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Wednesday, 16 Oct 2019

Written Answers Nos. 151-175

Research Funding Data

Ceisteanna (151)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

151. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the amount of funding allocated to the programme for research in third level institutions in 2020. [42499/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Budget 2020 set out the Current and Capital ceilings for my Department (€339 million and €632 million respectively). However, the allocations for each of the Department’s subheads, including the Programme for Research in Third Level Institutions, will not be finalised until the annual Revised Estimates process is completed.

The Revised Estimates Volume is usually published in early December and will set out the final agreed 2020 allocations for each subhead.

Vaccination Programme

Ceisteanna (152)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

152. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health if he has discussed with the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the possibility of making entry to State funded or recognised crèches conditional on children having received childhood vaccinations; his plans to introduce such a stipulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42362/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

It is important to note that vaccine hesitancy is not unique to Ireland. It is a global issue and has been identified by the World Health Organisation as one of the ten leading threats to global health in 2019.

One of my priorities as Minister for Health is to increase vaccination rates across the country and several options in this area are being explored. In this regard, I wrote to the Attorney General (AG) to seek legal advice as to the Constitutionality of introducing schemes of mandatory vaccination. The requested legal advice was recently received and is currently being reviewed by my Department.

I have also written to the Minister for Children to provide her with a copy of the AG's advice and to advise that once an ongoing review related to these issues by the Health Research Board has been completed a meeting will be arranged with her to discuss possible next steps.

In addition, I launched the Vaccine Alliance in September. Its aim is to increase the uptake of childhood vaccines and reduce vaccine hesitancy. The group includes a wide range of organisations and further organisations will be added once the terms of reference, key target audiences, and priorities for the Vaccine Alliance have been agreed.

Speech and Language Therapy Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (153)

Michael Fitzmaurice

Ceist:

153. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be seen by Athenry ASD services for speech and language; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42367/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.

Home Help Service Provision

Ceisteanna (154)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

154. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) cannot receive additional home help hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42383/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Hospital Consultant Recruitment

Ceisteanna (155, 159)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

155. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the start date of a sarcoma specialist post in St. Vincent’s University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42388/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Pat Casey

Ceist:

159. Deputy Pat Casey asked the Minister for Health the timeline of events in the process carried out to date in the appointment of a full-time consultant medical oncologist with a special interest in sarcoma based at St. Vincent’s University Hospital, created by him in July 2016; if interviews were held in March 2017 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42396/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 155 and 159 together.

The Consultant Medical Oncologist with a special interest in sarcoma was due to commence on 1st September 2019. On 17th September she advised Human Resources in St Vincent’s University Hospital that she would not be taking up the post due to personal reasons.

St Vincent’s University Hospital informed the Department of this on 25 September. As a voluntary hospital, St Vincent's operates its own recruitment policy. The post was subsequently re-advertised on Sunday 6th October 2019, with a closing date of Sunday 3rd November 2019.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (156)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

156. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an appointment for a procedure at Galway University Hospital; the waiting times for the procedure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42391/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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.

The National Waiting List Management Policy, a standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, since January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the HSE, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.

In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.

Mental Health Services Staff

Ceisteanna (157)

James Browne

Ceist:

157. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of the 114 assistant psychologists who are currently employed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42393/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.

Home Help Service Data

Ceisteanna (158)

Pat the Cope Gallagher

Ceist:

158. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Health the average waiting time for home help package applications in County Donegal; the length of time after approval of home help it takes in the county to receive the service in the applicant's home; the number of applicants waiting for home care at present in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42394/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Question No. 159 answered with Question No. 155.

Hospitals Data

Ceisteanna (160)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

160. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the number of attendances at the minor injury unit in Monaghan Hospital in each of the years 2010 to 2018 and to date in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42401/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly as soon as possible.

Hospitals Data

Ceisteanna (161)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

161. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the number of emergency department attendances at Cavan General Hospital in each of the years 2012 to 2018 and to date in 2019, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42402/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

This is a very busy period for our health services, with many hospitals reporting significant numbers of patient attendances. For the first nine months of 2019, the number of patients attending hospital EDs increased by 3%, and the number of ED admissions increased by 1.4% compared to the same period last year.

In the first six months of 2019, our health services managed better and the numbers of patients waiting on trolleys nationally were 4.7% lower than for the same period last year despite the significant increase in demand.

However, TrolleyGAR figures show 10,424 people were counted on trolleys in the month of September, which was 14.3% higher than last month (9,119) and 40.4% higher than September 2018 (7,422). Trolley numbers for the year to date from January to September were 81,956, compared to 76,868 for the same period last year.

