Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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1182. To ask the Minister for Health when the routine eye examinations and glasses for persons with medical cards under the community ophthalmic services scheme fee increase will come into effect; the amount of an increase that there will be; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63295/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Community Ophthalmic Services Scheme (COSS) is a national fee-per-item scheme which was introduced in 1979. Under the COSS, medical card holders aged over 16 years can be seen by ophthalmologists, community ophthalmic physicians, optometrists or dispensing opticians.  

Eligible patients can receive an eye examination and be provided with prescribed optical appliances in accordance with a national schedule of approved optical appliances.

The Health Professionals (Reduction of Payments to Ophthalmologists, Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians) Regulations 2013 (SI 274 of 2013) sets the fees for optometrists and dispensing opticians under the Community Optometric Services, Community Spectacle Dispensing Services and Health Amendment Act Card Schemes.

I am committed to increasing the fees payable to contractors for a standard eye examination under the COSS. This is a priority for my Department, and work with stakeholders is ongoing to implement this change in 2023.

Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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1183. To ask the Minister for Health the proposed start date for the implementation of the proposals in the National Clinical Programme for Ophthalmology; and the start date for the transfer of care of children aged 8+ years to local private optometrists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63305/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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1184. To ask the Minister for Health if funding is in place for the development of the community model for eye care, which covers cataract assessment, paediatrics and macular disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63306/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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1185. To ask the Minister for Health the current waiting time for access to ophthalmology services in respect of each HSE division; the total number currently waiting for an appointment, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63307/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Gino Kenny (Dublin Mid West, People Before Profit Alliance)
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1187. To ask the Minister for Health the services currently available to those diagnosed with foetal valproate spectrum disorder; the way families can access these services within their communities following a diagnosis; the status of discussions between the HSE and his Department to improve access to services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63312/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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As these questions relate to operational matters for the Health Service Executive (HSE), I have asked that the HSE responds to the Deputy directly.