Matt Carthy
Question:1754. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health if antigen tests that test for both Covid and flu will be made available to members of the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1727/24]
View answerCovid-19 Tests
Questions (1754)
Written answers
Public health advice relating to COVID-19 is available on the website of the HSE. This advice is kept under continuing review. At present, the advice is that people with symptoms of COVID-19 should stay at home until 48 hours after symptoms are mostly or fully gone and avoid contact with other people, especially people at higher risk from COVID-19.
The public health rationale for testing, case finding and tracing of infection to reduce COVID-19 transmission is focused on mitigation of the severe impacts of COVID-19 for those most vulnerable to the disease and those with risk factors who may benefit from specific interventions. Testing for COVID-19 is now operated on a sustainable model similar to the model that exists for other respiratory diseases. Testing is no longer needed unless a GP or healthcare worker advises you to have one or if it is requested under the direction of Public Health in the HSE. Anybody who has concerns about an underlying condition or their level of risk in relation to COVID-19 should seek advice from their GP or treating clinician.
The targeted approach for COVID-19 testing now in place supports clinical assessment, diagnosis and management of individual “at risk” patients. This may include, for example, when a clinician is considering access to a specific therapeutic intervention. In common with most other infectious diseases, the HSE now operates a comprehensive disease surveillance-based model in line with public health guidance.
Additional resources have also been provided to the HSE to ensure enhancements are put in place to existing infectious disease surveillance systems in the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC). Eighty-nine additional posts in disease surveillance have been created with 55 of these already recruited. The HPSC is delivering an enhanced, integrated public health surveillance system for a range of respiratory pathogens (SARS-CoV-2, influenza, RSV etc.) This includes, for example, prioritising improvements to disease surveillance programmes such as expansion and strengthening of GP sentinel surveillance, Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) surveillance and establishment of a Biostatistics and Modelling Unit at the HPSC and strengthening of other surveillance systems that support COVID-19 surveillance. In addition, Wastewater Surveillance and Whole Genome Sequencing programmes remain in place and operational. This ensures effective monitoring and signalling of what is happening with infectious diseases at population level, so that we can better understand disease transmission and severity along with population immunity and risk.
Departmental Reviews
Questions (1755, 1756, 1757, 1758, 1759, 1760)
Denis Naughten
Question:1755. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health when the independent clinical care review into neo-natal subgaleal haemorrhage in UHG in 2002 will be published; the reason for the delay in its publication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1728/24]
View answerDenis Naughten
Question:1756. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health if the independent clinical care review into neo-natal subgaleal haemorrhage in UHG in 2002 will be extended to such incidents which occurred in the years both pre and post 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1729/24]
View answerDenis Naughten
Question:1757. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to contradictions between the internal report by University Hospital Galway and the independent clinical care review into neo-natal subgaleal haemorrhage in UHG in 2002 with regard to classification of all nine cases concerned as mild and the incorrect statement in the independent report that none of the babies concerned developed jaundice or required phototherapy; whether other inconsistencies regarding other deliveries exist; whether in light of this a new independent review external to the HSE is now required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1730/24]
View answerDenis Naughten
Question:1758. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the reason the views of parents were not sought for the independent clinical care review into neo-natal subgaleal haemorrhage in UHG in 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1731/24]
View answerDenis Naughten
Question:1759. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the follow up that has taken place to review each child whose case was considered in the independent clinical care review into neo-natal subgaleal haemorrhage in UHG in 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1732/24]
View answerDenis Naughten
Question:1760. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health if the full medical files of both the infants and mothers concerned in the nine cases were made available to those conducting the independent clinical care review into neo-natal subgaleal haemorrhage in UHG in 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1733/24]
View answerWritten answers
The review in to incidence of neonatal subgaleal haemorrhage in University Hospital in 2022 has been completed and shared with the families involved. UHG has progressed the full implementation of the 8 considerations for management identified in this review. At present UHG and the Saolta hospital group have no plans to publish the review because it has been shared with all the relevant families.
The full case notes for all of the women and the infants concerned in the nine cases were made available to the team conducting the independent clinical care review in to neonatal sub galeal haemorrhage in UHG in 2022.
The independent clinical care review was commissioned and conducted in line with the HSE – Incident Management Framework guidance. Saolta Hospital Group has confirmed that open disclosure with affected families has occurred in line with the HSE Incident Management Framework. One family has requested an additional meeting, this will be arranged for late January.
