Written Answers Nos. 419-429
419. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Health the number of overseas recruitment drives to the UK and US undertaken by the Health Service Executive in 2012 and 2013; the number of posts offered and filled during each recruitment drive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20235/14]
View answerAs this is an operational matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
420. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Health the reason a vacancy for a hospital play specialist has not been filled at Sligo Regional Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20237/14]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy.
421. Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite a hospital appointment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [20238/14]
View answerIn relation to the particular patient query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to him directly.
422. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will receive an appointment for a cataracts operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20248/14]
View answerThe 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 the particular query raised by the Deputy, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
423. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied). [20251/14]
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.
424. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20252/14]
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.
425. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a long-term care plan in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20253/14]
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.
426. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20255/14]
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.
427. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health his views on the current situation facing persons in County Donegal who are suffering from age-related macular degeneration and who are required to attend hospital in Sligo every six weeks for treatment, as the service is not available at Letterkenny General Hospital; his views on recent talks between the ophthalmologist in Sligo and Letterkenny General Hospital regarding holding a clinic for these injections in County Donegal and confirmation of what stage these discussions are at; if there have been funds allocated to address this specific cause of eyesight loss; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20259/14]
View answerIn relation to the detailed queries raised by the Deputy, as these are service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to him directly.
428. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1007 of 25 March 2014, the reason no reply issued from the Health Service Executive. [20264/14]
View answerIn relation to the Deputy's further question in this matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to him directly.
429. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if eligibility for a medical card will be re-examined on medical grounds in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20266/14]
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.
430. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the expenditure incurred by Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, on agency staff in the years 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014. [20276/14]
View answerAs this is an operational matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply
431. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the number of full-time suicide prevention officers employed by the National Office for Suicide Prevention in the years 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014; and the number of these officers working after hours. [20277/14]
View answerAs this is a service matter this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
432. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the length of time for which he will monitor the progress of the early access to medicines scheme that was recently introduced in the UK before examining the possibility of introducing a similar scheme here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20293/14]
View answer434. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health in advance of any decision regarding the possible introduction of an early access of medicines scheme here, if he will consider bringing the pharmaceutical industry together to have preliminary talks in relation to their possible participation; and if so how soon would he envisage these talks taking place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20295/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 432 and 434 together.
On 14 March 2014, the UK Government announced the introduction of an Early Access to Medicines Scheme (EAMS) which aims to give patients with life threatening or seriously debilitating conditions access to medicines that have not yet obtained a marketing authorisation from the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). I understand that, under the EAMS, medicines will be provided to patients at no charge by the relevant pharmaceutical company until they are licensed by the MHRA. I also understand that the UK Government does not intend to establish a dedicated fund to support access to medicines under the Scheme. There is currently no equivalent scheme in place in Ireland. I will continue to closely monitor the implementation of the EAMS in the UK. At this stage, it is premature to consider the possibility of introducing a similar scheme in Ireland.
433. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if there is a definitive list of areas of unmet medical need in terms of medicines either off-label or unlicensed; if not, if he will consider the compilation of such a list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20294/14]
View answerIt is not possible to identify unmet needs in terms of off-label and unauthorised medicines. Under European and Irish legislation, medicines must be authorised (licensed) before being placed on the market. The legislation provides that a medical practitioner may prescribe an unlicensed medicine for use by an individual patient under his direct personal responsibility. Off-label use of a medicine arises where a medicine which is authorised for use for a particular condition is used for the treatment of a different condition. Medicines shortages have become increasingly prevalent in recent years and off-label use and use of unlicensed medicines are two of a number of strategies used to ensure that the needs of patients are met. At EU level, initiatives have been put in place to promote the development of orphan (treatment of rare medical conditions) and paediatric medicines to address unmet need in those areas.
The Irish Medicines Board (IMB) operate a notification scheme whereby wholesalers and manufacturers are obliged to notify the IMB of requests to import authorised medicines. This notification scheme provides information on the use of unlicensed medicines. However, very little information is available on the off label use of medicines as a medical practitioner is not required to notify such usage to the IMB or HSE.
435. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if there has been a change in the policy of the Dublin Dental University Hospital regarding accepting patients without a referral letter from a dentist; if so, the reason for the change in this policy [20297/14]
View answerThere have been no changes to the Dublin Dental University Hospital's patient acceptance procedures, the details of which are published on its website and in patient information leaflets.
436. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health the total number of medical cards currently in operation; the total number of GP visit cards in operation; the number of both medical cards and GP visit cards issued in the past 12 months; the number of reviews which have taken place in the past 12 months; the number of cards withdrawn arising from these reviews; the reasons for such withdrawals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20300/14]
View answerI am advised by the HSE that, according to most recent statistics at 1 April 2014, the number of persons with medical card eligibility was 1,799,103 and the number of persons with GP visit card eligibility was 120,981. The additional information sought by the Deputy is not readily available. However, I have asked the Health Service Executive to supply this information to me and I will forward it to the Deputy as soon as possible.
437. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health the funding allocated to primary care in each of the past seven years; if changes in funding have been affected by the reconfiguration of services brought about, such as by the introduction of hospital groups or the establishment of the Child and Family Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20301/14]
View answerAs the HSE has its own Vote, the determination of the allocation of the Health budget across the various directorates is a matter for the HSE. Therefore, this matter has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
438. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health the number and location of the primary care centres that have been established since March 2011; the number and location of centres planned between now and 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20302/14]
View answerThe development of primary care is central to the Government's objective to deliver a high quality, integrated and cost effective health care system. Supporting infrastructure, procured through a combination of public and private investment, will facilitate the delivery of multidisciplinary primary health care. Considerable progress has been achieved to date. 37 primary care centres have been opened since March 2011 and infrastructure development is underway at a further forty three locations.
