Written Answers Nos. 173-180
173. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine the position regarding stocking density in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41168/12]
View answerThe person concerned is an applicant under the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme. This applicant is one of a number, whose cases had been impacted by a requirement of a minimum stocking density of 0.3 livestock units per forage hectare in 2011 and who had applied for a derogation in this regard. My Department has recently advised the person concerned that this application has been successful.
Accordingly, the application concerned can now be progressed, and payment will be made as soon as possible, subject to final verification of compliance with the remaining Terms and Conditions applicable to the 2012 Scheme.
174. Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to address the issue of adoption by couples in a civil partnership, in view of the forthcoming children's rights referendum and adoption legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41094/12]
View answerThe proposed legislation deals specifically with adoption issues that will arise should the 31st Amendment to the Constitution be passed. Neither the proposed constitutional amendment or subsequent legislation seek to change current definitions or provisions relating to the family.
175. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she has had any discussions with the Irish Adoption Rights Alliance regarding an inquiry into thousands of Irish children who were sent abroad to the US for adoption in the 1950s and 1960s; if she has had any discussions with the Department of Justice on this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41119/12]
View answerI last met with the Irish Adoption Rights Alliance on 19th October 2011. I have not received any proposals regarding an inquiry.
176. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the roll out of free general practitioner care; the expected date for the roll out of free GP care to those with long term illnesses; the way these delays will impact upon the delivery of universal primary care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41084/12]
View answerThe Programme for Government committed to reforming the current public health system by introducing universal GP care without fees within the first term of office of this Government. Primary legislation is required to give effect to this commitment.
In April, the Government authorised the Department of Health to prepare a general scheme of a Bill in line with commitment in the Programme for Government. In July, the Government approved the general scheme of a Bill that will enable me to make regulations to extend access to GP services without fees to persons with prescribed illnesses.
The Department is currently working with the Office of the Attorney General on preparing the legislation which I expect will be published during the current session.
After the legislation has been enacted, the details of the new arrangements will be announced.
177. Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Health when the hot meal service will be restored for Dunshaughlin Day Hospital, County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41033/12]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
178. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Health his views on hospital and State funded medical laboratories issuing phlebotomy service results by electronic format, rather than by post, to general practitioner surgeries as a cost saving measure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41038/12]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
179. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the dental treatments that are covered by the medical card when the person is under 16 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41040/12]
View answerDental services to children up to 16 years are provided by the Public Dental Service of the HSE. The service is targeted at children at key stages in their development. Children are given dental examinations and any follow-up treatment required at these stages. When required, emergency dental treatment is available to all children up to 16 years. In addition, the HSE provides orthodontic treatment based on clinical need to those who have been assessed and referred for treatment before their 16th birthday.
180. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health when dental treatment that will be provided to a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41041/12]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
