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Tuesday, 16 Apr 2013

Written Answers Nos. 1124-1145

Newborn Screening Cards

Questions (1124, 1171)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

1124. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health if he will consider extending the deadline of 31 March 2013 for the public to consent to their records or those of their children being kept regarding Guthrie screening cards between 1984 and 2002 under the the national newborn bloodspot screening programme, and if he will consider creating a public awareness campaign on the issue [16046/13]

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Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

1171. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health his position in relation to the retention of newborn screening cards for children born from 1984 to 2011 in view of the recent decision to stop the immediate destruction of this information; and if he will outline his proposals to retain this valuable source of medical information [16394/13]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1124 and 1171 together.

I have requested that the HSE hold off on the destruction of the (so called) Guthrie Cards, cards which contain blood samples from children born in Ireland dating back to 1984. I have asked for the delay amid concern over the effectiveness of a communication campaign to alert the general public to the issue. I have asked that the delay give time for an expert group to consider the matter further.

The newborn screening cards taken between 1984 and 2002, which contain blood samples from children born in Ireland, were retained without the informed consent of the parents or guardians of the children. There is no written consent from parents for the retention or use of these newborn screening cards taken between 1984 and 2002 for research, or other, purposes.

The Data Protection Commissioner had ruled that the cards should be destroyed by the HSE to comply with a ruling from the Data Protection Commissioner that the indefinite retention of newborn screening cards breached the Data Protection Acts 1998 and 2003.

The HSE has been running a campaign to allow parents of children born between 1984 and 2002 who wish to donate their child’s newborn screening card for research to have the card returned to them. They can then donate them for research purposes.

In the wake of mounting concern from a range of respected bodies about the potential value into the future of the loss of the material, and in the context of low public awareness of the issue, I have requested that no destruction of the cards begins pending legal advice from the Attorney General and before an expert group has had an opportunity to consider the matter further.

Medical Card Applications

Questions (1125)

John O'Mahony

Question:

1125. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has been refused a medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16047/13]

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Written answers

The Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.

The Health Service Executive operates the General Medical Services scheme, which includes medical cards and GP visit cards, under the Health Act 1970, as amended. It has established a dedicated contact service for members of the Oireachtas specifically for queries relating to medical cards and GP visit cards, which the Deputy may wish to use for an earlier response. Contact information has recently reissued to Oireachtas members.

EU Directives

Questions (1126, 1127)

Robert Troy

Question:

1126. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health following the consultation on the draft European tobacco directive which was concluded on 16 January 2013 and you confirmed on 5 March 2013 that 6,400 responses were received and you also confirmed that the results of the public consultation and consultations with other Government Departments will feed into the discussions which are taking place with all member states of the EU at the European Council's working party on public health which is chaired by Ireland during the Irish Presidency, the number of meetings of the working party on public health that have taken place where the draft tobacco directive was discussed since 16 January 2013; the number of the 6,400 submissions that supported a minimum pack size on 40 g for rolling tobacco; the number of the 6,400 submissions that supported extending the picture health warning to 75% of the pack; the number of the 6,400 submissions that supported the introduction of plain packaging of tobacco products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16052/13]

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Robert Troy

Question:

1127. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health in view of the fact that all Government Departments are mandated to conduct a regulatory impact analysis to objectively look at legislative proposals and examine the reasons for it, the alternatives to it, the costs and the benefits; if a regulatory impact assessment was conducted by his Department in relation to the draft tobacco products directive and the date on which this was this completed; if he will confirm what the findings of the impact assessment were in relation to jobs at a legitimate tobacco manufacturing facility in Mullingar, County Westmeath, which employs 100 people; if he will also confirm if the impact on smuggling and illegal selling of tobacco was taken into account in the regulatory impact assessment [16053/13]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1126 and 1127 together.

Last December, the European Commission published a proposal for a new EU Tobacco Products Directive, the ultimate purpose of which is to reduce the numbers of people smoking. The proposal was published following extensive consultation of stakeholders in an EU wide public consultation which generated 85,000 responses. The proposal is being discussed by the European Parliament and Council of Ministers and the Commission has expressed the hope that it will be adopted by the European Parliament and Council in 2014. The Public Health Working Party has met seven times to discuss the Tobacco Products Directive. These meetings are ongoing and will continue throughout the Irish Presidency.

