Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:175. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding hospital restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25702/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraCovid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (175)
Freagraí scríofa
I acknowledge that the current restrictions in maternity hospitals are presenting difficulties and this is hugely regrettable. However, it is necessary to reduce footfall in order to protect women, babies, staff and our maternity service as a whole.
Maternity hospitals have performed well during the pandemic and have continued to keep women, babies and staff safe. The fact that there have been no Covid maternal deaths in this country,and that we have a had a low incidence in pregnant women, suggests that the current approach is working.
However, we must remain vigilant as services resume and higher numbers of people attend hospitals. Maternity hospitals rely on very specialised personnel; should an outbreak of COVID-19 occur in a maternity hospital, the ability to provide safe, quality care would be severely impacted. It should be remembered that maternity hospitals care for fragile infants at the extremes of prematurity.
All maternity hospitals are challenged by the pandemic, but those challenges vary considerably. Decisions on any restrictions are therefore made, implemented and reviewed at hospital level.
Decisions to restrict visitors in our maternity hospitals have not been taken lightly. Management and staff are acutely aware of the very important support provided by partners at the time of birth. I have been assured that maternity hospitals wish to facilitate this support as far as possible. In that context, I can assure the Deputy that any restrictions currently in place have been minimised as much as possible and will be subject to ongoing review.
I note that restrictions have eased somewhat in certain hospitals in recent weeks and I hope this will continue. However, the recent rise in the numbers of people infected with the virus, including healthcare workers, is very worrying and may impact on the pace of the easing of restrictions.
The National Women & Infants Health Programme is currently working on a document which will issue to all maternity services, seeking to ensure a consistent national approach to visitor restrictions in maternity hospitals, as far as is practicable and having due regard to local circumstances. I am advised that the paper will issue over the coming week.
Vaccination Programme
Ceisteanna (176, 197)
David Cullinane
Ceist:176. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if adequate stockpiles of the flu vaccine have been secured; the reason for the delay in securing these and rolling out the flu vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25703/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra
David Stanton
Ceist:197. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health the number of flu vaccines available ahead of the winter flu season; the timescale for the delivery and distribution of these vaccines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25791/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 176 and 197 together.
Given the potential for the winter flu season in 2020/2021 to coincide with a resurgence of COVID, and the importance of minimising hospital attendance, the Government is expanding the provision of vaccination without charge to all of those in the at-risk groups, including healthcare workers, and to all children aged from 2 to 12 years.
It is proposed to administer the vaccines via GPs and pharmacists, as in previous years.
The expanded programme will ensure that those most vulnerable to the effects of influenza will have access to vaccination without charges. By providing vaccination to those most at-risk, and those most likely to require hospitalisation if they contract influenza, it is anticipated that the programme will see a reduction in the number of influenza-related hospital admissions, as well as a reduction in the overall spread of influenza in the community.
Following a delay in delivery from the manufacturer, the first deliveries of influenza vaccines for those in at-risk groups to all sites (GPs, pharmacists, nursing homes etc.) started on 17th September. For the initial deliveries, the quantities of influenza vaccine delivered to sites are the same as previous years. The quantities of vaccine available to order by sites will be increased in line with the amounts received into the country. All shipments, totalling 1.35 million individual doses, are expected to be delivered before the end of October. The HSE is in daily contact with the manufacturer. The delivery of 600,000 doses of nasal vaccine to be used for children is not affected.
The number of doses procured by the HSE is sufficient to vaccinate all in the at-risk groups. The start date of the vaccination programme will be late September or early October, the same as in previous years. The vaccination programme for children is expected to commence from mid-October.
The vaccination campaign will be accompanied by a comprehensive communications campaign to encourage the greatest possible take-up.
Mental Health Services
Ceisteanna (177)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:177. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the assistance and treatment that can be offered in the case of a person (details supplied). [25707/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
HSE Staff
Ceisteanna (178)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:178. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which further interaction or discussion has taken place between the HSE and a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25709/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy.
