Peter Mathews
Ceist:208. Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Health the position regarding home help in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49024/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraHome Help Service Provision
Ceisteanna (208)
Freagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (209)
John Browne
Ceist:209. Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Wexford will receive a hospital appointment as a matter of urgency [49046/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Medical Card Drugs
Ceisteanna (210)
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Ceist:210. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health if a drug (details supplied) is still available under the medical card scheme; if not, the reason for its withdrawal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49051/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In the current financial environment the Health Service Executive, HSE, is facing a challenge to deliver services in a way that will minimise any adverse impact on patients and continue to protect, as far as possible, the most vulnerable citizens. Unfortunately, it has become necessary for the HSE to suspend certain products from its list of reimbursable items, including glucosamine.
Glucosamine (Osteoeze) is indicated for the management of symptoms of osteoarthritis. The National Centre for Pharmoeconomics, NCPE, has assessed the cost-effectiveness of glucosamine on two occasions and concluded that it did not offer value for money to the HSE. However, glucosamine products are available over the counter without prescriptions.
Ministerial Correspondence
Ceisteanna (211)
Micheál Martin
Ceist:211. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health if he has received representations from the Catholic Church in relation to possible legislation on abortion being introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44241/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have received correspondence on this issue from a number of clergy, members of religious orders, and lay people, but no official representations from bishops, archbishops or the Vatican.
National Children's Hospital Location
Ceisteanna (212)
Micheál Martin
Ceist:212. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health if he or his Department have seen or discussed the Dolphin report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45670/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Dolphin report was presented to me on 8 June last by the members of the Dolphin Group. I have since then given careful consideration to the report and sought additional detailed technical analysis from those members of the Dolphin Group with the relevant expertise before bringing the report to Government with a recommendation. Yesterday, Government decided to develop the New Children’s Hospital at the campus of St. James’s Hospital in Dublin. In identifying the new site, the Government has carefully considered the report of the Dolphin Group along with detailed supplementary information on cost, time and planning which was subsequently sought from members of the Group with the relevant technical expertise.
Ministerial Responsibilities
Ceisteanna (213)
Micheál Martin
Ceist:213. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health if he has signed the delegation order for the newly appointed Minister of State with special responsibility for primary care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45671/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Order is currently being drafted by the OPC, after which I will submit the Order to the Government so that the Government can make the Order.
Accident and Emergency Services Provision
Ceisteanna (214)
John Halligan
Ceist:214. Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a progress report on the review of accident and emergency service at St. Columcille's Hospital, Loughlinstown, County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48891/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.