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Wednesday, 5 Mar 2014

Written Answers Nos 178-183

Medical Card Reviews

Questions (178)

Tom Fleming

Question:

178. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite a medical card review in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11065/14]

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Written answers

The 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.

Hospital Staff Recruitment

Questions (179)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

179. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health his plans to recruit consultant urologists at Temple Street Children's Hospital, Dublin, with the expertise to treat children with spina bifidus hydrocephalus; if he will prioritise this and provide a timeframe for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11084/14]

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Written answers

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Health Services Provision

Questions (180)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

180. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the diagnostics and supports available for persons with cyclical vomiting syndrome; the measures he is taking to raise awareness of this condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11086/14]

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Written answers

As the particular queries raised by the Deputy are service matters, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy.

Medical Aids and Appliances Provision

Questions (181)

Patrick Nulty

Question:

181. Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Health his views on the ways in which CPAP machines could be purchased by those who need them as an alternative to long-term rental of these machines; if he will put in place a scheme by which these machines can be purchased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11089/14]

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Written answers

Arrangements have been in place for the rental of Continuous Positive Airflow Pressure (CPAP) Machines for some time both for Medical Card Holders and Drug Payment Scheme card holders where the person suffers from sleep apnoea. Funding for the purchase of such appliances by medical card holders may be considered within the overall priority setting for funding at local level from the Aids and Appliances budget.

Hospital Accommodation Provision

Questions (182)

Tom Fleming

Question:

182. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will facilitate the original agreement between the Health Service Executive and Build4Life whereby eight beds will be ring-fenced for adults with cystic fibrosis out of the 20-bed respiratory unit in Cork University Hospital, along with a dedicated CF team; if he will take into consideration the fact that Build4Life have fundraised €2.3 million for this unit; his views that it is an absolute outrage if the funds raised by this voluntary group are not invested in the specific project that they were intended for from the outset; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11091/14]

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Written answers

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that difficulties regarding the ring fencing of beds for CF patients in the Respiratory Unit in Cork University Hospital have been resolved. A contract has now been agreed and the project will proceed as planned. The project will deliver 10 designated single in-patient rooms for adults with CF. In addition, a bed utilisation policy will be put in place to ensure appropriate protected access to these CF-designated beds for adult CF patients.

Once again I commend Build4Life on its achievement in raising €2.3m to fund this project in Cork University Hospital.

Departmental Bodies

Questions (183)

Peter Mathews

Question:

183. Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Health the functions of and any funding provided to, the Irish expert body on fluorides and health since its inception in 2004 by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11095/14]

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Written answers

The terms of reference of the Expert Body on Fluorides and Health are:

- To oversee the implementation of the Recommendations of the Forum on Fluoridation.

- To advise the Minister and to evaluate ongoing research – including new emerging issues-on all aspects of fluoride, its delivery methods as an established health technology and as required

- To report to the Minister on matters of concern at his/her request or on the Body’s own initiative.

The funding provided for the Expert Body secretariat costs since 2004 is as follows:

Year

Amount € k (rounded)

2004

120

2005

383

2006

429

2007

445

2008*

459

2009*

442

2010*

354

2011

284

2012

260

2013

252

2014

(to Jan)

20

*In addition, the Department's contribution to the national audit of the fluoridation process at water treatment plants was paid through the Expert Body in sums of approximately €23,000 in each of the years 2008, 2009 and 2010. The Department's contribution of almost €5,000 to the costs associated with the Fluoride and Caring for Children's Teeth (FACCT) study was paid through the Expert Body in 2013.

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