Primary Care Centres
Ceisteanna (179)
Seán Canney
Ceist:179. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that primary care centres built under a public private partnership arrangement cannot be structurally altered without a formal approval by the PPP company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25710/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to the deputy directly in relation to this matter.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (180)
Paul Donnelly
Ceist:180. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Health if a baby swimming company providing a structured lessons to parents and children in which they do not interact or share equipment and in a chlorinated environment would fall under the same restrictions as gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools if they were situated in an area with phase 3 Covid-19 restrictions. [25718/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, the Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19 was published by the Government on 15 September. This Framework sets out Ireland's approach to managing and living with COVID-19 in a range of areas over the next 6 - 9 months.
The Plan sets out five levels of response, each with a number of measures designed to help us all lower COVID-19 transmission and setting out what is permitted at that moment in time. It aims to allow society and businesses to be able to operate as normally as possible, while continuing to suppress the virus. The Plan is framed to account for periods during which there is a low incidence of the disease, with isolated clusters and low community transmission, through to situations where there is a high or rapidly increasing incidence, widespread community transmission and the pandemic is escalating rapidly in Ireland and globally. It recognises the need for society and business to be allowed to continue as normally as possible and is designed so that either national or county level restrictions can be applied. Each level outlines what is permitted for social or family gatherings, work and public transport, bars, hotels and restaurants, exercise activities and religious services.
As I am sure the Deputy can appreciate, COVID-19 spreads when individuals and groups come into close contact with one another, enabling the virus to move from one person to another. COVID-19 is infectious in a person with no symptoms, or for the period of time before they develop symptoms. For this reason, we are all asked to be extra careful when socialising and working with others. For now, we must act like we have the virus to protect those around us from infection.
The number of people allowed to gather in different scenarios in the Government Framework are based on a review of international practice and the judgment of public health experts. It seeks to balance the risks of different types of gatherings against the desire to allow normal activities to proceed in so far as possible.
It is advised to socialise safely and within the capacity limits. These various limits in the Levels are all designed to reduce the number of households mixing with each other and cut down the virus’s chances of spreading into more homes.
The Deputy should note that the numbers should not be considered a target - they are the maximum recommended number. It’s always safer to meet less people, less often, for less time. If we do this, we have a better chance of keeping to the lower Levels in the Framework, and continuing to keep businesses, schools, and healthcare services open, while also protecting the most vulnerable.
As the Deputy is aware, Ireland with the exception of Dublin, is currently at Level 2 of the Plan for living with COVID-19. At Level 2, the majority of areas of economy and society, for example: schools, restaurants, pubs and gyms, are open. The priority is to keep schools and childcare facilities open and minimise disruption in the work force. It is intended that the public health measures at this level will be effective until 9th October, 2020. The public health measure in respect of swimming pools at level 2 can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/18e18-level-2/#sports
Dublin is currently at level 3. At level 3, the priority is to keep schools and early learning and childcare services open and minimise disruption in the work force. This means that a number of services will be moved online and some businesses will be closed (e.g. museums and other indoor cultural venues). Additional restrictions will apply to restaurants and pubs. People will also be required to reduce the number of people that they meet to a minimum and stay in their own region. These measures will remain in place until 9th October. Under Level 3, gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools may remain open with protective measures, for individual training only. Further information on level 3 public health measures can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/ad569-level-3/
The relevant regulations as set out in S.I. No. 352 of 2020 Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (Covid-19) (No. 5) Regulations 2020 can be found on the government website at: https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/1f150-view-statutory-instruments-related-to-the-covid-19-pandemic/
Mental Health Services
Ceisteanna (181)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:181. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the number of mental health beds available in each CHO; and the number of persons waiting for beds. [25722/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (182)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Ceist:182. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if it is mandatory for retail staff to wear face coverings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25723/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The public health advice relating to Covid-19, including that relating to face coverings, is kept under continuing review by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET).
