Robert Troy
Question:620. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath is approved for respite care in St. Vincent's Hospital, Athlone as soon as possible. [27156/14]
View answerRespite Care Services
Questions (620)
Written answers
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Medical Card Reviews
Questions (621)
Tom Fleming
Question:621. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will review and reinstate a full medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27163/14]
View answerWritten answers
In the context of the Government's decision to develop a policy framework for providing eligibility for health services on the basis of medical conditions, the Government recently announced that a medical card or GP visit card is to be issued to a person, with a serious illness, whose discretionary card was refused renewal since the centralisation of medical card assessments. If the medical card or GP visit card to which the Deputy refers was awarded by way of discretion and was refused renewal in the period from 1 July 2011 to 31 May 2014 following the completion of an eligibility review, a card will issue by the HSE.
The HSE has commenced the process of identifying and contacting persons to advise them that their medical cards and GP visit cards will issue. It is estimated that this process will take 3 weeks. No action is required on the part of those affected as the HSE will be in contact. If people do not hear from the HSE by mid July, they should contact the HSE on its Lo-Call contact number: 1890 25 29 19. These individuals will be able to access medical card and GP visit card services in the normal manner when they have been advised by the HSE that their medical card or GP visit card is active.
The Health Service Executive has been asked to examine the specific query raised 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.
Medical Card Reviews
Questions (622)
Tom Fleming
Question:622. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will reinstate a full medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27164/14]
View answerWritten answers
In the context of the Government's decision to develop a policy framework for providing eligibility for health services on the basis of medical conditions, the Government recently announced that a medical card or GP visit card is to be issued to a person, with a serious illness, whose discretionary card was refused renewal since the centralisation of medical card assessments. If the medical card or GP visit card to which the Deputy refers was awarded by way of discretion and was refused renewal in the period from 1 July 2011 to 31 May 2014 following the completion of an eligibility review, a card will issue by the HSE.
The HSE has commenced the process of identifying and contacting persons to advise them that their medical cards and GP visit cards will issue. It is estimated that this process will take 3 weeks. No action is required on the part of those affected as the HSE will be in contact. If people do not hear from the HSE by mid July, they should contact the HSE on its Lo-Call contact number: 1890 25 29 19. These individuals will be able to access medical card and GP visit card services in the normal manner when they have been advised by the HSE that their medical card or GP visit card is active.
The Health Service Executive has been asked to examine the specific query raised 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.
Medical Card Applications
Questions (623)
Tom Fleming
Question:623. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will examine and grant a full medical card in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27166/14]
View answerWritten answers
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.
Medical Card Applications
Questions (624)
Seán Fleming
Question:624. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois. [27167/14]
View answerWritten answers
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 (625)
Seán Fleming
Question:625. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health when an operation will be carried out on a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27168/14]
View answerWritten answers
The National Waiting List Management Policy, A standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, January 2014, 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.
Question No. 626 answered with Question No. 534.
Medical Card Reviews
Questions (627)
Finian McGrath
Question:627. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card being revoked in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27172/14]
View answerWritten answers
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.
National Treatment Purchase Fund Waiting Times
Questions (628)
Billy Kelleher
Question:628. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health when the National Treatment Purchase Fund will publish its March waiting list report. [27173/14]
View answerWritten answers
The NTPF waiting list reports will be published today, Tuesday 24 June 2014.
Medical Card Reviews
Questions (629)
Timmy Dooley
Question:629. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary in view of the decision of 17 June regarding discretionary medical cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27184/14]
View answerWritten answers
In the context of the Government's decision to develop a policy framework for providing eligibility for health services on the basis of medical conditions, the Government recently announced that a medical card or GP visit card is to be issued to a person, with a serious illness, whose discretionary card was refused renewal since the centralisation of medical card assessments. If the medical card or GP visit card to which the Deputy refers was awarded by way of discretion and was refused renewal in the period from 1 July 2011 to 31 May 2014 following the completion of an eligibility review, a card will issue by the HSE.
The HSE has commenced the process of identifying and contacting persons to advise them that their medical cards and GP visit cards will issue. It is estimated that this process will take 3 weeks. No action is required on the part of those affected as the HSE will be in contact. If people do not hear from the HSE by mid July, they should contact the HSE on its Lo-Call contact number: 1890 25 29 19. These individuals will be able to access medical card and GP visit card services in the normal manner when they have been advised by the HSE that their medical card or GP visit card is active.
The Health Service Executive has been asked to examine the specific query raised 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.
Medical Card Reviews
Questions (630)
Stephen Donnelly
Question:630. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health if he will instruct the Health Service Executive to reinstate a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) until its original expiry date of 2017, as the card was awarded on the basis of a recurring illness which is being continually reviewed and which may require subsequent surgery, chemotherapy or other treatment. [27185/14]
View answerWritten answers
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.
Question No. 631 answered with Question No. 534.
