Written Answers Nos 161-178
161. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor asked the Minister for Health when he expects to present legislation to ban smoking in cars where children are present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43791/13]
View answerThe Government gave approval to the drafting of amendments to a Private Member's Bill entitled "Protection of Children's Health from Tobacco Smoke Bill 2012". The purpose of the Bill is to prohibit smoking in cars where children are present. A number of amendments are required to ensure that the Bill operates as an effective piece of legislation. Meetings have been held with my Department, the Senators involved in the Bill, officials from the Department of Justice and Equality and representatives of an Garda Síochána in order to agree proposed amendments. My Department is working with the Office of the Attorney General to draft the necessary amendments to the Bill to provide for the enactment of this legislation.
162. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the progress on issues raised with him when he met with the Tallaght drugs task force on 26 February 2013; and if he will confirm plans to include alcohol in the remit of task forces, including Tallaght. [43793/13]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that I announced details of a series of measures arising from a review of Drugs Task Forces last December. These measures provide for the extension of the remit of the Task Forces to include alcohol addiction. Against this background, on the 26th February, on receipt of an invitation from the Board of the Tallaght Local Drugs Force, I met with members of the Board at Kiltalown House (Tallaght Rehabilitation Project), who provided a very comprehensive briefing on the day to day challenges the Board face in tackling the on-going destructive consequences of drugs in their communities. The Board expressed their support for the forthcoming proposals on Alcohol policy, and the role Local Task Forces may play in combating the excessive levels of alcohol in society.
As measures to address the abuse of alcohol remain under consideration by Government, I am not yet in a position to provide clear timescales for the implementation of the reforms arising from the review. As previously outlined to the House, I am currently engaging in bilateral discussions with Government Departments and agencies, the community and voluntary sector and the drugs task forces in order to assess how the inter-agency approach to the National Drugs Strategy can be maintained and strengthened. Reinvigorating the multi-sectoral approach to the National Drugs Strategy is key to the successful implementation of the Drug Task Force reforms in my view.
163. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health his views on the new skin cancer drug, ipilimumab, and anti-PDIs whereby seriously ill patients have seen spectacular effects from this breakthrough drug; when it will be made available to patients here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43795/13]
View answerI am pleased to advise the Deputy that the Health Service Executive announced on Thursday, 3rd of May 2012, that Ipilimumab (trade name Yervoy), the new drug for patients with progressive melanoma, would be made available.
There has been some recent media coverage in relation to anti-PDIs following the release of some early clinical trial information. Until such products receive marketing authorisation on the basis of safety, efficacy and quality, they are not eligible for consideration by the HSE for funding under the New Drugs Process. The HSE understands such products are unlikely to reach the marketing authorisation stage prior to 2015.
164. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health when the recommendations of the congregated settings report, to remove people from congregated, segregated institutions, will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43807/13]
View answerThe Report “Time to Move on from Congregated Settings – A Strategy for Community Inclusion” proposes a new model of support in the community moving people from Congregated settings to the community in line with Government policy. The Report identifies that around 4000 people (based on 2008 census) with disabilities in Ireland live in congregated settings, defined as a residential setting where people live with ten or more people. It found that notwithstanding the commitment and initiative of dedicated staff and management, that there were a significant number of people still experiencing institutional living conditions where they lacked basic privacy and dignity, and lived their lives apart from any community and families.
The HSE has established a National Implementation Group on Congregated Settings under the auspices of the National Consultative Forum, which is comprised of representatives from the HSE, Disability Umbrella Groups and service user representative organisations. This group is currently developing the implementation plan that will be rolled out at a regional and local level, in full consultation with the appropriate stakeholders.
