Ceisteanna Parlaiminte

Health Services

Bernard Durkan

417. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health to indicate the level of support and assistance available in the case of an individual (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23540/24]

Health Services

Bernard Durkan

448. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the up-to-date position in respect of the transfer of services from a service (details supplied) to the HSE; when this information will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23725/24]

Health Services

Bernard Durkan

259. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when urgent speech therapy and physiotherapy will be provided in the case of a person (details supplied) who recently suffered a stroke and is relying on these services to regain a normal independent quality of life; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23342/24]

Emergency Departments

Bernard Durkan

279. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if, following a knife attack and attendance at A&E, the A&E charge of €100 is still applicable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23514/24]

Medical Cards

Bernard Durkan

280. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the reason a full medical card has not been restored in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23515/24]

Medical Aids and Appliances

Bernard Durkan

281. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if an electric wheelchair is available in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23516/24]

Hospital Admissions

Bernard Durkan

282. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the reason the daughter of a person (details supplied) was admitted to Tallaght Hospital on 16 May 2024, without her mother’s knowledge (guardian) and was discharged without any explanation or attention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23518/24]

Medical Cards

Bernard Durkan

283. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the progress to date in the determination of an appeal for a medical card in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23520/24]

Tobacco Control Measures

Bernard Durkan

284. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which adequate control and regulation of vape outlets is universally and adequately applied, having particular regard to the concern of those who are anxious to comply with all regulations and the elimination of harmful or addictive ingredients in the products and who have never sold cigarettes at their outlets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23521/24]

Health and Safety

Bernard Durkan

614. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide more resources towards inspections of vaping products entering the country and add to the 40 inspection checks for vaping products set out in the HSE's National Service Plan 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22794/24]

Health and Safety

Bernard Durkan

615. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on plans to increase the number of test purchase inspections for vapes, as set out in the Public Health (Tobacco and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Act 2023, from the planned number of 340 set by the HSE (to cover both vapes and cigarettes); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22795/24]

Medical Cards

Bernard Durkan

276. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when a medical card might be provided in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22304/24]

Health Services

Bernard Durkan

277. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when a social worker might be appointed to address the needs of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22309/24]

Hospital Appointments Status

Bernard Durkan

308. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if an appointment for steroid injections will be arranged as soon as possible in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21099/24]

Medical Cards

Bernard Durkan

492. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if and when a medical card will be renewed in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20180/24]

Health Services

Bernard Durkan

519. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if and when it is expected to offer the son of a person (details supplied) an appointment for initial assessment for ADHD; the current average wait time for such appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20278/24]

Nursing Homes

Bernard Durkan

521. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when all matters will be concluded with in respect of the fair deal application for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20288/24]

Dental Services

Bernard Durkan

599. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if he is in agreement with the Irish Dental Association’s policy paper “Towards a Sustainable Oral Healthcare Service”; the extent to which he expects a reliable fund stream to be available for this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20691/24]

Hospital Services

Bernard Durkan

600. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if efforts continue to be made to improve patient safety and best practice to ensure an improved working environment at University Hospital Limerick and to avert the repeat of recent incidents there, with particular reference to addressing the most important and fundamental issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20693/24]

Hospital Waiting Lists

Bernard Durkan

21. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the degree to which he and his Department continue to concentrate on waiting lists in respect of health procedures in general throughout the country; the extent to which adequate success is being achieved in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19769/24]

Emergency Departments

Bernard Durkan

55. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which he and his Department continue to monitor the operation of national accident and emergency departments in all hospitals throughout the country with a view to eliminating, insofar as is possible, avertable accidents; if action can be taken to ensure that patients on trollies can have reduced waiting times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19770/24]

Health Services

Bernard Durkan

305. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when it is expected to make a refund contribution to a person (details supplied); if his case can be examined with a view to resolution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20128/24]

