Michael Healy-Rae
Question:1138. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a programme of rehabilitation in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24936/16]
View answerServices for People with Disabilities
Questions (1138)
Written answers
The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities. With regard to Neuro-rehabilitation services, the Programme for Partnership Government places a particular focus on publishing a plan for advancing Neuro-rehabilitation services in the community.
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
With regard to the Deputy's reference to the European Union Charter of Fundamental Rights, this falls under the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality.
Nursing Home Services
Questions (1139)
Seán Fleming
Question:1139. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the number of State-run facilities that provide nursing home care; the number of staff in each of these facilities; the number of residents in each of these facilities; the weekly cost per resident in each of the institutions for 2015 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24937/16]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Hospital Appointments Delays
Questions (1140)
Clare Daly
Question:1140. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health his views in regard to the fact that a person (details supplied) has been told by the Mater Hospital that they will have to wait 16 months for laser eye surgery, particularly in view of Government statements regarding the commitment to reduce waiting times for patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24943/16]
View answerWritten answers
Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The scheduling of appointments is a matter for the hospital to which the patient has been referred. Should a patient’s general practitioner consider the patient’s condition warrants and earlier appointment, he or she should take the matter up with the consultant and the hospital involved. In relation to the specific case raised, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
Hospital Appointments Delays
Questions (1141)
Eugene Murphy
Question:1141. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) has been waiting over a year for an operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24966/16]
View answerWritten answers
Scoliosis affects approximately 1% of children and adolescents in Ireland. The management of scoliosis is complex and is determined by the severity of the curvature and skeletal maturity.
Long waiting times for scoliosis surgery are not acceptable, and my Department has been working closely with the HSE to address services pressures, particularly in Our Lady's Children's Hospital Crumlin (OLCHC), which is the largest provider of scoliosis surgery for children and young people. Additional funding of €1.042m was allocated under the 2015 Service Plan to increase capacity at OLCHC, and an additional orthopaedic surgeon, anaesthetist, and support staff, are now in place with recruitment of a further additional orthopaedic surgeon underway. Capital funding was also provided for a new theatre on site to expand theatre capacity further, and this is currently being commissioned. The Children's Hospital Group is proactively working on nurse recruitment to support the opening of the new theatre.
The recently announced €40 million additional funding for the HSE Winter Initiative 2016/2017 also includes €2m provided specifically for scoliosis patients to treat 39 adolescent patients on the Tallaght waiting list and an additional 15 to 20 paediatric patients by year end. My Department will continue to work with the HSE and the relevant hospitals to ensure improvements in access to spinal surgery.
The scheduling of appointments is a matter for the hospital to which the patient has been referred. In relation to the specific case raised, as this is a service matter I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
Mental Health Services
Questions (1142)
Michael Fitzmaurice
Question:1142. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health when the report of the independent external review group on the quality, safety and governance of mental health services in County Roscommon, which was commissioned by the HSE in 2015 following concerns being raised over the operation of services in the county, will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24967/16]
View answerWritten answers
The Minister has requested to review this report once it becomes available. As this is a service issue this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. If you have not received a response within 10 working days, please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with you.
Health Services Funding
Questions (1143)
Niamh Smyth
Question:1143. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the detail on cuts that have been imposed at a day care centre (details supplied); the reason these cuts have taken place; if staff were notified of the downgrading of services; the services on offer to service users at present; his plans to increase day care at this unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24975/16]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Prescriptions Charges
Questions (1144)
Noel Rock
Question:1144. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Health if the HSE has plans to tackle the issue of persons overpaying for prescription charges (details supplied). [24979/16]
View answerWritten answers
My Department previously asked the HSE to explore administrative changes that would enable a single rather than multiple prescription charge to be deducted across multiple strengths of the same product.
The HSE is currently working with the Irish Pharmacy Union on a project to improve the interface between pharmacy contractors and the HSE. This project includes a commitment to develop a means by which medical card holders who are prescribed a drug that is currently required to be dispensed in different strengths and different containers are levied on the basis of a single prescription charge.
