Tuesday, 16 Apr 2013

Written Answers Nos. 1191-1215

Hospital Internships

Questions (1192, 1236, 1238)

James Bannon

Question:

1192. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding intern places for medical students. [16497/13]

Stephen Donnelly

Question:

1236. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the plans, if any, that are in place to deal with the impending shortage of intern places for EU and non-EU graduates of medical schools here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16745/13]

Gerry Adams

Question:

1238. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to address the forthcoming shortage of intern places for both EU and non-EU graduates of medical schools here in July 2013; the reason there has been Exchequer funding for additional medical school places without the corresponding increase in intern places; and his views that the State's investment in undergraduate medical education will be squandered due to graduates being unable to obtain an intern position. [16761/13]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1192, 1236 and 1238 together.

The issue of an adequate number of intern places in the Irish medical system is a priority for my Department and for the HSE. The intern year is an integral part of medical training and a medical practitioner cannot be fully accredited without it. Under the provisions of the Medical Practitioners Act 2007 it is a matter for the HSE to assess, on an annual basis, the number of intern training posts required by the health service.

There were 572 intern posts available in Ireland for the July 2012 intake, an increase of almost 70 posts since 2007. All 2012 EU graduates from Irish medical schools who sought an intern post here that year and met the HSE eligibility criteria were successful in securing a post. Indeed, to date there have been sufficient posts for all EU graduates from Irish medical schools and a number of additional posts for some non-EU applicants.

My Department is in regular contact with the HSE in relation to the issue of intern places with the aim, in so far as is possible, of providing a sufficient number of intern places for Irish/EU graduates from Irish medical schools. It should be noted that under EU law intern posts must be open to graduates from other EU countries and the HSE has no control over the numbers applying. There are 639 intern posts available for the July 2013 intake. This means that the HSE will have approximately 70 additional posts available for interns commencing their training in July 2013, compared to July 2012. The Executive remains confident that all EU graduates from the six medical schools in Ireland who have applied for an internship and who meet eligibility qualifications will be allocated a post within the public health service as of July 2013.

Proposed Legislation

Questions (1193)

Anne Ferris

Question:

1193. Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Health when he expects the Heads of Bill to be published to legislate for the X-Case; when he expects the legislation to come before Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16504/13]

Written answers

Minister for Health

It is my intention to seek approval to publish the Heads of a Bill in April. If approval is obtained, the Bill will be introduced in the Houses of the Oireachtas in the summer session.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Questions (1194)

Seán Fleming

Question:

1194. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health when a date will be given for a knee operation in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16522/13]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The management of inpatient 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.

Disabilities Services Funding

Questions (1195)

Terence Flanagan

Question:

1195. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health the amount of funding that has been provided to an organisation (details supplied) in County Dublin over the past five years; when the last audit took place regarding funding and treatment of its residents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16524/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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.

Primary Care Services Provision

Questions (1196)

Tom Fleming

Question:

1196. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will cover the cost/rental of a sleep apnea machine in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16559/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The HSE is responsible for the administration of the primary care schemes, therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Question No. 1197 answered with Question No. 1114.

Ambulance Service Provision

Questions (1198)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

1198. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health in view of a situation that arose recently where an ambulance had to be driven by a member of an Garda Síochána while the only paramedic on the ambulance tended to an injured persons, his views on whether cutbacks in the health service will continue; his further views on if it is putting persons lives at risk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16567/13]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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

Medical Card Eligibility

Questions (1199)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

1199. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16570/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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.

