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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 30 Sep 2003

Vol. 571 No. 1

Written Answers. - Health Board Services.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

916 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if the number of people in the SEHB area who have motor neurone disease is 21 and not five as previously stated; if he will confirm this number with the MND association nationally and inform it of the inaccuracy of the information it has in this area; the way in which the information is compiled; the services which are offered to the 21 families affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20415/03]

I wish to refer to the previous reply of 27 May last to the Deputy which stated that my Department does not routinely collect information on the number of people in the South Eastern Health Board area who have motor neurone disease. My Department has asked the chief executive officer of the South-Eastern Health Board to clarify this matter with the Motor Neurone Disease Association and reply directly to the Deputy.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

917 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in the South Eastern Health Board in assessing an application under the DPG scheme in the name of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if the application will be expedited and the level of funding available confirmed. [20416/03]

The provision of health-related services to people with physical or sensory disabilities is a matter for the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the health boards in the first instance. Accordingly, the Deputy's question has been referred to the chief executive officer of the South Eastern Health Board with a request that he examine the matter and reply directly to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

918 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if each health board has its own public relations department; the number employed by each and their qualifications; the date each department was established; the cost of each of these departments over each of the past four financial years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20417/03]

Responsibility for the recruitment of staff, including for public relations purposes, rests with each health board. My Department has therefore asked the chief executive officers to investigate the matters raised by the Deputy and a consolidated reply will issue to the Deputy from my Department as soon as possible.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

919 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if it is common practise in hostels (details supplied) in County Kilkenny operated by the South Eastern Health Board for the private accounts of patients to be accessed for the purpose of obtaining funds for the purchase of bedroom furniture for the patients; if complaints have been received regarding this practise from staff or families; if this is an established policy or practice operated by all boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20418/03]

I understand that it is the practice in some health board areas to facilitate patients living in community residences who wish to purchase items such as furniture for their own personal use. This provides the opportunity for patients to generate a more homely, personalised environment. Responsibility for the operation of the community residences in County Kilkenny referred to by the Deputy rests with the South Eastern Health Board. My Department has therefore asked the chief executive officer of the South-Eastern Health Board to investigate the matter and reply to him directly.

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