Question No. 1756 answered with Question No. 1755.
Question No. 1757 answered with Question No. 1755.
Question No. 1758 answered with Question No. 1755.
Question No. 1759 answered with Question No. 1755.
Question No. 1760 answered with Question No. 1755.
Health Services
Questions (1761)
Emer Higgins
Question:1761. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health to provide information on the current state of genetic services in Ireland, including the waiting times for genetic testing and the resources available to people living with a rare disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1741/24]
View answerWritten answers
As this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Nursing Homes
Questions (1762)
Robert Troy
Question:1762. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if she will carry out a review of a fair deal application (details supplied). [1743/24]
View answerWritten answers
As this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
As the Deputy may be aware, management and administrative grade staff in the Fórsa union in the HSE commenced industrial action on Friday, 6 October. As a consequence of this industrial action, members in these grades are not engaging with political forums or processes. As a result, the question asked by the Deputy may be delayed in receiving a response directly from the HSE
Medical Cards
Questions (1763)
Paul Murphy
Question:1763. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he will add motor neuron (covering various types) and Kennedy's disease to the list of conditions/ illnesses that qualify for the long-term illness medical card; if not the reason; the steps that can be taken to add these conditions to the card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1753/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Long-Term Illness (LTI) Scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). Regulations were made in 1971, 1973 and 1975, prescribing 16 conditions covered by the Scheme. These are: acute leukaemia; mental handicap; cerebral palsy; mental illness (in a person under 16); cystic fibrosis; multiple sclerosis; diabetes insipidus; muscular dystrophies; diabetes mellitus; parkinsonism; epilepsy; phenylketonuria; haemophilia; spina bifida; hydrocephalus; and conditions arising from the use of Thalidomide.
Under the LTI Scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge. While there are currently no plans to extend the list of conditions covered, it is important to remember that the LTI Scheme exists within a wider eligibility framework.
This Government has put a significant focus on improving access to and the affordability of healthcare services, advancing substantial policy, legislation and investment to deliver expanded eligibility.
In 2022, a range of measures were delivered including the abolition of public inpatient charges for children, reductions in the Drug Payment Scheme threshold to €80 per month, and the introduction of free contraception for women aged 17-25.
In 2023, a further range of measures facilitated better access to affordable, high-quality healthcare. These include an expansion of GP care without charges to children aged 6 and 7, and to people earning no more than the median household income, the abolition of all public in-patient hospital charges for adults, and the extension of the free contraception scheme to include women aged 26-30.
These measures continue to create a health and social care service that offers affordable access to quality healthcare.
People who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be eligible for a medical card under the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme. In accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE. Medical card eligibility is primarily based on an assessment of means and is not granted on the basis of any particular condition.
In certain circumstances the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, even though an applicant exceeds the income guidelines, where he or she faces difficult financial circumstances, such as extra costs arising from illness.
Under the Drug Payment Scheme (DPS), no individual or family pays more than €80 a month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The DPS is not means tested and is available to anyone ordinarily resident in Ireland. The DPS significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals with ongoing expenditure on medicines.
Individuals may also be entitled to claim tax relief on the cost of their medical expenses, including medicines prescribed by a doctor, dentist, or consultant. Relief is at the standard tax rate of 20%.
Hospital Equipment
Questions (1764)
Jim O'Callaghan
Question:1764. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health how many hospital trolleys were purchased and/or discarded in 2023; how many will be purchased in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1754/24]
View answerWritten answers
As this is an operational matter, I have referred this question to the HSE for directly reply. Additionally, the Deputy may be aware, management and administrative grade staff in the Fórsa union in the HSE commenced industrial action on Friday 6th October. As a consequence of this industrial action, members in these grades are not engaging with political forums or processes. As a result, the question asked by the Deputy may be delayed in receiving a response directly from the HSE.
