Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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432. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to provide enhanced medical card cover to the survivors of residential institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2574/15]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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The Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Board was established on 25 March 2013 by the Minister for Education and Skills under the provisions of the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Act 2012. The role of the Board is to oversee the use of the cash contributions to the fund to support the needs of survivors of residential institutional child abuse, including mental health and health and personal social services.

I understand that the funding provides for the health and personal social services for survivors such as GP, medical, and surgical treatment, hospital treatment, pharmacy services including drugs and medical or surgical appliances and aids, home help and other services to help people remain in their own homes, dental, ophthalmic or aural services, and ancillary services such as chiropody, chiropractic, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, podiatry or speech therapy. In addition, counselling and psychological support services are covered.

In view of the comprehensive suite of services outlined above, I do not propose that any other services be considered by my Department.