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Wednesday, 16 Jan 2013

Written Answers Nos. 995-1009

Animal Experimentation

Questions (995)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

995. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health in view of the implementation of the EU Directive, 2010/63/EU, in January 2013, the way he intends to implement the three R's: replacement of the use of animals to the greatest extent possible with alternative methods, refinement of scientific procedures to improve animal welfare and a reduction in the numbers of animals used; the way he will address the issue of animals subjected to severe pain, suffering and distress which a significant proportion of Irish animal experiments officially cause [58152/12]

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Written answers

I can confirm that Directive 2010/63/EU on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes has been transposed into Irish law during December 2012 by the European Union (Protection of Animals Used for Scientific Purposes) Regulations 2012, which considerably strengthens the protection of animals still needed for research and safety testing, that came into operation on 1 January, 2013.

Significant changes that are provided for in the transposition of this Directive include a requirement to perform detailed project evaluations prior to authorisation of projects using animals and higher standards of animal care, welfare and accommodation. The Directive plays a significant role in minimising the number of animals used and requires that alternatives to animal testing be used where possible, whilst ensuring a level playing field for EU industry and enhancing the quality of research conducted in the EU.

The Directive also strongly promotes the principles of the three R’s (replacement of the use of animals to the greatest extent possible with alternative testing methods, refinement of scientific procedures to improve animal welfare, and reduction in numbers of animals used). It should be noted that many of the provisions set out in Directive 2010/63/EU are mandatory. The European Environment Commissioner affirmed that the European Union will, once the Directive is transposed, have the highest standards of experimental animal welfare in the world.

In the aforementioned Regulations, I decided not to transpose Article 42 which provides for a simplified administrative procedure for certain types of projects. My decision in this regard is based on my determination to ensure a high level of protection for all animals that still need to be used for scientific purposes. A simplified procedure along the lines of Article 42 would, in effect, have introduced a two-tiered system, one requiring full project authorisation and another which would undermine that authorisation system. As a consequence of my decision not to introduce any such simplified system all projects using animals for scientific purposes are subject to the full project approval and authorisation requirements set out in the Directive.

The approval of projects and of key individuals involved in those projects and of the establishments where they are carried out is a matter for the Irish Medicines Board (IMB) which I have designated as the Competent Authority (CA) for the purposes of the Directive. My decision to assign CA functions to the IMB takes into account the fact that replacement and refinement of experimental studies to minimise the use of animals is a central tenet of the Directive. This requires an up-to-date knowledge of such alternative methods and tests as well as the authority to require the use of such alternatives, where possible, by those currently using animals. This work requires the employment of persons with veterinary expertise specialising in laboratory animal welfare to evaluate scientific projects and to oversee compliance with Directive requirements. Such specialists are also expected to be able to offer detailed regulatory advice to those involved in the industry. The IMB has the relevant expertise in relation to both human and veterinary medicine to assist it in undertaking this regulatory work and in ensuring that the three R’s remain central to this area of work in the years ahead.

I should also point out that any project involving severe pain or suffering is automatically subject to a full retrospective assessment by the competent authority. It is also open to the IMB to retrospectively assess any other project carried out under this Directive. Significant enforcement powers have been included in the transposing statutory instrument to enable the IMB to examine any possible breaches of the legislation and the transposition also provides for significant penalties where serious infringements are identified.

Question No. 996 answered with Question No. 993.

Hospital Services

Questions (997)

Finian McGrath

Question:

997. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will support the 120 cystic fibrosis patients that use Temple Street Hospital, Dublin; and if he will provide the need for physiotherapy and dietician services [58155/12]

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Written answers

I am fully aware of the challenges facing cystic fibrosis patients in managing their condition and of the need to support these patients and their families. I am committed to providing the best possible health service and will continue to work with the HSE to ensure the best possible outcomes for these patients.

Services in Dublin for children with Cystic Fibrosis are provided at Crumlin, Tallaght and Temple Street Hospitals. A new dedicated Respiratory and CF unit was opened in Temple Street in June 2010 providing state of the art facilities for children with respiratory disorders, their families and staff. It includes a lung function laboratory with the most up to date equipment, spacious patient treatment rooms and outpatient clinic rooms. The National Newborn Bloodspot Screening Laboratory is also located in Temple Street and newborn screening for Cystic Fibrosis, introduced in July 2011, is an integral component of the National Newborn Bloodspot Screening Programme.

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

Hospital Equipment

Questions (998)

Noel Grealish

Question:

998. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health the reason the Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotriptor machine, which was purchased for UHG in February 2010 at a cost of €400,000 was never put into operational use for treating kidney stone patients, despite waiting lists at the hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58157/12]

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Written answers

In relation to the particular issue raised by the Deputy, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in this matter.

Medical Aids and Appliances Provision

Questions (999)

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy

Question:

999. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the provision of two cochlear implants in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly who is profoundly deaf and the reason an operation is scheduled for just one ear when both need to be operated on. [58167/12]

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Written answers

In relation to the particular query raised by the Deputy, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in this matter.

Health Services Staff Issues

Questions (1000)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

1000. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if a decision has been made on an application for registration on the nursing board in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58175/12]

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Written answers

The information regarding Nurse Registration is a matter for The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (formerly An Bord Altranais). I have forwarded your query to the Board for direct response.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Questions (1001)

Gerry Adams

Question:

1001. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a knee operation appointment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Louth. [58176/12]

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Written answers

The management of in-patient and daycase waiting lists for patients awaiting public health care is based on the principle that after urgent and cancer patients are treated, then clinically assessed routine patients should be seen in chronological order (i.e. longest waiter first).

Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant and hospital involved.

