Written Answers Nos. 219-26
219. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health when the recommendations for compensation in the vaccine damage steering group 2009 will be implemented; if he will provide details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8475/14]
View answerThe issues contained in the Report of the Vaccine Damage Steering Group are complex. They need to be considered in the wider context of how best to address the long term health and social needs of people who may have experienced adverse outcomes from all health care interventions.
220. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be assessed as they are due to start school next September; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8489/14]
View answerAs the particular issue raised by the Deputy relates to an individual case, this is a service matter for the Health Service Executive. Accordingly, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
221. Deputy Eamonn Maloney asked the Minister for Health if there is a body responsible for regulating the standards required for health care assistants to practice in the Irish health care system and if so, the name of same; the minimum qualifications required to practice as a health care assistant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8512/14]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
222. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health the reason behind the removal of a medical card from a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if this card can be reinstated with immediate effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8514/14]
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.
223. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of medical cards issued on a discretionary basis as of 1 February 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8521/14]
View answer224. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of medical cards issued on a discretionary basis for the first time during January 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8522/14]
View answer225. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of medical cards previously issued on a discretionary basis that were issued under standard criteria during January 2014 as the holders now qualified for medical cards under financial grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8523/14]
View answer226. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of medical cards issued on a discretionary basis that were discontinued during January 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8524/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 223 to 226, inclusive, together.
As at 1st February, 2014, the number of medical cards granted on the basis of the exercise of discretion was 77,709. The other specific information sought by the Deputy is not readily available. However, I have asked the Health Service Executive to supply this information to me and I will forward it to the Deputy as soon as possible.
