Tuesday, 13 May 2014

Written Answers Nos. 625 - 647

Audiology Services Provision

Questions (625)

Martin Ferris

Question:

625. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will have hearing aids fitted. [21333/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The Health Service Executive Community Audiology service administers and monitors hearing tests for adults who are at risk for hearing loss. Appointments for the audiology service are sent in a strict chronology according to clinical priorities and date of receipt of referral. The HSE has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Hospitals Expenditure

Questions (626)

Colm Keaveney

Question:

626. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a financial breakdown of the current budgetary performance of every hospital providing acute services within the Health Service Executive; the budgeted target for each acute hospital; the projected outturn for each acute hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21335/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The information requested by the Deputy is available in the Management Data Report published by the HSE. The latest published report is in respect of February 2014 and is available on the HSE's website at:- http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/publications/corporate/performanceassurancereports/mdreportfeb14.pdf

Hospital Waiting Lists

Questions (627)

Billy Kelleher

Question:

627. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive an appointment to be seen by the child and adolescent mental health service. [21340/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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

Cross-Border Health Initiatives

Questions (628)

Seán Fleming

Question:

628. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health when the cross-border directive will be put in to enable persons and children who are waiting for orthodontic treatment for an excessive period may obtain their treatment in other jurisdictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21342/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The Directive on Patients’ Rights in Cross Border Healthcare provides rules for the reimbursement to patients’ of the cost of receiving treatment abroad, where the patient would be entitled to such treatment in their home Member State (Member State of Affiliation) and supplements the rights that patients already have at EU level through the legislation on the coordination of social security schemes (Regulation 883/04). The Directive seeks to ensure a clear and transparent framework for the provision of cross-border healthcare within the EU, for those occasions where the care patients seek is provided in another Member State rather than in their home country. However, it should be emphasised that the vast majority of EU patients receive healthcare in their own country and prefer to do so.

The Department of Health has prepared the necessary statutory provisions to implement the Directive and will have them in place shortly.

Long-Term Illness Scheme Eligibility

Questions (629)

Pat Deering

Question:

629. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 376 of 6 May 2014, if mental illness will be included in the long-term illness scheme for over 16s and adults; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21348/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

Mental Illness (under 16) is one of the illnesses covered under the Long Term Illness Scheme. There are no plans to extend the coverage of mental illness under the Scheme to those who are 16 years of age and over.

Under the Drug Payment Scheme, no individual or family pays more than €144 per calendar month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The scheme significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals incurring ongoing expenditure on medicines.

In addition, people who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be entitled to a medical card. In the assessment process, the Health Service Executive can take into account medical costs incurred by an individual or a family. Those who are not eligible for a medical card may still be able to avail of a GP visit card, which covers the cost of GP consultations.

Hospital Services

Questions (630)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

630. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the opening of the new community hospital in Kenmare County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21359/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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

Medical Card Appeals

Questions (631)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

631. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the reason a medical card was withdrawn in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21361/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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.

Audiology Services Provision

Questions (632)

John McGuinness

Question:

632. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if a hearing aid will be provided in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow. [21364/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The Health Service Executive Community Audiology service administers and monitors hearing tests for adults who are at risk for hearing loss.

The HSE replied to the Deputy on 1 May 2014 in response to Parliamentary Question No. 903 (19562/14) dated 30 April 2014, in relation to this case.

The present position is that the person (details supplied) will be fitted with a hearing aid on Wednesday 21 May 2014. The person will be given approximately 10 days notice of the appointment.

Medical Card Delays

Questions (633)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

633. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in processing a medical card in respect of a family (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21378/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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.

Medical Card Delays

Questions (634)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

634. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in processing a medical card in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21379/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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.

Health Services Staff Data

Questions (635)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

635. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if, in the course of disciplinary or HR procedures an employee of the Health Service Executive (details supplied) has been shown photographic surveillance taken of that employee without their knowledge or consent outside working hours and off the premises where this employee normally works; the number of instances of such behaviour; the person that authorises such surveillance; the amount of taxpayers money that was used to conduct this surveillance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21380/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is an operational matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Orthodontic Service Waiting Lists

Questions (636)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

636. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath will receive a dental appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21394/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The HSE provides orthodontic treatment to patients based on their level of clinical need. An individual's access to orthodontic treatment is determined against a set of clinical guidelines and priority is given to patients with greatest needs. The HSE has been asked to examine the specific query raised by the Deputy and to reply to him as soon as possible.

Medical Card Eligibility

Questions (637)

Gerry Adams

Question:

637. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if there are any alternative supports available to a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21398/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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.

Orthodontic Service Waiting Lists

Questions (638)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

638. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath will receive a dental appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21405/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The HSE provides orthodontic treatment to patients based on their level of clinical need. An individual's access to orthodontic treatment is determined against a set of clinical guidelines and priority is given to patients with greatest needs. The HSE has been asked to examine the specific query raised by the Deputy and to reply to him as soon as possible.

Health Services Provision

Questions (639)

Dan Neville

Question:

639. Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an application under the repayment scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21430/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As the question relates to service matters I have arranged for its referral to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Medical Card Appeals

Questions (640)

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

640. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the appeal against the refusal of a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; if it can be expedited given the circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21431/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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.

Medical Card Applications

Questions (641)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

641. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21461/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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.

Medical Card Applications

Questions (642)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

642. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21463/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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.

Medical Card Applications

Questions (643)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

643. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21464/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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.

Medical Card Applications

Questions (644)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

644. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21465/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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.

Medical Card Applications

Questions (645)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

645. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21466/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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.

Medical Card Applications

Questions (646)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

646. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21469/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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.

Health Services

Questions (647)

Billy Timmins

Question:

647. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a brace-cast in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21470/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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.