In relation to the specific queries raised by the Deputy, as these are service issues they have been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
165. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the number of Bills his Department has published since March 2011; the number of regulatory impact assessments that his Department has published since March 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43817/13]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is set out as follows: Public Health (Tobacco) (Amendment) Bill 2011; Medical Practitioners (Amendment) Bill 2011; Health (Provision of General Practitioner Services) Bill 2011; Health Insurance (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2011; Clotting Factor Concentrates and Other Biological Products Bill 2012; Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Bill 2012; Health Service Executive (Governance) Bill 2012; Health and Social Care Professionals (Amendment) Bill 2012; Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2012; Public Health (Tobacco)(Amendment) Bill 2013; Health (Alteration of Criteria for Eligibility) Bill 2013; Health (Amendment) Bill 2013; and Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill 2013.
A Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) was published in relation to the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Bill 2012. A RIA in relation to some elements of the Health (Amendment) Bill 2013 will be published shortly.
166. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Health the reason the medical card which had been provided for the last three years was removed from a three year old child (details supplied) who has profound cerebral palsy with severe developmental delay and mental retardation; if he will arrange for the child to be given a medical card on the basis of medical need as they require intensive and regular medical treatment, physiotherapy, visits to hospital and to the GP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43839/13]
View answerThe 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 issued to Oireachtas members.
167. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health the action being taken by his Department to ensure that the 34,617 persons awaiting speech and language therapy, 6,500 of whom are waiting longer than a year, will receive the services required as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43859/13]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Health Service Executive has operational responsibility for the delivery of health and personal social services within the ambit of its Vote (Vote 39). The level of health services to be delivered within the available funding has been set out in the HSE National Service Plan, which I approved in January.
With regard to the HSE's Speech and Language Therapy Service, I understand that each individual that presents to the Service has an initial assessment to determine their individual need for therapy. The therapist, in conjunction with the parent(s) or carer, will determine the severity of the individual’s difficulties and prioritise for therapy accordingly. The level of intervention is in line with clinic policy, age and severity of the diagnosis. The waiting period for intervention is dependent on the nature and severity of the disorder following assessment.
The HSE aims to ensure that the resources available are used to best effect, in order to provide assessment and ongoing therapy to children and adults in line with their prioritised needs. Along with the significant investment in area of speech and language therapists employed in recent years, a range of new approaches have been developed and used in many Speech and Language Therapy services across the country. These include providing structures, training and support to parents /carers so that they can work to help improve the individual’s speech and language. In addition, therapy is delivered in group settings where appropriate. The HSE has stated that it is committed to working in partnership with other service providers to achieve maximum benefits for children and adults with speech and language therapy requirements, and aims to ensure that, the speech and language therapy resources available are used in the most effective manner possible.
168. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he will provide in tabular form the number of medical card reviews that have been carried out on a monthly basis for 2011, 2012 and to date in 2013, the number of medical cards that have been withdrawn as a result of the review; the number of cards that have been replaced by a general practitioner only card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43861/13]
View answerThe information sought by the Deputy is not readily available. However, I have asked the Health Service Executive to supply this information to me and I will forward it to the Deputy as soon as possible.
169. Deputy Michael Conaghan asked the Minister for Health the Health Service Executive’s plans for the site in an area (details supplied) in Dublin 8; if he will confirm if it will form part of the new national children’s hospital. [43863/13]
View answerManagement of the healthcare property portfolio is a service matter. Therefore your question has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
170. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update with regard to scheduling of an appointment for ENT services at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, County Louth. [43872/13]
View answerImproving access to outpatient services is a key priority for the Government. Collaborating with individual hospitals, the SDU, together with the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) and the HSE, has developed the outpatient waiting list minimum dataset. This allows data to be submitted to the NTPF from hospitals on a weekly basis and, for the first time, outpatient data is available on www.ntpf.ie. For 2013, a maximum waiting time target has been set of 12 months for a first time consultant-led outpatient appointment and this is reflected in the HSE service plan. The SDU and the NTPF will work closely with hospitals towards achievement of the maximum waiting time.
Should a patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he or she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant and hospital involved. In relation to the specific hospital appointment query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
171. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his plans to prevent further cuts to the Irish Dental Association to introduce a national oral health policy, reinstate preventive and restorative care under the dental treatment benefit scheme, appoint a full-time chief dental officer to his Department and reinstate the Health Service Executive vocational training scheme in dentistry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43873/13]
View answerThe Irish Dental Association is a self-funded independent body.
The Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) provides access to dental treatment for adult medical card holders. The service is provided by contracted dentists. The HSE prioritises for treatment patients with special needs, high risk patients and those who have greater clinical needs. The HSE will continue to monitor the operation of the DTSS to ensure the most beneficial, effective and efficient use of available resources.
Responsibility for the Dental Treatment Benefit Scheme rests with my colleague, the Minister for Social Protection. Changes introduced in Budget 2010 restricted the treatments available under the Dental Benefit Scheme to an annual free examination. Over 2 million PRSI contributors and their dependant spouses remain eligible for the free dental examination and the other Treatment Benefit schemes. In 2012 almost 271,000 customers claimed a free dental examination at a cost of €8.9 million. While all Social Welfare expenditure is kept under review, there are no immediate plans to reverse the changes to the dental benefit scheme in the current budgetary climate.
The Department of Health has been unable to fill the post of Chief Dental Officer on a full time basis due to the moratorium on recruitment. Accordingly, it was agreed with the HSE that the HSE National Oral Health Lead would be released to the Department for two days each week to undertake the function of Chief Dental Officer, with effect from 20 May 2013. The arrangement will be reviewed after 3 years. Among the priorities for the Chief Dental Officer is the need to review certain aspects of oral health policy, including training. The Department of Health will engage with the public, the Irish Dental Association and other relevant stakeholders in developing oral health policy, ensuring equity of access and prioritisation of patients with greatest needs.
172. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will support a matter (details supplied) regarding a homeless person. [43878/13]
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.
173. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the shortage of the drug, augmentin, in pharmacies here; if he is concerned about the impact this shortage will have on patients, in particular on patients who find augmentin to be the only successful drug in this regard; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that pharmacists are reporting that this drug will not now be available until October 2014; if he will detail the steps being taken to tackle the shortage of this drug and other vital drugs here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43880/13]
View answerMy Department has recently been advised of an impending shortage of two strengths of Augmentin, a widely used antibiotic. These are the 375mg and the 625mg strengths. A shortage of the 375mg tablet is anticipated from November 2013 and a shortage of the 625mg tablet is anticipated from January 2014.
According to the manufacturers, GlaxosmithKline (GSK) who advised health professionals on 27 September of the situation, the shortage arises due to a combination of manufacturing problems at two manufacturing sites in the UK. At the same time there has been an increase in demand. The shortage is anticipated to last up to Quarter 3 2014.
The shortage is likely to impact not just in Ireland but also in the UK and Europe. GSK has introduced stock management measures to avoid stockpiling of remaining stocks in a number of markets, including Ireland and the UK.
The HSE and the Irish Medicines Board (IMB) have been engaged with GSK and other suppliers to manage the supply problem and to identify alternative sources of supply. There is one Irish generic manufacturer of co-amoxiclav products which obtains its supplies from a manufacturer other than GSK and the IMB is currently checking with this company to see if it can increase its supply to the Irish market.
In addition the IMB has been engaging with Irish manufacturers of co-amoxiclav to see if products manufactured for other markets can be made available on the Irish market or indeed if products manufactured outside of Ireland could also be made available for the Irish market.
The HSE has also been engaging with clinical experts to develop prescribing guidelines for clinicians and other health professionals both within hospitals and primary care to identify alternative treatment regimes so that patient care is not compromised in any way.
As there are a number of other antibiotics that could be prescribed as alternatives to Augmentin, the HSE is working on developing clinical guidelines for prescribers on prescribing suitable alternatives. This is also an opportunity to emphasise to prescribers that antiobiotics may not be an appropriate treatment depending on the infection eg viral infections.
