Written Answers Nos. 216-228
216. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in each LHO area waiting for a podiatry appointment in primary care at 31 March 2019 or the latest date available; and the numbers waiting from zero to 12, 12 to 26, 26 to 52 and more than 52 weeks, respectively. [15930/19]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
217. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in each LHO area waiting for an ophthalmology appointment in primary care at 31 March 2019 or the latest date available; and the numbers waiting from zero to 12, 12 to 26, 26 to 52 and more than 52 weeks, respectively. [15931/19]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
218. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in each LHO area waiting for an audiology appointment in primary care; and the numbers waiting from zero to 12, 12 to 26, 26 to 52 and more than 52 weeks, respectively, at 31 March 2019 or the latest date available. [15932/19]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
219. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in each LHO area waiting for a dietetics appointment in primary care; and the numbers waiting from zero to 12, 12 to 26, 26 to 52 and more than 52 weeks, respectively, at 31 March 2019 or the latest date available. [15933/19]
View answerAs this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.
220. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in each LHO area waiting for an oral health appointment in primary care at 31 March 2019 or the latest date available; and the numbers waiting from zero to 12, 12 to 26, 26 to 52 and more than 52 weeks, respectively. [15934/19]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
221. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in each LHO area waiting for a speech and language assessment in primary care at 31 March 2019 or the latest date available; and the numbers waiting from zero to 12, 12 to 26, 26 to 52 and more than 52 weeks, respectively. [15935/19]
View answer222. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in each LHO area waiting for a speech and language therapy appointment in primary care at 31 March 2019 or the latest date available; and the numbers waiting from zero to 12, 12 to 26, 26 to 52 and more than 52 weeks, respectively. [15936/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 221 and 222 together.
As these questions relate to service matters, I have arranged for the questions to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.
223. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in each LHO area waiting for an occupational therapy appointment in primary care at 31 March 2019 or the latest date available; and the numbers waiting from zero to 12, 12 to 26, 26 to 52 and more than 52 weeks, respectively. [15937/19]
View answerAs this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.
224. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in each LHO area waiting for a physiotherapy appointment in primary care at 31 March 2019 or the latest date available; and the numbers waiting from zero to 12, 12 to 26, 26 to 52 and more than 52 weeks, respectively. [15938/19]
View answerAs this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.
225. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost in the first year and a full year to provide free dental care for all children under six years of age; the estimated cost for free dental care for all children up to 16 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15944/19]
View answer226. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost in the first year and a full year to provide free dental care for older persons and those living in residential facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15945/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 225 and 226 together.
On 3 April 2019, I published Smile agus Sláinte, the new National Oral Health together with my colleague Regina Doherty TD the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection. Research carried out by the ESRI, as part of the ESRI Research Programme in Healthcare Reform funded by the Department of Health, examined the potential cost implications of proposed changes to oral healthcare provision, and informed the new Policy.
The indicative estimate of the cost of providing the oral healthcare packages outlined in the Policy to children aged under 16 is approximately €33-€34 million, of which €10-12 million pertains to children aged under 6. This indicative estimate is based on current fees payable by the HSE under the Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) and an estimated take-up rate based on previous research. The final cost will be subject to further discussion with dentists.
Medical card holders currently receive dental services under the DTSS. The indicative cost for provision of the new packages of care for all adults ranges from €23-48 million. Smile agus Sláinte will prioritise vulnerable adults, including those in residential care, to access dental care. The cost of providing services for those in residential care will be informed by the planned assessment of oral healthcare need for high support care among that group of vulnerable adults. This assessment of need is one of the priority actions of the Policy.
In 2020 the introduction of packages of care for children under 6 years of age will be prioritised. In addition, there will be a focus on enabling vulnerable adults to access their local dentist as a first point of contact and ensuring that they are referred to the HSE community oral healthcare service or other appropriate service, if required.
227. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health the number of home support hours being provided in each local health area at the end of March 2019; and the number of hours being directly provided by the HSE and by contracted private health care companies, respectively. [15949/19]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
228. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the number of persons with disabilities in receipt of home support hours in each LHO area, in tabular form, at 31 March 2019 or the latest date available; the number of persons on the waiting list for same in each LHO area, in tabular form; and the numbers waiting zero to three, three to six, six to 12 and more than 12 months. [15955/19]
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 the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