HSE Properties
Questions (1145)
Louise O'Reilly
Question:1145. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a list of all buildings owned by the Health Service Executive, including corresponding addresses for each building; if each building is in use or being used by the health service; the specific purpose for which each is being used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24990/16]
View answerWritten answers
Your question has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply as the management of the healthcare property estate is a service matter.
Health Services Provision
Questions (1146)
John Brassil
Question:1146. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health the provisions in place to replace the primary school children optical scheme that was recently cut; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24991/16]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for reply to the Deputy.
Services for People with Disabilities
Questions (1147)
Mary Lou McDonald
Question:1147. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health the public services that are now available in County Clare to assist a person (details supplied) since the cutting of funding to Disabled People of Clare and its subsequent closure. [24998/16]
View answerWritten answers
The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
Psychological Services
Questions (1148)
Clare Daly
Question:1148. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health his views on the fact that the Dublin north city and county child and adolescent mental health service lacks any primary care psychology service to which persons under 18 years of age in Dublin North may be referred, causing major difficulties (details supplied); the steps he will take to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25002/16]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service issue, this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. If you have not received a reply within 10 working days, please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
Psychological Services
Questions (1149)
Clare Daly
Question:1149. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health his views on the fact that, in the absence of any primary care psychology service for persons under 18 years of age in Dublin North, adolescents in this catchment area are being denied services that are available to adolescents elsewhere in Dublin; the steps he will take to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25003/16]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service issue, this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. If you have not received a reply within 10 working days, please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (1150)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:1150. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an operation in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25006/16]
View answerWritten answers
Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
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 HSE, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
Health Services
Questions (1151)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:1151. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding a road accident; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25009/16]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
HSE Funding
Questions (1152)
David Cullinane
Question:1152. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 581 of 19 July 2016, the reason the HSE compliance unit is not able to provide a more definitive answer to the question as to the number of section 38 and section 39 organisations that are funded by the HSE than the approximate figure of over 1,700; if it is the case that the HSE compliance unit is unaware of the number of organisations that are funded by the HSE and if this is the reason for the lack of certainty with the figures; if he is satisfied that the HSE compliance unit does not know the number of section 38 and section 39 organisations that were audited in each year from 2011 to 2015; his views on whether it is acceptable and reasonable that the HSE compliance unit is incapable of forming a factual and informed judgment on the compliance rate among section 38 and section 39 organisations due to a lack of even the most basic element of the necessary research, namely a simple list of the organisations that have submitted audited returns to the HSE and those that have not; if he agrees with the head of the HSE compliance unit that such a basic building block of compliance oversight, that is, a simple list of those which have submitted an audit and those which have not, constitutes detailed information and is outside the current administrative and bureaucratic practices and procedures of the HSE compliance unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25019/16]
View answerWritten answers
In PQ No. 581 of 19 July the Deputy asked the HSE for the number of Section 38 & Section 39 agencies that have returned audited accounts for the years 2011 – 2016. The response stated that over 1,700 voluntary agencies are currently funded by the HSE and that all funded agencies in receipt of €150,000 or more are obliged to furnish annual audited accounts. The HSE has confirmed to my officials that the 39 Section 38 Service Providers and the top 11 Section 39 Service Providers, which account for over 80% of overall funding, have submitted audited accounts for 2014. The process in relation to the 2015 audited accounts is ongoing at present.
The HSE has informed me that, as indicated in its response to the Deputy, its online Service Provider Governance (SPG) system does not hold the information required to provide the precise details requested, although the next phase of its development, currently underway, will be able to do so for Accounts received from 2016. The only way to provide the detailed information requested would be to ask the operational staff in the 9 Community Healthcare Organisations (CHO) to examine in the region of 2,200 documents (440 providers required to submit audited accounts each year for five years, 2011 – 2015). In addition, the Director of Compliance understands that many of these records will at this stage not be retained in current office files but will have been archived.