My Department has not conducted a Regulatory Impact Assessment on the proposal to date. An Impact Assessment was conducted by the European Commission, which involved extensive public and targeted stakeholders' consultations. The Impact Assessment also considered a number of external studies, opinions from the Commission's independent Scientific Committee (SCENIHR) and Eurobarometer surveys. The Impact Assessment is available at http://ec.europa.eu/health/tobacco/products/revision/index_en.htm.

As the Deputy is aware, my Department held a public consultation following the publication of the proposal. The analysis of the submissions received is ongoing.

Assisted Human Reproduction

Questions (1128)

Terence Flanagan

Question:

1128. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) in County Dublin regarding assisted human reproduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16042/13]

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Written answers

I am currently considering policy proposals on the regulation of Assisted Human Reproduction and related matters, including surrogacy. These policy proposals have not yet been submitted to Government.

Health Information

Questions (1129, 1150)

Terence Flanagan

Question:

1129. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health the steps he will take to ensure that only appropriate content is put up on the website spunout.ie in future and if he will advise as to the funding that has been provided to this organisation over the past five years (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16074/13]

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Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

1150. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health in view of the fact that State funding for the Health Service Executive ultimately is his responsibility, if he will explain at a time when persons are waiting on trolleys and thousands of persons are waiting for necessary procedures to be carried out each week, the reason the State is funding a website - spunout.ie - at a cost of €250,000 per year; his views on whether this is necessary and sensible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16271/13]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1129 and 1150 together.

The HSE funds external organisations such as SpunOut.ie to provide health information and support services signposting for 16-25 year olds on a wide range of health issues. These include mental health, obesity, tobacco, alcohol, suicide awareness and sexual health. The priority is to promote health and well-being and empower young people to make informed health choices to reduce demand on acute health services.

SpunOut.ie actively engages with the online community of young people to promote the health information and advice services on the site. In 2012, Spunout.ie had 1,087,442 site visits, averaging 2,979 visits per day. 46% of site visitors accessed the Health and Life section, 35% accessed the Find Help section. SpunOut also delivered a series of awareness and action campaigns engaging young people on topics such as positive mental health, cyber bullying and safe sex.

The HSE has assured me that they have requested that SpunOut review the content of their material and to ensure that systems are in place to guarantee that this process is rigorously applied to all content on the website. SpunOut has also been asked to provide a time-frame for all existing published site content, including the article on “threesomes” in question, to go through the revised content validation process. It should be noted that the original content of this article, was not submitted to HSE for review or approval prior to publication, however this has now been reviewed and validated. The HSE will also strengthen reporting requirements in relation to content generation, editorial and validation activity in relation to all Health topics on the site.

SpunOut.ie is co-funded by the National Office for Health Promotion and the National Office for Suicide Prevention. Details of funding for the last 5 years are as follows.

2008 : €165,000

2009 : €140,000

2010 : €133,000

2011 ; €130,300

2012 : €130,300

Hospital Facilities

Questions (1130)

Sandra McLellan

Question:

1130. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Health the reason there is no helipad at Cork University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16076/13]

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Written answers

In relation to the particular query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in this matter.

Health Services Staff Data

Questions (1131)

Billy Kelleher

Question:

1131. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the Health Service Executive regional service plan 2013; if it is practical from a service point of view to have one Director of Nursing over eight units in West Cork stretching from Kinsale to Castletownbere; if he will explain the way this proposal can deliver a better service to older people in this region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16077/13]

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Written answers

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Health Services Provision

Questions (1132)

Gerald Nash

Question:

1132. Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Health the number of methadone dispensing level 2 general practitioners across the country, broken down by Health Service Executive region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16108/13]

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Written answers

There are a total of 67 methadone dispensing Level 2 General Practitioners operating across the country. The breakdown by HSE region is as follows:

HSE Dublin Mid Leinster - 41

HSE Dublin North East - 24

HSE West - 1

HSE South -1

A total of 9,455 people were recorded as being in receipt of methadone maintenance on the Central Treatment List at the end of February 2013. Of these 5,955 people had their methadone dispensed by pharmacists in the community rather than in specialist addiction clinics. The total number of GPs and pharmacies involved in providing methadone maintenance were 310 and 552 respectively.

Health Services Provision

Questions (1133)

Gerald Nash

Question:

1133. Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Health if he will provide information in relation to the most up to date figures regarding waiting lists for methadone clinics; if he will provide figures in relation to the average number of months involved in waiting to access a service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16109/13]

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Written answers

The information sought by the Deputy is not readily available. However I have asked the Health Service Executive to supply this information to me and I will forward it to the Deputy as soon as it is available.

