Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 July 2008
183 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of new primary care centres, that is, general practitioner and other services delivered in one location or premises, provided in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28864/08]
View answer184 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of new primary care teams, that is, general practitioner and other services delivered in a coordinated manner but not from one premises, provided in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28865/08]
View answer185 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of primary health centres developed in socially deprived areas since June 2007 to date in 2008. [28866/08]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 183 to 185, inclusive, together.
Under the Health Act 2004, the management and delivery of health and personal social services is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive. This includes operational responsibility for the establishment of Primary Care Teams. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matters raised by the Deputy investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.
186 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if her Department has assessed the effects on patient care of the dispute between the Health Service Executive and the Irish Dental Association; the progress in resolving this dispute and in ensuring the full delivery of all services under the dental treatment services scheme; if officials in her Department and the Attorney General have completed the work as advised in Question No. 446 of 30 January 2008; if they have clarified the way forward; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28867/08]
View answerThe HSE, which has operational responsibility for the delivery of services under the DTSS, is continuing to monitor the situation arising from the withdrawal of approximately 190 contractors out of a total of approximately 1,400 who provide services under the scheme. I understand that over 70 new contractors have joined the scheme in the intervening period. Officials in my Department are continuing to work with the Attorney General's office to find a way forward in regard to the issues which have arisen under the Competition Act 2002.