In addition to the rank of the locations as a result of the 2012 prioritisation exercise, the mechanism and timescale for delivery of primary care infrastructure is dependent on a number of factors, including GP participation. Regardless of the delivery mechanism, all potential primary care centres are also subject to suitable locations being offered/provided/available and to successful planning processes. In addition, the operational lease mechanism is subject to market pressures such as the developers' access to sufficient financing.
As regards the PPP project, the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) published a Prior Indicative Notice (PIN) / Pre-Qualification Questionnaire in the OJEU on 19 December 2013. Four submissions were received by the closing date which was 10 March 2014. Information can be located at the following web address: http://www.ndfa.ie/TenderCompetitions/PrimaryCareCentresPPPProgramme.htm. It is expected that 10-14 sites (indicative number 12 based on affordability) will be delivered as part of a single PPP contract with the remaining centres to be delivered by the HSE using other procurement means.
As with all capital projects this programme must be considered within the overall capital envelope available to the health service. There will always be more projects than can be funded by the Exchequer. There is limited funding available for new projects over the period 2014-2018 given the level of commitments and the costs to completion already in place. Nevertheless, where possible, the HSE's capital programme will include provision to progress primary care centres with the highest ranking following the 2012 national prioritisation exercise by direct/own-build in the event that other delivery mechanisms are not feasible.
Please see the following table, which provides the information on primary care infrastructure -
- Primary care infrastructure opened since March 2011
- Primary care infrastructure underway
- The PPP project.
Primary Care Centres opened since March 2011 Update at 30 April 2014
|
Count |
HSE Region |
County / Area |
PCT Name / Location |
Delivery Method |
Open |
|
1 |
DML |
Dublin |
Inchicore |
Direct Build |
2011 Q4 |
|
2 |
DML |
Dublin |
Ballyfermot |
Direct Build |
2012 Q3 |
|
3 |
DML |
Dublin |
Rathfarnham |
Lease |
2012 Q4 |
|
4 |
DML |
Dublin |
Churchtown |
Operational Lease |
2012 Q4 |
|
5 |
DML |
Dublin |
Dublin City at James's St |
Operational Lease |
2012 Q4 |
|
6 |
DML |
Kildare |
Newbridge |
Operational Lease |
2013 Q2 |
|
7 |
DML |
Laois |
Portarlington |
Operational Lease |
2011 Q3 |
|
8 |
DML |
Longford |
Longford Town |
Operational Lease |
2013 Q2 |
|
9 |
DML |
Westmeath |
Athlone at Clonbrusk |
Operational Lease |
2014 Q1 |
|
10 |
DML |
Dublin |
Bride St / Liberties (Old Meath Hospital Campus) |
Operational Lease |
2014 Q2 |
|
11 |
DNE |
Dublin |
Blanchardstown |
Operational Lease |
2013 Q4 |
|
12 |
DNE |
Meath |
Dunshaughlin |
Direct Build |
2012 |
|
13 |
DNE |
Meath |
Ashbourne |
Operational Lease |
2013 Q1 |
|
14 |
DNE |
Meath |
Summerhill |
Operational Lease |
2014 |
|
15 |
DNE |
Louth |
Carlingford |
Direct Build |
2012 |
|
16 |
DNE |
Louth |
Ardee |
Direct Build |
2012 |
|
17 |
DNE |
Cavan |
Cootehill |
Direct Build |
2012 |
|
18 |
DNE |
Cavan |
Bailieborough |
Direct Build |
2012 Q4 |
|
19 |
DNE |
Cavan |
Cavan Town |
Operational Lease |
2012 Q1 |
|
20 |
DNE |
Cavan |
Kingscourt |
Operational Lease |
2012 Q3 |
|
21 |
DNE |
Cavan |
Cavan Town at Connolly Court |
Operational Lease |
2013 Q2 |
|
22 |
South |
Wexford |
Gorey |
Operational Lease |
2012 Q3 |
|
23 |
South |
Kilkenny |
Kilkenny at Grange's Road |
Operational Lease |
2011 Q3 |
|
24 |
South |
Kilkenny |
Callan |
Operational Lease |
2011 Q3 |
|
25 |
South |
Waterford |
Tramore |
Operational Lease |
2011 Q4 |
|
26 |
South |
Cork / South Lee |
Cork City at Mahon |
Operational Lease |
2011 Q4 |
|
27 |
South |
Cork / North Lee |
Macroom |
Operational Lease |
2012 Q1 |
|
28 |
South |
Cork |
Schull |
Operational Lease |
2013 Q4 |
|
29 |
South |
Kerry |
Kenmare |
Operational Lease |
2012 Q3 |
|
30 |
South |
Kerry |
West Kerry (Dingle) |
Direct Build |
2013 |
|
31 |
West |
Limerick |
Limerick City at Abbey St Mary's |
Operational Lease |
2012 Q1 |
|
32 |
West |
Galway |
Galway City East |
Operational Lease |
2011 Q2 |
|
33 |
West |
Galway |
Athenry |
Operational Lease |
2013 Q3 |
|
34 |
West |
Mayo |
Ballina |
Operational Lease |
2011 Q2 |
|
35 |
West |
Roscommon |
Castlerea |
Operational Lease |
2012 Q3 |
|
36 |
West |
Roscommon |
Monksland South Roscommon |
Operational Lease |
2012 Q4 |
|
37 |
West |
Donegal |
Glenties |
Direct Build |
2012 Q3 |
439. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health if it is his policy that profits made from the operation of car parking charges at hospitals should be reinvested back into the hospitals to fund patient services and care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20303/14]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy.
440. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will receive an appointment with a consultant. [20315/14]
View answerIn relation to the particular query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to him directly.
