Wednesday, 4 Dec 2013

Written Answers Nos 150-175

Nursing Staff Recruitment

Questions (150)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

150. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health his advice on a matter concerning a tracheostomy nurse post (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51988/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

My colleague, the Minister for Health, met with the Tracheostomy Advocacy Group in the company of the Health Service Executive last week. The provision of safe home care for children who are well enough to leave hospital, such as children with tracheostomies, is a priority for Government. The Minister has requested that the HSE prioritise these services in planning services for 2014.

As the specific matter raised by the Deputy of a tracheostomy nursing post in Cork is a service matter, the Department has referred his question to the HSE for investigation and direct reply to him.

Medical Card Reviews

Questions (151)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

151. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if a refund will be made in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51990/13]

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 issued to Oireachtas members.

Treatment Abroad Scheme

Questions (152)

Michael Creed

Question:

152. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health if he will outline in detail the operation of the treatment abroad scheme; the way applications are received; the criteria applied when determining eligibility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51994/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The HSE operates a Treatment Abroad Scheme (TAS), for persons entitled to treatment in another EU/EEA member state or Switzerland under EU Regulation 883/04, as per the procedures set out in EU Regulation 987/09, and in accordance with Department of Health Guidelines. Subject to the EU Regulations and 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) where the treatment is:

- Among the benefits provided for by Irish legislation,

- Not available in Ireland,

- Not available within the time normally necessary for obtaining it in Ireland, taking account of the patient's current state of health and the probable course of the disease.

The TAS allows for an Irish based public Consultant to refer a patient who is normally resident in Ireland for treatment in another EU member state or Switzerland, where:

(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 that the treatment is:

- medically necessary and will meet the patient’s needs;

- a proven form of medical treatment and not experimental or test treatment;

- provided in a recognised hospital or other institution that will accept EU/EEA form E112 (IE) and is under the control of a registered medical practitioner.

Further information on the scheme is available on the HSE website: http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/1/schemes/treatmentabroad/ or by contacting the HSE Treatment Abroad Scheme office on 056 778 4551 or via email on [e-mail]. Application forms and information documents can be obtained through that office.

In submitting an application to the HSE, a public consultant must provide confirmation that the patient cannot be provided with the required treatment within the State within a reasonable timeframe, having due regard to their medical health and course of their condition. Exact details of how and the extent to which the condition of the patient will deteriorate due to the wait, beyond what can be expected to be achieved by a more timely intervention, are required when submitting the application.

Public Sector Pensions

Questions (153)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

153. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if a Health Service Executive pension scheme estimate will be provided to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51997/13]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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

HSE Staff Remuneration

Questions (154)

Willie O'Dea

Question:

154. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Health the reason an employee of the Health Service Executive who suffered an injury at work has, for the fourth time, suffered the loss of their personal allowance from their benefit, which has caused a loss of, on average, €375 per fortnight or €750 per month causing severe financial hardship, without being informed at any time that this was to occur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51998/13]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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

Hospital Appointment Status

Questions (155)

Sandra McLellan

Question:

155. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a hip operation in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52031/13]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The National Waiting List Management Policy, A standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, January 2013, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the Health Service Executive, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.

In relation to this particular query raised by the Deputy, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy in this matter.

HSE Staffing

Questions (156)

Robert Troy

Question:

156. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the number of therapists employed, in psychology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech and language, for children with disabilities in each of the four Health Service Executive regions; the waiting times for each service by region; the number of children on the waiting list for each service by region; if he will provide clarification on the HSE's budget for home support hours for children for 2011, 2012 and to date in 2013 in each of the four HSE regions. [52032/13]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As 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 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 (157)

Pat Deering

Question:

157. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Carlow will receive a decision on their medical card application. [52033/13]

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 issued to Oireachtas members.