A person, without reasonable excuse, must now wear a face covering when using public transport, in retail outlets, shops and shopping centres, in other indoor spaces such as libraries, cinemas and cinema complexes, theatres, concert halls, bingo halls, museums, businesses carrying out cosmetic nail care or nail styling, hair care or hair styling, tattoo and piercing services, travel agents and tour operators, laundries and dry cleaners and licensed bookmakers.
The relevant Regulations are the Health Act 1947 (Section 31A – Temporary Restrictions) (Covid-19) (Face Coverings in certain premises and businesses) Regulations 2020 (S.I No. 296/2020)
These Regulations do not apply:
- to a person under 13 years,
- to the occupier, manager or person in charge or a worker where there is a screen that separates them from other persons or the person takes all reasonable steps to maintain a distance of two metres
- to a member of the Garda Síochána in the course of performing his or her duties
The Regulations provide that it is a matter for the occupier, manager or person in charge to take all reasonable steps to engage with persons entering or in a relevant premises to inform them of the requirements to wear a face covering and to promote compliance with the requirement. It is therefore a matter for the management of the retail operator concerned to decide what he/she may accept in terms of a reason for not wearing a face covering.
The Deputy may wish to note that the requirement to wear a face covering in the situations described is a penal provision for the purposes of section 31A of the Health Act 1947 (No. 28 of 1947). Enforcement is a matter for An Garda Síochána.
A reasonable excuse includes when a person cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness, impairment or disability or without severe distress; to communicate with a person who has difficulties communicating; to provide emergency help or care to a vulnerable person; to avoid harm or injury or to take medication. In addition, in retail outlets, it is also permitted to remove the face covering to allow for identification when the sales of goods or services have a minimum age requirement, or to assist in the provision of healthcare or healthcare advice.
The Deputy may also wish to note that it is also recommended to wear a face covering when staying 2 metres apart from people is difficult; in a healthcare setting (including hospitals, GP surgeries, care settings, nursing homes and dental practices); when visiting anyone who is more at risk from coronavirus - such as people aged 70 or over or people who are medically vulnerable and in an enclosed indoor space with other people.
The current face covering advice is available at
- https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/face-masks-disposable-gloves.html
- http://www.gov.ie/facecoverings/
Speech and Language Therapy
Ceisteanna (183)
Richard Bruton
Ceist:183. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that diverting speech and language therapists risks disrupting service at a critical time and disrupting the pipeline of work experience for graduates. [25737/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Programme for Government, Our Shared Future, recognises the need to improve services for both children and adults with disabilities through better implementation and by working together across Government in a better way.
The Government commits to prioritising early diagnosis and access to services for children and ensuring that the most effective interventions are provided for each child, to guarantee the best outcomes.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly.
Long-Term Illness Scheme
Ceisteanna (184)
Aindrias Moynihan
Ceist:184. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to the inclusion of a drug for a person (details supplied) on their long-term illness card in view of the fact that this is prescribed by their consultant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25740/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (185)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:185. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an appointment for a person (details supplied);; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25745/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Medicinal Products
Ceisteanna (186)
Kieran O'Donnell
Ceist:186. Deputy Kieran O'Donnell asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding access to the drug dupilumab for eczema sufferers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25752/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drugs schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.
In line with the 2013 Health Act and the national framework agreed with industry, a company must submit an application to the HSE to have a new medicine added to the reimbursement list.
