Thursday, 19 Jun 2014

Written Answers Nos. 174-82

Departmental Legal Costs

Questions (174)

Billy Kelleher

Question:

174. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of barristers the Health Service Executive has retained in anticipation of legal action from tobacco companies over the introduction of plain packaging for cigarettes; the length of time for which such barristers have been retained; the amount of money that has been spent on retainer fees; if he would lay out before Dáil Éireann the rationale for retaining barristers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26397/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

In response to the Deputy's question six counsel have been retained on behalf of the State. These counsel have been retained since October 2013 and no fees have been paid to counsel to date. The rationale for retaining counsel is to advise on the Public Health (Standardised Packaging of Tobacco) Bill 2014, in anticipation of legal proceedings being issued against the State. In those circumstances, these matters are confidential and subject to legal privilege and it would not be appropriate to comment further.

Medical Aids and Appliances Provision

Questions (175)

Michael McGrath

Question:

175. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that a vital item of equipment is provided to a child with special needs (details supplied) in County Cork as quickly as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26402/14]

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.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Questions (176)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

176. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a hospital appointment will be available in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26404/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The National Waiting List Management Policy, a standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the Health Service Executive, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.

In relation to the particular query raised by the Deputy, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to him on this matter.

Services for People with Disabilities

Questions (177, 178)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

177. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the position regarding therapy services (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26409/14]

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

178. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health when four extra therapists will be hired (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26410/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 177 and 178 together.

The Health Service Executive has recognised the need to increase the level of consistency and standardisation in the way services for children with disabilities are delivered. It is currently engaged in a reconfiguration of existing therapy resources to multidisciplinary geographic based teams for children as part of its National Programme on Progressing Disability Services for Children and Young People (0-18 years).

The aim of the Progressing Disability Services for Children and Young People Programme is to achieve a national, unified approach to delivering disability health services so that there is a clear pathway to services for all children, regardless of where they live, what school they go to or the nature of their disability.

The Programme is organised at national, regional and local level and includes representatives from the health and education sectors, non-statutory service providers and parents. An additional €4 million has been specifically allocated in 2014 to drive implementation of the Programme. This equates to approximately 80 therapy posts.

My Department has asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy in respect of the specific local operational issue he has raised.

Health Services

Questions (179)

Jack Wall

Question:

179. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health the reason the provision of glasses is not covered in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26414/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

All children under 6 years are provided with an optical screening service by the HSE. Any refractive errors are treated and spectacles or other appropriate care are provided where necessary. The HSE has been asked to examine the specific query raised by the Deputy and to reply to him as soon as possible.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Questions (180)

Paul Connaughton

Question:

180. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Health when an operation will take place in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26424/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The National Waiting List Management Policy, a standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the Health Service Executive, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.

In relation to the particular queries raised by the Deputy, as these are service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to him directly.

Orthodontic Service Waiting Lists

Questions (181)

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy

Question:

181. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary who qualified for orthodontic treatment and was categorised 4B has now been downgraded to category 4E without explanation; the way this assessment was made; the changes that took place for the downgrading of this treatment; when orthodontic treatment will be provided; the plans that are in place to have treatment provided before the person reaches 18 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26428/14]

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 her as soon as possible.

Rare Diseases Strategy Publication

Questions (182)

Sean Fleming

Question:

182. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health his proposals to deal with the rare disease strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26435/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

A national plan for Rare Diseases is being finalised and is being prepared for publication.