Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 232: To ask the Minister for Health the steps he proposes to take to ensure that transport services are provided to dialysis and cancer care patients from 1 July 2011 in view of the circular letter issued by the National Ambulance Service on 17 June 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17701/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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As you are aware, the fiscal situation in this country is critical and requires efficiencies to be made in every area of public expenditure. The HSE, with a reduction of €638m to its allocation, is committed to delivering service levels for 2011 which are broadly in line with 2010 levels. To maintain these core services, it is necessary for the HSE to evaluate and identify where efficiencies can be made, while ensuring that those patients with a clear clinical need are prioritised and continue to have access to health care.

I have instructed the HSE generally not to withdraw any services from acute hospitals unless and until I receive a full briefing on the details of what is proposed, the alternative arrangements to be put in place, and the overall implications for patients. I will certainly not stand over a situation where there is a proposal to withdraw services from people with a clear clinical need for those services

Non-emergency transport comprises inter-hospital transfers and patient transport between home and health facility. It includes both HSE and private transport providers. The National Ambulance Service (NAS) provides pre-hospital emergency care and emergency and some non-emergency patient transport.

Supported by my Department and by HIQA, the NAS is working to improve the management and integration of its services, including standard national criteria for non-emergency transport. These criteria will allow a patient transport service that is transparent and accessible for service users.

There are a number of supports for cancer patients who have to travel for treatment, through the Community Welfare Office services and the Travel2Care scheme. Travel2Care is being implemented on a phased basis with the transfer of cancer services to the 8 designated cancer centres and the approved satellite centre in Letterkenny, where this transfer of services would otherwise cause financial hardship. The scheme provides some financial help towards public transport costs, such as trains or buses, private transport costs or petrol and parking. It is funded by the National Cancer Control Programme and administered by the Irish Cancer Society.

Derek Nolan (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 233: To ask the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Galway will be given an appointment for an operation [17704/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 234: To ask the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Louth will receive an operation [17714/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.