Written Answers Nos. 82-86
82. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the reason assistant psychology posts are not recognised within the Health Service Executive pay scales; the reason such posts are not mentioned in the future policy in the areas of mental health and disability (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39446/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder Section 22 of the Health Act 2004, the HSE has the authority to appoint persons to be its employees and may determine their duties. This includes the appointment of persons to posts within the psychology service. With regard to the recruitment of psychologists, in the context of significant organisational change and re-alignment, it is the Executive's intention to review the selection criteria for posts within the psychology service. The review will commence in November and, as part of this process, the views of stakeholders will be invited and consideration will be given to developments within the profession.
This review is timely in order to ensure that the recruitment of professionally trained psychologists continues to meet the needs of our evolving health services. I welcome the review and look forward to receiving the report once it is completed.
83. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding medical cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39455/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to the introduction of a universal GP service for the entire population in line with the Programme for Government. Universal access to a GP service for the entire population, without a financial barrier, is a key component of developed European health systems because GPs are best placed to appropriately manage a person’s health. As announced in Budget 2014, it was decided to commence the roll-out of a universal GP service for the entire population by initially providing all children under 6 years with access to a GP service without fees. The Health (General Practitioner Service) Act 2014, which provides an entitlement for all children aged under 6 to a GP service without fees, was passed by the Oireachtas in July 2014.
The Government is providing new, additional funding of €37 million to meet the cost of this measure which will provide a GP service to approximately 240,000 children that must currently pay to see a GP. The service will be made available without any user fees or charges, nominal or otherwise. It is important to state that medical cards are not being withdrawn from any person in order to fund this service. The additional funding of €37 million for this service is not savings made up from elsewhere in the health service.
On 4th June 2014, a Framework Agreement was concluded between the Department of Health, the HSE and the IMO. The Framework Agreement sets out a process for engagement concerning the GMS/GP contract and other publicly funded contracts involving GPs. Discussions are underway between the Department, the HSE and the IMO under the Agreement in relation to the provision of free GP care to children under 6 years. A number of meetings have taken place and further meetings have been scheduled.
When discussions on the contract’s scope and content and fee structure have been concluded, the setting of the fee rates will be a matter for the Minister for Health, subject to the provisions of legislation and the Framework Agreement. The objective is to have universal GP care without fees for children under 6 years in place in the coming months, subject to the conclusion of the present discussions and the completion of a fee-setting process.
84. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the surgical supports available for both adults and children with scoliosis in the State; the waiting times for each surgical centre; if additional resources are intended to address this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39469/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra88. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health his plans to tackle the extreme waiting lists for spinal surgery at Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin, Dublin 12 which is increasingly resulting in children not being able to access vital corrective surgery before they mature to a stage where intervention is less effective and conditions tend to become permanent; the number of children that are currently waiting for spinal surgery by length of time spent waiting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39485/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 84 and 88 together.
As the issues raised by the Deputy are service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to her directly.
85. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health if the existing Health Service Executive services respite, shared care services will be maintained in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; his views on the lack of respite care provided to their family; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39474/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe vision for the Health Service Executive's Disability Services Programme is to contribute to the realisation of a society where people with disabilities are supported, as far as possible, to participate to their full potential in economic and social life, and have access to a range of quality personal social supports and services including respite care to enhance their quality of life.
In relation to the specific query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
86. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Health if a person who is currently in receipt of mobility allowance returns to work on a temporary basis, will they qualify again for the mobility allowance once the temporary work has finished; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39475/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2013, the Government agreed that payments should continue to be made by the Health Service Executive to those persons who were in receipt of the Mobility Allowance pending decisions on a new scheme. This decision was made on the basis that this would prevent hardship and alleviate stress, anxiety and uncertainty among a vulnerable group in society. In this context if the Deputy has a specific case in mind, the matter can be considered having regard to the individual circumstances.
