Vol. 562 No. 5
285 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps which are being taken to introduce recognition for homeopaths as part of the medical system and for the extension of cover for public patients using their services; and when he expects full recognition to be in place. [6733/03]
There are currently no proposals for the introduction of homeopaths into the public health services or for the extension of cover for public patients using their services. The Deputy may wish to note that, at my request, the Institute of Public Administration prepared a report last year on the regulation of the practitioners of complementary and alternative medicine, including homeopaths. This report, which I launched on 14 November 2002, delivers on action 106 of the health strategy, Quality and Fairness, and makes a number of recommendations on proposals for the way forward, including the establishment of a working group to examine and consider regulatory issues in Ireland, the continuation and development of a consultation process, and support for individual therapies in developing or strengthening their systems of self-regulation.
At the launch of the report, I announced the establishment of a national working group to progress the agenda set out in the report and to advise me on future measures for the appropriate regulation of complementary therapists. The membership of this working group is currently being finalised.
286 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will be allocated an appointment for an angiogram test at Tallaght general hospital, in view of the grave concern that the family has in regard to the person's health condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6794/03]
Responsibility for the provision of health services to persons living in County Kildare rests with the Eastern Regional Health Authority. My Department has therefore asked the regional chief executive of the authority to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and to reply to him directly.