Residential Institutions

Questions (158)

Clare Daly

Question:

158. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health the number of mother and baby homes that were inspected in the State prior to and after the passing of the 1952 Act; under what authority were they carried out and the actions taken; and where the records of such inspections can be found and viewed. [52059/13]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As mother and baby homes were first required to register (with local authorities) in 1934, the information requested by the Deputy is not readily available within this Department. All such local authority records would be held in the National Archives. The search and retrieval of the information requested would therefore be very costly and time consuming to assemble. However, the Deputy can contact my office with specific details such as a particular time frame or home and I will arrange for officials in my Department to investigate further.

Health Services Provision

Questions (159)

Regina Doherty

Question:

159. Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Meath will receive assurances on when an established care plan will be put in place and, in addition, provide assurances that there will be an agreement that care hours may be allocated over the term of study, and not month by month, as had previously been the case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52075/13]

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 Centre Provision

Questions (160)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

160. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health his plans to establish a primary care centre in Donaghmede, Dublin 13 and the north fringe district. [52131/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

Delivery of healthcare infrastructure is a service matter. Therefore your question has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

General Practitioner Training

Questions (161)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

161. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health if he will significantly increase the number of general practitioner training places following recent media reports and statements from the Irish College of General Practitioners on the shortage of GP training places, and the need to educate GPs, in order to staff the new primary care network. [52132/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

There are currently 157 GP training places per year.

In July of this year, my colleague Dr. James Reilly, Minister for Health, established a Working Group, chaired by Professor Brian MacCraith, President of DCU, to carry out a Strategic Review of Medical Training and Career Structure. The Working Group will examine and make high-level recommendations relating to training and career pathways for doctors with a view to improving graduate retention in the public health system, planning for future service needs, and realising maximum benefit from investment in medical education and training.

Professor MacCraith was asked to furnish the Group's initial report by the end of November 2013 and its final report by the end of June 2014. In this context, I understand that the Working Group has had initial engagement with stakeholders including trainee doctors, the IMO, the Forum of Irish Postgraduate Medical Training Bodies, the Medical Council and the HSE. Engagement with stakeholders will continue throughout the process to prepare the final report.

The HSE is currently engaged in a medical workforce planning project, which will include a workforce plan for GPs. When this work has been completed, it will assist in identifying GP requirements.

Medical Card Applications

Questions (162)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

162. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if and when a medical card will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52148/13]

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 issued to Oireachtas members.

Hospital Accommodation Provision

Questions (163)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

163. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if he will address the problem of the empty and unused ward in the new West Kerry Community Hospital in Dingle, by investigating the viability of contracting it out to a private operator so that the beds will be available and, thus, alleviate the serious shortage of residential beds available in the Dingle Peninsula; if he will make this a priority for Kerry health services in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52166/13]

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.

Tobacco Control Measures

Questions (164)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

164. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if he fears that plain packaging cigarettes will lead to an increase in illicit trade, counterfeit and contraband; the amount such activities cost the Exchequer in lost revenue at present; if medical professionals have reported unusual conditions as a result of the consumption of counterfeit tobacco products; if he has studied the effects of plain packaging in Australia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52168/13]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The Office of the Revenue Commissioners is responsible for dealing with tackling the illicit trade in cigarettes and tobacco products, and treats it as an issue of high priority. Revenue has advised me that the tax stamp, which contains a range of sophisticated security features, is a key means for them to distinguish between legal and illegal products, irrespective of the way in which the cigarettes are packaged.

Research carried out by Revenue, in conjunction with the HSE National Tobacco Control Office, indicates that contraband represents the majority of illicit cigarettes and not counterfeit products. Figures from 2012 indicate that the proportion of smokers classified as having an illegal pack was 13%. These findings indicate that the level of consumption of illicit product is being contained, although Revenue remains determined to confront the illegal trade in tobacco products, to optimise levels of seizures of illicit tobacco product and to pursue those found to be involved in this illegal activity. In this regard, Ireland is party to legally binding agreements between the EU and three major tobacco companies which aim to strengthen anti-smuggling measures. The Protocol to Eliminate the Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products was agreed at the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) Conference of the Parties in November 2012, and it is anticipated that Ireland will sign and ratify that protocol.

