Tuesday, 27 May 2014

Written Answers Nos. 873 - 884

Orthodontic Service Waiting Lists

Questions (873)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

873. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an orthodontic appointment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry. [22951/14]

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.

Respite Care Services

Questions (874)

Michael McGrath

Question:

874. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will arrange respite care in respect of a person (details supplied) with special needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22955/14]

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.

Medical Card Administration

Questions (875)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

875. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if he will consider transferring the assessment of discretionary medical cards to local Health Service Executive offices in view of the ongoing difficulties being experienced by applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22959/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The processing of medical cards at a national level, rather than at a local level as before mid-2011, ensures that all people are assessed in a uniform, consistent and fair manner when applying for a medical card, irrespective of where they reside in Ireland. While the medical card scheme was always operated under the legislation and the published guidelines, the same rule set is applied to everyone in the same way, including the application of discretion in a consistent manner.

The previous non-centralised approach gave rise to the application of a non-standard approach when the element of discretion was used in the decision to grant a medical card. The different treatment of cases depending on their geographical location is an undesirable administrative practice and contrary to fair or sound administration. I am satisfied that the processes in place are appropriate to the governing health legislation and supportive while also respectful of the particular circumstances of each case.

Respite Care Services

Questions (876)

Michael McGrath

Question:

876. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will examine the care arrangements for a person (details supplied) in Cork city with a view to increasing the level of care provided by the Health Service Executive; if he will examine the possibility of respite care being provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22960/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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

Questions Nos. 877 and 878 answered with Question No. 809.

Ambulance Service Provision

Questions (879)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

879. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he will indicate the present emergency medical response cover for the north Kildare area in terms of personnel, ambulances, other vehicles and so on, on each day of the week; when it is expected to provide full ambulance cover for the area 24/7; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22974/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy.

Prescription Charges

Questions (880)

Seán Fleming

Question:

880. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the details on a monthly basis of the make-up of the refund recently issued to persons (details supplied) in County Laois regarding prescription charges in view of the fact that the maximum that should have been paid by this couple was €25 per month; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22977/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The HSE is responsible for the administration of the primary care schemes, therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Health Services Staff Data

Questions (881, 882, 883, 887)

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

881. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide details in tabular form by general hospital of the number of persons in each of grades three to eight, as of 30 April 2014; if he will provide the same detail for 30 April 2012 and 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22982/14]

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

882. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Health the number of clerical promotions that have taken place within the hospital structure without interview in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22983/14]

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

883. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in each clerical grade within the Health Service Executive; the total salary cost of each grade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22984/14]

Sandra McLellan

Question:

887. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Health if it is normal practice within the Health Service Executive to re-hire administration staff in hospitals who have taken redundancy (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23008/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 881 to 883, inclusive, and 887 together.

As these are operational matters, they has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Nursing Home Repayment Scheme

Questions (884)

Dara Calleary

Question:

884. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health the date on which the nursing home repayment scheme ceased. [22985/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

On foot of section 5 of the Health (Repayment Scheme) Act 2006, the final date for the making of a valid application for a prescribed repayment under the Health Repayment Scheme was 31 December 2007.