Written Answers. - Parliamentary Debates - Houses of the Oireachtas

393 Questions— 22 February 2005. Written Answers 394In 2003, the HL7 messaging standard wasadopted by the health service, through the workof the former health boards executive’s messagingproject, as the national standard for appropriatemessages. As new messages are developed,they will be built to conform to that standard.Selected messages between a number of hospitalsand general practitioner offices have beendeveloped and are being delivered, conforming tothis standard. It is intended that further secondarycare to primary care linkages will be made,particularly between hospitals and general practitioners,as the underlying information andcommunications technology systems are madeready to receive them. As new information andcommunications technology products and servicesare acquired for the health service, appropriatecomponents will be required to confirm tothe HL7 standard at the time of acquisition, or tohave a clear plan for ensuring such conformancewithin a reasonable timeframe.Health Services.147. Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Ministerfor Health and Children the position on thepractice of health authorities holding the pensionbooks of older persons in public nursing homesfollowing the Supreme Court judgment of 16February 2005; and if she will make a statementon the matter. [5997/05]Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children(Ms Harney): The Health Service Executive,which assumed responsibility for the delivery ofhealth and personal social services with effectfrom 1 January 2005, has indicated that it is issuinga letter to all patients who have authorisedthe executive to act as their agent offering themchoices with regard to their pension books andthat arrangements will be made to return the pensionbooks to them if that is their choice.Some patients may not be in a position to makea decision regarding their arrangements and theprocess will have to involve the patient’s next ofkin. This matter will be dealt with by each nursinghome and institution giving the opportunity todiscuss the matter with the relevant local staff.The Health Service Executive is working with theDepartment of Social and Family Affairs in thisregard. The emphasis is on ensuring choice isgiven to those who are in a position to exerciseit and that the best interests of the patient aremaintained at all times.Services for People with Disabilities.148. Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Ministerfor Health and Children the legal basis forthe practice whereby persons with disabilitieswho are in residential care have all or part oftheir disability benefit or allowance withheld bythe residential care facility; the extent of thispractice; if such practices will be affected by theSupreme Court judgment of 16 February 2005 onelderly persons in nursing home care; and if shewill make a statement on the matter. [6090/05]Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children(Ms Harney): The practices of charging or seekinga contribution from clients with a disability inresidential care who had income which mayinclude a disability benefit or allowance has beencommon practice. Following the Attorney General’sadvice that there was no legal basis for suchcharges, the health agencies were instructed tostop charging for long-stay care on 9 December2004. The situation concerning contributionssought for rent or other expenses was furtherclarified by the Department in a letter issued on23 December 2004.The Health Service Executive has obtainedlegal advice on these practices which supportedthe Department’s decision in December to ceasecharging or the payment of contributions by eligiblepersons. My Department is considering theextent to which these practices are affected by theSupreme Court decision of 16 February 2005 andthis will be taken into account in the detailedoperation of the repayments scheme which Iexpect to put in place shortly.Child Care Facilities.149. Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Financethe progress with, the costings and timescale forthe provision of crèche facilities for those workingwithin the Leinster House complex; and if hewill make a statement on the matter. [5545/05]Minister of State at the Department of Finance(Mr. Parlon): A brief of requirements for thecrèche facility is awaited from the Houses of theOireachtas. Until the brief is finalised, it is notpossible to accurately estimate the cost of providingthe facility or indeed the time to complete thework. The crèche facility will be located in thelower ground floor of Kildare House.Tax Code.150. Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Financehis views on the recommendation containedin the NESC report on housing that considerationshould be given to a separate tax on secondhomes; if the Government is considering introducingsuch a tax; if so, the rate of such tax; and ifhe will make a statement on the matter.[5546/05]Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen): I have noplans to introduce a tax on second homes.Flood Relief.151. Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister forFinance in cases in which houses are wreckedbeyond repair due to flooding and in which theinsurance only covers repairs but such repairs do