Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 40: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on whether it is fair that sick and special needs groups, elderly persons in disadvantaged areas and especially those living alone, should be obliged to pay for their transport to attend outpatient services, from County Mayo to Galway city; 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. [5355/05]

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 the provision of services to people resident in counties Mayo and Galway. 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.