Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2015
414. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health regarding the provision of swimsuit and swimming prosthesis for breast cancer patients, if the Health Service Executive has stopped approving them in certain areas throughout the country, including Dublin; if so, if he will provide details of the locations; his plans to reinstate this service; if so, when; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5660/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra415. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health regarding the provision of mastectomy prosthesis and surgical bras, the difference in the funding provided to Health Service Executive areas throughout the country including Dublin; if he will provide, in tabular form, the funding made available for each item in these areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5661/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra416. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he will provide in tabular form the waiting time for approval for mastectomy prosthesis and surgical bras in every Health Service Executive area throughout the country, including the Dublin areas, those waiting two to three weeks, six weeks, eight weeks, 12 weeks and longer since September 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5662/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 414 to 416, inclusive, together.
A national group has been established in the HSE to review practices in the area of aids and appliances. This review will include policy and procedures applying to the provision of breast prostheses and bras for women who have had mastectomies. The Group will complete its work this year and it is expected that the implementation of its recommendations will lead to standardised procedures nationwide.
With regard to the specific service related queries raised in the Deputy's question, including the funding made available in HSE areas and waiting times for prosthesis and surgical bras, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to him.
If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, he should contact my Private Office and my officials will follow up the matter with them.