Given the current pressures on the limited number of operational staff within each CHO who deal with Service Providers and Service Users on a daily basis, this would impose a significant additional burden on these operational staff and would be considered to be an inappropriate use of limited operational resources.
However, the Director of Compliance has requested each of the 9 CHOs to confirm that the Section 38 and 39 Service Providers within their operational area who are obliged to furnish audited accounts have done so for 2014 and 2015, and when the HSE has this information to hand it will forward it to the Deputy.
Hospital Services
Questions (1153)
Louise O'Reilly
Question:1153. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if he will meet a group (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25023/16]
View answerWritten answers
I intend to meet with Scoliosis Awareness and Support Ireland, and a number of other advocacy groups on the 19 September 2016. I look forward to hearing their views on the provision of scoliosis services.
Scoliosis affects approximately 1% of children and adolescents in Ireland. The management of scoliosis is complex and is determined by the severity of the curvature and skeletal maturity.
Long waiting times for scoliosis surgery are not acceptable, and my Department has been working closely with the HSE to address services pressures, particularly in Our Lady's Children's Hospital Crumlin (OLCHC), which is the largest provider of scoliosis surgery for children and young people. Additional funding of €1.042m was allocated under the 2015 Service Plan to increase capacity at OLCHC, and an additional orthopaedic surgeon, anaesthetist, and support staff, are now in place with recruitment of a further additional orthopaedic surgeon underway. Capital funding was also provided for a new theatre on site to expand theatre capacity further, and this is currently being commissioned. The Children's Hospital Group is proactively working on nurse recruitment to support the opening of the new theatre.
My Department will continue to work with the HSE and the relevant hospitals to ensure improvements in access to spinal surgery.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (1154)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:1154. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25053/16]
View answerWritten answers
Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
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 HSE, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
Disease Awareness
Questions (1155)
Michael McGrath
Question:1155. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken by the HSE in relation to encouraging awareness, prevention and treatment of Lyme disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25056/16]
View answerWritten answers
Lyme disease (also known as Lyme borreliosis or LB) is an infection caused by a spiral-shaped bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi that is transmitted to humans by bites from ticks infected with the bacteria. The infection is generally mild affecting only the skin, but can occasionally be more severe and highly debilitating. Lyme disease is the commonest cause of tick-borne infection in Europe.
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) of the HSE collects and collates surveillance data on notifiable infectious diseases. Lyme borreliosis is notifiable in Ireland since 2012; the notifiable entity being the more severe neurological form of LB: Lyme neuroborreliosis.
The number of annual neuroborreliosis notifications over the last few years is as follows:
- 2012 – 8 cases;
- 2013 – 13 cases;
- 2014 – 18 cases;
- 2015 – 12 cases.
This gives an average annual incidence rate of neuroborreliosis in Ireland of about 2.7 neuroborreliosis cases per million among the population.
Since 2013, the HPSC has held an annual ‘Lyme Awareness Week’ at the beginning of the tick biting season, the purpose of which is to draw attention - particularly in the media - to Lyme disease and the ticks that can spread this disease. The week beginning May 2nd was designated as Lyme Awareness Week this year.
The literature on the HPSC website points out that that campers, walkers and certain occupational groups such as forestry workers, conservation workers, deer cullers and farmers are at particular risk of exposure to ticks (and therefore LB). That said, anyone walking or hiking in the countryside is at risk of biting ticks. The ticks responsible for LB are generally hard-bodied ticks (Ixodidae). Ixodes ticks are hosted by a wide range of mammals including deer, sheep and cows, and occasionally birds; their tiny size (less than 2mm unfed) means they can remain undetected for long periods.
Ixodes ticks are most likely to be found in:
- Shady and humid woodland clearings with grass;
- Open grassland, walking paths (especially those bordered by long grasses);
- Wooded and forested areas;
- Vegetation close to lakes and seaside beaches;
- Parkland areas; and
- Open fields and bushes.
