John O'Mahony
Ceist:741. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health his plans to cover persons with coeliac disease under the medical card scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21712/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMedical Card Eligibility
Ceisteanna (741)
Freagraí scríofa
In accordance with the Health Act 1970 (as amended), the assessment for a medical card is determined primarily by reference to the means, including the income and expenditure, of the applicant and his or her partner and dependants. There is no entitlement to a medical card for a person with a particular illness or medical condition.
The Deputy will be aware of the publication of the Report of the Expert Panel on Medical Need for Medical Card Eligibility and the Medical Card Process Review in November 2014. Key findings of the Expert Panel were that it would not be feasible, desirable or ethically justifiable to list medical conditions in priority order for medical card eligibility and that a person’s means should remain the main qualifier for a medical card.
However, the Government recognises that the health service needs to be responsive to the circumstances of people with significant medical needs. Following publication of the two reports, in November 2014, the Minister for Health and I announced a series of measures to enhance the operation of the medical card scheme and make it more sensitive to people’s needs, especially where serious illness is involved. Where deemed appropriate in particular circumstances, the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card even though an applicant's means exceed the prescribed threshold. Where a person does not qualify for a medical card, they may be provided with a GP Visit Card, appropriate therapy or other community supports.
The Deputy will also be aware that a Clinical Advisory Group has been appointed and it will provide an interim update on its work this month on the development of guidance on assessing medical card applications involving significant medical conditions, so as to take account of the burden involved and the needs arising from the condition and to ensure that appropriate services are provided to people who need them.
The medical card system is now operating in a more sensible and sensitive manner. The HSE is exercising greater discretion, as is evident in the increase in the number of discretionary medical cards in circulation - by over 63% from about 52,000 in mid-2014 to over 85,000 at the end of April this year.
Medical Card Data
Ceisteanna (742)
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Ceist:742. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health the number of medical cards; the number of general practitioner cards, as of 1 May 2015; and the number for each type of card issued on a discretionary basis, on that date. [21725/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The following table provides medical cards figures at 1 May 2015, as requested by the Deputy.
1st May 2015
|
Card Type |
No. of Cards |
|
Medical cards |
1,741,333 |
|
of which granted involving discretion |
85,396 |
|
GP Visit cards |
162,240 |
|
of which granted involving discretion |
38,969 |
Medical Aids and Appliances Provision
Ceisteanna (743)
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Ceist:743. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health when a new wheelchair will be provided in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21727/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, he can contact my Private Office and they will follow the matter up with the HSE.
Medical Aids and Appliances Provision
Ceisteanna (744)
Jonathan O'Brien
Ceist:744. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the recent research from the University of Limerick stating that the standards of wheelchairs provided to wheelchair users is not meeting their needs; that the wheelchairs provided by the Health Service Executive fall below the standards set by the World Health Organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21730/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, he can contact my Private Office and they will follow the matter up with the HSE.
Departmental Funding
Ceisteanna (745)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:745. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if he will consider an application for grant aid (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21744/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department has received two applications for funding from the 2015 National Lottery allocation from the organisation in question. These are among a large number of applications currently being assessed by my Department. The organisation will be informed of the outcome of the applications as soon as a decision has been made.
Funding is expected to be awarded to successful organisations at the end of June.
Medical Aids and Appliances Applications
Ceisteanna (746)
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:746. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) has not been granted a wheelchair assessment in Seat Tech Enable Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21755/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, he can contact my Private Office and they will follow the matter up with the HSE.
Question No. 747 answered with Question No. 693.
Vaccination Programme
Ceisteanna (748)
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:748. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the level of information relating to side effects for vaccinations that are provided to parents in schools for school vaccination programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21761/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the National Immunisation Office, part of the Health Services Executive for direct reply. 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.
Medical Card Applications
Ceisteanna (749)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:749. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the progress to date in re-examining entitlement to a medical card, in view of new information submitted in recent weeks in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; if their current cards will be extended pending outcome; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21762/15]
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.
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.
