Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Workers and Unemployed Action Group) | Oireachtas source

The presentations this morning were welcome. I welcome also the publication of the hospital group's report last week and I wish to raise a number of questions on it. What is the timescale for the appointment of the chairman of the board in each case? Does the Minister have the dates for the appointment of board members? Will he ensure there is geographical as well as specialist representation on the boards of these groupings? It will be vital to create trust for the boards to operate across the geographical areas of these hospital groups. It would be possible for geographical and specialist representation to dovetail and I hope the Minister will confirm that he will bear this in mind and make appointments on that basis.

The Minister gave a briefing last Tuesday week, but after he left, unfortunately, Professor Higgins was very strong on the question of consultation with stakeholders on this process, including consultation with local communities. This will play an important role in the success of these hospital groups and trusts. Will the Minister outline his position on consultation?

I acknowledge the significant pressures on the fair deal scheme. Mr. O'Brien referred to the recent difficulties. There is a perception of geographical discrimination against applicants outside Dublin and Cork, who are effectively denied access to this scheme for some time. I request an assurance that the scheme is run on a fair basis across the country and that applicants outside Dublin and Cork are not disadvantaged.

The issue of outpatient waiting lists was not covered in any of the presentations, but this is an area that is giving rise to major difficulties, particularly in orthopaedic and ear, nose and throat specialties. There are really long waiting lists for outpatient clinics in regional hospitals, particularly for the initial outpatient appointment. Will the Minister outline the current position and the proposals to deal with the difficulties?

There are 350 children with one cochlear implant who require a second implant. It is hoped that all newborns will get simultaneous implants. Will the Minister confirm that he will make €7 million available to Beaumont Hospital to deal with the backlog in this area? It is very upsetting for parents and the children involved.

Will the Minister give an update on the proposed new children's hospital? Are there indicative construction, commencement and completion dates?

I agree with the point made by Deputy Kelleher on medical cards. I am sure that all Deputies and Senators are aware of the difficulties in respect of medical cards being granted on medical grounds. It is very difficult, if not impossible, to have a medical card granted on medical grounds. This seems to be feeding into the current large number of reviews to be carried out. It is indicated in the review covering letter that the review is by random selection, but it appears to me that those in the 65 to 69 age group are being targeted. This is a group of whom many are marginally over the income limit because of occupational pensions, in some cases very small occupational pensions, but who were granted medical cards on medical grounds for long periods. Many hold cards that are in date up to 2020.

I have had numerous inquiries of late from people who have been requested to provide transport for their relatives.

The relatives of patients who are normally transferred by ambulance, and who actually require ambulance transportation, are now being asked to transfer those patients to regional and Dublin-based hospitals, in particular.