Tallaght scandal in 2010 highlighted the potential problems with paper referrals.
Dr Maurice Hayes conducted a review of practices at Tallaght Hospital in 2010 and discovered the system of "queuing to queue" and referral letters stored in cardboard boxes.
One of his recommendations involved developing an electronic referral system.
