Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 19 Feb 1998

Vol. 487 No. 5

Written Answers - Health Services.

Gay Mitchell

Question:

107 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will ensure that an ambulance or adequate alternative transport is made available to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 who needs to travel to hospital to receive treatment on a regular basis but who has been refused transport because he apparently lives in the wrong catchment area. [4485/98]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

The provision of a transport service for patients to and from hospitals is a matter for each individual health board in the first instance. This service is provided by health boards either directly or on a contract basis depending on local needs and circumstances.

The relevant provisions of the Health Act, 1970 provide that health boards make whatever arrangements are considered necessary for the transport of patients. In making such arrangements, health boards have regard to the circumstances of the person concerned, the resources available to the boards and the many competing demands being made on these resources.

I have asked the chief executive officer of the Eastern Health Board to investigate the position in relation to this case and to reply to the Deputy directly.