Wednesday, 6 Apr 2016

Written Answers Nos. 528-557

Medical Aids and Appliances Provision

Ceisteanna (528)

John Brassil

Ceist:

528. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health to expedite the provision of special footware for a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5917/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As the particular issue raised relates to an individual case, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the HSE for 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.

Treatment Abroad Scheme

Ceisteanna (529)

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

529. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the case of a person (detail supplied) in County Cork who is suffering from a condition; why the person was refused treatment abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5931/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

The HSE operates the Treatment Abroad Scheme (TAS) for persons entitled to treatment in another EU/EEA Member State or Switzerland under EU Regulation (EC) No. 883/2004, as per the procedures set out in EU Regulations (EC) No. 987/2009, and in accordance with Department of Health Guidelines. Under 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 Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter 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.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (530)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

530. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will receive an appointment for a surgical procedure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5933/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Under 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 HSE, 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.

Question No. 531 answered with Question No. 417.

Mental Health Services Provision

Ceisteanna (532)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

532. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health when the Health Service Executive and the Dublin mid-Leinster region will put in place an acute psychiatric unit on the campus of St. Loman's Hospital, Mullingar, County Westmeath, to cater for the special needs of persons, similar to the St. Edna's unit on the same campus. [5953/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As 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.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (533)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

533. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry who is awaiting an operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5965/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Under 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 HSE, 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.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (534)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

534. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry who is awaiting an operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5967/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Under 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 HSE, 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.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (535)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

535. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an operation for a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5972/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Under 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 HSE, 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.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (536)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

536. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an operation for a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5973/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Under 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 HSE, 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.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (537)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

537. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an operation for a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5974/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Under 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 HSE, 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.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (538)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

538. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an operation for a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5977/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Under 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 HSE, 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.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (539)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

539. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an operation for a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5980/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Under 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 HSE, 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.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (540)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

540. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a surgical procedure for a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5990/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Under 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 HSE, 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.

Medical Card Applications

Ceisteanna (541)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

541. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the status of an application for a medical card by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if this medical card will issue as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5991/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

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 recently 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.

Home Help Service Provision

Ceisteanna (542)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

542. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if he will facilitate home help for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if he will arrange for the local district nurse to make contact and put the necessary care in place as matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5992/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As 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.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (543)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

543. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a surgical procedure for a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5993/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Under 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 HSE, 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.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (544)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

544. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a surgical procedure for a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5996/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Under 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 HSE, 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.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (545)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

545. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a surgical procedure for a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5997/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Under 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 HSE, 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.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (546)

John McGuinness

Ceist:

546. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if a surgical procedure will be arranged as soon as possible for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [6001/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Under 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.

Nursing Homes Support Scheme Applications

Ceisteanna (547)

John McGuinness

Ceist:

547. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if an application under the fair deal scheme will be approved for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [6002/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As 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.

HSE Legal Cases

Ceisteanna (548)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

548. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if he has incorporated the recent successful legal action (details supplied) taken by hospital consultants into his budgetary projections. [6009/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

The legal action refers to two cases in which the Employment Appeals Tribunal found in favour of two consultants and against the HSE under payment of wages legislation. The HSE is appealing the decision.

HSE Expenditure

Ceisteanna (549)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

549. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if he will revise his budgetary projections given the new expenditure pressures and warnings from the Health Service Executive, as far back as December 2015, that it may face a shortfall of between €300 million and €500 million if it seeks to deliver the services required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6010/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

The HSE Director General wrote to me on 4 December 2015 advising that the HSE Directorate had adopted the 2016 Service Plan and submitted a copy of the Plan for my consideration and approval. In his letter, the DG stated "on page 3 of the Service Plan reference is made to the substantial financial risk which is being managed within the plan. The overall scale of this risk is in the order of €500 million of which €200 million relates to service delivery/performance areas including acute and community services".

I want to emphasise that, in this letter, the DG is referring to a substantial financial risk which is being managed within the Service Plan and not to a year end 2016 financial deficit of €500 million.

It is in this context, that when formally approving the HSE Service Plan 2016, I advised that it was important that management focus and the activities of all units are, from the outset of 2016, fully aligned with the Government's budgetary strategy and the delivery of the levels of services set out in the Service Plan.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (550)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

550. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of surgery for a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6014/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Under 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 HSE, 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.

Health Services Staff Recruitment

Ceisteanna (551)

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

551. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health the Health Service Executive's plans and methods for the recruitment of physiotherapists in 2016, including details of the use of any panel; the options open to persons who wish to be considered for recruitment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6017/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I 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.

Family Resource Centres

Ceisteanna (552)

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

552. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health the family support centres and family resource centres the Health Service Executive funded in 2015, by centre, by county, by the funding provided, by the purpose of the funding such as core funding, special project funding and so on, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6020/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Family Resource Centres are primarily funded by Tusla, the child and family agency, responsibility for which rests with my colleague the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. However, I have referred the Deputy's question to the HSE to see if any funding was provided by them to any such services during 2015. If you do not have a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my private office who will follow up.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (553)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

553. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6025/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Under 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 HSE, 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.

Medical Card Applications

Ceisteanna (554)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

554. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the status of the review of an application for a medical card by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6042/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

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 recently 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.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (555)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

555. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health to expedite a date for surgery for a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath. [6059/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Under 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 HSE, 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.

Speech and Language Therapy Provision

Ceisteanna (556)

Ruth Coppinger

Ceist:

556. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health when therapy will be provided for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [6069/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

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, she can contact my Private Office and they will follow the matter up with the HSE.

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (557)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

557. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an appointment in Crumlin hospital, Dublin 12, for a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6077/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Under 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 scheduling of appointments for patients is a matter for the hospital to which the patient has been referred. Should a patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he or she should take the matter up with the consultant and the hospital involved. In relation to the specific case raised, 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.