Written Answers Nos. 348-370
349. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health when he will publish an implementation plan for the National Policy and Strategy for Neurorehabilitation Services in Ireland 2011-2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44318/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra379. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health why the strategy on neuro-rehabilitation services 2011 to 2015 ends in December 2015 with nothing delivered, not even an implementation plan, for the more than 25,000 people with neurological conditions such as acquired brain injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and stroke who need rehabilitation services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43807/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra385. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the status of the national strategy for neuro-rehabilitation services and if he will provide an implementation plan for the services and increase the number of community teams in neurological services. [43828/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra387. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health why the strategy on neuro-rehabilitation services 2011 to 2015 concludes this month with nothing delivered; why there has not even been an implementation plan for the more than 25,000 persons with neurological conditions such as acquired brain injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and stroke who need rehabilitation services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43835/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra393. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health why the national strategy for neuro-rehabilitation services to provide a national framework to address the needs of thousands of persons living with neurological conditions such as stroke, acquired brain injury, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease has not published an implementation plan or provided one additional community team since the strategy was published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43844/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 349, 379, 385, 387 and 393 together.
The report "National Policy & Strategy for the Provision of Neuro-Rehabilitation Services in Ireland 2011 - 2015", made a number of recommendations for services for people with rehabilitation needs including clinical, therapeutic, social, vocational and community supports. Following the development of the report, the Health Service Executive (HSE) established the Rehabilitation Medicine Clinical Programme. The scope of the Programme covers the whole of the patient journey from self-management and prevention through to primary, secondary and tertiary care. This provides a national strategic and co-ordinated approach to a wide range of clinical services. The Programme includes the standardisation of access to and delivery of, high quality, safe and efficient hospital services nationally, as well as improved linkages with primary care services. The Rehabilitation Medicine Clinical Programme is nearing completion of a Model of Care for the provision of specialist rehabilitation services in Ireland, which will be the basis for the delivery of services.
The HSE Disability Services Division has a role in certain key aspects of Neuro-Rehabilitation Services, primarily the provision of community-based therapy services and personal social services. The Disability Services Division will use the recommendations of the Value for Money and Policy Review of Disability Services to focus on Disability funded rehabilitation services and enable reconfiguration of existing provision through establishment of demonstration sites. Close links will be maintained with the Rehabilitation Medicine Clinical Programme to ensure that there is no duplication of effort and that all initiatives receive optimal support. Demonstration sites have been identified by Disability Services and mapping has commenced.
A National Steering Group, chaired by the Health Service Executive Social Care Division, has been assigned the task of developing an implementation framework for the National Policy and Strategy for Neuro-Rehabilitation Services. The Steering Group includes representation from the National Clinical Programmes for Rehabilitation Medicine and Neurology, the Department of Health, Primary Care, Therapy Professions and the Neurological Alliance of Ireland. Once the implementation framework has been agreed by the Steering Group, it will then go for consultation to the wider stakeholder interest groups. Following consultation, the framework will be revised and it will guide and oversee the reconfiguration and development of neuro-rehabilitation structures and services at national and local level.
The HSE is very aware of the needs of people with neurological conditions and will continue to work towards improved services, making best use of available resources in the interests of all those who require supports.
I have referred the element of the Deputies' questions regarding community teams to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputies. If the Deputies have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, they can contact my Private Office and they will follow the matter up with the HSE.
350. Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite an application for a medical card by a person (details supplied) in County Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43534/15]
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.
351. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if will he intervene as a matter of urgency in appointing the required number of consultant neurologists given the recent report (details supplied) indicating that there is a serious shortfall with the waiting list for neurology at 13,361 and with 2,048 waiting more than 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43535/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this 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.
352. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health when an operation will be scheduled for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 who has been waiting for 16 months as of November 2015. [43551/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The National Waiting List Management Policy, A standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the Health Service Executive, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.
In relation to the particular query raised, 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.
353. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if occupational therapy care will be provided for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 who requires it due to mental and physical special needs. [43552/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the particular issue raised by the Deputy relates to an individual case, this is a service matter for the Health Service Executive. Accordingly, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the 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.
354. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 166 of 19 November 2015, the status of this case, if it will be addressed as a matter of urgency (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43554/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
In relation to your further query on this issue, 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.
355. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Meath will receive an appointment for a procedure at Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown and when the person will receive respite care. [43566/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The National Waiting List Management Policy, A standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the Health Service Executive, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.
In relation to the particular query raised, 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.
356. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite an application for a medical card by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry, as all relevant information has been submitted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43567/15]
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.
357. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health why the home care package hours of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22 were not increased when the person moved into independent living accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43572/15]
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, she can contact my Private Office and they will follow the matter up with the HSE.
358. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an appointment for an operation for a person (details supplied). [43573/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The National Waiting List Management Policy, A standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the Health Service Executive, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.
In relation to the particular query raised, 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.
359. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the number of meetings requested by private external lobby groups and the number of meetings held, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43601/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince my appointment as Minister for Health I received representations, including requests for meetings, from a range of sources, including members of the Oireachtas, local and voluntary groups, private individuals, companies and representative associations. The information requested by the Deputy can be seen in the following table. I have received 58 requests for meetings and had 22 meetings with the bodies below.
The Deputy will be aware that the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015 was commenced on 1 September 2015 and both Minister Kathleen Lynch and I are Designated Public Officials under the Act. The Act provides that the Standards in Public Office Commission (the Standards Commission) establish and maintain an on-line register of lobbying and oversee compliance with the legislative provisions. The purpose of the register will be to make information available to the public on the identity of those communicating with Designated Public Officials. Persons lobbying will have to register with the Standards Commission and will be required to submit returns on their lobbying activities.
The information relating to Minister Lynch is being compiled and I will reply directly to the Deputy as soon as possible with this.
|
Organisation |
Request |
Meeting |
|
3Ts (Turn the Tide of Suicide) |
1 |
- Referred to Minister Lynch |
|
Age Action |
1 |
0 |
|
ASH Ireland |
3 |
2 |
|
Association of Occupational Therapists |
1 |
1 |
|
COPD Support Ireland |
1 |
0 |
|
Cork Chamber |
1 |
0 |
|
First Light |
1 |
0 |
|
Hume Brophy |
1 |
0 |
|
IBEC |
3 |
3 |
|
IMPACT Trade Union |
1 |
0 |
|
IMSTA |
1 |
0 |
|
Indian Youth Ireland |
1 |
1 (on 14 Dec ‘15) |
|
Irish Cancer Society |
6 |
3 |
|
Irish College of General Practitioners |
1 |
1 |
|
Irish Community Rapid Response |
1 |
1 (on 11 Jan ‘16) |
|
Irish Heart Foundation |
4 |
0 |
|
IHCA |
5 |
2 |
|
Irish Kidney Association |
2 |
1 |
|
Irish League of Credit Unions |
1 |
0 |
|
Irish Medical Organisation |
2 |
1 (on 14 Dec ’15) |
|
Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation |
2 |
1 |
|
Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association |
2 |
0 (1 decision still pending) |
|
Irish Pharmacy Union |
1 |
1 |
|
Irish Rugby Football Union |
1 |
Ministerial Advisor met IRFU on Minister’s behalf |
|
Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists |
1 |
0 |
|
Irish Thoracic Society |
1 |
0 |
|
Medtronic |
1 |
1 |
|
National Association of General Practitioners |
1 |
1 |
|
National Off-Licence Association |
1 |
0 |
|
National Women’s Council of Ireland |
1 |
1 |
|
Nursing Homes Ireland |
1 |
1 |
|
PDFORRA |
1 |
0 |
|
PR360 |
1 |
0 |
|
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland |
1 |
1 |
|
Royal College of Physicians of Ireland |
1 |
1 |
|
TASC |
1 |
0 |
|
The Asthma Society of Ireland |
1 |
1 |
|
The Irish Hospice Foundation |
1 |
0 |
360. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health his Department's photography costs since he came into office, inclusive of costs incurred from use of the ministerial allowance by year in tabular form; the occasions for which photographers were booked; the photographers used; the costs associated with each occasion; the policy in place regarding the booking of photographers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43633/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe details sought by the Deputy are set out in the following table up to June 2015. I will advise the Deputy separately if any such payments were made since June.
It is the policy of the Department to keep costs in relation to the use of photographers to a minimum. Photographers are usually booked through the Press and Communications Office. From time to time individual units may incur other photography costs.
No photography costs are met from my Ministerial Allowance.
|
Year |
Occasion for which photography was booked |
Name of Photographer |
Cost - € |
|
2014 |
All Ireland Chief Nursing Officers' Conference |
Conor McCabe Photography Ltd |
369 |
|
2014 |
HSE Aviva Stakeholder Consultation |
Conor McCabe Photography Ltd |
308 |
|
2014 |
All Ireland Chief Nursing Officers' Conference |
Robbie Reynolds Photography Ltd |
308 |
|
2014 |
Portrait of Council Members - Healthy Ireland |
Conor McCabe Photography Ltd |
1046 |
|
2014 |
Launch of the National Rare Disease Plan for Ireland |
Conor McCabe Photography Ltd |
431 |
|
2014 |
A Ministerial Meeting of the British Irish Council – Misuse of Substances Sectoral Group, Dublin Castle |
Robbie Reynolds Photography Ltd |
246 |
361. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health his Department's use of external public relations firms since he came into office by year in tabular form; the uses of these firms and the policy regarding employing them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43649/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Press and Communications Office of the Department liaises with the media on behalf of the Department and does not use the services of public relations companies. The Department did not spend any money on public relations consultants between July 2014 and December 2014.
