Written Answers Nos. 645-663
645. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health if he will restore a discretionary medical card to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48935/13]
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.
646. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health the number of parliamentary questions that have been referred by him to the Health Service Executive for direct reply that have yet to be answered; the number of these questions that have been referred for more than two weeks, more than four weeks and more than eight weeks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48943/13]
View answerThe HSE target to answer 75% of PQs within 15 working days has been exceeded. As of 23rd October some 2,942 PQs have been referred to the HSE since 1 January 2013. Of these, 2,359 (80%) were answered within the time frame. 2,886 PQs (98% of referred PQs) have been responded to and 56 cases remain open.
Of those 56 Cases, almost half, (21 cases) were referred between 15th of October and the 22nd of October. Seventeen cases were referred between 1st of October and the 10th of October. The balance, (18 cases) were referred during the second part of September.
It should be noted that the number of PQs referred to the HSE for direct response PQs has increased by 60% since 2011.
647. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health in view of this year's early budget, the amount of funding he is making available to each drugs task force; the way this varies from their 2013 allocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48946/13]
View answerDecisions in relation to the allocations to Drugs Task Forces for 2014 will be made known shortly.
648. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the implementation of each action contained in the National Drugs Strategy 2009-2016 following the recent meeting of the oversight forum on drugs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48947/13]
View answerImplementation of the National Drugs Strategy 2009-2016 which sets out Government policy in dealing with the drugs problem is being pursued across a range of Government Departments and Agencies. An annual progress report on the implementation of the actions of the Strategy is compiled. The 2012 progress report was considered in detail at the Oversight Forum on Drugs (OFD) meeting on the 31st January 2013 and this report is available on the Department of Health website.
Solid progress has been made in 2013 across the 63 Actions of the Strategy which are based around the five pillars of supply reduction, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and research. At the last meeting of the OFD, on the 24th October, I informed the members that my Department would shortly be requesting an end of year progress report. The 2013 progress report should be available for consideration by the OFD at its meeting scheduled for the 30th January 2014, following which it will then be made available through the Department's website.
649. Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Health if the renewal of a full medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15 will be expedited; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48948/13]
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.
650. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health the way that one director can cover three midlands regional hospitals located in different national groupings from his base at the Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore, County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48953/13]
View answerI understand that Deputy James Bannon is referring to the role of hospital management within Hospital Groups. The introduction of Hospital Groups, which I announced last May, will provide for organisational change in the first instance, giving more autonomy and better enabling the reorganisation of services in a well-planned manner. Over time, this will help to improve services and deliver better outcomes for patients.
Chairs have now been appointed to all seven Hospital Groups. CEOs are in place for three of the Groups, and the process of recruiting CEOs for the remaining four Groups will shortly commence, in consultation with Chairpersons, through the Public Appointments Service. My Department will also enter into discussion with the Chairs with a view to appointing the remaining Board members as soon as possible.
A Strategic Advisory Group is now being established which will oversee the establishment of Hospital Groups and the subsequent reorganisation of acute hospital services. Each group of hospitals will work together as single cohesive entities managed as one, to provide acute care for patients in their area, integrating with community and primary care. This will maximise the amount of care delivered locally, whilst ensuring complex care is safely provided in larger hospitals. Hospital Groups will be required, within one year, to develop a strategic plan which will outline their plans for future services within the group area and the role of hospitals within each group will be considered in detail in the context of this strategic plan.
Transition to full implementation of Hospital Groups will take place over a period of time. Current management arrangements and care pathways will not be disrupted as an immediate consequence of establishing Hospital Groups pending their full implementation.
651. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health if he will issue a medical card to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48966/13]
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.
652. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that toothpaste containing fluoride has a child-proof cap and carries a poison warning. [48986/13]
View answerThere is no requirement under Irish or EU law for toothpastes to have a child-proof cap.
Toothpastes containing more than 0.15% fluoride, or which make a medicinal claim (irrespective of the fluoride level) are regulated as medicinal products; it is therefore mandatory under Directive 2001/83/EC for all such toothpastes to clearly state the content of fluoride on the labelling and to carry the warning text "keep out of the reach and sight of children".
653. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health his plans to include the genetic disorder, long QT syndrome, on the list of qualifying ailments for qualification for a long-term illness medical card; and if not, the reason for same in view of the circumstances of the condition and the potential medical costs involved. [48988/13]
View answerThere 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 GP consultations.
654. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the level of monitoring of fluoride levels in the population under the Health (Fluoridation of Water Supplies) Act 1960; if he intends to perform such a study; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48989/13]
View answerThe impact of water fluoridation on caries levels in Ireland has been regularly assessed in both national and local surveys since its introduction in the mid 1960s. Enamel fluorosis has been monitored in Ireland since 1984. This is regarded as an accurate method of monitoring total fluoride intake, using increasingly sophisticated new technologies. Surveys to measure the effectiveness of water fluoridation on children’s and adults’ oral health include national studies in 1984, 1990, 2001 and 2002, regional studies between 1990 and 1999 and a cross border study in 2006. All of these studies showed a substantial benefit of fluoridation in terms of a reduction in tooth decay.
