Written Answers Nos. 386 - 396
386. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health the progress to date in respect of a medical card review application in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20112/14]
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.
387. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health the progress to date in respect of a medical card review in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20113/14]
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.
388. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health if he will provide details of the Health Service Executive transport bill, including taxis, for counties Longford and Westmeath for each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20114/14]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy.
389. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health if he will provide details of autism facilities in counties Longford and Westmeath including his plans for improving and ensuring the rights of persons with autism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20115/14]
View answerAutism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that not only affects approximately one in every 100 citizens in Europe, but also impacts on their families and society at large.
This Government is committed to providing specialist disability supports to enable each individual with a disability including those with ASD, to achieve his or her full potential and maximise independence, including living as independently as possible. Services are provided in a variety of community and residential settings in partnership with service users, their families and carers and a range of statutory, non-statutory, voluntary and community groups. Services provided by ASD ‘Service Providers’ include assessment, diagnosis and ongoing treatment and intervention supports. Ongoing interventions and supports may include home support services, respite services and multi-disciplinary team supports to assess the individual needs of each person with ASD and provide for the appropriate interventions.
The Cabinet Committee on Social Policy has been examining issues around autism across Government Departments in association with the National Disability Authority (NDA). This work by the NDA, which has included consultation with families, will be of significant assistance in informing how best to address the needs of people with ASD so that we can be sure that they are appropriately reflected and included in policies and actions.
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
390. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health his plans on potential national funding streams for senior citizen community organsiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20116/14]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
391. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health the position regarding entitlement to a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20117/14]
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.
392. Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health the position regarding home help in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20124/14]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
393. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health when occupational and physiotherapy will be approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [20127/14]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
394. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 217 of 26 February 2014, the persons who advised him on not considering ABA as a medical treatment for children with autism in Ireland; the criteria used to determine if ABA should or should not be considered as a medical treatment for children with autism in Ireland; if he will provide details of any research consulted to make a decision on same; and the details of any discussions he had with experts and their names and titles. [20128/14]
View answer395. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that ABA is listed as a treatment for autism on the Health Service Executive website; and the HSE policy documents, guidance and circulars governing ABA as a treatment for individuals with autism. [20129/14]
View answer396. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Health the Health Service Executive recommended service providers relating to the provision of ABA services for persons with autism. [20130/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 394 to 396, inclusive, together.
The reply given to PQ 217 of 26 February 2014 was based on advice received from the Office of the Chief Medical Officer in my Department. Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is one of a number of approaches that are used, predominantly in educational settings, when working with children with autism spectrum disorders. It is not considered a medical treatment in Ireland. This was confirmed by the HSE.
Information on a wide range of matters is available on the HSE's website and not all of this is health-related. It should be noted that the information provided is intended as a public information resource and should never replace the advice or assessment of a qualified healthcare professional. The HSE has indicated that it will examine the content on Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) on the website to ensure its appropriateness. The HSE provides services for individuals with autism, either directly or through a range of voluntary service providers. Health clinicians will assess each child individually and provide appropriate interventions.