Mental Health Services Provision

Questions (1200, 1213, 1225, 1240, 1248, 1274, 1318)

Dan Neville

Question:

1200. Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the service plan for the delivery of in-patient mental health services of the Health Service Executive for 2013 [16575/13]

Clare Daly

Question:

1213. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that the 891 staff promised for community mental health services are delivered as a matter of urgency [16654/13]

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

1225. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his views on mental health services (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16677/13]

Thomas Pringle

Question:

1240. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health his plans to ensure that the €35 million ring-fenced this year for mental health services will be used specifically for the provision of mental health services and to appoint new staff in the sector; and the progress that has been made to date. [16781/13]

Tom Fleming

Question:

1248. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will honour the commitment to appoint 891 new staff for community mental health services in 2013 and ensure that the €35 million is fully utilised in the development of more comprehensive, modern community services and ensure that last year's delays are not repeated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16841/13]

Brendan Griffin

Question:

1274. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health when the 891 staff promised for community mental health services will be appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17024/13]

Peter Mathews

Question:

1318. Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Health his plans to appoint new staff for community mental health services this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17432/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1200, 1213, 1225, 1240, 1248, 1274 and 1318 together.

Following on from the special allocation of €35 million for mental health in Budget 2012, a further €35 million was provided in Budget 2013 for the continued development of our mental health services. The HSE National Service Plan 2013 commits to a number of objectives including the further development of forensic services and community mental health teams for adults, children and older persons and for mental health intellectual disability, and to the recruitment of 477 additional staff to implement these measures. In order to ensure that the additional resources will be used to best effect, the HSE, in consultation with the Department of Health, is working towards finalising the allocation of these resources.  Business cases from each HSE Region are being finalised and examined, against each of the identified objectives, detailing how the funding is to be spent and the type and number of WTE to be recruited.  It is expected that this process will be concluded in the very near future with a view to recruitment of the additional staff proceeding as soon as possible.

384 of the 414 posts approved in 2012 have either been filled, are under offer or awaiting clearance. I have been assured by the HSE that the recruitment process for the new posts being funded in 2013 and any outstanding posts from the 414 approved in 2012 is being given priority within the HSE.

Hospice Services

Questions (1201)

Finian McGrath

Question:

1201. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position regarding access to a hospice (details supplied) [16576/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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.

Cochlear Implants

Questions (1202)

Finian McGrath

Question:

1202. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will support the provision of funding for bilateral cochlear implants for deaf Irish children [16578/13]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Since the national cochlear implant programme commenced seventeen years ago, over 700 patients have received cochlear implants. I am advised that, in 2012, ninety cochlear implants were carried out with 42 children receiving implants and 48 adults. In addition to providing the surgical services, the programme provides a comprehensive assessment service to potential candidates and a rehabilitative service to those actually implanted.

In 2009 a National Review of Audiology Services was carried out by the HSE, to examine the services provided to children and adults nationwide, and to formulate a national plan for the services. The report of the National Audiology Review Group, published by the HSE in 2011, provides the blueprint for the planning, development and delivery of HSE audiology services, from new-born screening to assessment and management of adults and children with hearing problems, including cochlear implantation. Two of the main recommendations in the report include the national rollout of a universal new-born hearing screening programme and the establishment of a bone anchored hearing aid programme. The report also included a recommendation that continued ring-fenced financial support be provided for the cochlear implant programme but at levels which allow for simultaneous bilateral implantation for children.

While no dedicated programme for simultaneous or sequential implantation is being carried out in Ireland at this time, some bilateral implantation has already occurred for patients, mainly very young children with certain medical conditions such as a history of meningitis or blindness. It is estimated that there are approximately 200 children in Ireland today who may be suitable for a second implant.

The HSE has advised that it is working closely with Beaumont Hospital to progress plans for both simultaneous and sequential bilateral implantation. The Beaumont Cochlear Implant Team attended a meeting with the British Cochlear Implant Group in March 2013 to determine best practice in relation to introducing a bilateral cochlear implant programme. The HSE has also engaged the services of Professor Gerry O' Donoghue, University of Nottingham, an international expert on the implementation of cochlear implant programmes who will meet with HSE and Beaumont Hospital representatives in May 2013 to advise on the best evidence-based approaches and methodologies for implementing such a programme. Following this, it is envisaged that a business plan will be developed to identify the requirements for funding and resources required to provide a sustainable and cohesive service. A framework will be provided that clarifies the prioritisation of children waiting for a sequential implant which will be on a fair and equitable basis. The objective is to have this information available in Q3, so it can be included as part of the business case to be progressed as part of the HSE 2014 estimates process.

