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Wednesday, 26 Sep 2012

Written Answers Nos. 173-180

Mobility Allowance Decision

Questions (173)

Kevin Humphreys

Question:

173. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Health if he has accepted the Ombudsman's recommendation of the need to review and revise the mobility allowance so as to render it compliant with the Equal Status Acts; the date on which he will revise the mobility allowance to render it compliant, in view of the fact that those over 66 cannot currently access this allowance; when will they be able to access this mobility allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40769/12]

View answer

Written answers

The Department of Health has accepted the Ombudsman's recommendation to review and revise the mobility allowance so as to render it compliant with the Equal Status Acts. The Department also notes that the Ombudsman, in a footnote to her recommendation, expresses no view as to the terms of the revision of the mobility allowance other than the revised scheme should be compliant with the Equal Status Acts. The Department accepts that the mobility allowance cannot continue to operate on the current basis. The Department has pointed out to the Ombudsman that there are a range of potential policy options that need to be considered. Final policy decisions in this regard have yet to be taken.

Hospital Services

Questions (174)

Brendan Smith

Question:

174. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the proposal to provide a medical assessment unit for Monaghan General Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40772/12]

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Written answers

The Regional Director of Operations, Dublin North East, established a group to undertake an independent assessment of the need for a medical assessment unit (MAU) in Monaghan Hospital and of the projected cost of running such a unit. The group began its work in October 2011.

I have received the report of the group and it has been referred to the Acute Medicine Programme for review. The outcome of this review is currently awaited.

Ministerial Responsibilities

Questions (175)

Brendan Smith

Question:

175. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the statutory powers that have been delegated to Ministers of State in his Department; and the date on which the statutory powers were delegated. [40782/12]

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Written answers

Delegation Orders for Ministers of State Róisín Shortall and Kathleen Lynch were approved by the Government at its meeting on 27 September 2011 and formalised in Statutory Instruments Numbers 492 and 493 of 2011, both dated 27 September 2011.

Departmental Reports

Questions (176)

Derek Keating

Question:

176. Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Health if she will provide in tabular form the number of reports that he commissioned from 2000 to 2004; the cost of these reports in individual format and the benefits to the State of such reports; if he will outline what was achieved, what was learned and in his opinion if these reports serve any purpose or benefit to him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40797/12]

View answer

Written answers

During the period specified by the Deputy a total of 105 external reports were commissioned by the Department. Details of these reports are set out in the tables below.

Many of the reports can be traced back to the development of services for cancer, cardiovascular health, health promotion and the subsequent evaluation of these strategies. A number of the reports deal with complex and ethical issues, for example, the Commission on Assisted Human Reproduction.

A strong feature of a number of the reports related to engagement in widespread public consultation. National and international expert advice are critical and vital components in the development of health strategy.

Reports Commissioned in 2000

Carried out by

Cost

Name of Report

Dublin City University University of Leeds

€23,320

Final Report of the Empowerment of Nurses and Midwives Steering Group: An Agenda for Change

Mary Codd

€141,191

Acute Hospital Bed Capacity: A National Review

RCC Consultants

€26,060

Ambulance Service Communication Study

Inspectorate of Mental Hospitals

€10,000

Annual Report of the Inspector of Mental Hospitals for 2000

ESRI

€21,469

Critique of earlier Health Strategy ‘Shaping a Healthier Future’

Cap Gemini Ernst and Young

€174,456

Feasibility Study relating to implementation of Case-Mix based Risk Equalisation

Advisory Group established by Minister

€336,000

Report of the Forum on Fluoridation Ireland

Institute of Public Health

€190,000

Report of the Working Group on National Anti-Poverty Strategy and Health

Peter Bacon and Associates

€38,092

Report on the Current and Future Supply and Demand Conditions in the Labour Market for Certain Professional Therapies

Maureen Lynott

€20,895

Review of the Organisation and Management of “An Bord Uchtála” (The Adoption Board)

Alpha Consulting

€7,781

Review of the organisational structures of the ERHA

The Commission on Assisted Human Reproduction

€633,809

Report of The Commission on Assisted Human Reproduction

Institute of Public Administration/Royal College of Surgeons

€21,707

The Development of Radiation Oncology Services in Ireland – Consumer survey of radiotherapy services in Ireland

Deloitte and Touche

€616,000

Value for Money Audit of the Irish Health System

Reports Commissioned in 2001

Name of Report

Carried out by

Cost

Annual Report of the Inspector of Mental Hospitals for 2001

Inspectorate of Mental Hospitals

€11,951

Evaluation of the North Eastern Health Board’s Out of Hours Co-operative

Conall Devine

€31,743

Evaluation of the Pilot Programme for the Education of Health Care Assistants

University of Ulster

€76,000

Final Report on Options for System Development and Implementation

Social Information Systems Ltd.

