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Thursday, 27 Sep 2012

Written Answers Nos. 181-188

Health Services Allowances

Ceisteanna (181)

Arthur Spring

Ceist:

181. Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Health if the Health Service Executive has changed its policy in relation to the payment of subsistence and travel allowance to members of the ambulance services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41044/12]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

There has been no change in the HSE policy in relation to the payment of Travel and Subsistence. The criteria for payment of Travel and Subsistence in the HSE are set out in the HSE National Financial regulations.

The Deputy may be aware that the HSE announced a series of cost-saving measures in August 2012 in order to meet its statutory obligation to stay within budget in 2012. As part of the package of measures announced, an instruction has issued to cease all non-service travel for the remainder of the year.

Nursing Homes Support Scheme Eligibility

Ceisteanna (182)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

182. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he has considered reviewing the qualifying criteria for the fair deal scheme (details supplied) [41048/12]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

When the Nursing Homes Support Scheme commenced in October 2009, a commitment was made that it would be reviewed after three years. The reason for allowing this period to elapse is to ensure that trends and statistics will be available in order to inform the work.

A public consultation process to inform the review concluded in mid-July. The Department will be publishing a summary report of the submissions received. Thereafter, the Department will be seeking tenders through the public procurement process for the carrying out of the review. It is expected that the review will commence in the last quarter of this year and be completed in early 2013.

The Terms of Reference for the review of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme are:

Taking account of Government policy, demographic trends and the fiscal situation -

1. To examine the on-going sustainability of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme,

2. To examine the overall cost of long-term residential care in public and private nursing homes and the effectiveness of the current methods of negotiating/setting prices,

3. Having regard to 1. and 2. above, to consider the balance of funding between long-term residential care and community based services, and

4. To consider the extension of the scheme to community based services and to other sectors (Disability and Mental Health), and

5. To make recommendations for the future operation and management of the scheme.

As the Scheme is statutory based, the implementation of any recommendations arising from the review may require significant amendments to the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act, 2009.

Hospital Services

Ceisteanna (183)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

183. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will outline his plans for St. Peters Hospital, Castlepollard and St. Mary's Delvin County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41050/12]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Question No. 184 answered with Question No. 17.

Primary Care Centres Provision

Ceisteanna (185)

Patrick Nulty

Ceist:

185. Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Health if he will publish the list of 200 locations listed, in priority, for locating primary health centres around the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41133/12]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In 2012 the HSE embarked on a prioritisation exercise for Primary Care Centres. In some locations the HSE had advanced discussions with developers and GPs regarding leasing premises in the area for primary care and this was deemed the most appropriate method for delivering these centres. A number of other high priority locations were selected for direct investment by the HSE using exchequer funds from the HSE’s capital allocation. The remaining locations were then considered for development by way of PPP as part of the Government’s stimulus package.

The list of 200 locations referred to in media reports represented the situation at a given point in time. However, the prioritisation exercise is a dynamic process, constantly evolving to take account of changing circumstances, including the feasibility of implementation. There are more than two hundred locations under consideration for progression and the list of locations requires further work and objective analysis by my Department and the HSE, particularly with regard to the feasibility of implementation. Accordingly, it is not proposed to publish the list at this time.

Hospital Appointments Administration

Ceisteanna (186)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

186. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if a hospital appointment will be provided in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41139/12]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Nursing Homes Support Scheme Applications

Ceisteanna (187)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

187. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health when a fair deal application will be processed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41141/12]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Question No. 188 answered with Question No. 44.
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