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Tuesday, 16 Apr 2013

Written Answers Nos 1301-1325

Health Services Provision

Questions (1301)

Gerry Adams

Question:

1301. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the steps that he will take to help put in place a long-term treatment plan in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17310/13]

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Written answers

The treatment of patients is a clinical matter and therefore is a matter for the consultant/s and medical team involved in providing that care. I have asked the Health Service Executive to reply directly to the Deputy in relation to the specific query that he has raised.

Question No. 1302 answered with Question No. 1116.

Questions Nos. 1303 to 1306, inclusive, answered with Question No. 1254.

Health Services Provision

Questions (1307)

Patrick Nulty

Question:

1307. Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15 qualifies for any State support in order to visit London to see a neurological specialist regarding their condition in view of the fact that as yet it has not been diagnosed or a treatment identified here. [17337/13]

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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. The Health Service Executive operates the General Medical Services scheme, which includes medical cards and GP visit cards, under the Health Act 1970, as amended. It has established a dedicated contact service for members of the Oireachtas specifically for queries relating to medical cards and GP visit cards, which the Deputy may wish to use for an earlier response. Contact information has recently reissued to Oireachtas members

Nursing Home Services

Questions (1308)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

1308. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a hospital (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17372/13]

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Written answers

Financial support for long-term nursing home care is provided under the Nursing Homes Support Scheme. The Scheme provides support to individuals, not to nursing homes. In order to be an approved nursing home for the purposes of the Scheme all private nursing homes, and voluntary nursing homes which previously received funding for long-term residential care under section 39 of the Health Act 2004, must negotiate and agree a price for the cost of long-term nursing home care with the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF). This is necessary due to the commitment by the State to meet the full balance of the cost of care over and above individuals’ contributions.

The NTPF is independent in the performance of this function and, in carrying it out, it must ensure value for money for both the individual and the State. The NTPF negotiates with each nursing home individually and may examine the records and accounts of nursing homes as part of the process.

I understand that the nursing home referred to by the Deputy has reached a price agreement with the NTPF.

Question No. 1309 answered with Question No. 1204.

Health Services Provision

Questions (1310)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

1310. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if a site will be made available to a group (details supplied) in County Kerry; if not, if a suitable facility could be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17381/13]

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Written answers

As 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.

Hospital Services

Questions (1311)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

1311. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the provision of a facility (details supplied) at Kerry General Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17382/13]

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Written answers

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.

Services for People with Disabilities

Questions (1312)

Denis Naughten

Question:

1312. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 196 of 26 September 2012, if he will provide an update on the current status of the office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17398/13]

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Written answers

Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005 makes provision for the introduction of very specific obligations on the health services, including a statutory entitlement to an independent assessment of health and education needs (Section 8); a statement of services (Section 11) which it is proposed to provide; an independent redress and complaints mechanism (Section 14) if required; and can make an appeal to the independent Disability Appeals Officer (Section 18). The Disability Appeals Officer (DAO) is an independent officer appointed by the Minister for Health whose purpose is to provide an appeals service to people who wish to appeal (i) against a finding or recommendation of a complaints officer of the HSE made under the Disability Act 2005; or (ii) against the failure of the HSE or an education service provider to implement a recommendation of a complaints officer.

The Office of the Disability Appeals Officer (ODAO) was created to support the DAO in the performance of his/her functions. It should be noted that the Disability Act does not create an office which exists independently of the person who holds office and, accordingly, the ODAO is not a corporate body. Since 2007, the ODAO has successfully supported the DAO in providing the appeals service envisaged under the Disability Act. From 2007, staff from the Department of Health were assigned to the ODAO to assist the DAO in the performance of her functions.

Following the decision in October 2008 to defer further roll-out of Part 2 of the Disability Act for other cohorts, it became apparent that the ODAO did not have the volume of work originally envisaged and, by 2011, there was an insufficient quantum of work to justify a full-time DAO position. This remains the position.

The existing Disability Appeals Officer resigned her position with effect from 31st December 2011 and my Department has had discussions with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform regarding the filling of this post.