On the issue of standardised packaging, the Deputy will be aware that Government approval was received on 19th November 2013 for the publication of the General Scheme of a new Public Health (Standardised Packaging of Tobacco) Bill 2013 and to proceed with the drafting of the legislation based on this General Scheme. Australia was the first country in the world to introduce standardised packaging, in December 2012. We are in on-going contact with our Australian colleagues. While it is too soon to fully evaluate the impact of this policy in practice, there is a wealth of evidence on the effects of tobacco packaging in general and on perceptions and reactions to standardised packaging which supports the introduction of the measure.

Finally, I would like to point out to the Deputy that tobacco consumption is today the greatest single cause of preventable illness and premature death in Ireland, killing over 5,200 people a year; that smokers die on average 10 years sooner than non-smokers; that one in every two children who experiment with cigarettes goes on to become a smoker, and that one in every two of them will die from a tobacco related disease. In this context, my priority is to reduce the consumption of tobacco across the board, to meet our policy target of making Ireland tobacco free (i.e. with a smoking prevalence rate of less than 5%) by 2025.

Medical Card Eligibility

Questions (165)

Michael McCarthy

Question:

165. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health the reason a medical card was recently removed from a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52177/13]

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 issued to Oireachtas members.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Questions (166)

Martin Ferris

Question:

166. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health the tendering process used to tackle the hearing aid waiting lists; if he is satisfied that the process was carried out correctly, is in line with competition policy and provides a workable, value for money solution that is not detrimental to the hearing healthcare and rehabilitation of patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52183/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The HSE commenced a once-off initiative to reduce adult waiting lists in Q4 of 2013. As part of the initiative the HSE conducted a procurement process in October/November 2013 under the appropriate EU and national rules. The tender was advertised on the National Procurement Service’s e-tenders website. Two private providers were selected to work with the HSE to clear some of the waiting lists. The HSE will carry out random audits of the patient files and random visits and ensure that a good quality service is provided. The HSE sees this as a very positive initiative that will greatly reduce the adult waiting lists for hearing assessment.

Tobacco Control Measures

Questions (167)

Eoghan Murphy

Question:

167. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he is considering, as part of the new plain packaging laws, excluding cigar and pipe tobaccos, as was the case with the display ban introduced for cigarettes. [52212/13]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As the Deputy will be aware, Government approval was received on 19th November 2013 for the publication of the General Scheme of a new Public Health (Standardised Packaging of Tobacco) Bill 2013 and to proceed with the drafting of the legislation based on this General Scheme. It is proposed that all tobacco products will have to comply with this legislation.

Parking Regulations

Questions (168)

Terence Flanagan

Question:

168. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding a disabled person's parking card in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52150/13]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

Disabled Parking Permits are issued on behalf of my Department by the Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland and the Irish Wheelchair Association, and I have no function in the matter.    

However, in the circumstances as outlined by the Deputy, the individual concerned may wish to initiate an appeal through the appeals process that is available by contacting either of the issuing bodies directly. 

Driver Licence Applications

Questions (169)

Michael McCarthy

Question:

169. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when a driving licence will be processed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; the normal processing times for same; and if the matter will be expedited in view of the fact that this person is due to travel abroad shortly. [52012/13]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The operation of the National Driver Licensing Service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority.  I have therefore referred this question to the Authority for direct reply.  I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.

