Written Answers Nos. 188-194
188. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the position regarding Irish citizens adopting children from Florida in the U.S.A.; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42118/12]
View answerA delegation from the Adoption Authority of Ireland (AAI) made an official visit to the US State Department in Washington on 30th March 2012. The AAI reported that meeting was very positive and productive for both sides.
Subsequently a Memorandum of Understanding relating to intercountry adoption between Florida and Ireland, drafted by the AAI, was transmitted to the US State Department in its role as the US Central Authority. The AAI have received a draft document with amendments from the US State Department, which is being considered by its legal advisors.
Currently the AAI is deferring decisions regarding the processing of adoptions from the USA pending the outcome of the considerations.
189. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if the annual Health Services Executive legal costs will be reduced and the savings reallocated to front line services (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42232/12]
View answerMy Department has sought the information requested by the Deputy from the HSE and I will provide the Deputy with the information as soon as it is received.
190. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if he will provide the 2011 utilisation of agency figures for the Louth Meath Hospital Group on which the reduction of 50% will be implemented from the 1 October 2012. [42085/12]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
191. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if he will detail the extent and scope of the current review of addiction services in the Health Service Executive; the cost and agents undertaking same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42086/12]
View answerThe Deputy may be referring to an independent review of the Addiction Service in Dublin North City and County, which has been initiated by the HSE in that area. The review is being carried out on behalf of the HSE by the Maudsley Trust, an independent not for profit organisation based in South London, that provides substance misuse services and the widest range of NHS mental health services in the UK. The purpose of the review is to ensure that the service is fit for purpose, providing value for money and client centred. The review, which will cost in the region of €30,000, is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
192. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42107/12]
View answerAs this is a service matter the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
193. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken by him, the Health Service Executive or his Department to ensure all moneys due to Mayo General Hospital by health insurance companies is being collected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42113/12]
View answerThe HSE and Voluntary hospitals, including Mayo General Hospital, recoup a considerable amount of income from private insurance companies in return for private and semi-private treatment services provided to patients with private health insurance cover. Lengthy delays can occur between the discharge of patients and the receipt of payment from the health insurance companies. I have emphasised to the HSE the importance of addressing this problem, in conjunction with the insurers, so that the maximum resources possible are available to the health system.
The HSE has introduced a number of initiatives to improve the claims collection process and facilitate faster submission of claims which will accelerate income collection within the public hospital system. In particular:
- The HSE has instructed hospitals to bring down the value of claims awaiting Consultant action and hospitals will also target the highest-value claims. This issue was addressed in the proposals recently agreed with the IHCA and IMO at the Labour Relations Commission which includes an explicit requirement that consultants complete private insurance claims documentation within 14 days of receipt.
- The HSE has also awarded the contract for the roll-out of an electronic claims management system in eleven HSE sites to replace the current paper based system. Work has already commenced and the system will be operational in four sites by the end of October.
Furthermore, the Department has also been working with the main health insurers to agree in principle a system of improved cash-flow and accelerated payment which will provide a once-off cash flow benefit in 2012 in the region of €125m for the health system. The details of the accelerated payment arrangements are at an advanced stage and are being finalised with the health insurers at present.
194. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the amount of money due from health insurance companies to Mayo General Hospital for the years 2010, 2011 and to date in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42114/12]
View answerI referred this matter to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
