Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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302. To ask the Minister for Health if a hearing test for a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47791/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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303. To ask the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be facilitated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47793/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.

The scheduling of appointments is a matter for the hospital to which the patient has been referred. Should a patient’s general practitioner consider the patient’s condition warrants and earlier appointment, he or she should take the matter up with the consultant and the hospital involved. In relation to the specific case raised, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.