Medical Aids and Appliances.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 March 2005

Tuesday, 8 March 2005

Questions (164)

Paul Connaughton

Question:

199 Mr. Connaughton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason the western region of the Health Service Executive has been unable to financially assist a person (details supplied) in County Galway concerning a blood circulation appliance; if similar patients in counties Mayo and Roscommon are treated differently; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that if this appliance were not made available at home the patient would have to be hospitalised at great cost to the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7725/05]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the provision of services for residents of County Galway. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's western area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.