Wednesday, 4 Jun 2014

Written Answers Nos. 213-217

Medicinal Products Availability

Questions (213)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

213. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if he will address the concerns of stoma pouch users who are worried about continued access to a full range of high quality stoma pouches and stoma management products in view of the fact that the Health Service Executive is proposing a price decrease and companies may be forced to halt services the HSE does not offer, such as community nurses who provide home visits and telephone help lines; and if he has any plans to provide these services to users. [23893/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicinal products under the GMS and other community drug schemes, in accordance with the provisions of the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, therefore, this matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Consultancy Contracts

Questions (214)

Seán Kenny

Question:

214. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Health the names of the recruitment agencies the Health Service Executive used to source staff in 2012 and 2013; which staff are sourced from which agency; the amount the HSE paid each agency in 2012 and 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23900/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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

Hospital Staff Recruitment

Questions (215)

Seán Kenny

Question:

215. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Health the posts that remain vacant in Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9; the length of time each post has been vacant; if the positions have been advertised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23901/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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

Medical Card Applications

Questions (216)

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

216. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; if same will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23913/14]

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 (217)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

217. 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. [23914/14]

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.