Written Answers Nos. 154-161
154. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the annual cost of the fluoridation of water supplies for the constituency of Dún Laoghaire and the four local authorities of Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47326/13]
View answerFluoridation costs are based on annual operational/maintenance charges and the supply and delivery of hydrofluosilicic acid, the chemical used in the fluoridation of public water supplies. As local authorities act as agents for the HSE in arranging fluoridation, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this issue.
155. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to implementing a voucher system so that everyone will be entitled to two free visits to a doctor per year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47200/13]
View answerThe Government is committed to introducing, on a phased basis, a universal GP service without fees within its term of office, as set out in the Programme for Government and the Future Health strategy framework. As announced in the Budget, it has been decided to commence the roll-out of a universal GP service by providing all children aged 5 and under with access to a GP service without fees. This will mean that almost half of the population will have access to GP services without fees. The Government is providing new, additional funding of €37 million to meet the cost of this measure.
The introduction of a universal GP service constitutes a fundamental element in the Government's health reform programme. The current Government is the first in the history of the State to have committed itself to implementing a universal GP service for the entire population. A well-functioning health system should provide equal access to health care for its patients on the basis of health needs, rather than ability to pay. The principles of universality and equity of access mean that all residents in Ireland should be entitled to access a GP services that is free at the point of use.
It has been agreed that a number of options should be set out with regard to the phased implementation of a universal GP service without fees. As part of this work, consideration is being given to the approaches, timing and financial implications of the phased implementation of this universal health service. A range of options is under consideration with a view to bringing developed proposals to Government shortly.
156. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health if St. Vincent's Hospital, Fairview, Dublin 3, is linked to St. Brendan's Hospital in Grangegorman; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47202/13]
View answer157. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health if St. Vincent's Hospital, Fairview, Dublin 3, is linked to the Mater hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47203/13]
View answer158. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health the number of vacant beds at St. Vincent's Hospital, Fairview, Dublin 3; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47204/13]
View answer159. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health the current number of patients staying in wards at St. Vincent's Hospital, Fairview, Dublin 3; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47205/13]
View answer160. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the five-year plan for St. Vincent's Hospital, Fairview, Dublin 3; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47207/13]
View answer161. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm the illnesses that are treated at St. Vincent's Hospital, Fairview, Dublin 3; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47208/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 156 to 161, inclusive, together.
As this is a service matter this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