During 2015 external public relations expertise was required for the development of the Healthy Ireland Council. Details are outlined in the following table. I will advise the Deputy separately if any further public relations engagements were made since.
|
Year |
Name of Company |
Tendered Contract |
|
2015 |
DHR Communications |
Development of strategy to support communication of the Healthy Ireland Framework and toolkit for Healthy Ireland Council |
It is the policy in my Department only to engage the services of external consultants where it is felt to be appropriate and cost-effective, taking account of Government decisions and policy on the matter.
362. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the reports he commissioned from external consultants since March 2011, by year, title, cost, date published and company in tabular form. [43665/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is the policy in my Department only to engage the services of external consultants where it is felt to be appropriate and cost-effective, taking account of Government decisions and policy on the matter. The information requested by the Deputy is presented in the following table for the period March 2011 to June 2015.
I will revert to the Deputy should the Department have engaged any consultants to prepare reports since then.
|
Year |
Organisation/Consultants |
Name of Report |
Current status |
Amount/Cost to June 2015 |
|
2015 |
Prospectus |
Code of Conduct for Health and Social Service Providers |
Extracts will be published within clinical guidelines |
€86,138 |
|
2015 |
UCD |
Clinical Handover Guideline |
Work ongoing |
€86,292 |
|
2015 |
DCU |
Management of the Acute Adult Asthma Patient – provision of research |
Extracts to be published within clinical guideline |
€9,973 |
|
2015 |
DCU |
Paediatric Early Warning Score – Baseline Research |
Extracts to be published within clinical guideline |
€3,313 |
|
2015 |
INDECON Economic Consultants |
Analysis of potential measures to encourage the provision of Primary Care facilities |
Work ongoing |
€0 |
|
2015 |
DKM Economic Consultants |
Analysis of potential measures to encourage the provision of Nursing Homes and Community Nursing Unit facilities |
Work ongoing |
€40,221 |
|
2014 |
DCU School of Nursing |
Report to support the Taskforce on Staffing and Skill mix for nursing |
Will be used to inform the final Report on the Taskforce on Staffing and Skill Mix |
€7,418 |
|
2014 |
DCU School of Nursing |
Literature Review and Nursing Workforce Evaluation to Support the Taskforce on Staffing and Skill Mix |
Will be used to inform the Report of the Taskforce on Staffing and Skill Mix |
€19,845 |
|
2014 |
Crowe Horwath |
Thematic Analysis of Submissions in response to a Public Consultation on the White Paper for Universal Health Insurance |
Published on Department’s website |
€39,176 |
|
2014 |
NUI Galway |
Systematic literature review Maternity Early Warning Score |
Extracts published within clinical guideline |
€23,935 |
|
2014 |
DCU |
Systematic literature review Paediatric Early Warning Score |
Extracts will be published within clinical guideline |
€20,095 |
|
2014 |
UCC |
Systematic literature review Clinical Practice Guidance |
Published on Department’s website |
€20,712 |
|
2014 |
Sinéad Shannon |
Review of the international evidence and literature on selection criteria for the Outcomes Framework (Whilst this piece of research which was commissioned in December and approved in January, no payments have been made to date) |
Ongoing |
€5,000 |
|
2013 |
Prospectus Strategy Consultants |
Review of Staffing Resources and Organisational Structure of the Department of Health |
Report completed but not published, for Department's use only |
€72,940 |
|
2013 |
Deloitte and Touche Consultants Ltd |
Review of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme |
Ongoing |
€36,900 |
|
2013 |
Matheson Ormsby Prentice |
Legal Research and advisory services on the design and implementation of an insurance based health system providing universal coverage in Ireland |
Not Published |
€123,000 |
|
2013 |
Prof Oonagh Walsh |
Report on symphysiotomy in Ireland, 1944-1984 |
Not published |
€49,500 |
|
2013 |
Ernst & Young |
Reports relating to the development of the Programme Management Office (cost includes a range of consultancy services) |
Ongoing – internal reports |
€79,212 |
|
2013 |
Dr Sinead Hanafin & Associates |
Review of the Traveller Health Advisory Committee |
Finalised |
€6,150 |
|
2013 |
Prospectus |
Overview of the development of the Health & Wellbeing Programme |
Finalised |
€15,156 |
|
2013 |
Research Matters |
Provision of Research Management Services |
Ongoing |
€74,490 |
|
2013 |
Institute of Public Health |
Analysis re Consultation (Tobacco Products Directive) |
Completed - not yet published |
€5,000 |
|
2013 |
Professor Hammond |
Research on Standardised Packaging- Irish Context |
Ongoing |
€5,000 |
|
2013 |
CJP Consultants |
Preparation of report on the efficacy of minimum pricing and other public policies for alcohol. |
Published on website |
€31,488 |
|
2013 |
Advertising Standards Authority of Ireland |
Annual Report of the Alcohol Marketing Communications Monitoring Body (AMCMB) |
Published |
€21,115 |
|
2012 |
McGee Pharma International |
Labelling of Medicinal Products in both Irish and English |
Completed |
€13,644 |
|
2012 |
Goodbody Stockbrokers and Matheson Ormsby Prentice Solicitors |
Further Analysis of Options in relation to the restructuring of the Irish Private Health Insurance Market |
Report completed |
€62,349 |
|
2012 |
Department of Public Expenditure and Reform with the assistance of PwC |
Review of the Department of Health's Parliamentary and Legislative Processes |
Report completed but not published - for Department's use only |
€18,020 |
|
2012 |
Department of Public Expenditure and Reform |
