Written Answers Nos. 165-174
165. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the average waiting times for dental treatment, by county, in tabular form; if he is aware of the serious backlog in paediatric dentistry waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38532/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraDental services for children up to 16 years of age and persons of all ages with special needs are provided by the HSE. The HSE provides a screening and fissure sealant programme for children at key stages of development. The service includes referral for further treatment, including orthodontic treatment, where necessary. This is a targeted public health programme for which waiting lists are not applicable. The service also includes emergency care for children up to 16 years of age. Dental treatment for children under general anaesthetic is also provided. The HSE is due to commence a national audit on dental general anaesthetic waiting lists for children in 2016.
166. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the number of persons waiting for inpatient or day patient orthopaedic treatment in the south east, by county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38533/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra168. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the status of surgical waiting lists in the Health Service Executive south and south east region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38535/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 166 and 168 together.
With regard to the specific information sought by the Deputy, 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.
167. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if there will be an increase in home help hours in County Tipperary in 2016; if any impact analysis has been carried out on the reduction of home help hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38534/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service 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.
169. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the status of efforts to improve radiology services at South Tipperary General Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38536/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
170. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the number and type of additional staff, specifically hospital staff, in the health service allocated to South Tipperary General Hospital; the overall number to be recruited within the next 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38537/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on the matter. 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.
171. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the average waiting times for hearing and hearing aid assessments in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38538/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
172. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health if he will review and reverse cuts, including those to the rural practice allowance, and to distance bands, and cuts under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009, which have a direct impact on the viability of rural general practitioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38558/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraA review will take place shortly in respect of the fee adjustments introduced under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009 (FEMPI) for contracted professionals in the health sector, including GPs. This follows on from engagement earlier this year between the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and public sector unions on an orderly unwinding of the FEMPI legislation.
Separately, the HSE, the Department of Health and the IMO are currently engaged in a review of the GMS and other publicly funded health sector contracts involving GPs. This review is taking place within the context of the Framework Agreement which was signed by the above named parties in June 2014. Among the many topics comprehended by this review process is the issue of supports for General Practice in rural areas.
173. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who were in public and private residential care facilities in County Clare in each of the years 2012 to 2014, and in 2015 to date; the annual cost per person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38560/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service 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.
174. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health the public cost for the provision of the fair deal scheme; the number of persons who availed of the scheme in County Clare in each of the years, 2012 to 2014, and in 2015 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38561/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service 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.
