Written Answers Nos. 172 - 177
172. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health the number of court convictions that were recorded against registered owners of self-service tobacco vending machines in respect of sales to minors each year for the past five years. [47269/13]
View answerUnder the provisions of the Public Health (Tobacco) Acts 2002 and 2004, commenced with effect from 1 July 2009, there is a requirement for all retailers who wish to sell tobacco products to register with the National Tobacco Control Office. The legislation also places a prohibition on self-service vending machines except in licensed premises or in registered clubs. The National Tobacco Control Office is responsible for the enforcement of tobacco legislation. As this is a service matter, I have referred this question to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
173. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite a medical card review in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47271/13]
View answerThe 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 issued to Oireachtas members.
174. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on capital works which are ongoing at St. Luke's Hospital in Kilkenny; if he will advise on a completion date and opening date for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47290/13]
View answerDelivery of health care infrastructure is a service matter. Therefore your question has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
175. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding cigarette selling licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47303/13]
View answerCurrently under Irish Tobacco Control Legislation a retailer wishing to sell tobacco products must register with the Health Service Executive (HSE) and be placed on the Retail Register for the sale of tobacco products. Under the Public Health (Tobacco) Act 2002 as amended the HSE may charge a fee as may be determined by the Minister for Health. To date this has been a once off fee of €50 per applicant. The Government proposes to increase the Retail Register fee during 2014 in the context of legislation to provide for the licensing of the sale of tobacco products as outlined in Tobacco Free Ireland which was approved by Government in July of this year.
176. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the number of dental nurse posts currently vacant in community care area 8; and the plans in place to fill these vacant posts. [47312/13]
View answerAs this is a service issue I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy.
177. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the number of consultant ophthalmologists currently working at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9; the number of persons on the waiting list to see a consultant ophthalmologist at the hospital; and the average waiting time for persons on the list [47313/13]
View answerFor 2013, a maximum waiting time target of 12 months has been set for a first time consultant-led outpatient appointment and this is reflected in the HSE Service Plan. The SDU and the NTPF are working closely with hospitals towards achievement of the maximum waiting time. In relation to the detailed information sought by the Deputy, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to him.
