Tuesday, 16 Dec 2014

Written Answers Nos. 465-485

Medical Card Applications

Questions (465)

Barry Cowen

Question:

465. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when persons (details supplied) in County Offaly will receive a decision on their application for a medical card. [48101/14]

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. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office who will follow up the matter with them.

Medical Card Applications

Questions (466)

Barry Cowen

Question:

466. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly will receive a decision on their application for a medical card. [48102/14]

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. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office who will follow up the matter with them.

Medical Card Applications

Questions (467)

Barry Cowen

Question:

467. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when persons (details supplied) in County Offaly will receive a decision on their application for a medical card. [48103/14]

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. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office who will follow up the matter with them.

Medical Card Applications

Questions (468)

Barry Cowen

Question:

468. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when persons (details supplied) in County Offaly will receive a decision on their application for a medical card. [48104/14]

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. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office who will follow up the matter with them.

Medical Card Applications

Questions (469)

Barry Cowen

Question:

469. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when persons (details supplied) in County Offaly will receive a decision on their application for a medical card. [48105/14]

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. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office who will follow up the matter with them.

Medical Card Applications

Questions (471)

Barry Cowen

Question:

471. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when persons (details supplied) in County Tipperary will receive a decision on their application for a medical card. [48107/14]

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. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office who will follow up the matter with them.

Medical Card Applications

Questions (472)

Barry Cowen

Question:

472. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when persons (details supplied) in County Offaly will receive a decision on their application for a medical card. [48108/14]

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. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office who will follow up the matter with them.

Medical Card Applications

Questions (473)

Barry Cowen

Question:

473. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly will receive a decision on their application for a medical card. [48109/14]

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. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office who will follow up the matter with them.

Medical Card Applications

Questions (474)

Barry Cowen

Question:

474. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly will receive a decision on their application for a medical card. [48110/14]

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. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office who will follow up the matter with them.

Medical Card Applications

Questions (475)

Barry Cowen

Question:

475. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when persons (details supplied) in County Offaly will receive a decision on their application for a medical card. [48111/14]

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. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office who will follow up the matter with them.

Medical Card Applications

Questions (476)

Barry Cowen

Question:

476. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly will receive a decision on their application for a medical card. [48112/14]

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. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office who will follow up the matter with them.

Medical Card Applications

Questions (477)

Barry Cowen

Question:

477. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly will receive a decision on their application for a medical card. [48113/14]

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. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office who will follow up the matter with them.

Medical Card Applications

Questions (478)

Barry Cowen

Question:

478. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly will receive a decision on their application for a medical card. [48114/14]

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. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office who will follow up the matter with them.

Health Services Staff

Questions (479)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

479. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the staffing of the new mental health day care centre at the new Kenmare Community Hospital, County Kerry; when staff will be in place to allow this centre to open so that older persons in south Kerry may avail of its use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48123/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service issue this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.

Special Educational Needs Service Provision

Questions (480)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

480. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if a multidisciplinary therapy service team will be reinstated at a special school (details supplied) in County Kerry due to the inadequacies of the current arrangement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48131/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The particular issue raised by the Deputy is a service matter for the Health Service Executive. Accordingly I have arranged for the question to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.

Departmental Funding

Questions (481)

John McGuinness

Question:

481. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if he will provide funding for the extension and improvement works required at a nursing home (details supplied) in County Carlow; if he will confirm the amount of funding allocated to date; and his plans for providing for the current project. [48158/14]

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. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.

Food Promotion

Questions (482)

Michael McGrath

Question:

482. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position regarding Government policy on the use of supermarket promotions on baby milk formula; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48163/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

In an effort to protect the health of infants, there are very strict EU rules for the composition, labelling, promotion and advertising of infant formula in the European Union. Point-of-sale advertising, the giving of samples or any other promotional device to induce sales of infant formula directly to the consumer at the retail level, such as special displays, discount coupons, premiums, special sales loss-leaders and tie-in sales are prohibited. Furthermore manufacturers and distributors of infant formulae are not allowed to provide, to the general public or to pregnant women, mothers or members of their families, free or low-priced products, samples or any other promotional gifts, either directly or indirectly.

From six months of age the diets of infants start to gradually diversify and they consume a more varied diet. Follow-on formula must comply with specific EU composition and labelling requirements as well as other general EU food law requirements.

These regulations were transposed into Irish law by S.I. No. 852 of 2007 and are enforced by Environmental Health Officers with the HSE under service contract with FSAI.

The WHO recommends that infants be exclusively breast-fed for the first six months of life to achieve optimal growth, development and health.