Health Services Staff Recruitment

Questions (1134)

Billy Kelleher

Question:

1134. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the reason the following medical positions have not been filled at Sligo General Hospital, dermatology, urology diabetics and epilepsy along with six other positions; if he will restore the sum of €1.2 million allocated in budget 2013 and subsequently withdrawn; if he will implement these posts as a priority for the north west; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16110/13]

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Written answers

The Government has decided that the numbers employed across the public service must be reduced in order to meet its fiscal and budgetary targets. The Health Sector must make its contribution to that reduction. However, the HSE can make staff appointments once it remains within its overall employment ceiling and has the financial resources to do so.

In relation to the particular query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy.

Cancer Screening Programmes

Questions (1135)

Nicky McFadden

Question:

1135. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Health the hospitals in which the Oncotype DX test is available for patients; if he will outline the benefits of this test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16129/13]

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Written answers

Oncotype DX is a laboratory test indicated for women for node negative, hormone receptor positive and HER 2 Neu negative invasive breast cancer. The test provides a risk score that helps determine whether a woman should proceed with chemotherapy in addition to hormone therapy. The clinical data published for the use of this test has indicated that up to 30% of women who would otherwise have received chemotherapy will now be considered as low risk and as a result will be spared the toxicity and long term side effects of treatment.

The HSE National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) requires that the test be confined to a clearly defined population of node negative breast cancer patients who have had their treatment plan and suitability for chemotherapy and testing confirmed at one of the designated cancer centres (including the satellite at Letterkenny General Hospital).

The test is currently available for eligible patients who have been reviewed at a multi-disciplinary meeting (MDT) in the designated cancer centres. However testing is provided in any public unit once the patient has been discussed at MDT and has fulfilled the clinical criteria outlined in the guidelines developed as part of the approval process.

Services for People with Disabilities

Questions (1136)

Nicky McFadden

Question:

1136. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Health the measures that have been taken by his Department to constructively engage with groups representing persons with disabilities and to communicate on issues affecting persons with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16131/13]

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Written answers

Under the procedures agreed by the National Disability Strategy Implementation Group, there is an onus on all Government Departments to consult with disability stakeholders in developing their Disability Strategy Implementation Plans. The Department of Health met with the Disability Stakeholder Group and engaged in wide-ranging discussions on the draft contents of its Plan on the 11 April 2013.

In addition, the Department of Health is currently in the process of reconstituting its Disability Advisory Group, which will be made up of representatives from Government Departments and the Disability Sector. The Department is also involved in a number of cross departmental and cross sectoral groups which involve consultation with the Disability sector; including the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government's Implementation Monitoring Group for the National Housing Strategy for people with a disability and the Health Service Executive's National Consultative Forum on Disability.

Nursing Homes Support Scheme Applications

Questions (1137)

Robert Troy

Question:

1137. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the reason applicants, who have been both medically approved and satisfy means testing, are experiencing a four to five week delay before the fair deal scheme commences. [16141/13]

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Written answers

According to the HSE's Performance Report for December 2012 (the most recent available), 100% of complete NHSS applications were processed within four weeks. An application is complete when the Nursing Home Support Office has received all of the necessary documentation and information required to make a determination. This includes documentary evidence of all income and assets as well as documentation regarding title of any properties owned.

The HSE operates a national placement list to enable it to operate within the budget for the Scheme. Funding is currently being released on a weekly basis. At end of January it was taking an average of 34 days for funding to issue, from the date that the person's application was determined.

The 2013 Service Plan sets a target of 22,761 people to be in receipt of financial support at end-2013, compared to 22,065 at end-2012. Approvals will continue to be granted and the position will be kept under constant weekly review. The HSE is monitoring the Scheme on a weekly basis and has demonstrated its ability to manage this process effectively.

