Written Answers Nos. 172-178
172. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the number of child psychiatrist posts, part-time and full-time, in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, County Louth, in 2012, 2013, 2014 and to date in 2015. [9538/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service issue this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. If you have not received a reply within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
173. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Health the progress on the policy proposals to be brought to Government for the drafting of primary legislation for a new mobility allowance scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9546/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra175. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on proposals to be brought to Government for the drafting of primary legislation for a new scheme to replace the motorised transport scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9572/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 173 and 175 together.
Conscious of the reports of the Ombudsman regarding the legal status of the Motorised Transport Grant and Mobility Allowance Scheme, in the context of the Equal Status Acts, the Government decided to close both schemes. The Government decided that the preparatory work required for a new travel subsidy scheme and associated statutory provisions should be progressed by the Minister for Health. The Department is seeking a solution which would best meet the aim of supporting people with severe disabilities who require additional income to contribute towards the costs of their mobility needs, while remaining within the available budget and satisfying all legal and equality concerns. In the meantime, the motorised transport grant remains closed and monthly payments have continued to be made by the Health Service Executive to 4,700 people who were in receipt of the Mobility Allowance at the time that scheme was closed.
Work is ongoing on the policy proposals to be brought to Government for the drafting of primary legislation for a new scheme. Once policy proposals have been finalised and approved by Government, the time frame for the introduction of a new scheme will become clearer.
174. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health if he will provide, in tabular form for 1 February 2014 and 1 February 2015 for each local health area, the number of medical cards in circulation generally and also for the over 70s; the number of general practitioner cards in circulation for those categories; and for each of these the number of which were issued on a discretionary basis. [9561/15]
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.
176. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that adequate funding is provided to ensure that there are no reductions in the level of service provided by North East Doctor on Call Ltd. in the north-east region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9573/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
177. Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Health his plans for the reinstatement of a speech and language therapist post in Ballinrobe, County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9581/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
178. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on his Department's proposals to assist in reducing the long waiting lists for orthodontic care in the mid-west region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9583/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE provides orthodontic treatment to those who have been referred for treatment before their 16th birthday. It should be noted that the nature of orthodontic care means that immediate treatment is not always desirable. It is estimated that in up to 5% of cases it is necessary to wait for further growth to take place before treatment commences. Patients are assessed by the HSE Orthodontic Service under the modified Index of Treatment Need. Patients with the greatest level of need, i.e. Grade 5 or some with a Grade 4 are provided with treatment by the HSE.
The HSE has established a pilot scheme in Dublin North East which will involve the use of orthodontic therapists in the treatment of a number of eligible children. Consideration will be given to expanding this Scheme to other HSE areas in the future. In addition to the services provided by HSE staff, orthodontic treatment for certain categories of misalignment will be provided by a panel of independent practitioners under contract to the HSE over the next three years. A national procurement process is being finalised. This initiative will especially focus on those waiting for 4 years or longer. It is expected that this initiative will have a positive impact on waiting times.
