Written Answers Nos. 581-603
581. Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the current number of children in detention in the UK, Nebraska and any other locations outside the State, in specialised units as a result of High Court Detention Orders; if he will provide an update on the progress made in ensuring that sufficient places will be made available urgently here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46470/12]
View answerUnder the Child Care Act, 1991, the Health Service Executive has a duty to promote the welfare of children who are not receiving adequate care or protection. The policy of the HSE is to place children in care settings, preferably in foster care, as close as possible to their home and community. There were 6,258 children in the care of the state in July 2012, the vast majority of whom were in foster care (5,739) and general residential care (339).
A very small minority of young people under 18 years of age have highly specialised needs arising from severe behaviour difficulties, due to their childhood experiences or in some cases as a result of injury, accident or disability. The care needs of these young people are generally met by directly provided residential services or services commissioned by the HSE within Ireland.
For this small number of young people, the HSE is on occasion, in exceptional cases, required to make arrangements for their placement in care and treatment facilities outside of the State, primarily in the UK, to allow for access to an individually tailored mix of care and highly-specialised therapeutic services and psychiatric treatment not available in this country. This is done on as infrequent a basis as possible and only where such placement is considered to be in the best interest of the child. These placements are made in line with the HSE National Protocol for Special Arrangements and are made under the order and supervision of the High Court.
The HSE has advised me that as of 22 October 2012, there were seven young people detained in out of State secure placements. Four young people are placed in St. Andrews, Northampton; two young people are placed in Kibble in Scotland; one young person is placed in Boystown Nebraska.
Where children are placed abroad they remain in the care of the State, they have an allocated social worker who visits them in their placement, they have a care plan and this is reviewed within the statutory framework. All units in which children are placed are subject to the regulatory and inspection framework of that jurisdiction and HSE Children and Families Services makes itself aware of any reports prior to placing a child abroad. HSE Children and Families Services supports visits from family members to children placed abroad by paying for travel and accommodation costs. The level of requirement for these services is closely monitored by the HSE's National Director for Children and Family Services and my officials.
The HSE has advised that it is currently engaged in a major process of change and improvement for Children and Family Social Services. Part of this work includes improvement in the areas of management, development and the provision of National High Support and Special Care Services and the future direction these services should take. Plans are in place to increase the number of special care places in Ireland and it is envisaged that by 2015, there will be 35 places available.
582. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the position regarding inter-country adoptions with Ethiopia; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46494/12]
View answerEthiopia is not a signatory of the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption. In these circumstances, future adoptions from Ethiopia would require a bilateral agreement between Ireland and Ethiopia. The negotiation of bilateral agreements on intercountry adoption with states who have not ratified the Hague Convention is governed by Section 73 of the Adoption Act 2010 which states that "the Authority, with the prior consent of the Minister, may enter into discussions with any non-contracting state concerning the possibility of the Government entering into a bilateral agreement with that State."
The Adoption Authority delegation visit to Ethiopia in April of this year was an initial part of the Authority's deliberations on the feasability and suitability of entering into discussions with Ethiopia on a bilateral adoption agreement. The Authority is awaiting legal advice and will contact me once it has received this advice and completed its consideration of the matter. Once I have received the Authority's assessment I can then fully consider the appropriate next steps in this regard.
583. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health his plans regarding allowances; if he intends to cut allowances to existing paramedics and for future paramedics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45760/12]
View answerThe Government has decided that, following the review of public sector allowances by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, certain allowances are no longer to be paid to new beneficiaries where there is no sustainable business case for their continued payment. This includes the Cardiac Allowances for pre-hospital care personnel. The Health Service Executive has informed health sector unions of the outcome of the review. Each sector has now been asked to review the continued payment to current beneficiaries of allowances that will no longer be paid to new beneficiaries. Any proposals for the elimination of allowances to current beneficiaries will be the subject of engagement with staff representatives.
584. Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Health when an application for funding will be finalised in respect of a group (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45923/12]
View answerMy Department has received an application for funding from the 2012 National Lottery allocation from the organisation in question. This is one of a large number currently being assessed by my Department, and the Deputy will be informed of the outcome of the application as soon as a decision has been made.
585. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if and when an appeal for mobility allowance will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46302/12]
View answerAs the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy
586. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a hospital appointment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45699/12]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
587. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a hospital appointment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45700/12]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
588. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the full drugs bill for the Health Service Executive for 2010, 2011 and to date in 2012; if he will provide a breakdown of same by scheme, by patent status and branded generic status [45703/12]
View answer624. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an estimate of the cost of drugs and medication used by the public health service in each of 2010 and 2011 [45962/12]
View answer625. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an estimate of the cost of generic drugs and medication used by the public health service in 2010 and 2011 [45963/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 588, 624 and 625 together.
HSE expenditure on drugs and non-drug items (dressings, etc.) under the GMS and community drug schemes for the years 2010 and 2011, including mark ups and dispensing fees for pharmacists and wholesalers, is set out in the following table:
|
- |
2011 |
2010 |
|
Cost of drugs prescribed under the GMS and community drug schemes |
€1,851,930,928 |
€1,910,628,331 |
Note:
Data source for 2010 - Primary Care Reimbursement Service's Statistical Analysis of Claims and Payments. Data source for 2011: Primary Care Reimbursement Service (unpublished data).