Air Ambulance Service Provision

Questions (1203)

Nicky McFadden

Question:

1203. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that the interests of patient care and local communities are taken into account as part of the upcoming review on the aero medical service pilot programme based at Custume Baracks, Athlone; if all stakeholders will be made part of the consultation process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16583/13]

Written answers

Minister for Health

There is a significant cost associated with providing emergency aeromedical support (EAS) to emergency services. However, in the Irish context, there has been no existing data to establish what that cost might be or the level of need for such a service.

The absence of data for aeromedical support in the Irish context indicated the need for a pilot project, in order to assess the type and extent of service, if any, that might be required to support the National Ambulance Service (NAS). In co-operation with my colleague Alan Shatter, Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, I decided in March 2012 to carry out an EAS trial. The trial involves the Irish Air Corps providing aeromedical support to the HSE NAS, from a base in Custume Barracks, Athlone. The aircraft is operated by the Air Corps, with clinical staffing from the NAS. The objective of the trial is to gather operational data, including costs and clinical outcomes, with a view to agreeing recommendations on the future provision of service.

A review of the trial is being carried out by the Emergency Aeromedical Service Audit and Evaluation Group, comprising representatives from the HSE NAS, the Air Corps and the Departments of Health and Defence. Assessment of the trial will inform future policy direction and, in the event that a decision is made to provide this type of service, how best to proceed operationally.

Mobility Allowance Decision

Questions (1204, 1246, 1283, 1289, 1309, 1330)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

1204. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on his plans for persons who hold a mobility allowance after 26 June 2013; if he will assure persons who are in receipt of the mobility allowance that they will continue to receive this critical support after 26 June 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16584/13]

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

1246. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the progress made to date in developing schemes to replace the mobility allowance and motorised transport grant which were recently abolished; if he will confirm that persons currently in receipt of payments from both schemes will not lose out financially while the new schemes are developed. [16830/13]

Pat Breen

Question:

1283. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health the scheme he is putting in place to replace the mobility allowance for eligible applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17099/13]

Robert Troy

Question:

1289. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the replacement scheme for mobility allowance. [17168/13]

Brendan Griffin

Question:

1309. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health the position regarding his efforts in relation to the mobility grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17373/13]

Joe McHugh

Question:

1330. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health with reference to mobility allowances, motorised transport grants and the ring-fencing of €10 million funding for the scheme, if the renewed services structure will include a multiple approach scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17618/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1204, 1246, 1283, 1289, 1309 and 1330 together.

The Government is very conscious of the needs of people with a disability who require transport supports from the State. The Government is also conscious of the position of the Ombudsman that the schemes are illegal in the context of the Equal Status Acts.

Following detailed consideration of issues surrounding the Mobility Allowance and the Motorised Transport Grant, the Government decided in February that it is no longer possible to allow the two schemes to continue as they presently operate and to devise an alternative for meeting people’s needs.

It is important to note that the decision is in no way intended to save costs and the funding involved in the two schemes (€10.6 million) remains committed to meeting the transport needs of relevant people.

It is also important to note that despite the fact that both schemes ended for new applicants in February, the payment of the Mobility Allowance to those who are currently in receipt will continue until June as we devise an alternative method of meeting people’s needs.

A special Project Group, which is independently chaired, has been established to seek an alternative method to provide for the priority transport needs of people in a manner that does not run counter to the Equal Status Acts. The work of the Project Group includes a public consultation process, which is currently underway and available on the Department of Health's website www.doh.ie. Any views held by individuals or organisations on this matter can be made known to the Project Group, through this process. The results of the review will be presented to the Government before any final decisions are made on future arrangements. At this stage I am not in a position to pre-empt the outcome of the review or the decision of the Government.

