Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

681. To ask the Minister for Health the reason there appears to be a difference within Health Service Executive areas regarding the provision of finance to medical card holders for the purchase of wigs for cancer patients; the reason a lump sum is paid in some counties while in County Waterford, for example, two payments of €220 are provided months apart, neither of which covers the cost of a wig, particularly for those who are on a limited income and, therefore,the medical card, and cannot afford the remainder of the cost of a wig; if he will ensure this disparity is corrected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3575/14]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The HSE has informed me that the provision of wigs for cancer patients is administered locally at present through local health offices. The HSE advises that it is undertaking a full review of the operation of this service and is developing standard procedures for consistent application across the country. It is anticipated that these standard protocols will be in place by mid 2014.