Written Answers Nos. 251 - 262
251. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 229 of 19 February 2014, in relation to the diabetic retinopathy screening and treatment initiative, the number of patients written to; the number of these who registered with the NCSS; the number who have been screened; the number who have received their result; and the number who were found to have retinopathy or some other form of eye disease. [12537/14]
View answerAs this is a services matter, the HSE has been requested to reply directly to the Deputy.
253. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite a discretionary medical card appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12554/14]
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.
254. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health the number of times over the past two years that there have been no ambulances stationed in Athy, Baltinglass or Portlaoise due to no cover for overtime. [12556/14]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy.
255. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health the number of calls from Tallaght hospital that have taken over an hour to respond to by ambulance [12557/14]
View answer256. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health the number of calls from the Athy ambulance base that have taken more than an hour to be reached by ambulance. [12558/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 255 and 256 together.
As these are service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy.
257. Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Health if the clinical trial published in the AJR 2009 complies with ethical standards; and if it demonstrates an increase in breast cancer [12564/14]
View answer258. Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Health if a safety statement and risk assessment are available for digital mammogram machines. [12565/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 257 and 258 together.
A ‘Comparison of the digital mammography and screen-film mammography in breast cancer screening: a review in the Irish breast screening program’ was published in the American Journal of Radiology (AJR) in 2009. This study reviewed the use of full-field digital mammography (FFDM) in a population-based cancer screening programme and compared the results with screen-film mammography. FFDM resulted in significantly higher cancer detection and recall rates than screen-film mammography in women aged 50 to 64 years old.
This does not represent an increase in breast cancer rather digital mammography has resulted in enhancement of image quality, particularly associated with improved visualisation of dense breast tissue. Digital mammography results in significant reductions in radiation dose associated with screening examinations, and allows images to be acquired in a shorter time and it is possible to manipulate images at the time of reporting to obtain better specificity. Information regarding manufacturers' manuals and safety data for digital mammography equipment is included as part of the BreastCheck tendering process. Quality assurance processes and measurements are a vital aspect of the BreastCheck programme and their ‘Guidelines for Quality Assurance in Mammography Screening’ are consistent with those of the European Reference Organisation for Quality Assured Breast Screening and Diagnostic Services which is the EU standard.
259. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health when a medical card application in respect of persons (details supplied) which was originally sent to PCRS on 3 January 2014 but not recorded and re-sent to PCRS on 31 January 2014 will be processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12572/14]
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.
260. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health the current waiting time for orthopaedic outpatient appointments for consultants in a hospital (details supplied) in County Donegal; and the way the current waiting times compare to the national targets for the maximum waiting times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12574/14]
View answer261. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health the current waiting times for orthopaedic operations in a hospital (details supplied) in County Donegal; and the way the current waiting times compare to the national targets for the maximum waiting times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12575/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 260 and 261 together.
In relation to the detailed information requested by the Deputy, as these are service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to him directly.
262. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health if he or the Food Safety Authority of Ireland has monitored the review being carried out by the FSA in Britain in relation to raw milk; if there is any proposed change in his attitude to raw milk as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12607/14]
View answerThe Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has policy responsibility for the sale of raw milk. I am aware that the Food Standards Agency in the UK is conducting a review of its controls in relation to raw milk. I have asked the Food Safety Authority of Ireland to notify the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the outcome of this review is known.
