Written Answers Nos. 560-577
560. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he is confident in the testing procedures for Lyme disease here in view of the fact that many of the cases that tested negative here tested positive when carried out in Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44587/13]
View answer561. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the treatments and assistance available to Lyme disease patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44588/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 560 and 561 together.
Since September 2011, Lyme Disease has been a notifiable disease under the Infectious Diseases Regulations. The standard approach to the treatment of Lyme Disease is to follow the guidance laid out in the Infectious Diseases Society of America guidelines on the clinical assessment, treatment and prevention of Lyme Disease. This is accepted as being the most up to date synthesis of best available evidence on the clinical management of Lyme Disease and treatment of Lyme Disease is based upon this guidance.
The acute tertiary hospitals in Ireland have the diagnostic and treatment facilities and personnel for the management of Lyme Disease. In addition, a network of infectious disease specialists is available in all the major centres to provide consultative, expert advice in the management of Lyme borreliosis. I have been advised by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre that there were eight cases of Lyme Neuroborreliosis notified in 2012. Lyme Neuroborreliosis is at the more severe end of the spectrum of Lyme borreliosis and as such it is possible that there may be more people with the milder form of the disease. Given the numbers of cases of Lyme borreliosis in Ireland, I am confident that the facilities available for the diagnosis and treatment of the condition are commensurate with the burden which the disease imposes.
The diagnosis of a case of Lyme Disease can be difficult. The standard approach to Lyme diagnostics is a two-stage approach and involves using a sensitive enzyme immunoassay (EIA) as an initial screening step. However, screening EIA's can be insufficiently specific and can give other false-positive reactions in the presence of various other infections from syphilis to glandular fever. In addition, sera from patients with autoimmune disorders and other inflammatory conditions can also lead to false-positive results. Samples giving reactive or equivocal results in screening tests are further investigated in a second stage immunoblot test. The use of immunoblot testing greatly increases specificity. Using this two stage approach gives a greater degree of certainty around the diagnosis of Lyme Disease.
562. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the reason the funding for the National Treatment Purchase Fund and the special delivery unit is being cut by 64% in 2014; the expected impact of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44598/13]
View answerIn July 2011 I announced changes to the remit of the NTPF, namely its role would be changed to support the mission of the Special Delivery Unit (SDU) within the Health Service Executive (HSE). The NTPF is now fully aligned with the SDU and is targeting waiting lists strategically and assisting in the performance management of hospitals to reduce waiting times. The NTPF capability is a core part of the SDU's performance improvement role in holding public hospitals to account. Any funding to support the SDU performance improvement programmes is now part of the HSE Vote, and this is reflected in the level of NTPF funding.
The NTPF allocation for 2013 was €13.987 million, of which just under €10million was allocated to meet liabilities arising from treatments carried out during 2012. The provision in the Estimates for Public Services 2014 reflects the fact that it is not envisaged that there will be any significant level of such liabilities in 2014.
564. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if an appointment for psychological assessment will be brought forward in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44604/13]
View answerAs this is a service matter this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
566. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Health regarding the €35 million ring-fenced for mental health in budget 2012 and budget 2013; the amount of the €35 million ring-fenced for 2012 which was spent in that year; the amount carried forward; of the portion carried forward from 2012 into 2013, the amount that remains unspent; the amount of the €35 million ring-fenced for 2013 that has been spent to date; the way the moneys were spent in all cases; if the programme for Government committed the Government to ring-fence €35 million in each and every budget of its term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44619/13]
View answerIn 2012, a special allocation of €35m was provided for mental health to be used 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.
Budgetary pressures within the HSE delayed the full utilisation of the €35 million allocated in Budget 2012 for the development of community mental health services, but this sum is available again this year together with a further additional €35 million which was provided in Budget 2013 for the continued development of mental health services across a range of headings, including the further development of forensic services and community mental health teams for adults, children, older persons and mental health intellectual disability, and to the recruitment of 477 additional staff to implement these measures.