Home Care Packages

Bernard Durkan

306. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which homecare packages are readily available in the CHO7 region to candidates who urgently require them; the efforts currently in hand to ensure all allocated homecare package hours are being actioned and administered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20141/24]

Nursing Homes

Bernard Durkan

307. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the number of fair deal applications applied for in each of the past five years to date; the numbers granted, refused or pending; the number appealed and overturned on appeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20142/24]

Medicinal Products

Bernard Durkan

308. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the total number of rare and orphan drugs currently being evaluated for use in Ireland; the length of time that is normally required for this process; the drugs that have taken an inordinate amount of time to evaluate and approve for use here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20143/24]

Health Services Staff

Bernard Durkan

309. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the action being taken to ensure the availability of an adequate number of health professionals within the health services, including, but not limited to, consultants, GPs and nurses to meet the demand in all areas throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20144/24]

Health Services

Bernard Durkan

310. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if he is satisfied that the health services can be co-ordinated in such a way as to ensure a modern response to patients' needs in all areas throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20145/24]

Mental Health Services

Bernard Durkan

311. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the steps that are being taken to increase adult mental health services in CHO7; if the precise measures deemed to be necessary are being taken forthwith; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20146/24]

Medical Cards

Bernard Durkan

312. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the number of medical cards reviews undertaken in each year in the past five years to date; the number of medical cards rescinded post-review in the same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20147/24]

Emergency Departments

Bernard Durkan

313. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which he intends to set up an emergency management team to deal with overcrowding and hospital emergency departments, with particular reference to ensuring that the highest possible standards prevail when dealing with the inflow of patients by facilitating their access to emergency treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20148/24]

Hospital Waiting Lists

Bernard Durkan

314. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in dealing with the waiting lists of children seeking procedures for scoliosis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20149/24]

Health Services Staff

Bernard Durkan

315. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which he can take steps to counter the difficulties of obtaining and retaining professional staff throughout the health services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20150/24]

Hospital Waiting Lists

Bernard Durkan

316. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the reason that plans to meet the requirements of scoliosis patients cannot be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20151/24]

Medicinal Products

Bernard Durkan

317. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the degree to which access to various medicines remains equally available to those in this jurisdiction as compared with the rest of the single market in Europe and at a similar price; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20152/24]

Mental Health Services

Bernard Durkan

612. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which the concerns of parents of children with mental health problems are regularly monitored, with a view to ensuring the availability of adequate residential places; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19480/24]

Medical Cards

Bernard Durkan

635. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when a medical card might issue in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18793/24]

Budget 2024

Bernard Durkan

636. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health for an itemised list of exactly how the additional €10 million allocated to mental health in Budget 2024 will be spent, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18794/24]

Mental Health Services

Bernard Durkan

637. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health what percentage of mental health difficulties are addressed at primary care level, secondary care level and tertiary care level, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18795/24]

Psychological Assessments

Bernard Durkan

638. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the current wait time for an appointment with primary care psychology; the number of persons on the waiting list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18796/24]

Mental Health Services

Bernard Durkan

639. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the current staffing levels of the child and adolescent mental health services, the adult mental health services and the old age psychiatry services, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18797/24]

Medical Cards

Bernard Durkan

345. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if a medical card review application can be urgently reviewed in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18684/24]

Medical Cards

Bernard Durkan

346. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) qualifies for the over-70s full medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18688/24]

Medical Cards

Bernard Durkan

347. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when a medical card might issue in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18690/24]

Home Help Service

Bernard Durkan

348. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if home support might be made available in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18691/24]

Medical Cards

Bernard Durkan

349. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if and when a medical card will be restored in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18703/24]

Medical Cards

Bernard Durkan

350. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if and when a full medical card will be restored in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18704/24]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Bernard Durkan

674. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health whether any interim payment is available in the case of a person (details supplied) who is a HSE worker who contracted Covid on the frontline during the pandemic but has suffered with ill health ever since and currently has no income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17974/24]

