Written Answers Nos. 184 - 190
184. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Health the number of mental health beds available for children, in tabular form, by Health Service Executive area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49833/13]
View answerAs this is a service matter this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
185. Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the progress of a 24/7 cardiac unit in Waterford Regional Hospital; if the resources are in place; when this will be open and operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49622/13]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy.
186. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Health if he has been requested to establish a process to roll out the delivery of orthodontic therapy in accordance with best international practice, in order to reduce the waiting lists for children waiting for orthodontic treatment; if he will provide details of all meetings that officials of his Department have held with the Dental Council and dental colleges in this area; if the Dental Council has offered an opinion to him on the introduction of dental therapists; if the Dental Council has signalled its intent to support a modernised system; if he will provide details of correspondence to and from the Dental Council on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49631/13]
View answerThe Dental Council created a Scheme in 2002 establishing orthodontic therapists as a class of auxiliary dental worker. To date there has been no registerable training programme approved in Ireland for orthodontic therapists. I understand that the Dental Council is completing its consideration of an application by Dublin Dental School and Hospital, Trinity College to accredit such a programme. My Department has not been involved in discussions with either the dental schools or the Dental Council on this issue.
An independent review of orthodontic services, commissioned by the HSE, is near completion. The outcome of this review will give guidance as to what changes will be desirable to provide the best possible model of care delivery, given the current resources available and future demand for services. The HSE may also consider local initiatives which may involve the use of orthodontic therapists.
The Dental Council has offered no opinion to the Department of Health on the introduction of the grade of dental therapist. In other jurisdictions, they would typically work in remote and isolated areas where there may not be access to a dentist. Such independent practice is not permitted under the terms of the Dentists Act 1985, which is currently under review. The Dental Council has not entered into correspondence with the Department of Health on this matter.
187. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if and when a medical card will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49632/13]
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.
188. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if he will reverse the policy change of a service (details supplied) in County Kerry in view of the impact it is having on patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49639/13]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy.
189. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in the investigation into the Irish Family Planning Association taking place; the action that will be taken against the IFPA to date and in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49655/13]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have requested the Health Service Executive to investigate and respond directly to the Deputy.
190. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if a medical card will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [49659/13]
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.