With regard to the specific question the Deputy has asked, I have asked the HSE to respond directly with the information requested.

Palliative Care Facilities

Ceisteanna (162)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

162. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the status of a palliative care unit (details supplied); if the location of same been decided upon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42403/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The HSE's Palliative Care Services Three Year Development Framework informs the development of adult palliative care services in Ireland, both generalist and specialist, for the period 2017-2019. The Framework identifies a need for a 16-bed unit for Cavan and Monaghan, which is currently in the planning stage of development. My Department is continuing to engage with the HSE and local hospice movements to work towards this objective.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (163)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

163. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if a refund can be provided to a person (details supplied) who has had to incur substantial medical costs as a result of a protracted wait on the public waiting list for treatment. [42406/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am conscious that waiting times are often unacceptably long and of the burden that this places on patients and their families. In this regard, the Government is committed to improving waiting times for hospital appointments and procedures.

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.

The National Waiting List Management Policy, a standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the HSE, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.

With regard to the specific matter raised, I regret to advise the Deputy that there is no statutory scheme for the reimbursement, by the public health system, of the cost incurred by an individual for private healthcare carried out in Ireland.

Ambulance Service Provision

Ceisteanna (164)

Pat the Cope Gallagher

Ceist:

164. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Health the plans in place for restoring a second ambulance to south-west Donegal covering the area from Inver to Glencolmcille, including the areas of Ardara and Glenties; if in the context of the new budget for 2020 this will be given priority from his Department and the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42410/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland

Ceisteanna (165)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

165. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the progress of the digitalised registration system in the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland, funded by his Department; his views on the resignation in May 2019 of the project sponsor and resignation of the project lead in August 2019 leading to a delay in the commencement of the system roll-out scheduled to take place in September 2019; the details of the original tender cost of the project; the additional costs that will be incurred as a result of the delay; the projected commencement roll-out date of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42416/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the question tabled by the Deputy refers to matters that are the responsibility of the Board of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) I have asked them to respond directly to the Deputy.

Primary responsibility for funding the digitisation programme rests with the NMBI. To date the Department has made a contribution of €44,480 to the overall costs

Emergency Departments

Ceisteanna (166)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

166. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the status of the investment for the upgrade of the emergency department at Cavan General Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42422/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The establishment of Hospital Groups has enabled a better configuration of hospital services with benefits relating to safety, quality, access, cost and sustainable medical staffing. The structure ensures that Hospitals working together in a Group will be able to support each other, providing a stronger role for smaller hospitals in delivering less complex care, and ensuring that those who require emergency or complex planned care are managed safely in larger hospitals.

The Smaller Hospitals Framework focuses in particular on the future role of smaller hospitals and outlines the wide range of services that can be provided within these smaller hospitals. The Department of Health is committed to securing and further developing the role of our smaller hospitals, including Model 3 hospitals such as Cavan Hospital, with the expansion of services delivered in these hospitals, especially in services such as day surgery; ambulatory care; medical services and diagnostics.

Future investment in Cavan General Hospital will be considered within the overall acute hospital infrastructure programme, the prioritised needs of the hospital groups and within the overall capital envelope available to the health service.

Project Ireland 2040 provides €10.9 billion for Health capital developments across the country, including both national programmes and individual projects, across acute, primary and social care. Health capital projects and programmes currently underway will continue. As to be expected with such a plan, many proposals are at an early stage and will require to progress through appraisal, planning design and tender before a firm timeline or funding required can be established.

The planning and management of future health expenditure is considered as part of the annual estimates and budgetary process which seeks to balance available funding across all service areas to achieve the best possible outcomes for the greatest number of service users and prioritise areas of greatest need.

As this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly as soon as possible.

Hospital Services

Ceisteanna (167)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

167. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if the opening times at a unit (details supplied) will be extended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42423/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minor Injuries Clinics and similar units provide valuable services to local communities and alleviate the pressures on Emergency Departments. The Minor Injury Unit in Monaghan Hospital is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm and can treat both adults and children over 5 years with non-life-threatening or limb-threatening injuries.

As outlined in the Programme for a Partnership Government, the Department of Health is committed to undertaking a review of Medical Assessment Units, Minor Injuries Units and similar units with a view to extending their opening hours.

As this is also a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly as soon as possible.

HSE Properties

Ceisteanna (168)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

168. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the status of the sale of a building (details supplied); if the building can be kept in State ownership; if other Departments have indicated an interest in same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42424/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the management of the healthcare property estate, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to you in relation to this matter.