In relation to the specific query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Questions (1002)

Seán Fleming

Question:

1002. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health when hip replacement surgery will be scheduled in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58187/12]

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Written answers

The management of in-patient and daycase waiting lists for patients awaiting public health care is based on the principle that after urgent and cancer patients are treated, then clinically assessed routine patients should be seen in chronological order (i.e. longest waiter first).

Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant and hospital involved.

In relation to the specific query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Mental Health Services Funding

Questions (1003, 1043)

Michael McCarthy

Question:

1003. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the €35 million programme targeted at enhancing community mental health teams; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58194/12]

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Michael Lowry

Question:

1043. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health if she will provide a timeframe for the provision of additional staff to mental health services as she guaranteed to put in place by early 2013; if she will detail the exact number of staff to be allocated; if she will provide a guarantee that all these staff will be provided without delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1257/13]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1003 and 1043 together.

Funding from the €35 million special provision for mental health in 2012 was allocated for measures primarily to further strengthen Community Mental Health Teams in both adult and children’s mental health services, to advance activities in the area of suicide prevention, to initiate the provision of psychological and counselling services in primary care, specifically for people with mental health problems and to facilitate the re-location of mental health service users from institutional care to more independent living arrangements in their communities, in line with A Vision for Change.

414 posts were approved to implement the €35m package of special measures. Up to end 2012, 135 posts were filled (contracts signed, of which 62 had commenced work), 208 posts had been accepted subject to process clearances (references, garda vetting etc) and the remainder were at various stages of selection. The majority of these posts will be filled by end March 2013. Full year costs for all these posts will be met from HSE 2013 base allocation.

The announcement in Budget 2013 of a further €35m for the continued development of our mental health services is additional to the €35m provided in Budget 2012. The HSE National Service Plan, which was recently approved by the Minister for Health, commits to the further development of suicide prevention initiatives, forensics and community mental health teams for adults, children, older persons and mental health intellectual disability and to the recruitment of over 470 additional staff to implement these measures. I have received assurances from the HSE that the recruitment process for the 2013 new posts, and any outstanding 2012 posts, will commence immediately.

Symphysiotomy Report

Questions (1004)

Terence Flanagan

Question:

1004. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health the action being taken in relation to victims of symphysiotomy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58195/12]

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Written answers

My first priority is to ensure that the women who have had this procedure have their health needs comprehensively and professionally met. In this regard, the HSE provides a range of services to women who continue to suffer the effects of having had this procedure. These services include the provision of medical cards, the availability of independent clinical advice and the organisation of individual pathways of care and the arrangement of appropriate follow-up.

As the Deputy is aware, Professor Oonagh Walsh, independent researcher was commissioned by the Chief Medical Officer in my Department to draft a report in relation to the practice of symphysiotomy in Ireland.

The Report was conducted in two stages. The first stage is an independent academic research report, which is based on an analysis of published medical reports and research. The draft report contains information about how frequently symphysiotomy was carried out in Ireland and compares rates with other countries. The second stage in the research process involved a consultation process on the draft report involving patient groups, health professionals and in particular the women who have undergone symphysiotomy.

The researcher is currently finalising the report based on the consultation and it is also planned to have a peer review process. It is hoped that the report will be published early in 2013.

Medical Card Applications

Questions (1005)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

1005. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58197/12]

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Written answers

The Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Medical Card Applications

Questions (1006)

Tom Fleming

Question:

1006. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health when a decision will issue on a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry [1010/13]

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Written answers

The Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Home Help Service Provision

Questions (1007)

Kevin Humphreys

Question:

1007. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Health when will a reply issue to Parliamentary Question No. 244 of 15 November 2012 and if he will provide a list of all companies contracted by the Health Service Executive to provide home help services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1013/13]

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Written answers

The Health Service Executive replied to the Deputy on the 5 December 2012 in relation to Question No.244.

Medical Card Delays

Questions (1008)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

1008. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the average waiting time from date of receipt for the processing of a medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1020/13]

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Written answers

The current processing time for medical cards applications and appeals is 96.05% within 15 days as at 3 December 2012.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Questions (1009)

Tom Fleming

Question:

1009. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health the number of patients on the outpatients waiting lists at Kerry General Hospital; the way these figures compare to the previous three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1021/13]

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Written answers

The most recent figures available (21 December 2012) for Kerry General Hospital are enclosed in the following table.

Hospital:

0-3 Mths

3-6 Mths

6-12 Mths

12-24 Mths

24-36 Mths

36+ Mths

Total

Kerry General

2,235

1,254

1,235

1,020

265

0

6,009

In relation to the comparison with the previous three years, I am advised that the Outpatient Data Quality Programme was established to address a number of data collection issues, including the absence of a standardised definition of waiting lists and waiting time, and to provide standardised, carefully defined data in relation to all aspects of the patient journey through Outpatients. In regard to the figures for the three years prior to 2012, I am advised that outpatient data gathered prior to 1 January 2011 and the inception of the Outpatient Data Quality Programme cannot therefore be compared to the current data, while reporting of outpatient data was discontinued during 2011 to allow for the changeover. Improving access to outpatient services is a key priority for the Government. Building on the work done by the HSE, the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) has now taken over the reporting of outpatient waiting time data. The collation and analysis of outpatient waiting time data in a standardised format will reveal the distribution of long waiters across all hospitals. In the first instance, this will allow the Special Delivery Unit (SDU) and the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) to target their resources towards those patients who are waiting longest and ensure that they are seen and assessed.A maximum waiting time target has now been set of 12 months for a first time outpatient appointment by 30 November 2013. In parallel with reducing the numbers of longest waiters, the SDU will also work with the HSE Clinical Programmes to reform the structure, organisation and delivery of outpatient services to ensure that the right patient is seen and assessed by the right health professional at the right time.

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