Written Answers Nos. 247-259
247. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which ongoing development plans for Naas General Hospital continue with particular reference to the next phase of the development; when the funding is likely to become available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38219/16]
View answerFurther funding for the next phase of development at Naas general hospital is dependent on the costing and timing of the projects, the availability of resources in the context of many other demands across the country and the future capital envelope for the health service and the overall priorities for future service development in the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group.
It is proposed that there will be a mid-term review of the State’s capital envelope, which will assess progress and review emerging pressures and demands. It is expected that this mid-term review will be completed in 2017.
248. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when free transport for young adults registered at St. Raphael's, County Kildare, and attending various educational outlets can be restored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38220/16]
View answerThe 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 it to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy, for any further information that they may be able to provide.
249. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health his plans to ensure that rural areas continue to be included by way of provision of local health centre primary care centre with particular reference to the need to ensure a high quality of health services in all rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38221/16]
View answerAs the provision of health services, including Primary Care Centres, is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive (HSE), I have arranged for the question to be referred to the HSE for direct reply.
250. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when free transport will be restored in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38222/16]
View answerThe provision of transport to adults with a disability attending HSE-funded day services is not a core health service, and the HSE endeavours to ensure that all service users access public transport, including rural transport services, if possible. In recognition of the challenges which some service users experience in relation to accessible transport, some transport is provided by disability service providers on a case by case basis as resources allow. Service providers are continuously reviewing their transport arrangements to ensure that they are used as effectively and equitably as possible within available resources, and will continue to keep the matter under review.
As the Deputy's question relates to a service matter, I have arranged for it to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply, for any further information that they may be able to provide in this regard.
251. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when free transport will be restored in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38223/16]
View answer252. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when respite accommodation will be offered in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38224/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 251 and 252 together.
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.
The Programme for Partnership Government states that the Government wishes to provide more accessible respite care to facilitate full support for people with a disability.
As the Deputy's questions relate to service matters, I have arranged for the questions to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy, for any further information that they may be able to provide.
253. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when respite accommodation will be offered in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38225/16]
View answerThe 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.
The Programme for Partnership Government states that the Government wishes to provide more accessible respite care to facilitate full support for people with a disability.
As the Deputy's question relates to an individual case, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy, for any further information that they may be able to provide.
254. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if, and when, respite accommodation will be offered in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38226/16]
View answerThe 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.
The Programme for Partnership Government states that the Government wishes to provide more accessible respite care to facilitate full support for people with a disability.
As the Deputy's question relates to an individual case, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy, for any further information that they may be able to provide.
255. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Health if his Department will intervene to ensure the survival of the Kilbarrack coast community programme, which is a highly regarded drug rehabilitation project facing eviction from its current premises, thus jeopardising its future functioning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38251/16]
View answerWith effect from 1 January 2014, operational and financial responsibility for the Kilbarrack Coast Community Programme was transferred to the HSE. In the circumstances, I have referred this matter to the HSE for direct reply.
256. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) with a medical card can be charged for getting bloods taken. [38277/16]
View answerPersons covered by the General Medical Services (GMS) scheme should not be charged for routine phlebotomy services provided by their GP, or the Practice Nurse on behalf of the GP, which are required to either assist in the diagnosis of illness or the treatment of a condition. The HSE has addressed this issue and advised GPs, that where the service forms part of the investigation or necessary treatment of a patient’s symptoms or conditions, it should be provided free of charge for patients who hold a medical card or GP visit card.
If a patient who holds a medical card or GP visit card believes he/she has been incorrectly charged for routine phlebotomy services by his/her GP, then that patient may wish to make a complaint to the HSE Local Health Office who will deal with the matter in accordance with the HSE’s Complaints Policy. Contact details for all Local Health Offices can be found on the HSE’s website.
In relation to the particular case raised by the Deputy, as this is a service matter, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
257. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health if getting married would affect access to an existing medical card in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38280/16]
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 was issued to Oireachtas members.
258. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health the amount of legal fees paid by his Department in respect of tribunals of inquiry established by the State and any resulting legal actions; if he will provide these broken down by tribunal and by year for 2006 to 2016, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38455/16]
View answerThe Tribunal of Inquiry into the infection with HIV and Hepatitis C of Persons with Haemophilia and related matters was established by the State in 1999. Legal costs for this tribunal for the years in question amount to €28,537, which was paid in 2007.
259. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) will receive their single farm payment for 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38174/16]
View answerAn application under the 2016 Basic Payment Scheme was received in my Department from the person named on 16 May 2016. The application has now been fully processed, following the receipt of the additional information mentioned. Any payments due will issue as soon as possible to the nominated bank account.