Recruitment of the posts approved for both 2012 and 2013 is continuing. As of end September, the recruitment process is complete for 378 or 91% of the 414 posts approved in 2012 and 255 or 54% of the posts approved in 2013 were in the final stages of the recruitment process and a further 149 were at earlier stages, indicating that 85% of posts are in the recruitment process. The HSE's National Recruitment Service is currently working to ensure that the remaining posts will be filled as soon as possible, from existing panels or through competition in the absence of panels, at the earliest opportunity. Options to enable more local recruitment are also being considered where this will assist in filling specific posts. I have received assurances from the HSE that the recruitment process for these new posts is being given priority within the HSE.
In Budget 2014, the Government has again re-committed to the continuation of the development of this critical service in these extremely challenging times, where the options for additional expenditure generally are very constrained. €20 million is being ringfenced for the further development of our mental health services in 2014 which will enable the HSE to continue to develop and modernise our mental health services in line with the recommendations of A Vision for Change and will allow for the recruitment of additional staff to further enhance our-
- Adult Community Mental Health Teams
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Teams
- Specialist Mental Health Teams
In addition, this funding will facilitate the recruitment of additional Resource Officers for Suicide Prevention and the implementation of national suicide prevention initiatives.
This €20m means that, despite serious resource pressures overall, funding of €90m has been made available since 2012 up to end of 2014, which has been specifically ear-marked for mental health and suicide prevention.
In relation to the specific queries raised by the Deputy, as this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
The following information was provided under Standing Order 40A
In 2012, a special allocation of €35m was provided for mental health to be used 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. Budgetary pressures within the HSE delayed the full utilisation of the €35 million allocated in Budget 2012 for the development of community mental health services with recruitment commencing towards the very end of 2012, but this sum is available again this year together with a further additional €35 million which was provided in Budget 2013 for the continued development of mental health services across a range of headings, including the further development of forensic services and community mental health teams for adults, children, older persons and mental health intellectual disability, and to the recruitment of 477 additional staff to implement these measures. Recruitment of the posts approved for both 2012 and 2013 is continuing. As of end September, the recruitment process is complete for 378 or 91% of the 414 posts approved in 2012 and 255 or 54% of the posts approved in 2013 were in the final stages of the recruitment process and a further 149 were at earlier stages, indicating that 85% of posts are in the recruitment process. There are a number of posts for which there are difficulties in identifying suitable candidates due to factors including availability of qualified candidates and geographic location and the remainder are at various stages in the recruitment process. The HSE's National Recruitment Service is currently working to ensure that the remaining posts will be filled as soon as possible, from existing panels or through competition in the absence of panels, at the earliest opportunity. Options to enable more local recruitment are also being considered where this will assist in filling specific posts. I have received assurances from the HSE that the recruitment process for these new posts is being given priority within the HSE.
The lack of single integrated financial systems in the current HSE and the minimal reporting capacity at care group level of these existing systems results in significant challenges in providing more detailed and timely responses to the specific information being sought, particularly relating to 2012. The information provided below should be treated as estimated and currently part of a deliberative process and therefore, subject to review and amendment.
For the purposes of clarification, there is no provision in Vote accounting for the carry forward in the revenue vote of unspent monies from year to year of funding which is not fully expended. Any un-expended funding at year end on the Revenue side is either surrendered to the Exchequer or used on an end of year basis to cover unfunded costs or as part of an overall supplementary at year end. This was the position with the unspent mental health allocation in 2012 which was reallocated to other urgent health sector priorities in the context of the 2012 HSE Supplementary Estimate.
The HSE have reported that following the establishment of the new Mental Health Division late summer this year, a process is underway to examine the actual costs in 2013 arising from approved and appointed posts funded from the 2012 allocation and also agreed non-pay costs. The budgetary allocation resulting from the 2012 €35m.funding was estimated as staff costs of €27.4m. and non-staff costs of €7.6m. Based on the current ongoing complex process examining actual expenditure against these allocations, it is estimated that the staff costs of 402.5 WTES, pay and non-pay, spent in 2013 from this 2012 allocation will be €15m. by year end. These staff costs relate to increased capacity in all of the teams described above. Of the non-staff allocation, it is estimated that €3m. has been spent in 2013 including €2m for Genio and €0.8m. for five months of CIPC counselling sessions. There is no equivalent information available on actual expenditure in 2012 against the allocated €35m., other than the provision of the €2m. to Genio also in 2012.