Local Improvement Scheme

Questions (170)

Ann Phelan

Question:

170. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding will be allocated for local improvement schemes within the local authorities in the forthcoming year of 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52029/13]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The Local Improvements Scheme provided funding for road and laneways that councils' have not taken in charge.  However, the maintenance and improvement of these roads is, in the first instance, a matter for the relevant landowner.    As indicated to all local authorities in January 2013, the local improvement scheme was reinstated but with no separate allocation for this grant category.  Under the new arrangements in 2013 local authorities may use up to 7% of their Discretionary Grant towards local improvement schemes should they wish to do so.  The local contribution for these schemes has been increased to 20% of the total cost of the project.  Apart from this amendment the same eligibility rules apply for these schemes.  Furthermore, it is open to local authorities to supplement the 7% of their Discretionary Grant that they can use for the local improvement schemes with their own resources if they so wish. Details of the 2014 regional and local roads grants will be communicated to local authorities early in the new year.

Register of Electors

Questions (171)

Eoghan Murphy

Question:

171. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on adding a section to the driver licence application process where persons could ask to be added to the electoral register, if they so wished. [52046/13]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

On the basis of representations made to me and to the Road Safety Authority (RSA), it appears that there is a view among the public that the current driver licence application form is already confusing and over extensive. Apart from normal information regarding driver issues, the form also provides for matters such as the organ donation wishes of the applicant.  

The RSA is examining the possibilities for simplifying the application form at present and I would be reluctant to propose any changes that might further complicate requirements.

Road Safety Authority

Questions (172, 173)

Brian Stanley

Question:

172. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of staff employed by the Road Safety Authority in each of the past five years. [52122/13]

Brian Stanley

Question:

173. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the total budget of the Road Safety Authority in each of the past five years. [52123/13]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 172 and 173 together.

The information requested by the Deputy is contained in the relevant Annual Reports of the Road Safety Authority.  The Annual Reports are available on the RSA website of www.rsa.ie and have also been lodged in the Oireachtas Library.

National Car Test

Questions (174)

Brian Stanley

Question:

174. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to change NCT certificates in cases where a person purchases a car with a lapsed NCT certificate of six months, for example, and on renewal must backdate it, but if it had lapsed for a full two years then he or she would get a renewal for a full two years. [52124/13]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

In accordance with EU Directive 2009/40/EC, the minimum requirement for roadworthiness testing of passenger cars is that a roadworthiness test is undertaken when a vehicle is four years old and every two years thereafter from the date of first registration of the vehicle.  Additionally, Ireland requires that vehicles in excess of ten years old be tested annually.  

Under the Road Traffic (National Car Test) Regulations 2009, S.I. No. 567 of 2009, and in accordance with the Directive, the test due date is determined by reference to the date of registration and subsequent anniversaries of that date.

NCT certificates are not pre or postdated. As a test certificate reflects the condition of the vehicle at the time the test was carried out, it would not be possible to issue a test certificate with an effective start date other than the date of execution of the successful test.  Where a NCT inspection does not occur on the original test due date, the NCT certificate is valid from the date of the test to the next test due date. This can result in a certificate of less than 1 or 2 years duration, depending on when the car was presented for a test.

Currently, there is no legislation preventing the sale of a vehicle without a current NCT certificate. Consequently, potential purchasers need to be aware that the first NCT test on a vehicle they have purchased may result in an NCT certificate with an expiry date of less than 2 years. In a case where the expiry date of the current NCT certificate is more than 2 years in the past, the test due date is reset to the next anniversary of the date of the vehicle's first registration. However, in allowing such a period to elapse, the previous owner has committed an offence and may have been liable for prosecution as a result.

There are no plans at present to change the existing regulations and I am advised that my ability to change the regulations as proposed by the Deputy would not be possible under the relevant EU directives. 

Public Transport Provision

Questions (175)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

175. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of bus shelters that have been installed in the Dublin City Council and Fingal County Council administrative areas since January to date in 2013; and if he will provide the location of these new bus shelters. [52126/13]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding for public transport.  Following the establishment of the National Transport Authority (NTA) in December 2009, the development of infrastructure projects in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), such as the matter of bus stop improvement, comes under the remit of the NTA.

In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this matter I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. The Deputy should advise my private office if he does not receive a reply within 10 working days.