Martin Heydon
Ceist:110. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Health his plans to increase the weekly medical card income limits for persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2186/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMedical Card Eligibility
Ceisteanna (110)
Freagraí scríofa
The Health Service Executive issues Income Guidelines to assist in determining entitlement to Medical Cardsor GP Visit Cards. In revising the income guidelines, the HSE has regard to Government policy, increases in the consumer price index and to other issues which may be relevant.
There are no proposals currently to amend the current income guidelines for the granting of eligibility under the GMS Scheme.
Hospital Beds Data
Ceisteanna (111)
Danny Healy-Rae
Ceist:111. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the number of beds that remain closed in university hospital Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2199/18]
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.
Hospital Facilities
Ceisteanna (112, 113, 114)
Pat the Cope Gallagher
Ceist:112. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Health the specific new initiatives, additional resources or extra capacity that was sanctioned for Letterkenny university hospital in advance of the winter period; the additional staff, bed capacity and resources that was provided for to deal with the pressures which the hospital has been under for the past number of months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2202/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraPat the Cope Gallagher
Ceist:113. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Health the additional bed capacity provided in Letterkenny university hospital in each of the years 2012 to 2017; the additional staff that were sanctioned in order to meet the extra capacity for the same period; his views on the ongoing capacity problems experienced at the hospital; his plans to deal with the lack of bed capacity and staff shortages at the hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2203/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraPat the Cope Gallagher
Ceist:114. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Health if studies or analysis of the future service needs and demands of Letterkenny university hospital catchment area has been conducted by either the HSE or his department in order to plan for the hospital's future capacity needs in an orderly fashion; his views on the overcrowding situation at the hospital; his further views on whether future strategic planning and additional and appropriate further investment is urgently needed at the hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2204/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 112 to 14, inclusive, together.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
Special Educational Needs Expenditure
Ceisteanna (115)
Mary Butler
Ceist:115. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health the annual budget to an organisation (details supplied); his plans to increase funding to ensure its essential services are maintained and increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2210/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
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.