As an interim measure, a Principal Officer on my Department’s staff has been designated to discharge the duties of the Disability Appeals Officer and is independent in the performance of this function. A longer term arrangement is being considered.

The provisions for parents wishing to make an appeal have not changed and appeals will continue to be determined in accordance with the provisions of the Disability Act. As part of its service, the ODAO operates a Lo-Call phone line. The Lo-Call line is monitored during normal business hours Monday- Friday.

Hospital Consultants Remuneration

Questions (1313)

Denis Naughten

Question:

1313. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm if the new revised consultant pay scale is to be applied to the apointee to a post (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17399/13]

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Written answers

In September 2012 I announced that, in future, consultants would be appointed at a significantly reduced rate, involving a 30% reduction in the salary previously set for new entrants. I appreciate that this is a substantial reduction in the rate payable. However, it is, in the Government’s view, a necessary measure, if we are to continue to renew and develop the workforce and to provide consultant-level career opportunities for doctors.

Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has responsibility for determining the relevant pay scales for new employees. I have asked the Executive to reply directly to the Deputy in relation to this case.

Health Services Provision

Questions (1314)

Seán Fleming

Question:

1314. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the progress he is making in dealing with the persons who had symphysiotomy procedures in hospitals here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17400/13]

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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 will be aware, my Department has commissioned an independent research report in relation to the practice of symphysiotomy in Ireland. The research process comprised of two stages. The first stage was an independent draft academic research report, which was based on an analysis of published medical reports and research. The second stage in the research process was consultation on the draft report involving patient groups, health professionals and in particular the women who have experienced symphysiotomy. The second stage has just been completed by the researcher and the report has been sent for peer review. It is expected that the report will be finalised and submitted to my Department in May.

It is intended that the finalised report will inform the Government's overall consideration of this matter, including the consideration of any actions or legal implications that may be required. It would be premature for me to make any other comments at this stage in what actions might be taken, prior to giving full consideration to the recommendations of the report.

Health Services Provision

Questions (1315)

Finian McGrath

Question:

1315. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [17402/13]

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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. The Health Service Executive operates the General Medical Services scheme, which includes medical cards and GP visit cards, under the Health Act 1970, as amended. It has established a dedicated contact service for members of the Oireachtas specifically for queries relating to medical cards and GP visit cards, which the Deputy may wish to use for an earlier response. Contact information has recently reissued to Oireachtas members.

Medicinal Products Supply

Questions (1316, 1317)

Finian McGrath

Question:

1316. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will support lung fibrosis patients here as a matter of urgency (details supplied). [17403/13]

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Terence Flanagan

Question:

1317. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health his views regarding the refusal of the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics, NCPE, to recommend funding for Pirfenidone for patients with lung fibrosis (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17424/13]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1316 and 1317 together.

Following a pharmacoeconomic evaluation of pirfenidone (Esbriet), the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics concluded that, at the submitted price, pirfenidone is not cost-effective for the treatment of patients with mild to moderate idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The HSE is currently in negotiations with the manufacturers of pirfenidone (Esbriet) and therefore it would not be appropriate to comment further while these negotiations are ongoing. The application to the HSE for the reimbursement of this product under the Community Drugs Schemes is being considered in line with the agreed procedures and timescales for the assessment of new medicines as per the 2012 agreement between the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association, the HSE and the Department of Health.

Question No. 1318 answered with Question No. 1200.

Medical Card Reviews

Questions (1319)

Sandra McLellan

Question:

1319. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) in Cork whose medical card is not due to expire until 2017 has been asked to fill out a review form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17471/13]

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Written answers

The Health Service Executive operates under the legislative framework of the Health Act of 1970, as subsequently amended. In the interest of probity, the HSE is obliged to ensure that a person’s eligibility is correctly recorded in line with the eligibility legislation and the national guidelines. The HSE aims to ensure that every person who is entitled to the medical card schemes is given the opportunity to avail of their entitlement. The HSE has produced national assessment guidelines to provide a clear framework to assist in the making of reasonable, consistent and equitable decisions when assessing an applicant for the General Medical Services scheme. These guidelines are publicly available and can be downloaded from the HSE's medical card website.

