Written Answers Nos. 229-233
229. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health following 2012's review of drugs task forces, if he intends to implement the proposed recommendation of the review; and if the task forces will be given an opportunity to respond to these recommendations in advance of implementation. [11725/13]
View answerFollowing a comprehensive consultation process, I announced details of a series of measures arising from a review of Drugs Task Forces last December. The reforms, which are intended to better equip the Task Forces to respond to the current pattern of substance misuse, also provide for the extension of their remit to include alcohol addiction. A final version of the report is being prepared which will take account of discussions at the Drugs Advisory Group and responses received in relation to the proposed reforms. It is also envisaged that the final report will take account of Government decisions in relation to addressing the alcohol issue. As I have previously outlined to the House, I intend to bring forward further measures to improve management, oversight and control of funding allocated by Drugs Task Forces in due course. I also plan to consult with the Drugs Task Forces on my proposals in relation to boundary changes in advance of deciding the optimum coverage arrangements.
230. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health the total number of adults with autism spectrum disorder who have undergone an assessment since the introduction of the Disability Act; of those assessed, the number of support plans or interventions to address their needs that were put in place since the introduction of the Act; if he will provide a breakdown in tabular form of the number of assessments of adults with ASD per county or alternatively, per Health Service Executive region, since the Act's introduction; if he will provide a breakdown of the number of support plans-interventions put in place per county or region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11735/13]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is not available in my Department. However, I have asked the HSE to provide the information it has available directly to you in relation these matters.
231. Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he will intervene in the industrial dispute at St James Hospital, Dublin, concerning the suspension of a number of directly employed electricians over a health and safety matter which is ongoing despite the Health and Safety Authority upholding the stand of the workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11739/13]
View answerAs this is an issue for the Health Service Executive, the Deputy's question has been referred to the Executive for direct reply.
232. Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Health the progress being made on the development of Schull Community Hospital, County Cork; the timetable for the completion of phases two and three; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11778/13]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
233. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the reason there is no legislation to enable the Health Information Quality Authority inspection and oversight among hospices and other palliative care centres; if he is planning to address this anomaly; when such legislation can be expected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11781/13]
View answerResidential services in which the majority of persons being cared for and maintained are being treated for acute illness or provided with palliative care are specifically excluded from the definition of "designated centres" in the Health Act 2007.
The National Standards for Safer Better Healthcare were formally launched by HIQA on 26 June 2012. The National Standards are intended to underpin the licensing system for healthcare providers and will be the basis for the monitoring and inspection regime. At present a communication and awareness programme is being rolled out to hospitals by HIQA and the HSE. The Standards ensure service providers protect patients from risk and from harm, inform patients of adverse events, acknowledge and support the key role of staff, promote good governance and make the best use of information and resources to deliver high quality and safe care within the resources available. Standard 1.7 requires service providers to promote a culture of kindness, consideration and respect. The Standard ensures that a service provider should recognise that at certain stages of a services user’s care and treatment, some individuals (for example, those who may be approaching end of life) may be more vulnerable than others and the service provider should proactively identify the likely points where this may occur and provide mechanisms to support service users. The Standards will form the basis for the future licensing of all healthcare facilities in Ireland.
In support of the Programme for Government commitment to the introduction of a national licensing system, work is currently underway in the Department on legislative proposals relating to the development of a licensing framework for health facilities. Such a framework will provide for a mandatory system of licensing for public and private health service providers. It is designed to improve patient safety by ensuring that healthcare providers do not operate below core standards which are applied in a consistent and systematic way. Once finalised, Government approval to carry out a public consultation process will be sought.