€62,737

Report on the steps open to the State to instigate an effective inquiry into the role of the international pharmaceutical companies into the infection with HIV and Hepatitis C of persons with haemophilia

Paul Gardiner

€103,000

Heart Health Task Force Progress Report July 1999 – June 2001

Heart Health Task Force

€35,500

Impact of Alcohol Advertising on Teenagers in Ireland

McDonald Glennon

€45,000

Market research for the Department on the public’s attitude to health matters

Irish Marketing Surveys Ltd.

€99,040

National Blood Strategy Implementation Group Report

University College Dublin

€55,000

National Evaluation of the Role of the Clinical Placement Co-ordinator

Royal College of Surgeons

€25,359

Pharmacy Review Group Report

Pharmacy Review Group

€36,423

Policy Paper 1 - "The Invisible Student" Young Parents in Education - Policy Paper 2 - "I Hadn't a Penny"

Centre for Social and Educational Research

€37,457

Provision of Medical Indemnity Report: Provision of Clinical Indemnity Scheme Helpline service on behalf of State Claims Agency.

CIRCA Healthcare Consulting

€979,012

Report on the Regulation of Practitioners of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Ireland

Institute of Public Administration

€18,982

Report on the Strategic Options for the Voluntary Health Insurance Board

Davy Corporate Finance Ltd./William Fry

€553,493

Report to the Minister for Health and Children: Independent Examination related to the Medical Council and the South Eastern Health Board

Maureen Lynott

€7,770

Review of Dáil na nÓg 2001 – Professional Solutions

Michael Bruton

€8,433

Review of potential liabilities of Portiuncula Hospital

Marsh Ireland

€1,921

Reports Commissioned in 2002

Name of Report

Carried out by

Cost

A feasibility study on the costs and benefits associated with the introduction of a dedicated Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS)

Booz/Allen/Hamilton

€64,230

Analysis of Question 1 of Public Consultation to the National Health Strategy “Quality and Fairness: A Health System for You” (2001)

Jean Tubridy

€21,600

Annual Report of the Inspector of Mental Hospitals for 2002

Inspectorate of Mental Hospitals

€14,341

Report of the Commission on Financial Management and Control Systems in the Health Service

The Commission on Financial Management and Control Systems in the Health Service

Nil

National Task Force on Medical Staffing

Task Force appointed by Minister

€ 741,050

Audit of Structures and Functions in the Health System

Prospectus Strategy Consultants

€533,131

Childline Review – Children’s Research Centre

Trinity College Dublin

€45,000

Dental Epidemiology

Oral Health Research Centre

€727,367

Evaluation of Pharmacy Regulations

Indecon International Economic Consultants

€65,400

Inquiry into the Handling of Allegations of Child Sexual Abuse relating to the Diocese of Ferns

George Bermingham

€2,028,498

National Children’s Advisory Council – Facilitation for Young People and Report on Young People’s Participation on the Council

Anne Colgan

€14,483

National Children’s Advisory Council – Report of the Voice of the Child – National Youth Council of Ireland

Marian Brattman

€3,200

National Children’s Advisory Council – Report on the Implementation of Children First and Vetting

Lynne Peyton

€9,809

Paediatric Palliative Care Needs Assessment – ‘A Needs Assessment for Children’

UCD

€71,944

Position Paper on Feasibility of Introducing a Cost of Disability Payment

Indecon

Nil

Report of Mr Kevin Bonner on Monaghan General Hospital

Kevin Bonner

€43,584

Report of the Independent Review Panel to the Minister for Health and Children concerning the birth of Baby Bronagh Livingstone on 11 December 2002

Maureen Lynott

€7,841

Report on Social Work Workload Management

Social Information Systems Ltd.

