Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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406. To ask the Minister for Health if recognition and support will be given to a group (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31290/17]

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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407. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to establish a national support phone service for a group (details supplied) to ensure it has access to an independent confidential and listening service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31291/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 406 and 407 together.

I am advised that many of the individuals for whom support is sought by the Group to which the Deputy refers have been awarded Health Amendment Act (HAA) Cards. Holders of HAA Cards have access to a very broad range of entitlements, including GP services, home nursing, home support (cleaning, childcare etc.), hospital services, treatment and appliances, pharmacy, physiotherapy, chiropody/podiatry, counselling and ophthalmic services, dental treatment and complementary therapies.

The National Hepatitis C Co-ordinator in the HSE is in ongoing communication with representatives of this Group.

Assistance has been provided to this Group as follows:

- facilitation of meetings involving the group and the National Hepatitis C Co-ordinator;

- use of HSE meeting rooms; and

- use of HSE printing, photocopying, postage and stationery facilities.