In relation to expenditure against the 2013 allocation of €35m and associated 477 posts, HSE are expecting to validate the position regarding new posts filled at end of October and can estimate spend once that data is available.
In Budget 2014, the Government has again re-committed to the continuation of the development of this critical service in these extremely challenging times, where the options for additional expenditure generally are very constrained. €20 million is being ringfenced for the further development of our mental health services in 2014 which will enable the HSE to continue to develop and modernise our mental health services in line with the recommendations of A Vision for Change and will allow for the recruitment of additional staff to further enhance our-
- Adult Community Mental Health Teams
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Teams
- Specialist Mental Health Teams
In addition, this funding will facilitate the recruitment of additional Resource Officers for Suicide Prevention and the implementation of national suicide prevention initiatives. This means that, despite serious resource pressures overall, the re-commitment of the previous €70m. plus the new €20m., provides for funding of €90m being made available since 2012 up to end of 2014, which has been specifically ear-marked for mental health and suicide prevention.
567. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Health if he will provide details of the cost-benefit analysis performed on the proposal announced in budget 2014; if he will provide general practitioner-only medical cards to all children aged five or under; if he will provide details of any report or study conducted to support that choice as the best option for the extension of free GP care; if he will provide details of the stakeholders consulted in making the decision to grant all children aged five or under with GP-only medical cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44620/13]
View answer568. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Health if he considered, as part of his preparations for budget 2014, extending general practitioner-only medical cards to all persons with serious long-term illnesses; if this is the case, if he will provide details of any cost-benefit analysis performed; if he will provide details of any report or study conducted to support that choice as the best option for the extension of free GP care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44621/13]
View answer586. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health his target month in 2014 for the introduction of free general practitioner care for the under five year olds. [44735/13]
View answer587. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a five year old who receives a GP visit card in 2014 but later turns six during that year; if in these circumstances the card will be retained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44736/13]
View answer593. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the way it is proposed to spend the €30 million allocated for the extension of free general practitioner care in 2013. [44889/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 567, 568, 586, 587 and 593 together.
The Government is committed to introducing, on a phased basis, a universal GP service without fees within its term of office, as set out in the Programme for Government and the Future Health strategy framework. As announced in the Budget, it has been decided to commence the roll-out of a universal GP service by providing all children aged 5 and under with access to a GP service without fees. This will mean that almost half of the population will have access to GP services without fees. The Government is providing new, additional funding of €37 million to meet the cost of this measure.
The implementation of this measure will require primary legislation. The necessary administrative arrangements will be made during the course of 2014 when the specifics of the legislation are known.
It became clear that the legal and administrative framework required to provide a robust basis for eligibility for a GP service based on having a particular medical condition, as outlined initially in the Programme for Government, was likely to be overly complex and bureaucratic. Relatively complex primary legislation and detailed regulations would be required in order to provide a GP service to persons on the basis of their having a particular illness. In my view, this would entail putting in place a cumbersome legal and administrative infrastructure to deal with what is only a temporary first phase on the way to universal GP service to the entire population. Funding allocated for the extension of a GP service without fees to people with particular medical conditions has been used to mitigate the supplementary budget requirement of the HSE and support existing levels of service.
Following the recent announcement to commence the roll out of a universal GP service by providing all children aged 5 and under with access to a GP service without fees, I will engage with all relevant stake-holders, as appropriate, in relation to implementation and administrative arrangements.
The introduction of a universal GP service constitutes a fundamental element in the Government's health reform programme. The current Government is the first in the history of the State to have committed itself to implementing a universal GP service for the entire population. A well functioning health system should provide equal access to healthcare for its patients on the basis of health needs, rather than ability to pay. The principles of universality and equity of access mean that all residents in Ireland should be entitled to access a GP services that is free at the point of use.
569. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Health in relation to the decision announced in budget 2014 to increase the prescription charge by €1 to €2.50, if he considered any study on the effects of such a charge on the behaviour of persons taking medication in accordance with their doctor’s instructions; if he will provide details if those studies' standard academic citations will suffice; the actions, he considers necessary to counteract any deterrent effect of such prescription charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44622/13]
View answerI am aware that the ESRI, in its report Pharmaceutical Prices, Prescribing Practices and Usage of Generics in a Comparative Context, referred to negative effects of co-payments on access to healthcare. However, as was announced in Budget 2014, it has become necessary to increase the prescription charge due to the very difficult and challenging economic environment which requires the Government to achieve additional savings in health expenditure with €666 million of savings targeted in 2014. The increase in prescription charges will account for €43 million of this target. The Government is committed to achieving these savings while protecting front line services to the most vulnerable to the greatest extent possible.
Medical card holders will be required to pay a €2.50 charge per item for medicines and other prescription items supplied to them by community pharmacists, subject to a cap of €25 per month for each person or family. Prescription charges do not apply to children in the care of the HSE or to methadone supplied to patients participating in the Methadone Treatment Scheme. These new rates will be effective from 1 December 2013.
Compliance with medication is a matter for the patient in conjunction with their medical practitioner. Pharmacists also have a vital role to play in relation to the management of individual patients and/or medicines.
571. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health in relation to private health insurance coverage, the average cost of a policy for a family unit, a couple without children, a single policy holder; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44640/13]
View answerThere are 2,059,000 people insured under in-patient private health insurance as at 30 June 2013, which is the most recent available data. According to the Health Insurance Authority, the statutory regulator of the private health insurance market, the average premium paid per insured person gross of tax relief in 2012 (adults and children combined) was €1,048 (€838 net of tax relief).
The HIA has advised that there is no information available on the split of premiums paid between adults and children. However, for indicative purposes, the Deputy may wish to note the prices (prior to October 16th 2013) of some of the most popular plans across the market (figures in brackets are net of tax relief):
- €1,143.75 (€915) per adult; €287.50 (€230) per child;
- €1,274.33 (€1019.47) per adult; €430.03 (€344.03) per child;
- €1,833.37 (€1466.70) per adult; €386.62 (€309.30) per child;
- €1,905.31 (€1524.25) per adult; €450.30 (€360.25) per child;
- €2,296.25 (€1837) per adult; €496.56 (€397.25) per child.
572. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Health if he will consider putting a person's photograph on medical cards, or requiring that photo identification be shown with the medical card in order to avoid abuse of the medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44685/13]
View answerThe Health Service Executive operates the General Medical Services scheme, which includes medical cards and GP visit cards, under the Health Act 1970, as amended.
I have asked that they examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.
573. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the number of administrative staff who were employed by the Department of Health in 2005, that is, clerical officers, staff officers, and executive officers; the number of middle and senior managers who were employed, that is, higher executive officers, assistant principals, principals, assistant secretaries, deputy secretaries general and Secretaries General; how these employment numbers compare on a grade-by-grade basis with the numbers employed in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44694/13]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is detailed below:
|
Grade |
2005 |
2012 |
|
Clerical Officers |
169.46 |
77.4 |
|
Staff Officers |
14.96 |
8.53 |
|
Executive Officers |
109.33 |
54.3 |
|
Higher Executive Officers |
92.06 |
72.3 |
|
Administrative Officers |
20 |
7.3 |
|
Assistant Principals |
98.6 |
75.9 |
|
Principal Officers |
35.6 |
23.3 |
|
Assistant Secretaries |
7 |
5 |
|
Deputy Secretary Generals |
0 |
1 |
|
Secretary General |
1 |
1 |
* The Human Resources Management System (HRMS) Census returns we are using now were only introduced in 2006 and therefore the figures for 2005 had to be drawn from an Accounts rather than a HR System and in certain instances may not be directly comparable to 2012 in terms of calculating WTE values in respect of worksharers.