They are present in both urban and rural environments and are active from spring to autumn. Lyme cases tend to appear in Ireland with greater frequency after April, hence the choice of this time of year for Lyme Awareness Week.
The HPSC emphasise that prevention of tick bites is the most effective way to prevent LB and a comprehensive amount of advisory material is available on the HPSC website which will enable the public to:
- Identify likely areas of tick infestation;
- Habits to develop to prevent tick biting them and their families; and
- Habits to develop to examine oneself (and one’s children and pets) to remove any ticks they discover after a day in the country.
In addition, a Lyme Borreliosis Subcommittee has been established to look at methods of raising awareness especially in those areas (including recreation areas) where Lyme carrying ticks can be most expected to be found.
Hospital Appointments Delays
Questions (1156)
Louise O'Reilly
Question:1156. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the waiting times experienced by persons who had a procedure in 2015 and during the first half of 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25059/16]
View answerWritten answers
Waiting list data, including waiting times, are published on a monthly basis by the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) on their website at www.ntpf.ie. Recent figures have shown a continued increase in the number of patients waiting for appointments and/or procedures within the health system in 2016. As such it is clear that the health system is currently dealing with a considerable demand for health services that must be planned for and effectively managed. The Department and HSE are committed to driving the necessary process improvements and resources to tackle this issue.
The HSE has developed an action plan aimed at reducing the number of patients on waiting lists to be implemented in the latter half of 2016. Key actions include clinical validation of patients waiting for an in-patient or daycase procedure for over 15 months, focusing on providing procedures for the 5% of patients on inpatient and daycase waiting lists for over 18 months and driving process improvement at Hospital Group and individual hospital level. This work will be supported by the Special Delivery Unit of the HSE.
Last week the HSE published the Winter Initiative 2016-2017 which includes a €7 million fund for a targeted waiting list programme to reduce the numbers of patients waiting for orthopaedic, spinal and scoliosis procedures in designated sites. The NTPF's recently launched Endoscopy Initiative 2016 will assist in reducing the waiting lists and waiting times for endoscopy procedures for those patients who are currently waiting over 12 months. Separately, additional 'once-off' funding of €1 million has been provided to the Children's Hospital Group to address cardiac catheterisation waiting lists and assist further with scoliosis waiting lists.
The Programme for Partnership Government (PfPG) clearly commits €50 million in 2017 for waiting list initiatives, with at least €15 million of this allocated specifically to the NTPF. The Department of Health is working closely with the HSE and the NTPF to develop specific initiatives focused on reducing waiting lists in 2017 in accordance with the PfPG's commitments.
Ambulance Service
Questions (1157)
Louise O'Reilly
Question:1157. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health to provide details of the moneys being spent on private ambulance services in the State in each of the past five years; the moneys being spent on private ambulance services in terms of transport services and intermediate care services in the State in each of the past five years; the moneys being spent on private ambulance services broken down by HSE region and also by hospital for each of the past five years; the moneys spent on private ambulance services broken down by company and private ambulance service provider; if he will provide this information in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25067/16]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
Hospital Staff
Questions (1158)
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:1158. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the position in relation to the shortage of anaesthetists in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, and Louth County Hospital; the impact in terms of possible increased risk of serious medical mistakes during surgery and the possibility of delaying vital treatment for patients; the number of operations cancelled as a result; the number of posts vacant in the whole country at this time and the locations of these acute hospitals; the action being taken to address this shortage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25072/16]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
Hospital Equipment
Questions (1159)
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:1159. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the position in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, regarding the concerns or requests raised or made by patients or their families or hospital staff regarding the need for air conditioning or fans to be provided for patients in the hospital in the past six months; the number of inpatient rooms that do not have such air conditioning; the proposals to provide such air conditioning or fans; the policy on the provision of fans for patients, particularly those receiving end-of-life care, who have no air conditioning in their room; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25073/16]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
Maternity Services
Questions (1160)
Billy Kelleher
Question:1160. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health his views on the case of a person (details supplied) and the ongoing issue involving a review of their case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25078/16]
View answerWritten answers
The matter referred to has been the subject of correspondence between the family involved, the HSE and the Department of Health. The Deputy National Director, Acute Hospitals Division, HSE, is dealing directly with the concerns raised. As a result of this I have referred this matter to the HSE to respond to you directly.