€30,000

Review of funding of sheltered workshops

KPMG

€106,480

Review of Governance and Accountability in the General Medical Services Scheme

Deloitte and Touche

€130,584

Review of Proposed Pharmacy Models

Indecon

€83,901

The Evaluation of 'Cancer Services in Ireland' A National Strategy 1996

Deloitte and Touche

€106,398

Report of The National Implementation Committee on Pre-Registration Nursing Degree Education

The National Implementation Committee on Pre-Registration Nursing Degree Education

€317,000

The Nursing and Midwifery Resource – National Study of Turnover in Nursing and Midwifery - Dept of Nursing Studies

UCD

€70,000

Reports Commissioned in 2003

Name of Report

Carried out by

Cost

Promoting the Well-Being of Families and Children: A Study of Family Support Services in the Health Sector in Ireland and; A Census of Family Support in Ireland: Results of a Census of Family Support Services which were funded by Health Boards in 2002

Kieran McKeown, Madeline Clark, Michael Little, Trutz Hasse

€207,869

A Guide to the Children Act, 2001

University College Cork

€10,029

Adoption Legislation Consultation

Geoffrey Shannon

€5,000

Adoption Legislation Consultation

Jim Halley

€26,661

Annual Report of the Inspector of Mental Hospitals for 2003

Inspectorate of Mental Hospitals

€17,869

Children’s Understanding of Well - Being

National University Of Ireland

€16,625

Evaluation of the South Eastern Health Board’s Out of Hours co-operative

Trinity College

€61,743

Family Support in Ireland - Definition and Strategic Intent

JR Pinkerton

€7,074

Heart Health Task Force Second Report on Implementation of the Cardiovascular Health Strategy July 1999 – September 2002 ‘Ireland’s Changing Heart’

Heart Health Task Force

€59,037

Interim Report of the National Breastfeeding Committee

BFHI

€2,500

Irish Health Service Reform Programme – Dialogue on Implementing Reform – Communication and Consultation Programme July – September 2003

Office for Health Management

Nil

Men and Domestic Violence: What Research Tells Us

K. McKeown Ltd.

€66,000

National Children’s Advisory Council – Report on Alcohol Use/Misuse by Young People

Lynne Peyton

€12,404

National Health & Lifestyle Surveys National and Regional Reports – Phase 2

NUI Galway

€860,000

National Standards on Foster Care – Children’s Version

Siobhan Parkinson

€21,679

Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy 'A Vision for Change'

Expert Group on Mental Health Policy

€428,467

Report of the Postgraduate Medical Education and Training (MET) Group (Buttimer Report)

Postgraduate Medical Education and Training Group

€313,040

Report of the Task Force on Assaults on Psychiatric Nurses

Task Force on Assaults on Psychiatric Nurses

€9,750

Report of the Working Group on Treatment of Under 18 year olds presenting to Treatment Services with Serious Drug Problems

Addiction Research Centre

€10,249

Report of the Working Group on Undergraduate Medical Education and Training (Fottrell Report)

Working Group on Undergraduate Medical Education and Training

€156,844

Report on the Regulation of Health and Social Care Professionals

IPA

€20,000

Review of circumstances surrounding the death of Róisín Ruddle

Review Panel

€150,656

Review of internal controls in the Department of Health and Children with a view to implementing the recommendations of the Mullarkey Report; and consultancy assistance with respect to the structure of the Management Information Framework (MIF) in the Department

Deloitte and Touche

€146,152

Review of Library and Information Service

Brid McGrath

€9,375

Survey and Report on Public Perceptions on Biomedical Research (RCSI)

Hannah Magee

€120,000

Reports Commissioned in 2004

Name of Report

Carried out by

Cost

A Feasibility Study of the Inclusion of Blood and Tissue Data as a Component of the National Longitudinal Study of Children in Ireland

UCD

€ 75,504

Evaluation of Coronary Heart Attack Ireland Register (CHAIR)

Capita

€ 64,100

Evaluation of Heartwatch

Capita

€ 81,700

Giving Children a Voice: Investigation of children’s experiences of participation in consultation and decision making in Irish hospitals

DCU

€ 27,294

Investigating the Impact on Children of Witnessing Domestic Violence: Nature and Adequacy of Child-Centred Services

Waterford Institute of Technology

€ 46,518

Kidscreen National Survey 2005

Programme of Action for Children

€ 49,911

Lourdes Hospital Inquiry - An Inquiry into Peripartum Hysterectomy at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda

Justice Maureen Harding Clarke

€ 2,955,000

National Primary Care Steering Group Progress Report

National Primary Care Steering Group

€ 6,493

National Children's Advisory Committee – End of Term Report 2001 - 2004

Lynne Peyton

€ 12,783

Obesity the Policy Challenges – The Report of the National Taskforce on Obesity 2005

The National Taskforce on Obesity

€ 42,000

Play and Technology

Centre for Social and Educational Research

€ 49,368

Public Perceptions of Biomedical Research

Hannah Magee

€ 120,000

Report by the Care and Management Sub-Committee of the National AIDS Strategy Committee on HIV/STI Services in Ireland

The Care and Management Sub-Committee of the National AIDS Strategy Committee on HIV/STI Services in Ireland

€ 5,053

Report from the Evaluation of the National Health Promotion Information Project

Rita Burtenshaw and Associates

€ 13,600

Report on certain issues of management and administration in the Department of Health and Children associated with the practice of charges for long-stay patients in Health Board institutions (Travers Report)

John Travers

€ 93,150

Research on Children’s Understanding of Wellbeing

NUI Galway

€ 16,625

Review of the National Health Promotion Strategy

NUI Galway

€ 19,713

Review of the Structures and Support Needs of Comhairle na nÓg and Dáil na nÓg

Tony Murphy

€ 26,611

The Child’s Right to be heard in the Health Setting

University College Cork

€ 52,591

The Development and Implementation of Child Impact Statements

Carmel Corrigan

€ 25,410

The Process of Youth Homelessness: A Qualitative Longitudinal Cohort Study

Children's Research Centre

€ 44,506

‘What we Heard’ and ‘Speaking Your Mind’ – Reports on the Service User Consultation Process and the Public Consultation Process for the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy

Irish Advocacy Network/Carr Communications

€ 169,714

Young People’s Views about Opportunities, Barriers and Supports to Recreation and Leisure

Cork Institute of Technology

€ 45,325

Young Voices: Guidelines on how to involve children and young people in your work

National Children's Office/Children's Rights Alliance/National Youth Council of Ireland

€ 64,485

Hospital Services

Questions (177)

Derek Keating

Question:

177. Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Health if he will provide in tabular form a breakdown of hospital activity in hospitals (details supplied) in Dublin; the number of patients being admitted, treated and discharged in 2011 and to date in 2012 in each of these hospitals; the number of patients who have been attending out patients clinics and day hospital clinics in 2011 and to date in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40798/12]

View answer

Written answers

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

Primary Care Centres Provision

Questions (178)

Derek Keating

Question:

178. Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Health the number of professionals including general practitioners, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers, mental health workers and other allied health professionals who are currently providing a service in the new Palmerstown Ballyfermot Primary Care Unit, Dublin; if he is satisfied that the primary care unit is meeting the needs for which it was designed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40799/12]

View answer

Written answers

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

Appointments to State Boards

Questions (179)

Derek Keating

Question:

179. Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Health the system currently being used by him to appoint professionals, citizens and applicants to various boards under his responsibility; if he will compare this to those who were appointed by the previous administrations for the past 14 years; the system that was used by previous Ministers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40800/12]

View answer

Written answers

In line with Government Decisions of last year relating to the advertising for expressions of interest in vacancies on State Boards, my Department, in conjunction with the Public Appointments Service, are currently advertising for Board vacancies under the aegis of this Department as they arise. To date, where feasible and where time has permitted, Board vacancies have been advertised through the PAS. Generic competencies needed to be developed and agreed and these are then customised as necessary for specific Boards, depending on their requirements. The suitability of applicants is assessed against these criteria and a short-list is compiled from which I may make appointments. Appointments may not necessarily be from one of the applications received through the advertising process, which is also in line with the Government Decisions.

While I am not in a position to comment on the appointments made by administrations heretofore, I can say that I am confident that the appointments made by me are contributing in a meaningful way to the important work undertaken by the various State bodies under the aegis of this Department.

Medical Card Applications

Questions (180)

Derek Keating

Question:

180. Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Health if he will provide in tabular form a breakdown of the number of medical cards that have been issued in 2009, 2010 and 2011 to the following areas (details supplied) in Dublin [40801/12]

View answer

Written answers

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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