Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 320: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if there have been any recent discussions between her Department and the ERHA-Health Service Executive or the professional bodies representing chiropodists regarding the long-running issue of chiropodists charging a top up fee to elderly medical card holders for chiropody services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1982/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The provision of chiropody services is a matter for the local area of the Health Service Executive. This is a service which it is not statutorily obliged to provide and a variety of arrangements were in place nationally under the former Eastern Regional Health Authority and the health boards. As the Deputy is aware, my Department informed the Eastern Regional Health Authority that it was inappropriate to impose a charge for this service on medical card holders. There are complex inter-relationships at play and I regret that the matter was not resolved. My Department has written to the Health Service Executive with a view to getting an early resolution of this matter.

Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 322: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason Ballinasloe social services, County Galway, has not had the services of an occupational therapist for more than four years; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there is a vital need for this service in a town and hinterland the size of Ballinasloe; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2063/05]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
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The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Responsibility for occupational therapy rests with the executive. My Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's western area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.

Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 323: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to the case of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; if an operation will be carried out as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2065/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services.

Responsibility for the provision of health services to persons residing in counties Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow rests with the Health Service Executive. My Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's eastern regional area to investigate the matter raised and to reply to the Deputy directly.