John Browne
Ceist:216. Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Health if he will arrange to have a medical card issued to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford. [12341/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraMedical Card Applications
Ceisteanna (216)
Freagraí scríofa
The Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible. The Health Service Executive operates the General Medical Services scheme, which includes medical cards and GP visit cards, under the Health Act 1970, as amended. It has established a dedicated contact service for members of the Oireachtas specifically for queries relating to medical cards and GP visit cards, which the Deputy may wish to use for an earlier response. Contact information has issued to Oireachtas members.
Medical Card Applications
Ceisteanna (217)
John Browne
Ceist:217. Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Health if he will arrange to have a medical card issued to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford. [12342/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible. The Health Service Executive operates the General Medical Services scheme, which includes medical cards and GP visit cards, under the Health Act 1970, as amended. It has established a dedicated contact service for members of the Oireachtas specifically for queries relating to medical cards and GP visit cards, which the Deputy may wish to use for an earlier response. Contact information has issued to Oireachtas members.
Irish Blood Transfusion Service
Ceisteanna (218)
Joe Higgins
Ceist:218. Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Health the number of blood donations that have not been used due to anonymous informants giving information on blood donors to the Irish Blood Transfusion Service [12349/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available in the Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS). I have asked the IBTS to compile the relevant information from 2010 and to forward it to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Irish Blood Transfusion Service
Ceisteanna (219)
Joe Higgins
Ceist:219. Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Health his views on the prohibition on blood donations from men who have had sex with men; if he will request the Irish Blood Transfusion Service to review this prohibition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12350/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) remit is to provide a safe, reliable, robust blood service to the Irish health system. Blood, and the products derived from it, are an integral facet of healthcare delivery. A major objective of the IBTS is to ensure that it always has the necessary programmes and procedures in place to protect both the donors of blood and the recipients of blood and blood products.
The EU Directive on quality and safety of blood requires that "all necessary measures have been taken to safeguard the health of individuals who are recipients of blood and blood components". The permanent deferral of men who have sex with men [MSM] from donating blood is not based on sexuality or orientation but on the fact that there are increased levels of HIV infection among men who have sex with men in Ireland. While testing for HIV is very sensitive and effective, there remains a period between infection and detection that could cause the transmission of HIV to a recipient of blood or blood components. The IBTS works closely with blood services internationally and keeps developments in this area under review.
HSE Superannuation Payments
Ceisteanna (220)
Michael Ring
Ceist:220. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive an additional payment in accordance with the Local Government (Superannuation) (Gratuities) Regulations 1984 to cover the period as a part-time home help; and when this claim will be completed in view of the fact that the relevant information was submitted to the Health Service Executive by the applicant several years ago. [12351/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is an operational matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Diabetes Strategy
Ceisteanna (221)
Charlie McConalogue
Ceist:221. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health the number of diabetes paediatric centres of excellence in the country; the locations of same; his plans to establish any further such centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12352/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy.
Diabetes Strategy
Ceisteanna (222)
Charlie McConalogue
Ceist:222. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the progress of the working group established by the national clinical leads for diabetes and paediatrics to agree a model of care for standardised services across the country for children and adolescents with diabetes; if this working group has completed its work; the progress on any actions recommended by same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12353/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A paediatrics diabetes working group was put in place in 2011 by the National Clinical Programme for Paediatrics; it works closely with the National Clinical Programme for Diabetes; it is a multi-disciplinary group made up of, among others, a dietician, paediatrician, and a patient group representative. The working group has developed a model of care for the provision of insulin pump therapy to children under 5 years with type-1 diabetes; 5 regional centres for the provision of pumps are in place nationally. In addition, work has recently started on the development of a model of care for all children under 16 years with type-1 diabetes.