Health Board Services.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 May 2004

Wednesday, 12 May 2004

Questions (131, 132, 133)

John McGuinness

Question:

151 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will immediately reverse the decision of the SEHB not to pay enhanced subvention of €76.90 in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny in view of the hardship of the case and the general circumstances of the person and their family; if a response to the query will be expedited; the reason Question No. 536 of 27 April 2004 alerting the SEHB to the problem has not been answered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13731/04]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. Callely)

I wish to thank Deputy McGuinness for bringing this matter to my attention. I regret to learn that the South Eastern Health Board has not responded to Question No. 536 of 27 April 2004 to date.

Given the position outlined by Deputy McGuinness, I am arranging to have the matter prioritised and as the provision of health services in the Kilkenny area is, in the first instance, the responsibility of the South Eastern Health Board, my Department has asked the chief executive of the board to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and reply direct to him as a matter of urgency.

John McGuinness

Question:

152 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the action he is taking to provide proper accommodation and home aids for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if a response in the case will be expedited. [13732/04]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. T. O’Malley)

The provision of accommodation for persons with a physical or sensory disability is appropriate for the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The provision of aids and appliances including home aids is a matter for the relevant health board. Accordingly, the Deputy's question has been referred to the CEO of the South Eastern Health Board with a request that he examine the matter and reply directly to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.

Dan Neville

Question:

153 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children the new services to be provided by the Southern Health Board in view of increased spending on suicide prevention and research of €825,000 in the area. [13733/04]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. T. O’Malley)

Responsibility for the provision of services referred to by the Deputy rests with the Southern Health Board. My Department has therefore asked the CEO to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and reply to him directly.