Written Answers Nos. 136-141
136. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health when a decision will be made on a medical card renewal application in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Roscommon; the reason for the delay in same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37454/14]
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.
137. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a matter (details supplied) in relation to medical card patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37458/14]
View answerFees paid to dentists who are contracted to provide services to medical card patients have been fixed by regulation under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act, 2009. The Act requires the Minister to carry out a review each year of the operation, effectiveness and impact of the amounts and rates fixed by these regulations. The next review will take place in 2015.
138. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Health when orthodontic work will be carried out in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; the current waiting time in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37464/14]
View answerThe 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.
139. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Health if the drug Daxas is covered under the drugs payment scheme; if not, the efforts being made in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37465/14]
View answerUnder the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility 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.
140. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Galway will be granted an appointment in the orthopaedic unit in University Hospital Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37467/14]
View answerIn relation to the Deputy's further question in relation to this patient, I have again asked the Health Service Executive to respond to him directly in this matter.
141. Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the software and hardware replacement plans for the pathology unit of Kerry General Hospital; and if there will be any stoppages in services over the coming months. [37472/14]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