It should be noted that the 2005 figures include all General Register Office staff who transferred to the Department of Social Protection on 1st January 2008 and other staff who transferred to the Department of Children and Youth Affairs in June 2011.
574. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the number of administrative, middle and senior management staff, non-medical, that were employed by the Health Service Executive in 2005; if he will provide a breakdown of job titles; on a category-by-category basis, how these numbers compare with staff numbers employed in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44695/13]
View answerThe following table sets out the total number of whole time equivalent employees (excluding career break) in the Management & Administrative grade category in the Health Service Executive in 2005 and 2012.
|
Date |
Total |
|
31/12/2005 |
11,909 |
|
31/12/2012 |
11,162 |
Data source: Health Service Personnel Census
The Deputy may wish to note that the HSE has operated a moratorium on the filling of management/administrative posts in recent years so as to focus development funds as far as possible on front-line services. In that context, management/administrative staff numbers reduced by 1,990 from a peak of 13,152 in September 2007 to December 2012 and have continued to fall since then. The 2013 Employment Control Framework requires further reductions.
It should be noted that the methodology by which employment figures are compiled changed in 2007 and consequently the year-on-year figures are not directly comparable. Staff transfers have also occurred both into and out of the HSE in the period and this can contribute to changes in the figures.
I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy with regard to the more detailed information requested.
575. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the non-core basic wage payments middle and senior management staff, non-medical, in the Health Service Executive received in 2012; if he will list the details of these payments including descriptions and rationale; the benefit in kind middle and senior management staff, non-medical, received in 2012; if he will list the benefits including sponsored trips and hospitality events that were offered in that year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44696/13]
View answerThe Health Sector Consolidated Salary Scales, which are prepared and issued by my Department, set out the rates of pay and allowances for staff in the public health service. These scales were revised in July 2013 to take account of the reductions provided for under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2013. Public service pay policy requires that the salary scales must be strictly adhered to and no employee should receive remuneration in the nature of pay and allowances of an amount greater than the amount prescribed. The remuneration arrangements for health service personnel are subject to approval by the Minister for Health, with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
In accordance with Section 25(3) of the Health Act 2004, the HSE has prepared a Code of Standards and Behaviour which applies to all employees and which, in line with normal public service practice, includes appropriate provisions regarding the receipt of gifts or benefits from third parties.
I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy with the more detailed information requested.
576. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the system that is in place for testing newborns for deafness and for children acquiring hearing loss within the first 12 months; the policy implemented by Health Service Executive and supporting agencies for support for these children and their parents in the early years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44700/13]
View answer579. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding his target to ensure that there is a universal hearing test for all newborns at all maternity hospitals by 2014; the specific elements of the Health Service Executive care pathways for a newborn, from the initial hearing test to the process of fitting a hearing aid for a baby; if he will identify where there are current gaps in the delivery of this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44703/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 576 and 579 together.
The HSE has completely rolled out its Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Programme (UNHS) in three regions to date - HSE Dublin Mid Leinster, HSE Dublin North East and HSE South. This will be fully extended to HSE West by the end of the year. The objectives of this programme are:
- To offer a hearing screen to newborn babies using an agreed national protocol;
- To screen babies using the agreed national protocol for screening within 4 weeks of birth, and by 44 weeks gestational age for babies who have been in a Special Care Baby Unit or Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for more than 48 hours;
- To ensure timely referral and assessment to integrated audiology services of babies identified as requiring assessment;
- To ensure that all babies with permanent childhood hearing impairment receive effective and acceptable intervention, care and support that meets their individual needs, including appropriate referral to other services such as ENT and allied health professionals and other statutory bodies/agencies such as Department of Education and Skills.
Additionally, if a baby passes the screening but if the parents have concerns at a later stage, they can highlight these concerns to their Public Health Nurse or Area Medical Officer and be referred into Audiology Services for re-assessment.