Hospital Staff Recruitment
Questions (632)
John Halligan
Question:632. Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm the official figure for spend on agency staff within Waterford University Hospital, formerly Waterford Regional Hospital, for the years 2013 and to date in 2014; if his Department has any plans to lift the moratorium on recruitment within the sector and to advertise full-time positions to ensure staffing within the hospital is at the correct level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27203/14]
View answerWritten answers
The Government has decided that the numbers employed across the public service must be reduced in order to meet fiscal and budgetary targets. In order to mitigate the impact on frontline services of the reduction in employment numbers, the priority is to reform how health services are delivered in order to ensure a more productive and cost effective health system. The revised working arrangements provided for in the Haddington Road Agreement are a pivotal element in this regard. Subject to approval by senior managers, arrangements are in place in the HSE to allow the recruitment of staff where it has been established that there is an urgent service requirement.
In relation to specific queries regarding the Waterford University Hospital, I have arranged for the question to be forwarded to the HSE who will respond directly to the Deputy in this regard.
Primary Care Reimbursement Service Payments
Questions (633)
Róisín Shortall
Question:633. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the reimbursement of persons who were previously denied access to the long-term illness scheme due to holding a medical card; if persons who had their applications rejected but have not yet reapplied for the scheme will be reimbursed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27205/14]
View answerWritten answers
The HSE is responsible for the administration of the primary care schemes, therefore, the HSE has been asked to examine the issue raised by the Deputy and reply to her as soon as possible
Nursing Homes Support Scheme Applications
Questions (634)
Derek Keating
Question:634. Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Health the position regarding funding under the nursing home support scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27206/14]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Medical Card Reviews
Questions (635)
Tony McLoughlin
Question:635. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Health the reason persons (details supplied) in County Sligo were not informed directly that their medical card was being revoked and were only informed when the person visited the pharmacy; if he will ask the Health Service Executive to consider a review of this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27210/14]
View answerWritten answers
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.
Medical Card Reviews
Questions (636)
Timmy Dooley
Question:636. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare in view of the decision of 17 June regarding discretionary medical cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27216/14]
View answerWritten answers
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.
Medical Card Reviews
Questions (637)
Timmy Dooley
Question:637. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare in view of the decision of 17 June regarding discretionary medical cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27220/14]
View answerWritten answers
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.
Medical Card Reviews
Questions (638)
Timmy Dooley
Question:638. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare in view of the decision of 17 June regarding discretionary medical cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27222/14]
View answerWritten answers
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.
Question No. 639 answered with Question No. 549.
Medicinal Products Prices
Questions (640, 641)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:640. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health with regard to contraception, if his Department will make an agreement, as is implemented with prescription drugs, with manufacturer HRA Pharma regarding the cost of NorLevo to pharmacies, and set a maximum price of the drug to patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27249/14]
View answerMichael Healy-Rae
Question:641. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his views that emergency contraception be available free to medical card holders without prescription; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27250/14]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 640 and 641 together.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicinal products under the community drug schemes in accordance with the provisions of the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. The supplier can make an application to the HSE for their product to be included on the list of products covered under the GMS and other community drug schemes. The application is considered in line with the procedures and timescales agreed by the Department of Health and the HSE with the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA) for the assessment of new medicines. In accordance with these procedures, the HSE may ask the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE) to conduct a pharmacoeconomic evaluation of the new product which provides detailed information on the potential budget impact of the medicine. It also assesses whether the product is cost effective at the price quoted by the company in question. The NCPE report is an important input to assist the HSE in its decision making process and informs further discussions between the HSE and the supplier. The HSE assessment process is intended to arrive at a decision on the funding of new medicines that is clinically appropriate, fair, consistent and sustainable.
There are currently two levonorgestrel emergency hormonal contraception products licensed for sale on the Irish market – Levonelle® and NorLevo®. Levonelle® is a prescription only product which is currently included on the List of Reimbursable Items for the GMS and other community drug schemes. This product is therefore available to medical card holders under the GMS Scheme, subject to the prescription charge, once they have a prescription from their GP. The other levonorgestrel emergency hormonal contraception product licensed for sale on the Irish market is NorLevo®. In February, 2011 the Irish Medicines Board announced its decision to allow the sale of NorLevo® without prescription. This product may, therefore, be supplied from pharmacies without a prescription by or under the personal supervision of the pharmacist.
However, as NorLevo® is an over-the-counter product it no longer complies with the applicable reimbursement criteria for the GMS Scheme and other community drug schemes, as a prescription is not normally required for its supply to a patient. Therefore, for all recipients of this product, the supply process is essentially a private transaction between the patient and the pharmacy.
In the case of drugs and medicines which are paid for by the HSE, prices are set in accordance with the provisions of the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013 or the terms of the framework agreements between the Department of Health and the HSE and the representative bodies for pharmaceutical manufacturers in Ireland. However, neither the Minister for Health nor the HSE has any power to set the prices of drugs and medicines purchased by private patients.
The HSE advises the public that if they are being charged prices which exceed the reimbursement price listed on the HSE website (http://www.pcrs.ie/), plus a dispensing fee of between €3.50 and €5, then they should discuss the differential with their pharmacist to ensure they get the best possible price for the medicine concerned. In addition, measures have been taken to increase price transparency among retail pharmacies. In March of this year the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland issued guidelines to pharmacists on procedures and minimum standards of information to be provided to customers, including a requirement to provide an itemised receipt of purchase of medicines.