Reimbursement is for licenced indications which have been granted market authorisation by the European Medicines Agency or the Health Products Regulatory Authority.HSE decisions on which medicines are reimbursed by the taxpayer are made on objective, scientific and economic grounds, on the advice of the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE). The NCPE conducts health technology assessments (HTAs) for the HSE and makes recommendations on reimbursement to assist HSE decisions.The HSE has advised that it has received pricing and reimbursement applications for two indications of dupilumab (Dupixent®):
- For the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in adult patients who are candidates for systemic therapy.- For the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in adolescents 12 years and older who are candidates for systemic therapy.The HSE received an application for pricing / reimbursement of dupilumab in November 2017 from the manufacturer for the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in adult patients who are candidates for systemic therapy. The HSE commissioned a full HTA on 29th November 2017 as per agreed processes. This assessment was completed in December 2019 with the NCPE recommending that dupilumab be considered for reimbursement if cost-effectiveness could be improved relative to existing treatments.Subsequently, the HSE received an application for the pricing / reimbursement of dupilumab on 13th December 2019 for the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in adolescents 12 years and older who are candidates for systemic therapy.The HSE commissioned the rapid review process on the 17th December 2019. Following receipt of a rapid review dossier, the NCPE advised the HSE 17th January 2020 that a HTA was not recommended and that dupilumab not be considered for reimbursement for this indication at the submitted price.The HSE engaged in commercial negotiations with the company in February 2020 regarding both the adult and adolescent populations.The final HTA report concerning dupilumab was reviewed by the HSE Drugs Group, along with the outputs of commercial negotiations, and the patient group submission received during the HTA process. The HSE Drugs Group considered all the evidence and gave a recommendation to the HSE Executive Management Team (EMT) not to support reimbursement of dupilumab for the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in both adults and adolescents 12 years and older who are candidates for systemic therapy.
The HSE has confirmed that the applicant company has been issued with the notice of proposed decision of the HSE EMT not to support reimbursement. On 18 September 2020, the applicant company submitted representations with respect to this application. In such circumstances, under the 2013 Health Act, the HSE is required to consider such representations before making a final decision.The final decision-making authority in the HSE is the HSE EMT. Dupilumab remains under consideration with the HSE EMT and a final decision will be made in line with the 2013 Health Act.
Hospital Procedures
Ceisteanna (187)
Pa Daly
Ceist:187. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health the status of elective surgeries with particular emphasis on orthopaedic surgeries in University Hospital Kerry. [25753/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The South/South West Hospital Group has advised my Department that in order to comply with National HSE and Public Health guidance and direction, University Hospital Kerry (UHK) were required to scale back all elective services earlier this year during the initial period of COVID-19. This was to allow for the increase in COVID-19 presentations to the hospital.
Since early June 2020 UHK, in line with other hospitals throughout the system, have gradually re-commenced services. Patient safety remains at the forefront of service resumption. To ensure services are re-introduced in a safe, clinically-aligned and prioritised way, hospitals, including UHK, are following HSE clinical guidelines and protocols which has resulted in reduced capacity and activity.
The HSE have further advised that during this period Orthopaedic services at UHK have been extremely busy. The hospital’s Orthopaedic trauma activity has increased, due not only to unscheduled trauma presentations, but also due to improved access to theatre arising from a lower rate of elective surgery.
UHK management have confirmed that fractures are automatically seen and treated in UHK without delay at present. These patients are not re-directed to any other unit for treatment.
In addition, UHK have advised my Department that while the Arthroplasty (Joint replacement) service was suspended during COVID-19 due to the increased risk to patients, this service recommenced in September with the assistance of the Bon Secours Hospital Tralee.
At present it is expected that Arthroplasty services will recommence fully in UHK by the beginning of October 2020. Approval has been given to proceed to Design Stage 2(a) for the construction of a new dedicated Orthopaedic Clean-air theatre and associated developments. Orthopaedic surgeons and nursing staff are part of this design team for this project.
Nursing Home Accommodation
Ceisteanna (188)
Colm Burke
Ceist:188. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the efforts being made to find independent living for the 97 residents under 65 years of age that are currently residing in private nursing homes in the midwest region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25755/20]
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.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Nursing Home Accommodation
Ceisteanna (189)
Colm Burke
Ceist:189. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the efforts being made to find independent living for the eight residents under 65 years of age that are currently residing in public nursing homes in the midwest region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25756/20]
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.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Medical Cards
Ceisteanna (190)
Colm Burke
Ceist:190. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health when the PMO will sign off on renewal applications for the hardship scheme that are currently pending in the Cork, Clare and Limerick local health offices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25759/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (191)
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:191. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health if Ireland will officially recognise Covid-19 as an occupational illness given that health workers make up an average of 10% of infections worldwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25760/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
This matter has not been considered, however in line with the detailed guidance and FAQs for Public Service Employers/Employees prepared by DPER, provision by way of Special Leave with Pay is applicable when an employee is advised to self-isolate and is displaying symptoms of COVID-19 or had a positive test.