The HSE chairs a Collaborative Working Group which has representation from DeafHear, HSE Audiology Services, HSE Speech and Language Therapy Services, Visiting Teachers for the Deaf and the Beaumont Cochlear Implant Programme. This group works closely to ensure that services provided to children diagnosed with a hearing impairment are offered in a seamless fashion. Once an audiologist diagnoses a child with a hearing impairment, they refer on to the appropriate professionals.
UNHS has proven high sensitivity and specificity. With this sensitive procedure for hearing screening, a child with a permanent hearing impairment (PCHI) can now be identified much earlier, within 4 to 5 weeks of birth, and the hearing status of each ear determined accurately. This means a child can start receiving appropriate support within the first six months of life. The core objectives of UNHS are described as "1-3-6" goals which are based on international programmes:
- Babies to be screened by 1 month of age;
- Audiology assessment completed by 3 months of age;
- Initiation of appropriate medical and audiological services, and early intervention services, by 6 months of age.
577. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding community waiting lists for basic hearing tests of children up to 24 months and access to supporting routine hearing services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44701/13]
View answerIn order to reduce the current audiology waiting lists a number of measures are being taken by the HSE. The Audiology Clinical Care Programme has recently developed a waiting list and validation procedure to be implemented regionally. The first data set is due in by the end of this month. Ten recently graduated HSE funded MSc Audiologists are also due to join the workforce this month. This increase in staffing, along with the new National/Assistant National Lead posts, will increase audiology staff by over 30% in community services and substantially increase activity, thereby reducing waiting times.
Additionally, each HSE region is engaging in waiting list initiatives. A programme of streamlining current working practices, care pathways and introducing new technologies will further lead to reduced waiting times for patients. A programme is being piloted whereby Area Medical Officers and Public Health Nurses, who would have carried out the Infant Distraction Hearing Test prior to the introduction of universal newborn hearing screening, will carry out screening on children who have a fluctuating hearing loss due to ear infections. With careful monitoring, these children will now not need to be placed on audiology waiting lists.
Question No. 579 answered with Question No. 576.
580. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health if a medical card will be reissued as a matter of urgency in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford. [44707/13]
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.
581. Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Health if he will arrange to have a person (details supplied) in County Wexford who is waiting two years for an ENT appointment approved as a matter of urgency. [44708/13]
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.
582. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if he will review the accommodation needs of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if his Department and the Health Service Executive will expedite a solution and funding to deal with this issue. [44715/13]
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.
Refurbishment works are a matter for the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government.
583. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if an assessment and operation will be arranged immediately in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [44718/13]
View answerThe 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.
584. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if a respite grant will be approved for the south-east regional family support network (details supplied); and if he will confirm when these grants are approved each year. [44719/13]
View answerDecisions in relation to the National Lottery Respite Care Grant Scheme are made by the HSE. In the circumstances, I have referred the question to the HSE for direct reply.
Question No. 585 answered with Question No. 558.
Questions Nos. 586 and 587 answered with Question No. 567.
588. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health if he will provide the full-year effect of all expenditure reductions for his Department as set out in the expenditure report 2014, as provided for in the expenditure report 2013. [44748/13]
View answerThe gross current budget for the Health Sector for 2014 is €13,263m, a reduction of €361m on the 2013 allocation of €13,624m. A total of €666m in health savings measures have been identified in the context of the Health Estimates to meet the overall health expenditure ceiling reduction of €361m, commitments under the Programme for Government of €57m and health service pressures of €248m. Some of the savings measures represent the full year effect of initiatives taken in 2013, while others are new savings targets for 2014.
In terms of the projected full-year effects, the table below provides details regarding ten of the fifteen measures concerned. Full-year savings from the remaining five measures are more difficult to quantify at this stage for reasons of timing and the nature of the savings involved. Further detail in relation to these measures is set out below. It should be noted that a number of the measures I have taken here are new initiatives, and for this reason I believe that we should take account of the learning from them as we implement change and reform our health system.
At my request, the Government has decided that the Secretaries General of the Departments of Health, Public Expenditure and Reform and the Taoiseach will engage in an intensive exercise to ensure verification and implementation of the proposed savings in the Health Vote.