Medical Treatment Entitlement

Questions (1205)

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

1205. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health under EU Health Regulations as set out, if a person is entitled to continue receiving medical treatment in Northern Ireland in view of that fact it was in the Northern Ireland jurisdiction that the original diagnosis was made and initial treatment was given as they resided and were employed within that jurisdiction, subsequently they moved to reside in the Republic of Ireland and are now current medical card holders of the Health Service Executive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16601/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

On the basis that the person referred to by the Deputy is in receipt of a UK pension and has full eligibility to services in this country under EU Regulations, he/she may also have entitlement to health care in the UK if he/she satisfies the criteria specified in article 883/04. The article provides that a frontier worker who retires is entitled in case of sickness to continue to receive benefits in kind in the member State where he/she last pursued his/her activity as an employed or self employed person, in so far as this is a continuation of treatment which began in that Member State. The term 'continuation of treatment' means the continued investigation, diagnosis and treatment of an illness.

As the competent State in this case is the United Kingdom, and the continuation of treatment is in that jurisdiction, this is a matter for the British authorities.

Ministerial Travel

Questions (1206)

Sandra McLellan

Question:

1206. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Health the cost incurred by his Department, in respect of this year’s overseas travel programme for St Patrick’s Day; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16609/13]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I visited the U.K. between Wednesday 13th and Sunday 17th March. In addition to leading the London St. Patrick’s Day Parade I used the opportunity to promote Irish interests, to meet with representatives of industry, tourism, the health sector, and Irish cultural and community organisations. The cost for this trip was €1,400.31.

Hospital Deaths Review

Questions (1207)

Billy Timmins

Question:

1207. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health the length of time it took to carry out, complete and publish the report into the death of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16615/13]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Following the death of Ms. Tania McCabe and her infant son at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda on 9 March 2007, the Hospital Network Manager commissioned a review to examine the circumstances of their deaths. The Review focused on the clinical management of both patients and also examined to what extent non-clinical factors may have influenced the care Ms. McCabe received.

The Review Team was established at the end of March 2007. It adopted a systems based approach utilising recognised risk management review frameworks and prepared a written report for the Hospital Network Manager HSE North East.

Part of the Review Process involved gathering information from a range of sources including an examination of the patients’ health care records, post mortem reports, and examination of existing protocols and procedures relevant to maternity services. An extensive international literature review was conducted with expert opinion sought from 5 external experts including a Professor in Microbiology and the Intensive Care Society of Ireland.

The Review Team met Ms McCabe's family on a number of occasions and interviewed over 30 members of staff who were either directly or indirectly involved in the management of care of the patients.

The Report was finalised at the end of March 2008. A copy of the full report was given to the family on 14th April 2008. The Executive Summary of the report and its recommendations was published and made available on the HSE website on 18th April 2008.

Home Help Service Provision

Questions (1208)

John McGuinness

Question:

1208. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if home help hours will be restored in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will expedite a positive response. [16621/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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

Health Services

Questions (1209)

Patrick Nulty

Question:

1209. Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the steps he is taking to address the waiting times for the Dublin 15 early intervention team waiting list for occupational therapy assessments in view of the high referral rates to the service; if he will ensure the matter is urgently addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16626/13]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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.

Health Services

Questions (1210)

Tom Fleming

Question:

1210. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will place a person (details supplied) in County Kerry on the waiting list for the early intervention scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16636/13]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The particular issue raised by the Deputy is a service matter for the Health Service Executive. Accordingly I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Medical Card Applications

Questions (1211)

Tom Fleming

Question:

1211. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will examine an application and issue full medical cards in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16638/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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.

Long-Term Illness Scheme Coverage

Questions (1212)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

1212. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health if he will consider adding Dilated Cardiomopathy as one of the conditions that qualify for a long-term illness card due to the severity of the condition. [16649/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

There are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the Long Term Illness Scheme.

Under the Drug Payment Scheme, no individual or family pays more than €144 per calendar month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The scheme significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals incurring ongoing expenditure on medicines.

In addition, people who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be entitled to a medical card. In the assessment process, the Health Service Executive can take into account medical costs incurred by an individual or a family. Those who are not eligible for a medical card may still be able to avail of a GP visit card, which covers the cost of general practice consultation.

Question No. 1213 answered with Question No. 1200.

Questions Nos. 1214 and 1215 answered with Question No. 1138.