Written Answers Nos. 225-233
225. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health in order to ensure that Ireland stays up-to-date with the latest scientific and health research findings in the area of public water fluoridation, if he has any plans to review the Fluoridation of Water Supplies Act 1960 in the near future. [8625/14]
View answerThe Department of Health keeps the policy of water fluoridation under constant review. As part of this ongoing work, a review of evidence on the impact of water fluoridation at its current level on the health of the population and on the environment is being conducted by the Health Research Board on behalf of the Department. The Department is also collaborating in a University College Cork-led research project, "Fluoride and Caring for Children's Teeth" (FACCT). The study will consider the impact of changes on the oral health of children, following policy decisions relating to toothpaste use by infants and young children made in 2002 and the reduction in the level of fluoridation in drinking water introduced in 2007. In addition, a study on general and oral health findings in adults linked to the duration of exposure to fluoridated water as part of the Irish Longitudinal Study on Aging (TILDA) will commence shortly.
The Forum on Fluoridation, established in 2000, reviewed the policy of water fluoridation and recommended in 2002 that it should continue as a public health measure. In 2011 a review by the European Union Scientific Committee on Health and Environmental Risk (SCHER) concluded that there are no known negative health implications from fluoridating water at levels used in the EU. The balance of scientific evidence worldwide confirms that water fluoridation, i.e. the adjustment of the natural concentration of fluoride in drinking water to the optimal recommended level for the prevention of dental caries, does not cause any ill effects and protects the oral health of the population.
226. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health when the VHI will be recapitalised; his views on whether changes to tax relief on medical insurance will result in an increased capital requirement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8836/14]
View answerThe Government has committed itself to continuing the work towards authorising the VHI as soon as possible. The aim is to have VHI authorised by end 2014, if the Central Bank so decides. The VHI Board has committed to this approach.
VHI has indicated that it will seek to self-fund any capital requirements, meaning that, if successful, no Exchequer funding would be required. This approach takes account of the recent changes to the tax relief for medical insurance. VHI's readiness for authorisation and the exact capital requirements for authorisation will be determined by the Central Bank as part of its assessment of VHI’s application. Officials from my Department, the VHI and CBI continue to engage regularly to progress the application.
227. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the progress to date on the Autism Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8603/14]
View answerIn March 2013 a Private Members Bill entitled the Autism Bill 2012 was debated and passed Second Stage in the Dáil. The Bill as introduced makes provision for the preparation of an autism strategy and a national framework for addressing the specific needs of adults with autism. The broad thrust of the Bill was accepted by Government and it was not opposed at Second Stage. Although the needs of people with autism have received some recognition in recent years the Bill is seen as contributing to a more enlightened and educated public debate.
The Cabinet Committee on Social Policy is currently examining issues arising in the context of the Bill. This is taking place across Government Departments in association with the National Disability Authority and the work will inform how the matter is progressed. It is not possible at this point to predict the outcome of any consultation process undertaken and any legal advice which will be sought on the matter. It is likely, as stated by the Minister for Health during the Second Stage debate, that the Bill will require significant amendment at Committee stage to ensure that the proposal are workable in practise. The ongoing work of the Cabinet Committee on Social Policy will inform this process.
228. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the progress to date in respect of appeal for a medical card in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8612/14]
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.
229. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if the necessary and required speech and language therapy and occupational therapy can urgently be provided in the case of the son of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8622/14]
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.
230. Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Health if the local property tax can be considered as a legitimate outgoing expense for the purposes of calculating means in respect of eligibility for the medical card, if he will amend the regulations to officially deem this an allowable expense; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8641/14]
View answerUnder the Health Act 1970, as amended, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is responsible for assessing an individual's entitlement to a medical card and a GP visit card. Section 45 of the Act provides that adult persons who, in the opinion of the HSE are unable, without due hardship, to arrange general practitioner medical and surgical services for themselves and their dependants are deemed to be persons with full eligibility.
The HSE has set out National Assessment Guidelines outlining what is included in the assessment process and the Local Property Tax is not included. There are no proposals at present to include the new property tax as a deductible expense in determining eligibility for medical cards.
231. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Health if the Health Service Executive is under the aegis of his Department in respect of Government policy for which he is responsible for answering parliamentary questions pursuant to Standing Order 34; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8643/14]
View answerAs Minister for Health, I have responsibility for national health policy. Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Services Executive has statutory responsibility for, among other matters, managing and delivering health and personal social services.
232. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Health if he will provide the priority list for ambulance bases, staffing and vehicles in the counties of Galway, Mayo and Roscommon for the past five years and in the next three years; the population catchment in the north Galway-south Mayo catchment area for the provision of a 24-hour ambulance in Tuam, County Galway, and for the other ambulance bases in the three counties mentioned to be approved and staffed this year; the figures for the population in these catchment areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8671/14]
View answerAs the Deputy's queries relates to service matters, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy.
233. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health the number of outreach health centres in Inishowen where the Health Service Executive currently fund monthly general practitioners community outreach clinics and if the HSE is committed to funding this service throughout 2014 and for subsequent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8721/14]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
