Written Answers Nos. 141-145
141. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health if, following the recommendations of the Labour Court, talks have commenced between the Health Service Executive and the relevant trade union concerning the status and payment rates for sleepover duty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43457/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Labour Court has recommended an intensive process of conciliation over a period not exceeding 9 months. This process commenced yesterday, Tuesday, 11 November 2014.
142. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the designation of a primary percutaneous coronary intervention, PCI, centre for ST elevation myocardial infarction, STEMI, patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43465/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraSt. Vincent’s University Hospital (SVUH), St. James’s Hospital and Mater Misericordiae University Hospital operate as designated 24/7 Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PPCI) centres for the Greater Dublin Area.
In relation to the withdrawal of SVUH as a 24/7 PPCI centre, the HSE has advised my Department that a premature decision was taken in this regard without the normal notifications to relevant stakeholders. This resulted in a temporary suspension over last weekend of ambulance transfers to SVUH for patients suspected of having ST elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI).
SVUH resumed as a 24/7 PPCI centre at 8 a.m. on Tuesday 11 November 2014.
Ambulance staff were instructed to take confirmed STEMI patients in the greater Dublin area to either of the other two 24/7 PPCI centres - St. James’s Hospital or Mater Misericordiae University Hospital. All patients who presented directly to SVUH with suspected STEMI were able to avail of PPCI in SVUH 24/7, if deemed clinically necessary.
The HSE has advised that a redesign of the PPCI programme - especially in relation to out of hours - is currently underway. The Acute Coronary Syndrome Programme in collaboration with the Acute Hospitals Division and National Ambulance Service of the HSE will enter discussions with all Dublin hospitals currently delivering PPCI, with a view to devising the most effective and sustainable model of care for PPCI in the region.
143. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 13; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43466/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office who will follow up the matter with them.
144. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he or a representative of the Government will be attending the next UN General Session regarding Palestine on 25 November 2014; who the Irish representative or representatives will be; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43484/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra145. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his officials have been informed of the format for the next UN General Session regarding Palestine on 25 November 2014; if it will be a general discussion; if motions will be discussed and voted upon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43485/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 144 and 145 together.
Ireland has been actively involved in the negotiation of the package of resolutions dealing with the Occupied Palestinian Territories which are annually discussed at the Fourth Committee of the UN General Assembly and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly itself.
Through our Permanent Mission to the UN in New York, Irish officials have played a very active role in the intensive negotiations which have been taking place both with other EU Partners and more broadly within the UN on the package of resolutions. The EU Delegation to the UN has led in negotiating closely and constructively with the Palestinian delegation who propose the texts on trying to secure agreed changes to the draft resolutions.
At this stage, broad measure has been agreed between the EU and the Palestinian delegation on the overall package of resolutions. The EU has collectively agreed to co-sponsor a number of the resolutions and it is expected that the EU will be able to vote positively in favour of a large majority of the resolutions due to be tabled. I understand that most of the Resolutions will be voted on within either the Second or Fourth Committees later this week with formal adoption by the Plenary of the General assembly due on either 25 November or at some point in December.