The HSE is reviewing its current Breastfeeding Strategy and in its Health and Wellbeing operational plan for 2015 it is intended to develop and initiate an Action Plan for Breastfeeding for 2015-2020.

Home Help Service Provision

Questions (483)

Michael McGrath

Question:

483. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health the arrangements that are in place to ensure that substitute home help carers are available in the Health Service Executive South area to cover home help carers who are out sick or on annual leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48167/14]

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. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.

Residential Institutions

Questions (484)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

484. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the actions he will take regarding the disgraceful and inhuman treatment of residents of Áras Attracta as seen on the RTE "Prime Time" programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48169/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I am shocked and distressed by the revelations of extremely poor and unacceptable standards of care and mistreatment of vulnerable residents in Áras Attracta. Every person who uses disability services is entitled to expect and receive supports of the highest standard and to live in an atmosphere of safety and care. This is particularly important for vulnerable people in residential care whose families have entrusted them to the care of professional staff.

The allegations of mistreatment in the Prime Time programme are very disturbing and need to be fully investigated. In that regard, I welcome the immediate response of the HSE, following receipt of these serious allegations, to alert the Gardaí and HIQA and for the protection of both residents and staff themselves, to put a number of staff ‘off-duty’ while the allegations are being investigated. I am assured that staffing levels are being appropriately maintained to deliver safe care to all residents.

I also welcome and support the HSE’s initiation of both an expert investigation into these serious allegations chaired by Mr Christy Lynch and an independently chaired review of the services provided at this facility, led by Dr Kevin McCoy.

Mr. Lynch's investigation will examine in particular the practices, behaviours and attitudes of the staff of Unit 3 and will form an important input into the disciplinary process which must be undertaken by the HSE.

Dr. McCoy's review will focus on assuring the quality and safety of care of residents in Áras Attracta. This will be informed by earlier work done by both the HSE and HIQA and will seek to identify any gaps and any contributory and/or causal factors. It will make recommendations so as to eliminate, in any way it is possible to do so, any risk of harm occurring in the future.

I understand that the Director General of the HSE has written to all staff informing them that the onus is on them to take personal responsibility to ensure that the individuals supported by the HSE in any setting are treated with dignity and respect.

The HSE’s new National Policy and Procedures for Safeguarding Vulnerable Persons at Risk of Abuse, which I launched with the HSE on 5th December 2014, clears the way for staff members in HSE and non-HSE facilities, and members of the public, to refer allegations of abuse to designated reporting individuals.

This new policy, places an onus on providers of services to vulnerable people to appoint a Designated Officer to both receive and follow up on concerns and reports of abuse. Under the new policy it is the responsibility of all staff and service providers to ensure the protection and welfare of vulnerable people. In each Community Healthcare Organisation, a Safeguarding and Protection Team will work in partnership with all relevant service providers to ensure that concerns and complaints are addressed.

This policy complements the statutory inspection by HIQA of nursing homes and residential centres for people with a disability and is very welcome. I also welcome the public appeal made by the Chief Executive of HIQA to encourage any persons who have concerns about the treatment of vulnerable persons in our disability services to contact HIQA. He has emphasised that the matter will be taken very seriously and looked at in the context of HIQA’s very significant regulatory powers of inspection of residential facilities.

A system wide process is now commencing, with the establishment of a National Implementation Taskforce. A 6 step programme will be implemented and monitored and will focus on :

- Implementation of Safeguarding Vulnerable Persons at Risk of Abuse - National Policy & Procedures

- Advocacy

- Evaluation and Practice Improvement

- National Summit (Tuesday 16 December) - to improve Client Safety, Dignity, Respect & Culture Change

- Implementation plan for any recommendations arising from the assurance review of residential services in Áras Attracta when complete

- Development of long term sustainable & evidence based safeguarding practices and training programmes specific to residential settings

- Implementation of Safeguarding Vulnerable Persons at Risk of Abuse - National Policy & Procedures

I have been fully briefed by the HSE since they became aware of these allegations and I have asked it to ensure that all appropriate resources are put in place to ensure that the safety and care of residents at Áras Attracta is maintained at the highest possible standard. I have also asked the HSE to brief me on the outcome of these investigations as soon as possible.

Hospital Facilities

Questions (485)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

485. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if he will prioritise the opening of extra beds at West Kerry Community Hospital; if he will assist in ensuring that the Health Service Executive provides adequate funding in the 2015 services plan to allow for extra beds to open so that older persons in west Kerry may remain in their community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48177/14]

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. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.