Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 203: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on whether it is fair or reasonable that sick and special needs groups, elderly persons in disadvantaged areas especially those living alone, should be obliged to pay for their own transport to attend out-patient services; her further views on whether this is creating considerable hardship, especially for elderly persons living alone; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the western area Health Service Executive is no longer providing transport except to those needing dialysis or with cancer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2932/05]

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 has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for patients attending hospital in the executive's western area. Accordingly, 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.