The HSE's Performance Report indicates that expenditure up to July 2012 is approximately €1 billion. Expenditure on generic drugs is estimated to be in the region of €100 million per annum. The outstanding information sought by the Deputies is being collated and will be supplied as soon as possible.
589. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if he will provide the full details of the deal negotiated with the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association as announced on 15 October 2012; if he will provide details for the cost savings calculations or estimates and for a breakdown of same by scheme and year on year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45704/12]
View answer591. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the scope and detail of the Health Service Executive community drug schemes drugs price review; when and the way this review will be undertaken; the methods to be employed and the expected cost savings to be delivered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45706/12]
View answer658. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide details of the new agreement between the State and the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association with a breakdown of the projected €400 million savings over the next three years; if he will provide an estimate of the cost to the State over the next three years of that element of the agreement which relates to the reimbursement of all new medicines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46247/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 589, 591 and 658 together.
I announced on the 15th October, 2012 that intensive negotiations involving the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA), the HSE and the Department of Health had reached a successful conclusion with a major new deal on the cost of drugs in the State.
The main provisions of the new Agreement are as follows:-
- With effect from 1st November 2012, the ex factory price of all patent protected medicines reimbursed in Ireland prior to September 2006 will be realigned - downwards only - to the average of the basket of 9 countries (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, and UK).
- With effect from 1st November 2012, the ex factory price of all patent expired medicines which do not have a generic equivalent on the Irish market will be realigned - downwards only - to the average of the basket of 9 countries.
- With effect from 1st November 2012, the ex factory price of all patent expired medicines which have a generic equivalent on the Irish market will be reduced to 60% of the original price. With effect from 1st November 2013, the price will be reduced to 50% of the original price.
- In the case of medicines which go off patent after 1st November 2012, the ex factory price will drop to 70% of the original price as soon as a generic equivalent comes on the Irish market.
After 12 months, the price will be reduced to 50% of the original price.
- With effect from 1st January 2013, the ex factory price of medicines introduced to Ireland after September 1st 2006, will be realigned - downwards only - to the average of the basket of 9 countries.
The deal will deliver a number of important benefits, including
- significant reductions for patients in the cost of drugs,
- a lowering of the drugs bill to the State,
- timely access for patients to new cutting-edge drugs for certain conditions,
- Reducing the cost base of the health system into the future,
This deal, combined with an interim agreement reached with IPHA in the Summer, means that €16 million in drug savings will be made this year. It is estimated that the deal will generate savings of up to €116m in 2013, €136m in 2014 and €150m on 2015. A breakdown of savings by scheme is not currently available. The cost of new drugs over the next three years is estimated to be €210 million.
This landmark deal with IPHA comes as legislation aimed at reducing the cost of generic drugs makes its way through the Oireachtas. The Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Bill 2012, which will introduce a system of reference pricing and generic substitution, is a priority for this Government. It is expected that this Bill will be enacted before the end of the year and will deliver further savings in the costs of medicines for the health service and private patient.
Details of the IPHA member companies products which will be subject to price reductions on the 1st November are available on the HSE's website at the following link: http://www.hse.ie/eng/about/Who/cpu/pricereductionoct12.pdf.
590. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if he will provide details of the remit of the National Task Force on Prescribing and Dispensing; the membership; the method of recruitment or appointment and remuneration of same; and the accountability and monitoring measures of same [45705/12]
View answerA National Task Force on Prescribing and Dispensing is being established to deal with prescribing and dispensing of existing medicines. It will address this from the perspective of quality and patient safety primarily, however, it can be anticipated that the work of the Task Force will also deliver significant cost savings in terms of achieving more cost conscious prescribing. The Task Force, therefore, provides a platform to secure a sustainable means of improving value for money from the very significant expenditure of the State on prescribed medicines.
The Task Force will be made up of a number of key leaders from the healthcare system. Its terms of reference will require it to oversee and to direct analysis of the very extensive information that is held on prescribing patterns through the Primary Care Reimbursement Service. The work of the Task Force will be wide ranging and include providing advice and guidance and support to prescribers and dispensers to help them improve prescribing practices and assessing the suitability of maintaining supply of certain items with limited efficacy where more appropriate items are available.
592. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding cuts in respect of organisations (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45730/12]
View answerAs the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
593. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding cuts to service providers for persons with disabilities (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45731/12]
View answerAs the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy. Pending completion of the national estimates, budgetary and service planning process for 2013 it is not possible to predict the service levels to be provided next year.
594. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding cuts in respect of an organisation (details supplied) in Dublin 13; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45733/12]
View answerAs the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy. Pending completion of the national estimates, budgetary and service planning process for 2013 it is not possible to predict the service levels to be provided next year.
595. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if he took the decision to move the proposed primary care centre in Rowlagh, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, from the stated funded list to the public private partnership list; if so, the date in which this decision was taken; if the decision will have any impact on the timescale for the delivery of the project; the current date for commencement and completion of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45739/12]
View answerThe consideration of projects for inclusion in the multi-annual capital programme is an evolving process. There are always more construction projects than can be funded from the Exchequer's capital health care allocation. The Health Service Executive is required to prioritise infrastructure projects within its overall capital envelope taking into account the existing capital commitments and costs of completion over the period.
Rowlagh/North Clondalkin was never included in a Capital Plan and was not, indeed, included on the HSE's proposed 2012 Capital Plan submitted to the Department. Approval has recently issued for the 2012 Plan and details will be posted on the HSE’s website as soon as is practicable. In asserting that the HSE had planned to provide for PCC in Rowlagh/North Clondalkin, in its capital programme, you may be referring to lists reported in the media. It is important to state that these lists related to work that was ongoing; that they were work in progress. The prioritisation exercise is a dynamic process, constantly evolving to take account of changing circumstances, including the feasibility of implementation.
The delivery method for potential PCC in Rowlagh/North Clondalkin, changed in the lists reported in the media and published by the Department as part of the Government’s Infrastructure Stimulus Package. This change was on the advice of the Head of Estates in the HSE as PPP was considered to be the method by which progress in this development could potentially commence quickest.
The method and time scale for the delivery of PCCs is dependent on a number of factors and the list will continue to be reviewed and revised as necessary. It is envisaged that approximately 20 of the 35 potential locations published as part of the Government's Infrastructure Stimulus Package will be progressed by way of PPP. The current position is that the HSE is engaging with the NDFA as required to progress the Primary Care Centre Public Private Partnership Programme. The HSE is currently analysing the available sites in each location and engaging with the GPs in each location to determine their interest in participating in the primary care centre development. It is not possible, at this time, to give start and completion dates for any of the 20 potential locations.
596. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if and when a hip replacement operation will be scheduled in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45753/12]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
597. Deputy Ray Butler asked the Minister for Health if his Department or the Health Service Executive have conducted any studies on the comparative negative health impact of smoking counterfeit cigarettes bought on the streets versus legal cigarettes purchased in stores; if he will confirm whether any studies demonstrate that smoking counterfeit cigarettes poses an even greater damage to a person's health than a person who smokes legal cigarettes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45766/12]
View answerMy Department has not conducted or commissioned studies on the comparative negative health impact of smoking counterfeit cigarettes versus legal cigarettes. Smoking is the greatest single cause of preventable illness and premature death in Ireland, killing over 5,200 people a year. All tobacco products, whether legally produced, illicit or counterfeit are injurious to health and are therefore a threat to public health. The Department of Health’s policy in relation to smoking is to promote and subsequently move toward a tobacco free society. The Tobacco Policy Review Group was established to identify what further policy proposals might be introduced aimed at reducing the prevalence and initiation of smoking in Ireland. The Tobacco Policy Review Group is due to report shortly and this report will build on our existing policies and legislation.
598. Deputy Ray Butler asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 245 of 12 July 2012, if the successful introduction of plain or standardised packaging for tobacco products in Australia has encouraged him to consider introducing plain or standardised packaging for tobacco products here; if he will confirm if his Department or the Health Service Executive have conducted any qualitative or quantitative analysis on the effectiveness the introduction of plain or standardised packaging for tobacco products would have in reducing smoking prevalence here; if he will detail the nature and findings of such analysis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45767/12]
View answerMy Department has not conducted or commissioned studies specifically relating to plain or generic packaging of tobacco products. It is recognised that in an environment of increasing prohibition of tobacco advertising and sponsorship worldwide, the cigarette pack has become a key marketing tool for the tobacco industry to promote their products. I welcome the recent victory of the Australian Government in defence of its plain packaging legislation. I am supportive of any international developments in relation to plain or standardised packaging.
Plain packaging is one of the issues being considered in the context of the revision of the Tobacco Products Directive by the European Commission in consultation with Member States. As I indicated in my response to Parliamentary Question No. 245 of 12th July 2012, I have indicated in discussions with the European Commission, my wish that the proposal for a revision of the Directive be published as soon as possible in order for Ireland to significantly progress it during the Presidency in January 2013. The introduction of plain packaging is also being considered by the Tobacco Policy Review Group which is expected to report within a matter of months.
599. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6 will receive funding for the specialist equipment they require; the reason for the delay in responding to these funding requests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45789/12]
View answerAs the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
600. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will resolve the situation where nurses working within our health service who wish to transfer by means of doing a swap with a person of the same grade of qualifications as themselves, but who are debarred from doing so because of the embargo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45793/12]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
601. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an application for a home care package in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45794/12]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
602. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his plans to provide a proper mental health facility in the future to cater for the mental health needs of people living in the Iveargh Peninsula (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45795/12]
View answerAs this is a service matter the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
603. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if he will provide in tabular form all appointments to State boards under his ambit since the Government took office; when the person was appointed; if the position entitles the holder to remuneration and if so the amount in each case; if the appointment was made in accordance with new procedures whereby Departments has to invite expressions of interest from the public in vacancies on the boards under their aegis. [45806/12]
View answerThe information requested is being collated and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
