Written Answers. - Parliamentary Debates - Houses of the Oireachtas

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Questions— 14 February 2012. Written Answers 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. Ambulance Service 720. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken to have a national ambulance service transfer policy set up; when he expects this to be implemented in view of the fact that the ambulance service is a regional service without a transfer policy between regions. [8203/12] Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly): As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply. Health Insurance 721. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Health the circumstances under which a health insurer can demand the balance of the insurance premium when the contract is terminated between renewal dates; and if there are any restrictions on this, or a limit on how much can be charged. [8207/12] Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly): While insurers provide a facility to consumers to pay premiums over the policy year, rather than at the start of the policy, this does not change the twelve month nature of contracts. Health insurance contracts are normally written for a term of one year. Like any contract, if a policyholder wishes to cancel their health insurance contract, the cancellation is subject to the relevant terms in the policy contract, provided the contract allows for mid term cancellation. If the policy contract does not allow cancellation during the term of the year, an insurer can seek to enforce the contract under contract law and demand the balance of the year’s premium. All open market insurers give a 14 day cooling off period where they will cancel the contract and give a full premium refund. It is important to note that customers are free to cancel and change their policy at their renewal date without difficulty. In respect of policies renewing or commencing in 2012, the current Scheme of Age-Related Tax Credits and Community Rating Levy provides for the payment by insurers of a levy of €285 per adult. It should be noted that, where customers leave before the twelve month insurance period expires, the insurer incurs a loss in relation to the levy paid as the levy may only be collected once. If a policy is cancelled mid policy year, insurers cannot reclaim a proportion of the levy. Where a policy holder switches to an alternative insurer, the second insurer does not have to pay the levy in respect of the replacement policy, if the two policies commence in the same accounting period. In this regard, accounting periods are normally the twelve month period starting on 1 August and finishing on 31 July. Medical Cards 722. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he will address as a matter of urgency the medical card application of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8230/12] Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall): I have asked the Health Service Executive to provide a full account of the circumstances of this case to the Deputy. 654
Questions— 14 February 2012. Written Answers 723. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he will address as a matter of urgency the medical card application of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8231/12] 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. 724. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health when a decision will issue on an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the reason for the delay in processing the further information that was received on 6 December 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8232/12] 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. 725. Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Health when an application for a medical card will be processed in respect of persons (details supplied; and if he will expedite same. [8251/12] 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. Under new procedures, a Medical Card will remain valid, irrespective of the expiry date shown on the card, once the Medical Card holder is genuinely engaging with the HSE review process. Eligibility can be confirmed by any Doctor or Pharmacist, or the Medical Card holder online at www.medicalcard.ie or through the GP practice systems. Health Service Staff 726. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of ambulance drivers by region; the number expected to retire as part of the early retirement scheme; if there will be a reduction in ambulance services as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8253/12] Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly): As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply. 727. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm when a paediatrics diabetes nurse specialist will be appointed to Letterkenny General Hospital, County Donegal, in line with the Health Service Executive’s own agreed national diabetes strategy. [8255/12] Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly): As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply. 728. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health the number of retirements from each of the centres of excellence established under the national cancer strategy; the breakdown of retirement between doctors, nurses and the professionals in each unit; the impact of retirements on each centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8258/12] Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly): As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy. National Treatment Purchase Fund 729. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) in 655
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Page 325 and 326: Appendix 4. Annual summary of Staph
Page 327 and 328: 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011(Q1-3) †
Page 329 and 330: 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011(Q1-3) †
Page 331 and 332: 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011(Q1-3) †
Page 333: Questions— 14 February 2012. Writ
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Written Answers. - Parliamentary Debates - Houses of the Oireachtas

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