At present the Department of Health is collaborating in a University College Cork-led research project, "Fluoride and Caring for Children's Teeth" (FACCT) which will specifically examine the oral health status of children and inform national policy. The study will consider the impact of changes on the oral health of children, following policy decisions relating to toothpaste use by infants and young children made in 2002 and the reduction in the level of fluoridation in drinking water in 2007. It is focusing on 5-year old and 12-year old children. The HSE has released dental staff and is providing funding to support the study. Consideration is also being given by the Department of Health to a study on general and oral health findings in adults linked to the duration of exposure to fluoridated water as part of the Irish Longitudinal Study on Aging (TILDA).
655. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health the reasons a person (details supplied) in County Longford who has been placed on the orthodontic treatment waiting list since October 2012 cannot be given an indication of a date for treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48991/13]
View answerThe HSE provides orthodontic treatment to patients based on their level of clinical need. An individual's access to orthodontic treatment is determined against a set of clinical guidelines and priority is given to patients with greatest needs. The HSE has been asked to examine the specific query raised by the Deputy and to reply to him as soon as possible.
656. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in the processing of a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Meath. [48999/13]
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.
657. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if the eligibility for the treatment abroad scheme has been changed by the Health Service Executive; if it is the case that only public patients are now eligible; that this means that even if a person is a GMS patient and has been receiving treatment abroad for many years, any renewal application must be certified by a consultant from a public clinic; if he accepts that the waiting list to attend such a clinic and receive certification is so long that it poses a severe risk to all patients who are acutely ill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49025/13]
View answerThe HSE operates a Treatment Abroad Scheme (TAS), for persons entitled to treatment in another EU/EEA member state or Switzerland under EU Regulation 1408/71, as per procedures set out in EU Regulation 574/72 and in accordance with Department of Health and Children Guidelines. Within these governing EU Regulations and the Department of Health and Children’s Guidelines, the TAS provides for the cost of approved treatments in another EU/EEA member state or Switzerland through the issue of form E112 (IE).
The TAS allows for an Irish based consultant to refer a patient that is normally resident in Ireland for treatment in another EU member state or Switzerland, where the treatment in question meets the following criteria:
(a) The application to refer a patient abroad has been assessed and a determination given before that patient goes abroad.
(b) Following clinical assessment, the referring consultant certifies the following:
- They recommend the patient be treated in another EU/EEA country or Switzerland;
- The treatment is medically necessary and will meet the patient's needs;
- The treatment is a proven form of medical treatment and is not experimental or test treatment;
- The treatment is in a recognised hospital or other institution and is under the control of a registered medical practitioner;
- The hospital outside the state will accept EU/EEA form E112 (IE).
As provided for in the various governing Irish legislation and EU regulations, the HSE TAS allows for the referral of public patients to access treatment in the public healthcare system of another EU/EEA member state through the issue of model form E112 (IE). Therefore, for the purposes of the TAS, an insured person in Ireland is a patient accessing services as a public patient. It is of course understood and accepted that any private patient can opt to avail of public patient status but only by following public referral pathways: private status cannot be used as a system of skipping waiting lists for the purposes of prioritised access. Therefore referral for patients to attend a hospital consultant in a private capacity are not now nor were they previously eligible for consideration under TAS.
Private patients applying to the TAS for funding are advised to seek such funding through their private health insurance provider in the first instance. In the instances where a patient's private health insurance provider will not cover either all of or any portion of the cost of the required treatment, the patient can revert to the TAS providing a copy of the written decision from his/her private health insurance provider. on receipt of this documentation, the TAS will consider each application on a case by case basis.
Each application to the HSE TAS is reviewed individually on its own merits and there are no restrictions on a person making an application to the HSE TAS for review and decision. Previous approvals or refusals are not used as an influencing factor on subsequent applications. Each application is for an individual episode of care unless otherwise specified by the consultant on the application form.
658. Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Health if he will review the situation whereby medical after care services in health centres will only facilitate medical card holders in order to enable all patients to benefit from after care services in health centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49035/13]
View answerAt present, over 43% of the population is covered by the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme. Any person who is experiencing undue hardship in paying for a medical service may apply to the HSE for a medical card or a GP visit card. The HSE, in assessing a person's means, takes into account expenditure by the applicant on medical services and medication. If persons are experiencing undue hardship in paying for particular services, it is open to them to submit an application to the HSE for consideration on a discretionary basis.
The Government has embarked on a major reform programme for the health system. The aim is to deliver a single-tier health service, supported by universal health insurance, which will ensure equal access to care based on need, not income. A fundamental element in the reform process involves significant strengthening of primary care services to deliver universal primary care with the removal of cost as a barrier to access for patients. The phased implementation programme is being overseen by both Minister Reilly and me.
659. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite a medical card appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49044/13]
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.
660. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the level of home help that will be given in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49045/13]
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.
661. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if a medical card will be awarded without further delay to persons (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [49047/13]
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.
662. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if an immediate appointment will be arranged in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [49049/13]
View answerFor 2013, a maximum waiting time target of 12 months has been set for a first time consultant-led outpatient appointment and this is reflected in the HSE Service Plan. The SDU and the NTPF are working 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.
663. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite a medical card appeal in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49090/13]
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.