Thalidomide Victims Compensation

Questions (1138, 1141, 1176, 1182, 1183, 1191, 1214, 1215, 1295)

Eoghan Murphy

Question:

1138. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he has had any recent meetings with the Irish Thalidomide Association or the Irish Thalidomide Survivors Society and if he will provide an update of the outcomes of those meetings. [16146/13]

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Nicky McFadden

Question:

1141. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Health if he has met with the Irish Thalidomide Association and the Irish Thalidomide Survivors Society; if he will provide an update on those meetings; the progress being made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16180/13]

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Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

1176. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the date on which he will meet with the Irish Thalidomide Survivors' Society to discuss the needs of the 32 survivors for an open care package as in other countries; and if he will consider the German model of care and address the individual specific needs of the survivors. [16406/13]

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Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

1182. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health in respect of the Irish Thalidomide Survivor’s Society, if he will reinstate the previous commitments that were given in 1975 and guarantee this commitment on moral grounds; if he will meet with the group to discuss in depth precisely what his health care package entails; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16449/13]

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Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

1183. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health in respect of the Irish Thalidomide Survivor’s Society with regard to car adaptations, the proposals he has to deal with the small amount of people who actually need assistance with regard to car adaptations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16450/13]

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Finian McGrath

Question:

1191. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will meet with the Irish Thalidomide Survivors' Society as a matter of priority. [16494/13]

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Clare Daly

Question:

1214. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health if he will convene a meeting with the Department of Social Protection, the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government and the Thalidomide Survivors groups as a matter of urgency to prepare a comprehensive plan for the delivery of a care package for the 32 Thalidomide survivors which honours the commitment given to their parents in 1975. [16655/13]

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Clare Daly

Question:

1215. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that funds are ringfenced to meet the needs of the 32 Thalidomide survivors, including access to car and dwelling adapations, personal assistances, and any other measures necessary in a comprehensive care package. [16658/13]

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Willie Penrose

Question:

1295. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health the steps that are being taken to deliver upon the commitment in the programme for Government to ensure that justice is delivered in respect of survivors of thalidomide and thereby enable them to achieve access to the appropriate medical services and appropriate compensation in accordance with that to which all other citizens who suffer personal injury are entitled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17203/13]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1138, 1141, 1176, 1182, 1183, 1191, 1214, 1215 and 1295 together.

The Programme for Government includes a commitment to reopen discussions with Irish survivors of thalidomide. I met with both representative organisations in July 2011 and have been in correspondence since.

Given the challenges that persist for each individual, this Government's aim is to address the health and personal social care needs of thalidomide survivors living in Ireland. I have stated that I am willing to enter into discussions about a health care package on a non-statutory basis; an ex-gratia payment having regard to current financial circumstances; and a statement to the Dáil recognising the challenges faced by survivors.

The Irish Thalidomide Association announced publicly in 2012 that it had ceased talks with the Government. The Association's legal adviser has initiated personal injuries claims against the manufacturer and distributors of the Thalidomide drug and the State.

The Irish Thalidomide Survivors Society is seeking, amongst other things, an independent agency with ring-fenced funding to provide for a statutory package to provide for their needs including health and personal services, housing adaptations, heating, transport and clothing. I am not in a position to meet the demands of the Society. I would also point out that each Irish thalidomide survivor has a medical card and it is open to each individual to apply for the numerous public supports available to people with a disability provided by other Departments such as housing adaptation grants, disabled drivers tax concessions and disability allowance. However, I have asked the Society to consider, in good faith, proceeding with a Health Care Protocol which envisaged appointing and training a multi-disciplinary team, arranging a multi-disciplinary health evaluation, identifying and documenting their health care needs/issues and developing plans to address those needs. The Society are unwilling to proceed on that basis.

There are currently 32 Irish Thalidomide survivors. Each survivor received lump sum payments from a German Foundation and the Irish Government in the early 1970s. In 1975 the lump-sums paid by the Irish Government ranged from €6,400 to €21,000. In addition, each survivor receives on-going monthly payments from both the German Foundation and the Irish Government. Combining the Irish and German payments, most individuals receive over €2,500 per month, or €575 per week tax free.

Disabilities Services Funding

Questions (1139)

Nicky McFadden

Question:

1139. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Health if personal assistant services for persons with disabilities will be maintained at the same level as that provided in 2012; if he will outline in detail the way the additional funding of €4 million to address the service needs of school-leavers in 2013 is allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16147/13]

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Written answers

The Government and the HSE are committed to protecting the level of Personal Assistant services available to persons with disabilities. In the 2013 National Service Plan (NSP), the HSE's priority is to maximise the provision of services to people with disabilities within available resources and to maintain a consistent level to that provided for in 2012, including the provision of 1.68 million hours of Personal Assistant/Home Support Hours.