Nursing Home Inspections
Ceisteanna (750)
Billy Kelleher
Ceist:750. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health his plans extend the powers of the Health Information and Quality Authority, the Ombudsman or other State agencies to investigate individual complaints in private nursing homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21763/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Since 2009 all nursing homes - public, voluntary and private have been registered and inspected by the Health Information and Quality Authority. During the course of this Government, HIQA’s function has been extended to residential services for those with disabilities and child protection services. As regulator, HIQA’s remit operates at the level of facilities rather than of individual complaints. However, HIQA takes account of all available information, including any individual complaints received, when inspecting and regulating relevant facilities.
The remit of the Office of the Ombudsman is a matter for the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, and I have passed this aspect of your Question to him for direct reply to you.
Medical Aids and Appliances Applications
Ceisteanna (751)
Jack Wall
Ceist:751. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health the assistance available in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare whose child requires specialised glasses and frames beyond the norm; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21768/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) 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.
Orthodontic Services Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (752)
Barry Cowen
Ceist:752. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Meath will receive an appointment with the orthodontic department, Health Service Executive health centre, Tullamore, County Offaly. [21769/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) 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.
Question No. 753 answered with Question No. 640.
Health Services Staff
Ceisteanna (754)
Colm Keaveney
Ceist:754. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Health if the position of mental health inspector is vacant, including any temporary absence due to illness; the timeframe it has been vacant, or temporarily vacant; if vacant, when he anticipates it being filled again; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21771/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Inspector of Mental Health Services is appointed by the Mental Health Commission under Section 50 (2) of the Mental Health Act 2001. I understand that in September 2014, the Commission agreed with the then Inspector that he would take a paid sabbatical for the remainder of his term, up to 11th May, 2015. The Inspector post has been filled on an acting capacity by an Assistant Inspector (Consultant Psychiatrist) of the Mental Health Commission since September 2014, and has at no time been vacant.
In line with the current procedures in relation to the filling of senior staff vacancies, an application has been submitted to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for approval to fill this post, and the Department of Health is following up on this as a matter of urgency. The Inspector post will be advertised as soon as that approval is received.
School Meals Programme
Ceisteanna (755)
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:755. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health his views on representations from the Irish Heart Foundation (details supplied) which stressed the need for nutritious school food; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21782/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department of Education has informed me that through the Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) programme students learn about the importance of healthy eating and a balanced diet. SPHE is mandatory at primary level. It forms part of the new 'Wellbeing' component of the Junior Cycle Framework. Schools are encouraged to provide an SPHE programme in senior cycle.
Schools are active in this area. The latest data available to the Department of Education is through the Lifeskills survey, 2012. The findings from this survey indicate that the vast majority of primary and post primary schools are providing their students with the skills and knowledge needed to enable them to make healthier lifestyle choices. For example, 97% of primary, and 66% of post primary schools, reported in 2012 that they promote healthy lunches. Similarly, more than 90% of primary and more than half of post primary schools reported having a healthy eating policy in place.
The Department of Education and Skills is currently finalising guidance for schools that is intended to promote 'Healthy Lifestyles' among the student population. This guidance encompasses measures to promote P.E. and physical activity, as well as healthy eating and healthy vending. It has been drafted in consultation with the Department of Health and the HSE. This guidance will issue in September 2015, to coincide with the publication by the Department of Health of updated Guidelines on Healthy Eating Policies. The Healthy Lifestyle guidance will issue to post primary schools in the first instance. This will be followed by similar guidance for primary schools.
Ambulance Service Response Times
Ceisteanna (756, 758, 759)
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:756. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the most recent ambulance call-out response times; if targets are being reached; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21784/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraCaoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:758. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if he will provide details of ambulance call-out target times; his plans to extend or to remove them; if he will ensure that rural communities are guaranteed appropriate and adequate emergency services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21786/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraCaoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:759. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health when there will be a full 24-hour ambulance cover for all regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21787/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 756, 758 and 759 together.
As these are service matters, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.
HSE Expenditure
Ceisteanna (757)
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:757. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the full-year cost of an ambulance, including staffing and external costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21785/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.
Questions Nos. 758 and 759 answered with Question No. 756.