Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 70: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement on the Health Service Executive service plan for 2009. [6604/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I approved the HSE National Service Plan 2009 on 9 December 2008 under Section 31(8) of the Health Act 2004. In approving the Plan, I highlighted to the HSE certain critical performance issues in overseeing its implementation. I also emphasised the necessity for the HSE to operate within the limits of its Voted allocation in delivering at a minimum, the levels of service which are provided for in the Plan. The Plan was laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas on 10 December in line with Section 31(13) of the Health Act 2004.

In order to deliver the level of services it is committing to, the HSE will be reconfiguring many front line services. This is in keeping with the overall strategic direction as set out in the HSE Corporate Plan 2008 — 2011 and includes conversion of in-patient work to day case work, a focus on reducing in-patient length of stay in acute hospitals, reduction of in-patient bed numbers and associated costs and the provision of more services in community settings, thus reducing the dependency on in-patient beds. The 2009 allocation includes €120m to meet service pressures arising from demographic changes and also includes €55m for the implementation of the Fair Deal Scheme, an additional €15m for the Cancer Control Programme and €10m for therapy supports for children of school going age.

Clearly, the current fiscal position demands the most careful control of public expenditure and I am strongly of the view that account needs to be taken of all emerging potential cost pressures. There is ongoing engagement between my Department and the HSE in relation to such issues. In this context, I have asked the HSE to review the latest information relevant to the management of Demand Led Schemes expenditure, including growth in the number of people qualifying for medical cards, and to formulate and submit a contingency plan to address any pressures in this area over and above those provided for in the Plan. Throughout the year, the HSE will also provide me with detailed information relating to service activity levels by way of monthly Performance Monitoring Reports against the Plan.

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 72: To ask the Minister for Health and Children when a diabetic retinopathy screening programme will be introduced in accordance with the report on this proposal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6551/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Health Service Executive (HSE) is planning to roll-out a Diabetic Retinopathy Screening programme, on a phased basis, by the HSE area. It is proposed to commence in HSE West, as a population-based screening programme had previously been established in the former North-West Health Board. Funding of €750,000 is being allocated to implement this first phase of the screening service.

The HSE also intends to pursue an Information and Communication Technology system to support the programme. The implementation phase of the ICT project will occur in parallel with service implementation in each area. The ICT business case for this programme has recently been approved by the Department of Finance. The procurement process for the ICT project is to commence in the coming months.

The development of the governance and committee structures is under way. Job descriptions and recruitment forms for the staff are with the relevant Local Health Office and it is expected that these posts will be advertised shortly.

Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Question 73: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if sufficient personnel are being appointed and trained to provide the essential front line services in the home help and home care structures; the cost of this service nationally; the amount for the percentage of that cost paid to the home help and home care personnel directly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6448/09]

Máire Hoctor (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
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The Home Help Service is a well established and successful component of the overall strategy to enable older people to remain in their own homes and communities for as long as possible.

Significant funding has been provided to the Health Service Executive in recent years for the expansion of this service. As the Executive has operational responsibility for the management and delivery of the service at national and local level, in line with its overall service priorities and resources, I have referred the matter to the Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 74: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her plans to provide a community midwifery service for women beyond the current limited area that currently has this service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6554/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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As the Deputy's question relates to a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.