Written Answers. - Parliamentary Debates - Houses of the Oireachtas

Questions— 14 February 2012. Written Answers
A review of the medical card processing service is under way at the moment and the issues
raised by the Deputy are being examined as part of this process. The review will be completed
in a few weeks time.
Hospital Accommodation
627. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the operational
arrangements that have been put in place at St. Joseph’s District Hospital, Ballina, County
Mayo, at the end of February; if agreement has been reached with existing staff at the facility
and with health insurers and insurance companies; the training programmes that are in place;
and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7574/12]
628. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health the savings achieved by the closure
of 12 beds at St. Joseph’s District Hospital, Ballina, County Mayo, since November; and if he
will make a statement on the matter. [7575/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): I propose to take
Questions Nos. 627 and 628 together.
As these are service matters they have been referred to the Health Service Executive for
direct reply.
629. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health the details of a fund he has put in
place to maintain beds at community and district hospitals here; if Swinford District Hospital,
County Mayo, has received an allocation under this fund; the operations of the fund; the future
of community and district hospitals generally; and if he will make a statement on the
matter. [7576/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): As this is a service
matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Medical Cards
630. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health the reason there is a delay in
processing medical card applications in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Donegal;
and the steps being taken to reduce the waiting times. [7583/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall): As this is a service
matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
631. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health when a decision will issue on an
application in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Roscommon; the reason for the
delay in same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7584/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall): As this is a service
matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
632. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the average processing times for
appeals in each regional appeals office by category of application; and if he will make a statement
on the matter. [7585/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall): As this is a service
matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
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