Vol. 553 No. 2
454 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the reductions in funding for care assistants which prevent young people with an intellectual disability from participating in sporting events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13709/02]
Additional funding has been provided annually in recent years to meet identified needs in existing services and for new service developments. Responsibility for the provision of services for persons with an intellectual disability and those with autism in the north eastern region rests with the North-Eastern Health Board. My Department has therefore asked the chief executive officer to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and reply to him directly.
455 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Health and Children the exact entitlements in respect of health services of refugees and asylum seekers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13790/02]
The healthcare of immigrants is addressed in the context of general arrangements governing eligibility for public health services. Under the Health Act, 1970, entitlement to health services is primarily based on residence and means. Any person, regardless of nationality, who is accepted by the health boards as being ordinarily resident in Ireland is entitled to either full eligibility, category 1, or limited eligibility, category 2, for health services. Health boards normally regard a person as ordinarily resident in Ireland if he or she satisfies the health board that it is his or her intention to remain in Ireland for a minimum period of one year.
Persons in category 1 are medical card holders and they are entitled to a full range of services including general practitioners services, prescribed drugs and medicines, all in-patient public hospital services in public wards including consultant services, all out-patient public hospital services including consultant services, dental, ophthalmic and aural services and appliances and a maternity and infant care service.
Persons in category 2 – non-medical card holders – are entitled, subject to certain charges, to all in-patient public hospital services in public wards including consultant services and out-patient public hospital services including consultant services. Dental and routine ophthalmic and aural services are excluded from out-patient services available. However, such treatment is provided to children who have been referred from a child health clinic or a school health examination.