Hospital Appointments Status

Bernard Durkan

312. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent, if any, to which cosmetic surgery might be offered to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17268/24]

Medical Cards

Bernard Durkan

313. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if and when a medical card will issue in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17272/24]

Dental Services

Bernard Durkan

143. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if orthodontic treatment can be offered to a person (details supplied); the options available in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16863/24]

Mental Health Services

Bernard Durkan

620. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when required psychological support will be provided to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15967/24]

Home Help Service

Bernard Durkan

622. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the reason home help/personal assistants are no longer permitted to administer routine eye drops for their clients; when this change took place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15970/24]

Medical Cards

Bernard Durkan

638. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if eligibility for a medical card in the case of persons (details supplied) will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16032/24]

Health Services

Bernard Durkan

1309. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if and when an appropriate appointment and treatment in early date can be offered to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14026/24]

Medical Cards

Bernard Durkan

1377. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if and when a full medical card will be approved in the case of a person (details supplied) who has eight dependent children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14416/24]

Hospital Appointments Status

Bernard Durkan

1378. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if and when provision can be made for a person (details supplied); if adequate facilities remain available to meet such cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14427/24]

Medical Cards

Bernard Durkan

1379. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if and when a medical card might issue in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14431/24]

Medical Cards

Bernard Durkan

1380. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if and when a medical card will issue in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14432/24]

Hospital Appointments Status

Bernard Durkan

1381. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if and when appropriate knee surgery will be offered in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14435/24]

Disabilities Assessments

Bernard Durkan

1489. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if an ADHD assessment can be secured for a person (details supplied) who requires same to be completed as soon as possible, whose family are concerned for their well-being, who was in State care aged 5 to 18, and whose GP has now referred them to the appropriate services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14808/24]

Hospital Services

Bernard Durkan

1270. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when surgery will be provided in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11811/24]

Dental Services

Bernard Durkan

1351. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if orthodontic treatment will be facilitated for a child (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12152/24]

Dental Services

Bernard Durkan

1352. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if orthodontic treatment will be facilitated for a child (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12153/24]

Medical Cards

Bernard Durkan

1362. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the eligibility for a medical card in the case of children (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12290/24]

Medical Cards

Bernard Durkan

1428. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which a person (details supplied) exceeds the income limits for qualification for a medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12587/24]

Medical Cards

Bernard Durkan

1429. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the current position in regard to an application for a medical card in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12589/24]

Medical Cards

Bernard Durkan

1430. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the progress to date in the renewal of a medical card in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12590/24]

Medicinal Products

Bernard Durkan

1461. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the steps his Department is taking to ensure a focus remains on ensuring Irish patients have timely access to rare disease treatments (details supplied) and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12779/24]

Nursing Homes

Bernard Durkan

1483. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when full payment under fair deal scheme as per the approval letter will be paid in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12893/24]

Health Services

Bernard Durkan

434. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when speech and language therapy can be restored in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11483/24]

Health Services

Bernard Durkan

435. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if appropriate health and multi-disciplinary assistance including occupational therapy, speech and language therapy is available in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11491/24]

Health Service Executive

Bernard Durkan

201. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when information requested by a person (details supplied) will be provided; the expected date for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10902/24]

Medical Cards

Bernard Durkan

683. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the progress to date in carrying out a review in the case of a medical card for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10213/24]

Hospital Appointments Status

Bernard Durkan

687. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when urgent injections will be carried out in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10247/24]

Healthcare Policy

Bernard Durkan

749. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which it is proposed to offer a national hearing care plan to facilitate those suffering from hearing loss; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10603/24]

Disease Management

Bernard Durkan

751. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which treatment is planned for those that suffer with epidermolysis bullosa; the extent to which plans are in hand to provide these people access to the support required, including homecare support and mental health support, with particular reference to addressing their quality of life; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10635/24]