A survey of experience and qualifications in the Department of Health |
Report completed but not published - for Department's use only |
None |
|
2012 |
Michael Collins Associates |
Supplementary Report and Addendum on Cost Comparison for the Dolphin Review Group |
Completed not published, commercially sensitive |
€12,423 |
|
2012 |
John Martin |
Further assessment of planning issues in relation to proposed sites for the Dolphin Review Group |
Published |
€6,000 |
|
2012 |
Simon Clear |
Further assessment of planning issues in relation to proposed sites for the Dolphin Review Group |
Published |
€9,475 |
|
2012 |
The Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, UCC, in conjunction with the Centre for Health Policy and Management, TCD. |
The Efficiency Review of the BreastCheck Screening Programme |
Published |
€71,270 |
|
2012 |
Mr Gerard Mullaly |
Reforming Chronic Care: Financing and Delivering Integrated Chronic Care |
Not published |
€5,227 |
|
2012 |
Mr Gerard Mullaly |
The Integrated Continuing Care System (ICCS): Reforming Elderly Care in Ireland |
Not published |
€7,558 |
|
2012 |
Matheson Ormsby Prentice |
Options Appraisal of multi-payer universal health insurance models: Preliminary advice |
Not Published |
€6,150 |
|
2012 |
Department of Health / SIRA Consulting |
Report on the baseline measurement of the administrative burden from the Department of Health (as part of a cross Departmental project coordinated by Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation) |
Published 2013 |
€14,000 |
|
2011 |
Goodbody Stockbrokers and Matteson Ormsby Prentice Solicitors |
Commissioned to undertake are review of the Irish Private Health Insurance Market in Relation to the options which may exist for re-balancing |
Report completed |
€300,000 |
363. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the number of special advisers on his staff and their yearly salary from 2011 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43681/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is detailed in the following table:
Special Advisors in the Department of Health
|
Year |
Number of Advisors |
Total Pay |
|
2011 |
5 |
€157,189 |
|
2012 |
4 |
€208,132 |
|
2013 |
4 |
€196,139 |
|
2014 |
5 |
€206,895 |
|
2015 |
3 |
€243,961 |
364. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the number of patients from this State who have accessed the scheme under the Cross-Border Healthcare Directive 201/24/EU since its inception; the costs associated with these treatments; the number of patients who have accessed treatment in this State under the same scheme and all costs associated with their treatment. [43709/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive operates the EU Directive on Patients’ Rights in Cross Border Healthcare in Ireland. The Health Service Executive has been asked to examine the matter of the data requested and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible. 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.
365. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if a person's Health Service Executive compensation award for negligence is assessed as income or capital in an application for a medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43710/15]
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.
366. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the progress made in amending the application form for the long-term illness scheme, which can be downloaded from the Health Service Executive website to employ the correct term of intellectual disability as one of the qualifying conditions, when the new form will be available to download; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43735/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the primary care schemes, therefore the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to you.
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.
367. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding unfair in-patient charges for haemochromatosis patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43736/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) provides a haemochromatosis service in its Stillorgan and D’Olier Street centres in Dublin, as well as in Cork. There is no charge for this service, irrespective of medical entitlement or health insurance cover. Where patients meet the normal blood donation criteria, they can also become blood donors.
People who wish to use the service should get a prescription from their GP or hospital clinic on the relevant IBTS form. This is available at www.giveblood.ie. The prescription will be valid for one year and will facilitate up to four venesections per person per year.
368. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the status of respite services with St. Michael’s House for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43738/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the 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.
369. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health the number of medical card holders paying the maximum monthly charge for prescriptions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43740/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the primary care schemes, therefore the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to you.
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.
370. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health the number of medical card holders who paid prescription charges in 2013 and 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43741/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the primary care schemes, therefore the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to you.
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.
