Written Answers Nos. 228 - 240
228. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health if an assessment has been made of the cost of universal health insurance to the taxpayer; the estimated timeframe for the introduction of the insurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12500/14]
View answerDetermining the cost of universal health insurance is a complex matter and will require expert analytical support and time to undertake. My officials will be progressing the necessary work in this regard during 2014. I should make it clear that I am committed to developing and implementing a cost effective system of UHI that is affordable and complies fully with Government expenditure targets.
In relation to the timeframe for the introduction of UHI, the position is that the Cabinet had an initial discussion on the White Paper on Universal Health Insurance last week. The issue will return to Cabinet in the coming weeks with a view to publication of the White Paper very quickly thereafter. This will be followed by an extensive public consultation on the overall approach, including, in particular, the standard package of services to be covered under UHI. It is my intention to have all the necessary groundwork for UHI in place in early 2016 and to then proceed to have the new system implemented by 2019.
229. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the number of residential places for the elderly that are available in County Louth. [12501/14]
View answer230. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the location and number of residential places for the elderly in County Louth. [12502/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 229 and 230 together.
As these are service matters they have been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
231. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the number of residents in the Cottage Hospital, Drogheda. [12503/14]
View answer232. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the current plans for the Cottage Hospital, Drogheda. [12504/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 231 and 232 together.
As these are service matters they have been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
233. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the current plans for St. Joseph’s Nursing Home, Ardee, County Louth. [12505/14]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
234. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the status of the proposed 100 bed unit at St. Mary’s, Drogheda; and the timeframe for its commencement, construction and completion. [12506/14]
View answer235. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the funding that has been set aside for the proposed 100 bed unit at St. Mary’s, Drogheda [12507/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 234 and 235 together.
The HSE has completed a prioritisation exercise for its CNU programme in relation to accommodation to be upgraded/refurbished and new build. There will always be more projects than can be funded by the Exchequer. As with all capital projects, further development of the CNU programme must be considered within the context of the overall capital envelope available to the health service. There is limited funding available for new projects over the period 2014-2018 given the level of commitments and the costs to completion already in place.
236. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the number of beds available in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda. [12508/14]
View answer237. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the number of beds in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda currently occupied by patients over 75 years of age. [12509/14]
View answer238. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the number of beds in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda currently occupied by patients over 65 years of age. [12510/14]
View answer239. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the number of elderly patients in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda who are medically fit to be discharged. [12511/14]
View answer240. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the number of patients aged 65 years or over and currently in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda who are waiting for residential places. [12512/14]
View answerI propose to answer Questions Nos. 236 to 240, inclusive, together.
In relation to the detailed information requested by the Deputy, as these are service issues, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to him directly.