The demand for life-skills training and day services for school-leavers with disabilities continues to grow. The HSE expects that approximately 700 school-leavers will require services in 2013. I am pleased to confirm that, although the 2013 allocation for disability services has been reduced by 1.2%, the HSE National Service Plan includes an additional €4m to provide training places and day services for school-leavers in 2013. This funding will be allocated to each HSE Region based on the percentage of population.

The recommendations of the National Working Group for the Review of HSE-funded Adult Day Services (New Directions) will guide the reconfiguration and modernisation of HSE funded adult day services and will underpin the collaborative action in terms of flexibility and innovation when addressing requirements for school leavers in 2013.

Currently the National Disability Unit is liaising with the Regional Leads for Disability Services in terms of a cohesive and collaborative approach to meeting the needs of school leavers within the resources available. Both the voluntary sector and the HSE are committed to the best use of this funding in a creative and flexible manner so as to secure as many places as possible.

Alcohol Advertising

Questions (1140)

Nicky McFadden

Question:

1140. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the extent of communication that has taken place between his Department and the drinks industry in relation to taking positive action to address alcohol misuse and to discuss the issues surrounding sponsorship and advertising; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16179/13]

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Written answers

Engagement of the nature asked by the Deputy has largely been in the context of the National Substance Misuse Strategy given its recommendations on sponsorship and advertising of alcohol. These communications have been both oral and written. In addition, an official from my Department is a member of the Alcohol Marketing Communications Monitoring Body (AMCMB). This body monitors adherence and compliance with voluntary codes of practice on the placement of alcohol advertising, and the drinks industry has one representative on this body.

I wish to also advise the Deputy that real and tangible proposals are now being finalised on the basis of the National Substance Misuse Strategy recommendations and I expect to submit them as soon as possible to the Government for consideration and approval.

Question No. 1141 answered with Question No. 1138.

Universal Health Insurance Provision

Questions (1142)

Eamonn Maloney

Question:

1142. Deputy Eamonn Maloney asked the Minister for Health his plans for coverage of mental illness and prescribed medicines under the proposed new universal health insurance schemes. [16202/13]

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Written answers

The Government is embarking on a major reform programme for the health system, the aim of which is to deliver a single-tier health service, supported by universal health insurance (UHI), where access is based on need, not on income. Under UHI, everyone will be insured and will have equal access to a standard package of primary and acute hospital services, including acute mental health services. A new Insurance Fund will subsidise or pay insurance premiums for those who qualify for a subsidy. The new UHI system will be underpinned by a robust legislative framework and grounded in the principles of open enrolment, lifetime cover and community rating.

The Department is preparing a White Paper on Universal Health Insurance which will provide further detail on the UHI model for Ireland. As part of this work, policy proposals are being developed in relation to defining the scope and content of services covered by the standard UHI package. Following careful consideration by Government, these proposals will feed into the development of the published White Paper.

In advance of the White Paper, I published The Path to Universal Healthcare: A Preliminary Paper on Universal Health Insurance in February 2013. This document provides a comprehensive update on progress achieved to date and sets out the main actions for the road ahead in relation to laying the foundations for UHI.

Long-Term Illness Scheme Coverage

Questions (1143)

Eamonn Maloney

Question:

1143. Deputy Eamonn Maloney asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm that the age restriction of 16 years old for cover for mental illness on the long-term illness card is legally valid, in view of the legal difficulties that arose under equality legislation with age limits on the mobility allowance. [16203/13]

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Written answers

Regulations were made in 1971, 1973 and 1975 specifying the conditions covered by the Long Term Illness Scheme. The Health Services (Amendment) Regulations, 1971 (S.I. No. 277/1971) specified that Mental Illness in a person under 16 should be covered under the scheme.

Medical Card Delays

Questions (1144)

Patrick Nulty

Question:

1144. Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; the reason for the delay in same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16206/13]

View answer

Written answers

The Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.

The Health Service Executive operates the General Medical Services scheme, which includes medical cards and GP visit cards, under the Health Act 1970, as amended. It has established a dedicated contact service for members of the Oireachtas specifically for queries relating to medical cards and GP visit cards, which the Deputy may wish to use for an earlier response. Contact information has recently reissued to Oireachtas members.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Questions (1145)

Tom Fleming

Question:

1145. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health when a hospital bed will become available in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16207/13]

View answer

Written answers

The National Waiting List Management Policy, A standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, January 2013, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has recently been adopted by the HSE, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists. In relation to this particular query raised by the Deputy, I have asked the Health Service Executive to investigate the situation and respond directly to the Deputy in this matter.

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