Vol. 457 No. 7
125 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is no appeal of medical decision within the subvention regulations until six months after the initial examination of the patient; and if he will review this restriction with a view to allowing an immediate appeal. [16259/95]
Limerick East): There is no formal appeal against the assessment of dependency of applicants for nursing home subvention, the assessment being a clinical one carried out by health professionals. However, my Department has advised health boards to make arrangements to review assessments of dependency by a third party where problems are raised.
A health board may review the dependency, means and circumstances of a person in receipt of a subvention at six monthly intervals. However, a review may also be carried out in less than six months if the board is of the opinion that a major change has occurred in the dependency, means or circumstances of the person in receipt of subvention.
126 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to reports which suggest that the Weir House in Cork Street, Dublin, currently used for the accommodation of a number of adult mentally handicapped males, is to be transformed into a drugs detoxification centre; whether or not these reports are factual; the plans, if any, there are to move these residents and their families; if so, the location to which they will be moved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16313/95]
Limerick East): As the Deputy will be aware, the provision of health services is a matter for the Eastern Health Board in the first instance.
