Written Answers Nos. 219-226
219. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the reason an application for a medical card has not been approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if he will expedite the matter [25049/14]
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.
221. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the reason the D-doc service at Coolock health centre was closed on the bank holiday weekend as it had a negative impact on patients resulting them in travelling further away for treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25058/14]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
222. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be considered for an increase in home help hours with immediate effect under the home care package. [25063/14]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
223. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25064/14]
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.
224. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Health if he will respond to the representations made regarding sickle cell disease before the Joint Committee on Health and Children on 10 April last. [25070/14]
View answerI note from the transcript of their meeting on 10 April 2014 that the Joint Committee on Health and Children recommends training for GPs and medical students on sickle cell disease as well as the provision of necessary screening by hospital maternity units.
With regard to medical education and training, the content and composition of curricula and specialist training programmes is a matter for the Medical Council and the recognised medical education or postgraduate training bodies. Under the Medical Practitioners Act, all medical degree courses and specialist training programmes in Ireland are required to be accredited by the Council. As of May 2011, doctors are legally obliged to maintain their professional competence by enrolling in approved professional competence schemes and following requirements set by the Medical Council. In this context, the Council has established a range of professional competence schemes through formal arrangements with the recognised postgraduate training bodies. Schemes are operated by the postgraduate training bodies and have been developed to drive good professional practice, which is centred on patient safety and quality of patient care.
While there is no national screening of pregnant women for sickle cell disease, testing for the disease is carried out on a targeted basis in maternity hospitals.
225. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if he will arrange for a rebate of medical expenses to be issued in the case of persons (details supplied) in Dublin 9 in view of the fact that their medical card was withdrawn despite the fact that they were genuinely engaging with a review of their medical card; if he will immediately arrange for the card to be reinstated pending the outcome of this review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25072/14]
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.
226. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Health the reason those aged over 70 years who have lost their medical cards on financial grounds or have been downgraded to a general practitioner card and have a long-term illness have to reapply for a medical card; and if information submitted on the original application will be used if the review or appeal is being sough on medical grounds. [25074/14]
View answerI have asked the Health Service Executive for a report on the issue raised by the Deputy. I will revert to the Deputy on the matter as soon as possible.