Medical Card Probity and Pay related savings to be achieved under the Haddington Road Agreement.
Extremely ambitious savings targets have been set in relation to medical card probity and for pay savings to be achieved under the Haddington Road Agreement. These savings targets will be the subject of the verification and implementation exercise mentioned above.
Generic Substitution and Reference Pricing
Generic substitution and reference pricing is being introduced on a phased basis. It is not possible, at this juncture, to provide accurate figures regarding the potential savings after 2014, as these depend on various factors including prevailing prices, number of competitors, availability of substitute products, and market dynamics.
Instead of retention of full medical card on return to work, give GP Visit Card
It is not possible, at this juncture, to provide accurate figures regarding the potential savings from this measure after 2014, as it will require primary legislation and a detailed costing exercise as to its implications.
Nurse Bank
The full-year saving achievable will be determined in the light of experience with implementation of the Nurse Bank in 2014.
|
Measure |
Savings in 2014 €million |
Estimated Full Year Effect €million |
|
Generic Substitution and Reference Pricing |
50 |
(see note above) |
|
IPHA/APMI Agreement |
28 |
150 |
|
Full year impact of FEMPI fee reductions |
37 |
2014 saving is carry over from 2013 fee reductions |
|
Full year impact of increase in prescription charges |
4 |
2014 saving is carry over from Budget 2013 increase |
|
Full year effect of income thresholds and probity |
20 |
2014 saving is carry over from Budget 2013 measure |
|
Reduce Income Thresholds for the over 70s Medical Card (€900 p.w. couple and €500 p.w. single) |
25 |
49 |
|
Additional Delisting of Drugs from the GMS reimbursable drugs |
10 |
Full year effect applies in 2014 |
|
Increase Prescription Charges to €2.50 per item with €25 cap |
43 |
Full year effect applies in 2014 |
|
Medical Card Probity |
113 |
(see note above) |
|
Instead of retention of full medical card on return to work give GP Visit Card |
11 |
(see note above) |
|
Charge all Private Patients in Public Hospitals |
30 |
45 |
|
Fair Deal – Full year effect of enactment of the Health Amendment Act 2013 adjusting asset contribution |
10 |
2014 saving is carry over from 2013 measure |
|
Increase in Charge for Licensing of Tobacco Retailers |
5 |
5 |
|
Nurse Bank |
12 |
(see note above) |
|
Pay Related Savings |
268 |
(see note above) |
589. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health the funding arrangements and amounts per community drug response project in the Tallaght area, Dublin, per year, over the past five years; and the cuts that have been imposed each year on each project. [44755/13]
View answerFunding provided by my Department for community drugs initiatives is allocated by Local and Regional Drugs Task Forces and channelled to projects through designated agencies including the HSE, Department of Social Protection, Education & Training Boards and certain local authorities. The allocations made in respect of each project in the Tallaght Local Drugs Task Force area in the past five years are detailed in the table hereunder:
|
Project Code |
Project Name |
2009 Allocation |
2010 Allocation |
2011 Allocation |
2012 Allocation |
2013 Allocation |
Channel of Funding |
|
T-17 |
Community Addiction Studies Tallaght |
€14,010.00 |
€13,309.00 |
€12,993.00 |
€5,000.00 |
€17,917.00 |
Dublin and Dun Laoghaire Education & Training Board |
|
T2-1c |
Brookfield Addiction Support Programme |
€39,742.00 |
€37,755.00 |
€37,755.00 |
€37,755.00 |
€37,755.00 |
HSE SW |
|
T2-4a |
SWAN Family Support |
€46,264.00 |
€43,951.00 |
€43,951.00 |
€43,951.00 |
€43,951.00 |
HSE SW |
|
T2-4b |
Barnardos Rivendell Project |
€297,498.00 |
€282,323.00 |