The standard procedure for the review of medical cards for persons aged 66 years or older is that their medical card will be reviewed every 4 years. For persons under the age of 66 years, the length of validity of a medical card is 3 years. Depending on the individual's circumstances, it may be issued for a shorter period. If an individual's circumstances change, he/she must inform the HSE, as he/she may no longer be eligible. In addition to the standard assessment and review processes, random audits of eligibility will also be undertaken by the HSE on an on-going basis. If selected for review under this process, the Medical Card holder will be informed and requested to submit up to date income details.

Any medical card holder undergoing a review to renew a medical card, who genuinely engages with the HSE in that review, will not have their entitlement withdrawn before the review is complete, regardless of the expiry date shown on their medical card. In cases where a decision is made not to grant a medical card, the applicant is informed of the decision and is notified of their right to appeal this decision. Contact details for the appeals office are provided to them. Where a person submits an appeal to a decision not to renew a medical card within 21 days of that decision, he/she retains the medical card or GP visit card until the appeal is decided.

The Health Service Executive has been asked to reply directly to the Deputy in relation to Ms Farrell's review as soon as possible.

Hospital Appointments Administration

Questions (1320)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

1320. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if he will inquire into the expected timeframe in which person (details supplied) in County Cavan will receive their hip-replacement operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17472/13]

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Written answers

The National Waiting List Management Policy, A standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, January 2013, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has recently been adopted by the HSE, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists. In relation to this particular query raised by the Deputy, I have asked the Health Service Executive to investigate the situation and respond directly to the Deputy in this matter.

Pharmacy Inspections

Questions (1321)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

1321. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the number of pharmacies that were inspected by PSI inspectors in 2012 and 2013; of these inspections the number that were performed by two authorised officers and the number by one authorised officer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17474/13]

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Written answers

The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI) is an independent statutory body, established by the Pharmacy Act 2007. It is charged with, and is accountable for, the effective regulation of pharmacists and pharmacies in Ireland, including responsibility for supervising compliance with the Act.

Under section 19 of the Act, inspections by authorised officers of the PSI may be undertaken in respect of applications for registration or continued registration of a retail pharmacy business. Under section 67, inspections and investigations may be undertaken to ascertain whether an offence under the Act, any breach of a Code of Conduct or any professional misconduct has been committed and for obtaining information or evidence about these matters.

The PSI conducted 172 inspections in 2012, of which 97 were under section 19 and 75 were under section 67 of the Act. Twenty of these inspections were conducted by two or more authorised officers, and 152 by one authorised officer.

The PSI has conducted 156 inspections to date in 2013, of which 21 were under section 19 and 135 were under section 67 of the Act. One hundred and fifty one of these inspections were carried out by one authorised officer and 5 were conducted by one authorised officer accompanied by an authorised officer in training.

Hospital Appointments Administration

Questions (1322, 1328)

Seán Fleming

Question:

1322. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health when an appointment for a CT scan and a colonoscopy will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17477/13]

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Seán Fleming

Question:

1328. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health when an EEG scan will be given to a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17616/13]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1322 and 1328 together.

The National Waiting List Management Policy, A standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, January 2013, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has recently been adopted by the HSE, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists. In relation to this particular query raised by the Deputy, I have asked the Health Service Executive to investigate the situation and respond directly to the Deputy in this matter.

Hospital Services

Questions (1323)

Tom Fleming

Question:

1323. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will give details of a progress report in respect of the new Kenmare Community Hospital, County Kerry, including whether there will be an increase in the number of staff employed in the new hospital; the new services that will be available; whether the completion of the residential health care unit is scheduled for 31 March 2013 and within budget; if the patients will be transferred to the new facility in April 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17491/13]

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Written answers

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

Questions Nos. 1324 and 1325 answered with Question No. 1278.
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