Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 276: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide proper office space and facilities for the home help service in Marino. [36115/06]

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, the Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 277: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to reports that unregistered doctors and dentists are advertising their services in migrant newspapers and ethnic shops and that some members of these communities have suffered ill health effects as a result of availing of these services; the steps she intends taking to alert immigrant communities to the dangers of this practice, to put a stop to it and to ensure that proper health care services are available and accessible to members of these communities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36117/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I have not been made aware of reports that unregistered doctors and dentists are advertising their services in migrant newspapers and ethnic shops.

The Medical Council is the independent authority charged with primary responsibility for the registration and regulation of medical practitioners in the State. The function of the Medical Council is to protect the public through implementing appropriate controls on the medical profession. The Dental Council is the independent authority with the same responsibilities regarding dental practitioners.

Doctors practising medicine in Ireland should be registered with the Medical Council and dentists with the Dental Council. I strongly advise persons who receive the services of a medical or dental practitioner to check that he or she is appropriately registered with the Medical or Dental Council.

The new Medical Practitioners Bill will include a provision which will make it an offence for a doctor to practise medicine while not registered with the Medical Council. The HSE is currently developing a National Intercultural Strategy: Addressing the Health and Support Needs of Persons from Ethnic Minorities. This strategy, consistent with the requirements contained in the National Action Plan against Racism, will build on the good practice already reflected throughout the country in ensuring a responsive, culturally sensitive approach to service provision to the unique healthcare and support needs of asylum seekers, refugees, migrant workers, travellers and other members of minority ethnic communities.

Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 278: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo is not receiving additional personal assistant hours; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36118/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.