Thursday, 28 Nov 2013

Written Answers Nos. 161-167

Vaccination Programme

Questions (161)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

161. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which the case of the child of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo who suffers from unique narcolepsy disorder will be re-examined; the extent to which the submission presented by Sound has been studied; when existence of the condition first became known to his Department and/or the Health Service Executive; the total number of persons affected by the condition arising from the particular vaccine; if a co-ordinated support service will be put in place to assist families who have been affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51181/13]

Written answers

Minister for Health

My priority as Minister for Health is to ensure that those diagnosed with narcolepsy following pandemic vaccination are provided with a wide range of services and supports to meet their health needs. Both the Health Service Executive and the Department of Education and Skills, at my request, are ensuring that those affected receive tailored assistance to address their individual requirements.

The health supports include discretionary medical cards to allow unlimited access to GP care and any prescribed medication and the reimbursement on a ex-gratia basis of vouched expenses incurred in relation to diagnoses and treatment. With regard to education, the Department of Education and Skills provide supports to students on a needs basis, including home tuition, supplemental learning aupport/resource teaching supports and the provision of Special Needs Assistance (SNA) support if required

The Deputy has raised a query regarding an individual case. The HSE has responsibility for the administration of treatment and delivery of services in this case. The matter has therefore been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

Treatment Abroad Scheme

Questions (162)

Finian McGrath

Question:

162. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9 was refused treatment abroad [51189/13]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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

HSE Expenditure

Questions (163)

Robert Dowds

Question:

163. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Health if he will request of the Health Service Executive a list of all the bodies that receive section 39 funding in the current year and the amounts that they receive [51198/13]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I have referred this question to the HSE for direct response to the Deputy.

Orthodontic Service Provision

Questions (164)

Denis Naughten

Question:

164. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the steps that have been taken to investigate the sale and reuse of Health Service Executive braces by a dentist employed in the Galway orthodontic department; if the children who received these braces have been traced; the steps being taken to recover the funds; the disciplinary action to be taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51201/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Alex White)

The HSE became aware of this matter in 2009. It was investigated at that time and the practices referred to by the Deputy ceased. The Deputy will appreciate that it is not appropriate for me to comment further in relation to an individual member of staff. I have asked the HSE to advise me if there are any outstanding issues that may need to be addressed.

Community Care

Questions (165)

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

165. Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the community first responder scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51203/13]

Written answers

Minister for Health

In relation to the specific query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Primary Care Centre Provision

Questions (166)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

166. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if he will make a copy of the review of provision of primary care team services for older persons resident in long-term residential units available to this Deputy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51207/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The report referred to by the Deputy was commissioned by, and remains the property of, the HSE. Consequently, I am referring the Deputy's query to the HSE for direct reply.

Hospital Procedures

Questions (167)

Tom Fleming

Question:

167. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 617 of 1 October 2013, the current waiting list and estimate of costs for medical and surgical appliances in County Kerry; if he will itemise the various categories and the approximate waiting time for the various items; the total amount of funding available for 2013 for these appliances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51212/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I understand that a reply issued to the Deputy from the Health Service Executive on 27th November 2013.