This is going to be an evolving issue over the coming months. It is important to bear in mind however that there is currently no shortage of Augmentin and none is anticipated until November 2013 in respect of one tablet strength and January 2014 in respect of the second tablet strength. It is extremely important that all stakeholders work together in the meantime to ensure that there is no panic buying which would accelerate the problem.
174. Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in regard to speed cameras, if he will consider a matter raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43706/13]
View answerSections 4.5.8 and 4.5.9 of my Department's 2010 Traffic Signs Manual (TSM) detail the current Speed Camera symbols in use. While symbol F 40 is used to indicate the presence of a speed camera or such cameras along a road, there is presently no Speed Camera symbol within the TSM which displays the speed limit applying in a particular area. To so do so may imply a target, rather than an appropriate limit at which a motorist should drive. Such a scenario may serve to dilute the road safety aspects of Speed Camera signs in safety camera zones which are known to be dangerous locations, where speed related collisions occur. It should also be borne in mind that it is the responsibility of the motorist to be aware of the speed limit of the road on which they are driving. In terms of giving advance warning of prescribed speed limits in particular speed limit zones, sections 4.5.4 to 4.5.7 of the TSM – Speed Limits Ahead details when the Speed Limit Ahead sign – F 401 may be used to warn drivers that they are either approaching a lower speed limit ahead, or approaching a special speed limit or an urban speed limit where the approach speed is likely to be high; i.e. at the approach to a town on a high speed national road.
In view of the road safety concerns already outlined, and bearing in mind that there are Repeater Speed Limit signs already in existence on either side of every junction on the road network where the speed limit changes, I see no merit in attaching yet another set of signs to existing Speed Camera signage.
175. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide for the rehabilitation of the Scherzer Bridge also known as the Rusty Bridge, Sheriff Street, Dublin 1 and the opening up of that point to full Royal Canal navigation as a means of animating the canal line, consistent with the objectives of the Spencer Dock to Newcomen Bridge greenway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43744/13]
View answer176. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will direct the parties to the Dublin city centre transport study, the National Transport Authority, Dublin City Council, CIE and Waterways Ireland, to include in their considerations issues regarding the Royal Canal-CIE lifting bridge, North Strand, Dublin 1, and the Scherzer Bridge, Sheriff Street, Dublin 1, in the joint report which is to be prepared for the purposes of a public consultation process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43745/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 175 and 176 together.
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. Following the establishment of the National Transport Authority (NTA) in December 2009, the implementation and development of infrastructure projects in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) comes under the remit of the NTA. I understand from the NTA that the project in question is being considered in the context of the Dublin City Centre Study which is being undertaken by NTA in conjunction with Dublin City Council. The purpose of the study is to examine in some detail the issues relating to the management and movement of people and goods to, from and within Dublin City Centre, and to propose potential solutions. The Study will identify traffic management proposals, public transport infrastructure improvements, and specific measures to encourage walking and cycling to, from and within the city centre. Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter I have referred the Deputy's question to the Authority for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.
177. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of tourists visiting areas (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43754/13]
View answerThe collection of statistics is primarily a matter for the Central Statistics Office (CSO). The CSO does not, however, provide a regional breakdown of statistics in their monthly 'Overseas Travel' publication. I am aware that Fáilte Ireland provides an estimated regional breakdown of overseas visits on an annual basis, based on research of its own as well as available CSO statistics. The most recent full year figures are for 2012. The data is available, on a regional and county basis, in the research section of the Fáilte Ireland website www.failteireland.ie under Regional Statistics and Reports. The data is, however, not available on a sub-county basis.
In regard to 2013 figures, I have asked Fáilte Ireland to provide the Deputy with whatever information they may have in regard to the number of tourists who visited Co. Wicklow to date in 2013. I have also asked them to provide the Deputy with any feedback they may have on the 2013 tourist season in the specific areas he has identified - Roundwood and Glendalough. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
178. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of Bills his Department has published since March 2011; the number of regulatory impact assessments that his Department has published since March 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43822/13]
View answerMy Department has published 7 bills and 6 regulatory impact assessments since March 2011.