Gender Recognition
Questions (1765)
Paul Murphy
Question:1765. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health what practices are in place to ensure that autistic people are not being discriminated against when it comes to receiving healthcare through the National Gender Service; if the HSE has received any complaints in relation to this; if so, how those complaints have been dealt with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1756/24]
View answerWritten answers
As this relates to a service matter, I have referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Home Help Service
Questions (1766)
Michael McNamara
Question:1766. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Health the number of people that have been approved for home help services in County Clare but are still waiting to be allocated the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1761/24]
View answerWritten answers
As this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
As the Deputy may be aware, management and administrative grade staff in the Fórsa union in the HSE commenced industrial action on Friday, 6 October. As a consequence of this industrial action, members in these grades are not engaging with political forums or processes. As a result, the question asked by the Deputy may be delayed in receiving a response directly from the HSE
Health Services
Questions (1767)
Niamh Smyth
Question:1767. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if an appointment will be expedited for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1774/24]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
The Deputy may be aware, management and administrative grade staff in the Fórsa union in the HSE commenced industrial action on Friday 6th October. As a consequence of this industrial action, members in these grades are not engaging with political forums or processes. As a result, the question asked by the Deputy may be delayed in receiving a response directly from the HSE.
Healthcare Infrastructure Provision
Questions (1768)
John Lahart
Question:1768. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health to provide details in relation to what is involved in the six new surgical hubs announced; and where they will be located. [1782/24]
View answerWritten answers
I have asked the HSE, as Sponsoring Agency with day-to-day responsibility for the delivery of the new Surgical Hubs, to respond to you directly in relation to the matters raised.
Departmental Budgets
Questions (1769)
John Lahart
Question:1769. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health to provide details in relation to his digital health budget for 2024 which has been increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1783/24]
View answerWritten answers
Details in relation to his digital health budget for 2024 are contained in the HSE National Service Plan which is soon to be published. The plan contains a dedicated section for capital plans including initiatives being delivered as part of the ICT capital plan. There are also other initiatives that are funded through revenue that provide a more complete view of the level of activity in this area. The 2024 budget will put a greater emphasis on patient facing digital services so that the work done by the digital teams in the HSE become more obvious to patients and service users. At the same time, the budget will continue to fund major projects such as the development of the Childrens Hospital as a digital first facility, including the delivery of the most extensive Electronic Health Record systems in Ireland at CHI and major corporate systems such as the continued rollout of the national Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS)
Mental Health Services
Questions (1770)
John Lahart
Question:1770. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health to provide some details in relation to recovery colleges announced as part of the CAMHS approach to mental health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1784/24]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
As the Deputy may be aware, management and administrative grade staff in the Fórsa union in the HSE commenced industrial action on Friday, 6 October. As a consequence of this industrial action, members in these grades are not engaging with political forums or processes. As a result, the question asked by the Deputy may be delayed in receiving a response directly from the HSE.
Mental Health Services
Questions (1771)
John Lahart
Question:1771. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health to outline what is involved in the new youth mental health app mentioned in Budget 2024; who it is intended to serve; how younger people can learn about it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1785/24]
View answerWritten answers
The total allocation for mental health services in 2024 is approximately €1.3 billion, which is the fourth year in a row in which the mental health budget has been increased. This increase in funding for mental health services represents a significant investment which will enable continued policy implementation and service improvement in line with our national mental health policy, Sharing the Vision. This year’s budget allocation builds on the investment this Government has made over the last number of years to deliver the policy priorities of Sharing the Vision through the provision of mental health supports across a broad continuum from mental health promotion, prevention and early intervention, to acute and specialist mental health service delivery, and enabling us to continue to deliver our vital services to as many people as possible, as we move into 2024.
As part of the funding allocated to mental health services, new development funding has been secured to advance initiatives on youth mental health, and around priority groups identified within our national suicide prevention strategy Connecting for Life. This new development funding will be focused on increased CAMHS staffing, a new Youth Mental Health app, a referral pilot for paediatric community services including CAMHS (piloting an approach to service referrals known as ‘No Wrong Door’), the expansion of Suicide Bereavement Liaison Services, and expanding the Traveller Counselling Service to achieve national coverage for the first time.
As occurs each year following the Budget, discussions are now taking place with the HSE on details relating to specific service initiatives in the context of preparing the HSE Service Plan 2024, including that for Mental Health.
Hospital Procedures
Questions (1772)
Pearse Doherty
Question:1772. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Donegal can expect a date for a cataract operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1795/24]
View answerWritten answers
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.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
As the Deputy may be aware, management and administrative grade staff in the Fórsa union in the HSE commenced industrial action on Friday 6th October. As a consequence of this industrial action, members in these grades are not engaging with political forums or processes. As a result, the question asked by the Deputy may be delayed in receiving a response directly from the HSE.
Question No. 1773 answered with Question No. 1735.