Results 41,461-41,480 of 46,267 for speaker:Simon Harris

Written Answers — Department of Health: Home Care Packages Provision (17 May 2016)

Simon Harris: The creation of a statutory entitlement would not be possible in this context as services can only be provided in line with the resources that are available. However, it is my objective to ensure that available resources are deployed to achieve the best possible outcomes for older people. With a Budget of €324m in 2016 the HSE’s projected target, set out in its National Service...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Ambulance Service (17 May 2016)

Simon Harris: A significant degree of co-operation already exists between the National Ambulance Service (NAS) and the Fire Services in providing an emergency first responder service. However, there may be scope to further utilise fire services as a first responder for certain types of calls, where this is warranted. This will be explored with the Department of the Environment, Community and Local...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (17 May 2016)

Simon Harris: I wish to thank the Deputy for the matter raised. Given that this is an operational matter, it is appropriate that it should be dealt with by the NMBI. I have referred the Deputy's question to the NMBI for attention and direct reply. If you have not received a reply from the NMBI within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Health Services Expenditure (17 May 2016)

Simon Harris: The preliminary results of the System of Health Accounts for 2013 (the latest year available) were published by the Central Statistics Office last December and according to this, the current total health care expenditure as a percentage of GDP in Ireland in 2013 was 10.2%. The full statistical release is available on the CSO's website at .

Written Answers — Department of Health: General Practitioner Data (17 May 2016)

Simon Harris: I propose to take Questions Nos. 844, 845, 944 and 949 together. The new Programme for Government emphasises the need to focus on enhancing primary healthcare services including building up GP capacity, increasing the number of therapists and other health professionals in primary care. It also commits to expanding the role of community pharmacists, in managing the health of their...

Written Answers — Department of Health: General Practitioner Services (17 May 2016)

Simon Harris: I propose to take Questions Nos. 846 and 847 together. GP care without fees has been successfully introduced for children under the age of 6 years and all people aged 70 years and over. This has resulted in approximately 800,000 people now being eligible for GP care without fees, without having to undergo a means test. The under 6s service includes age-based preventive checks focused on...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Prescriptions Charges (17 May 2016)

Simon Harris: I propose to take Questions Nos. 848 and 852 together. I am informed by the HSE that prescription charges for medical card holders yielded an estimated €116 million in 2015. Therefore, the cost of abolishing prescription charges at current activity levels is approximately €120 million. The annual cost of abolishing this charge on an incremental basis would depend on the...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Diabetes Strategy (17 May 2016)

Simon Harris: I propose to take Questions Nos. 849, 921 and 924 together. As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy. 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.

Written Answers — Department of Health: National Dementia Strategy (17 May 2016)

Simon Harris: I propose to take Questions Nos. 850 and 910 to 912, inclusive, together. The Irish National Dementia Strategy was launched in December 2014, with the objective of increasing awareness, ensuring early diagnosis and intervention and developing enhanced community based services. Preparation of the Irish National Dementia Strategy was informed by - a Research Review, which included a review of...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Drugs Payment Scheme (17 May 2016)

Simon Harris: I am informed by the HSE that, based on January 2016 dispensing data for the Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS), the estimated cost of reducing the DPS threshold to €100 per month is approximately €22 million per annum. However, this estimate is likely to be understated, as the HSE does not collect information on people who do not claim under the DPS because their monthly...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Prescriptions Charges (17 May 2016)

Simon Harris: The HSE estimates that to cap prescription charges at €20 per month would cost approximately €11 million per annum. This assumes that the charge per item remains at €2.50 and that the number of items dispensed per person per month remains at current levels. This is a matter which I intend to consider in the context of the implementation of the health commitments in...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Home Help Service Data (17 May 2016)

Simon Harris: I propose to take Questions Nos. 854, 858 and 859 together. As these are service matters they have 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.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Home Care Packages Data (17 May 2016)

Simon Harris: I propose to take Questions Nos. 855 to 857, inclusive, together. As these are service matters they have 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.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Dental Services (17 May 2016)

Simon Harris: Dental services for children up to 16 years of age and persons of all ages with special needs are provided by the Public Dental Service of the HSE through its dental clinics. The budget for the Public Dental Service is approximately €60 million per year. A National Oral Health Policy is currently being developed which will update the Dental Action Plan 1994 with a particular focus on...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Orthodontic Services (17 May 2016)

Simon Harris: The HSE provides orthodontic treatment to those who have been assessed and referred for treatment before their 16th birthday. Patients are assessed by the HSE Orthodontic Service under the modified Index of Treatment Need. Patients with the greatest level of need are provided with treatment by the HSE. Annual spending on the Orthodontic Services has been approximately €16 million in...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Dental Services Expenditure (17 May 2016)

Simon Harris: The Dental Treatment Service Scheme (DTSS) provides access to dental treatment for medical card holders over the age of 16. All medical card holders are entitled to specific dental treatments, including an annual dental examination. The Minister for Social Protection is responsible for the Dental Treatment Benefit Scheme (DTBS), which provides an annual dental examination to insured workers...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (17 May 2016)

Simon Harris: I wish to thank the Deputy for the matter raised. Given that this is an operational matter, it is appropriate that it should be dealt with by the NMBI. I have referred the Deputy's question to the NMBI for attention and direct reply. If you have not received a reply from the NMBI within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Nursing Staff Data (17 May 2016)

Simon Harris: 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 on the matter with them.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Hospital Staff Data (17 May 2016)

Simon Harris: 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 on the matter with them.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Home Help Service Data (17 May 2016)

Simon Harris: I propose to take Questions Nos. 866 and 867 together. As these are service matters they have 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.