Healthcare Infrastructure Provision

Bernard Durkan

57. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the progress throughout the hospital building programme including, Naas Hospital and all others throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9590/24]

Health Services

Bernard Durkan

71. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which the health authorities continue to and have identified any or all weaknesses in the delivery of all health services throughout the country in terms of the availability of GPs, adequate hospital consultants, research facilities, and the establishment of a good practice code at all accident and emergency departments throughout the country; the extent to which any shortcomings have been identified and a resolution proposed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9589/24]

Medical Cards

Bernard Durkan

319. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when a medical card might be issued in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9904/24]

Hospital Transfers

Bernard Durkan

320. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when a transfer from Naas Hospital to Beaumont Hospital might be arranged for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9906/24]

Hospital Overcrowding

Bernard Durkan

321. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which he foresees an adequacy of supply of hospital beds, including access to accident and emergency throughout the winter months notwithstanding the persistent threat of Covid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9921/24]

National Children's Hospital

Bernard Durkan

322. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which the construction of the National Children's Hospital is progressing in accordance with projections; when the hospital will be completed and commissioned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9922/24]

Primary Care Centres

Bernard Durkan

323. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the number and location of existing primary care facilities throughout County Kildare including those already operational, and those promised or pending; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9923/24]

Medicinal Products

Bernard Durkan

324. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the current or proposed regime governing new or orphan drugs, the number of such drugs under review or examination at the moment; the number to be approved in the course of the next year; the extent to which reimbursement will be in line with demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9924/24]

Hospital Waiting Lists

Bernard Durkan

325. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health to indicate the total number of children currently awaiting orthodontic treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9925/24]

Hospital Procedures

Bernard Durkan

326. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which surgery is readily available for the removal of cataracts in this jurisdiction; the number of such surgical interventions undertaken here in the last twelve months; the plans to extend this service in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9926/24]

Ambulance Service

Bernard Durkan

327. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken to ensure that response times for ambulance services are as fast as possible with particular reference to the north Kildare area; whether the service has enough personnel on hand to adequately respond to all calls in a timely manner from the nearest HSE national ambulance station at all times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9927/24]

Hospital Waiting Lists

Bernard Durkan

328. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the total number of patients currently awaiting cardiovascular treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9928/24]

Hospital Waiting Lists

Bernard Durkan

329. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the full extent of the number of patients currently on orthopaedic waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9929/24]

Hospital Waiting Lists

Bernard Durkan

330. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the degree to which cancer patients awaiting treatment are able to receive treatment as and when required; the extent of any waiting lists in this category; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9930/24]

Health Strategies

Bernard Durkan

331. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which women's health specifically remains central to the provision and delivery of a reliable level and quality of health services in all areas throughout the country without exception; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9931/24]

Mental Health Services

Bernard Durkan

332. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health to outline the ongoing efforts underway to enhance the quality and scale of community and institutional mental health services with particular reference to the need to achieve quality of service in line with the requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9932/24]

Hospital Appointments Status

Bernard Durkan

611. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when a bed for further testing and procedures can be facilitated in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9236/24]

Hospital Appointments Status

Bernard Durkan

295. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when provision can be made for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8574/24]

Medical Cards

Bernard Durkan

296. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if a medical card will be extended for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8576/24]

Mental Health Services

Bernard Durkan

297. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which the HSE can support and fund mental health service carers in the future, with particular reference to services provided by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8578/24]

Medical Cards

Bernard Durkan

298. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when a medical card might issue in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8582/24]

Nursing Homes

Bernard Durkan

171. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which it is intended to facilitate the family of a person (details supplied) in respect of fair deal scheme charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8261/24]

Health Services

Bernard Durkan

608. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) can urgently be admitted to Beaumont Hospital, who is currently in Blanchardstown Connolly Hospital since 12 February 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7980/24]

Medical Cards

Bernard Durkan

617. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) qualifies for ophthalmic assistance via medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7999/24]