Accident and Emergency Departments Data
Questions (1161)
Seán Fleming
Question:1161. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the number of attendances at each of the 29 hospitals that offered emergency department services on a 24/7 basis in 2015 and the number to date up to the end of June 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25079/16]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
Hospital Charges
Questions (1162)
Brendan Griffin
Question:1162. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if medical card cover in respect of a person (details suppled) will be backdated to cover the costs of a hospital stay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25080/16]
View answerWritten answers
The Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply directly to the Deputy.
Nursing Staff Remuneration
Questions (1163)
Brendan Griffin
Question:1163. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health the number of nurses that earn between €10,000 and €100,000 per year in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25083/16]
View answerWritten answers
I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.
Mental Health Services
Questions (1164)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:1164. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding mental health day care services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25087/16]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service issue, this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. If you have not received a reply within 10 working days, please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (1165)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:1165. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of persons (details supplied) waiting to see a consultant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25089/16]
View answerWritten answers
A key challenge for our health system is ensuring timely access to health services. While waiting list numbers have increased nationally, this must be seen in the context of increased demand for care in our health system. There has been a 4% increase in inpatient and day-case activity in acute hospitals and an almost 6% increase in attendances at EDs in comparison with last year. The key issue for patients is how long they wait. Approximately 60% of patients wait less than six months for a required outpatient appointment or inpatient/day-case procedures. I note that 98% of patients have been waiting less than six months for inpatient/day-case procedures at University Hospital Kerry.
The HSE has developed an action plan aimed at reducing the number of patients on waiting lists to be implemented in the latter half of 2016. Key actions include clinical validation of patients waiting for an in-patient or day-case procedure for over 15 months, focusing on providing procedures for the 5% of patients on inpatient and day-case waiting lists for over 18 months and driving process improvement at Hospital Group and individual hospital level. This work will be supported by the Special Delivery Unit of the HSE.
The Programme for a Partnership Government (PfPG) emphasises the need for sustained commitment to improving waiting times for patients, with a particular focus on those patients waiting longest. It commits €50 million in 2017 for waiting list initiatives, with at least €15 million of this allocated specifically to the NTPF. The Department of Health is working closely with the HSE and the NTPF to develop specific initiatives focused on reducing waiting lists in 2017 in accordance with the PfPG's commitments.
Under the Health Act 2004, the HSE is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Accordingly, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to the specific service issue raised concerning University Hospital Kerry.
Hospital Appointments Delays
Questions (1166)
Niamh Smyth
Question:1166. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in receiving an appointment in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25093/16]
View answerWritten answers
Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The scheduling of appointments is a matter for the hospital to which the patient has been referred. Should a patient’s general practitioner consider the patient’s condition warrants and earlier appointment, he or she should take the matter up with the consultant and the hospital involved. In relation to the specific case raised, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
Medical Card Eligibility
Questions (1167)
Seán Fleming
Question:1167. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) is entitled to a full medical card here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25094/16]
View answerWritten answers
Eligibility for health services is primarily based on residency and means. Any person, regardless of nationality, who is accepted by the Health Service Executive (HSE) as being ordinarily resident in Ireland may be eligible for a health service either on the basis of full (medical card) or limited eligibility. If a person is coming to live in Ireland or returning here to live, they must satisfy the HSE that they are "ordinarily resident" i.e. that they are living here or intend to live here for at least a year in order to be eligible for public health services. However, if they are here for a shorter period, they are regarded as a visitor and therefore do not have any entitlement to free or subsidised health services and they should take out appropriate insurance to cover the period of their visit.