As such, current provisions protects employees in these categories from having to utilise their standard sick leave for the period they are absent from work with Covid-19 or a related illness.
The majority of employees in these categories return to the workplace within a 14 day period.
Medical Cards
Ceisteanna (192)
Colm Burke
Ceist:192. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if he will review the current procedures that exist for applicants under the hardship scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25761/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Speech and Language Therapy
Ceisteanna (193)
Steven Matthews
Ceist:193. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Health if he will request that his Department carry out a review of adult speech and language services available in County Wicklow (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25765/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, the HSE has responsibility for the operation and provision of services, including the appropriate allocation of staffing resources.
My Department does of course engage closely with the HSE on an ongoing basis as part of its oversight role, and this engagement has been particularly intensive in recent months in the context of enhancing capacity in the primary and community care sector. These discussions are continuing in the context of the Estimates 2021 process.
Diabetes Strategy
Ceisteanna (194)
Pa Daly
Ceist:194. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the cost, safety and patient benefits of sensors for the purposes of blood tests for diabetes patients; the actions and steps he will take to expand the drug reimbursement scheme to include sensors for all diabetic patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25767/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community drug schemes; therefore, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Hospital Services
Ceisteanna (195)
Martin Browne
Ceist:195. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to persons in north County Tipperary being referred to University Hospital Limerick due to a lack of capacity in Nenagh, County Tipperary; if he will make local testing facilities available; if those that incur additional expense in order to travel from Nenagh to Limerick will be compensated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25784/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
HSE Staff
Ceisteanna (196)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:196. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the situation facing HSE workers in the Dublin north mental health services that are now having large pay deductions due to a payroll error by the HSE; and the reason the HSE and Dublin north mental health services are continuing to refuse to engage with the workers and their trade unions in order to come up with a payment plan to ensure that the return of the overpaid moneys is done in a fair and affordable way that does not create significant financial difficulties for the workers concerned [25788/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this operational matter.
Question No. 197 answered with Question No. 176.
Drugs Payment Scheme
Ceisteanna (198)
Willie O'Dea
Ceist:198. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Health when the threshold for the drugs payment scheme will be changed from €124 to €114 per month as promised in budget 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25798/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Budget 2020 provided for a reduction in the monthly threshold of the Drugs Payment Scheme from €124 to €114. Although it was intended that this measure would be implemented from 1 September, funding of this Budget 2020 commitment was contingent on the realisation of certain savings within the health budget.
However, these savings have not been realised as the pandemic has placed a significant demand on public finances, a substantial proportion of which has been allocated to the health system. In that context, decisions on the associated funding and a potential implementation date are being actively considered.
Medical Cards
Ceisteanna (199)
Duncan Smith
Ceist:199. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health if a review of medical card eligibility had been launched; the number of medical cards under review; the number of cards that have been extended following the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25814/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE. The Act obliges the HSE to assess whether a person is unable, without due hardship, to arrange general practitioner services for himself or herself and his or her family, having regard to his or her overall financial position and reasonable expenditure.
There is no general review of medical card eligibility currently underway. However it should be noted that the HSE is required to undertake periodic reviews of eligibility in order to ensure that a person continues to meet the qualifying criteria required to continue holding eligibility. Every effort is made by the HSE, within the framework of the legislation, to provide a medical card application system that is responsive and sensitive to people’s needs, in particular, to take full account of the difficult circumstances in the case of applicants who may be in excess of the income guidelines.
Regarding data on the volume and outcome of eligibility reviews, as this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.