€277,273.00 |
€277,273.00 |
€277,273.00 |
HSE SW |
|
T2-6 |
Dodder Valley Partnership Liaison meetings |
€2,668.00 |
€2,535.00 |
€2,535.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
HSE SW |
|
T2-8a |
St. Aengus Project |
€37,118.00 |
€35,262.00 |
€35,262.00 |
€35,262.00 |
€35,262.00 |
DSP |
|
T2-8b |
St. Dominic's Stabilisation Programme |
€34,676.00 |
€32,934.00 |
€32,934.00 |
€16,274.00 |
€16,274.00 |
DSP |
|
T2-8d |
Treatment & Rehab Fund |
€34,584.00 |
€32,854.00 |
€32,854.00 |
€30,000.00 |
€30,000.00 |
HSE SW |
|
T2-8e |
JADD Project |
€75,444.00 |
€71,672.00 |
€71,237.00 |
€71,672.00 |
€71,672.00 |
HSE SW |
|
T2-9 |
Dodder Valley Partnership Prevention Projects |
€34,960.00 |
€33,212.00 |
€33,212.00 |
€30,700.00 |
€91,881.00 |
HSE SW |
|
T2-10 |
Foróige Prevention Projects |
€118,798.00 |
€112,744.00 |
€92,744.00 |
€112,744.00 |
€167,744.00 |
Dublin and Dun Laoghaire Education & Training Board |
|
T2-11 |
(NUI/UCD) Diplima in Community Drug Work |
€86,556.00 |
€82,228.00 |
€82,225.00 |
€40,541.00 |
€0.00 |
HSE SW |
|
T2-13 |
Development Fund |
€43,016.00 |
€40,865.00 |
€38,000.00 |
€81,669.00 |
€0.00 |
HSE SW |
|
T2-14 |
Interim Co-ordinator (formerly Development Worker) |
€170,236.00 |
€161,724.00 |
€161,724.00 |
€161,724.00 |
€161,724.00 |
HSE SW |
|
T2-15 |
St. Dominic's Community Reponse |
€40,468.00 |
€38,444.00 |
€21,949.00 |
€38,444.00 |
€81,868.00 |
HSE SW |
|
T2-19 S/D |
Tallaght Evening/Cocaine Project |
€0.00 |
€13,425.00 |
€50,000.00 |
€25,845.00 |
€0.00 |
HSE SW |
|
T2B-1 |
Slanú Young Persons Rehab Programme |
€88,964.00 |
€84,516.00 |
€82,548.00 |
€84,516.00 |
€84,516.00 |
Dublin and Dun Laoghaire Education & Training Board |
|
T2B-2 |
Tallaght-wide Aftercare Service |
€9,000.00 |
€95,000.00 |
€95,000.00 |
€95,000.00 |
€95,000.00 |
DSP |
|
T2B-3 |
Tallaght Artbase |
€49,374.00 |
€46,905.00 |
€46,905.00 |
€16,722.00 |
€0.00 |
Dublin and Dun Laoghaire Education & Training Board |
|
T2B-4 |
Area 24 Youth Health Café, Mountain Park |
€58,134.00 |
€55,255.00 |
€30,255.00 |
€45,255.00 |
€0.00 |
Dublin and Dun Laoghaire Education & Training Board |
|
- |
Totals |
€1,281,510.00 |
€1,316,913.00 |
€1,281,356.00 |
€1,250,347.00 |
€1,212,837.00 |
- |
590. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health when a decision will be made on an appeal for the renewal of a medical card for a five year old child (details supplied) with Down's syndrome, asthma, arthritis and a heart condition. [44763/13]
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.
591. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health his plans to eliminate the backlog of patients attending the eye clinic in County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44783/13]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
592. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a disabled child (details supplied) in County Dublin. [44784/13]
View answerThe 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.
Question No. 593 answered with Question No. 567.
594. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health when the ophthalmologist, who has retired from their post at the clinic, will be replaced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44891/13]
View answerCommunity Optometric Services are provided by the Health Service Executive (HSE). The HSE has therefore been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.
595. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which the oldest historical and-or heritage sites in this country continue to be promoted internationally. [44802/13]
View answerTourism Ireland is responsible for the overseas promotion of Ireland as a tourist destination including the promotion of our tourist attractions. Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question to the agency for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