Maternity Services

Ceisteanna (169)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

169. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the number of pregnant mothers who have used the anomaly scan in Cavan General Hospital to date by month in tabular form; his plans to increase the service in County Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42441/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly as soon as possible.

Diabetes Strategy

Ceisteanna (170)

Mary Butler

Ceist:

170. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health the details of the Waterford thriveabetes project as contained in the recent Sláintecare plan; the way in which it will it benefit persons with type 1 diabetes attending University Hospital Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42448/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Waterford Thrive with Diabetes Project, formerly the Waterford Thriveabetes Project, will be run collaboratively between University Hospital Waterford (UHW) and South-East Community Healthcare.

Aligned with the National Clinical Guidelines for management of Adult Type 1 Diabetes, the National Clinical Program for Diabetes and the National Framework for Self-management Support, the Project aims to address identified priority service gaps, including the need for integrated community-based Specialist Diabetes Services to better support self-care management and prevention of long term complications. This combined hospital/primary care initiative also supports current and future capacity planning with a focus on the delivery of diabetes care in primary care, where clinically appropriate and safe.Expected benefits include improved quality of life for people with Type 1 Diabetes, improved clinical outcomes, reduced hospitalisation, reduced demand on the acute care system and reduced health care costs.

This project is currently in the deliberative process of establishing a grant agreement for funding and therefore, the agreed details of the project have not yet been finalised.

Mental Health Services Provision

Ceisteanna (171)

James Browne

Ceist:

171. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of specialist substance abuse mental health teams in place; the number of staff in each; the location and base of each team; and the way in which the number of staff compares to the recommendations of A Vision for Change taking into account population changes since 2006. [42450/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Departmental Funding

Ceisteanna (172)

Anne Rabbitte

Ceist:

172. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health the level of funding paid to an organisation (details supplied) in each of the years 2014 to 2018 and to date in 2019, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42465/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Pharmacy Services

Ceisteanna (173, 174)

Anne Rabbitte

Ceist:

173. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health if he will honour the commitment he made at a conference (details supplied) to expand the role of community pharmacies to include the full and immediate national roll-out of a minor ailments scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42466/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Anne Rabbitte

Ceist:

174. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health the timeframe for the expansion of community pharmacy services to include a minor ailments scheme and the provision of chronic disease management services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42467/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 173 and 174 together.

I value the role pharmacists play in the Irish health service. As you are aware, the Programme for a Partnership Government and the Sláintecare implementation strategy contain commitments to expanding the role of community pharmacy in managing patient health in the community.

Work has been done in recent years on wider healthcare roles for pharmacies, including the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland’s Future Pharmacy report, on the expansion of professional pharmacy practice. It is clear from this and other work that there is potential to increase the range of both private and publicly funded health services delivered through community pharmacy. Important new services, such as influenza vaccination and emergency contraception, have already been introduced.

To be funded by the taxpayer, new public health services in community pharmacy, as elsewhere, should improve health outcomes and provide value for money and benefits for patients. Any new or transferred services should be based on sound evidence, with matching improvements in governance and administration.

I recently met with the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) when these and other issues were discussed. My officials will be engaging with the IPU on new fee regulations before the end of the year and the intention is to broaden the discussions to contractual and service arrangements during 2020.

Health Screening Programmes

Ceisteanna (175)

Anne Rabbitte

Ceist:

175. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to ensure greater levels of genetic testing for cancer and ultra-rare diseases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42468/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026 highlighted the growing role of cancer genetics in cancer prevention and cancer care. The HSE's National Cancer Control Programme is working closely with clinical genetics and cancer genetics services in Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin and St James’s Hospital to develop the services to meet the growing need. Under the strategy, investments have been made in genetic counsellor, consultant and support positions, as well as cancer genetic testing.

The demand for genetic assessment and testing is growing rapidly, due primarily to an increased awareness among the public and among health care professionals. A HSE Genetics and Genomics Programme is planned, with whom the National Cancer Control Programme will work closely to ensure the sustainable development of clinical and laboratory genetics and genomics services in Ireland.

Many rare diseases are genetic in origin and, as such, effective genetic services can have an important role to play in relation to diagnosis. The medical genetics service in Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin provides services for patients and families affected by, or at risk of, a genetic disorder. It comprises three integrated units: a clinical genetics service; a cytogenetics laboratory and a molecular genetics laboratory.

Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin provided additional resources last year to support the hospital’s Department of Clinical Genetics. An external multi professional team, led by an experienced NHS UK Health Manager, has been assisting in the improvement of the service. Investments in staff and equipment to further develop the service is continuing.

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