Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 315: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her policy regarding a person in need of prosthetics; the average waiting period in the Health Service Executive south region for medical card holders awaiting new prosthetics; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36338/10]

John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy may be aware the Department of Health and Children and the Health Service Executive (HSE) established a Working Group to develop a national policy and strategy for the provision of neuro-rehabilitation services. Its terms of reference include the development of an appropriate policy framework for neuro-rehabilitation and a preferred model of care for the provision of neuro-rehabilitation services.

The policy development has been informed at all stages by the integrated delivery structures being developed by the HSE. In its considerations, the Working Group found clear evidence of the value of assistive technologies, aids and appliances, including prosthetics and orthotics, to persons with neurological or physically disabling conditions and identified the importance of timely access to these services.

As the specific issue raised by the Deputy regarding the waiting period in the HSE South is a matter for the HSE, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.