Written Answers Nos. 178-183
178. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Health his views on the Irish Dental Association's warning that oral piercings pose a significant risk to health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47320/13]
View answerBody Piercing has become increasingly popular and socially acceptable in recent years. The number of premises providing such services throughout Ireland has also greatly increased. The risks associated with body piercing can range from acute infection to allergic reactions. There is also a risk of hepatitis B and C and HIV with all piercing. Oral piercings pose particular risks which include tooth damage, airway obstruction, gum swelling and injury. I would encourage anyone who is experiencing any of those symptoms to visit their dentist or GP.
There is no legislation in Ireland specifically regulating body piercing business. However, these businesses are required to comply with general public health and safety legislation in the same way as any other business. In addition, under the Infectious Diseases Regulations, 1981, a Medical Officer of Health, or an Environmental Health Officer is empowered where there is reason to believe that a suspected case of an infectious disease or a probable source of infection exists, to take such steps as are necessary for investigating the nature and source of such infection.
High standards of hygiene are necessary when performing body piercing in order to minimise the risks for both the person carrying out the body piercing and the client. Standard Infection Control Precautions were developed for the health care setting but they can and should be applied to any settings where there is a potential for persons to be exposed to blood or other body fluids including body piercing premises. It is also advisable that anyone carrying out body piercing receive the hepatitis B vaccination.
My Department is reviewing policy regarding body piercing. In the first instance, the focus is on the development of “good practice” guidelines for persons carrying out body piercing rather than legislation. The main objective of the guidelines is to encourage best hygiene practice by body piercers.
179. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the health benefits associated with the fluoridation of water supplies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47327/13]
View answerWater fluoridation is the adjustment of the natural concentration of fluoride in drinking water to the optimal recommended level for the prevention of dental caries. The Irish Expert Body on Fluorides and Health, established in 2004, continuously monitors new and emerging issues on fluoride and its effects. It advises that the balance of scientific evidence worldwide confirms that water fluoridation, at the optimal level, does not cause any ill effects and protects the oral health of the population. The opinion of the Expert Body is supported by major international scientifically validated reviews. The effects of fluoride on health and related matters are kept under constant review.
180. Deputy Eamonn Maloney asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a breakdown of the current medical card holders according to their occupation category, that is, PAYE or self employed, agricultural industry, service industry or manufacturing industry and so on; if he will provide information on same to establish which occupations give rise to a medical card requirement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47346/13]
View answerA person's occupation or socioeconomic status is not material to an assessment of medical card/GP visit card eligibility. The medical card and GP visit card application does not, therefore, ask this information to be stated/provided by an applicant. The HSE does not capture the information that would provide a breakdown of current medical card holders by occupation type or employment sector.
181. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the reason an application for a medical card was refused in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47351/13]
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.
182. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the reason a medical card was refused in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47352/13]
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.
183. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if and when a surgical procedure will be arranged in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47355/13]
View answerThe 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 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 respond directly to the Deputy in this matter.
