Wednesday, 17 Sep 2014

Written Answers Nos. 840-869

Nursing Homes Support Scheme Data

Questions (840, 842)

Robert Dowds

Question:

840. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Health the number of persons that are currently part of the nursing home support scheme. [33243/14]

Robert Dowds

Question:

842. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Health if he will consider excluding rental income from the income assessment of a person who is part of the nursing home support scheme, where they agree to rent the home to a recipient of rent supplement, or the new housing assistance payment. [33245/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 840 and 842 together.

The Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS) provides financial support towards the cost of long-term residential care services in nursing homes. In 2014 a total amount of €938m is available for the Scheme. As of the end July 2014 (latest figures available) 22,162 people were being supported by the Scheme.

The NHSS is already a generous Scheme which meets by far the greater part of the cost of care for the great majority of participants. The Scheme already includes significant safeguards for residents including:

- Nobody will pay more than the actual cost of care;

- The first €36,000 of a person's assets, or €72,000 for a couple, is not taken into account during the financial assessment;

- The principal residence is only included in the financial assessment for the first three years of a person's time in care. This three year cap can also apply to family farms/businesses in certain circumstances;

- Where an individual's assets include land and property in the State, the contribution based on such assets may be deferred and collected from their estate. This is the optional Nursing Home Loan element of the Scheme;

- Individuals keep a personal allowance of 20% of their income or 20% of the maximum rate of the State Pension (non-contributory), whichever is the greater;

- If there is a spouse/partner remaining at home, s/he will retain 50% of the couple's income, or the maximum rate of the State Pension (non-contributory), which ever is the greater;

- Certain items of expenditure, called allowable deductions, can be taken into account during the financial assessment. These allowable deductions include health expenses;

- There is a financial review mechanism which takes account of the fluctuating value of assets and the fact that cash assets will naturally deplete over time as payments are made to nursing homes etc.

In all of these circumstances, it is not envisaged that an additional exclusion could be introduced on the basis suggested by the Deputy.

Nursing Homes Support Scheme Data

Questions (841)

Robert Dowds

Question:

841. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Health the number of members of the nursing home support scheme who own their own home; and the number of these homes that are no longer inhabited. [33244/14]

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.

Question No. 842 answered with Question No. 840.

Medical Card Eligibility

Questions (843)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

843. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry. [33250/14]

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.

Nursing Staff Recruitment

Questions (844, 892)

Seán Fleming

Question:

844. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will consider implementing the full national Hepatitis C strategy in lifting the moratorium on the recruitment of nurses to increase nurses dealing with Hepatitis C cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33252/14]

Peter Mathews

Question:

892. Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Health if he will consider lifting the moratorium on recruitment of public sector staff to expand the number of Hepatitis C nurses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33378/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 844 and 892 together.

The Government has decided that the numbers employed across the public service must be reduced in order to meet fiscal and budgetary targets and introduced a moratorium on recruitment in the Public Service in March 2009. The health sector must make its contribution to that reduction.

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. It should be noted that, 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.

Hospital Facilities

Questions (845)

Mary Mitchell O'Connor

Question:

845. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the upgrading of the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dún Laoghaire; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33254/14]

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.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Questions (846)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

846. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a cataract operation in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33259/14]

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 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.

Medical Card Reviews

Questions (847)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

847. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an over 70s medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry. [33260/14]

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.

Medical Card Eligibility

Questions (848)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

848. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry. [33261/14]

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.

Home Care Packages Provision

Questions (849)

Finian McGrath

Question:

849. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the home care package scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33263/14]

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.

Hepatitis C Incidence

Questions (850, 891, 919, 925)

Finian McGrath

Question:

850. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position regarding reducing the transmission of Hepatitis C (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33264/14]

Peter Mathews

Question:

891. Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Health his plans to ensure that funding is made available to ensure full implementation of the National Hepatitis C Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33377/14]

Gerry Adams

Question:

919. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Health Service Executive launched its National Hepatitis C Strategy on 4 September 2012; that this strategy outlined a time-lined plan to reduce transmission of Hepatitis C and improve care of patients with the disease; and if any funding was made available to implement its recommendations. [33488/14]

Joe Higgins

Question:

925. Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the implementation of the National Hepatitis C strategy; and the steps he has taken to ensure adequate funding and staffing required. [33509/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 850, 891, 919 and 925 together.

The National Hepatitis C Strategy 2011-2014, which was developed by the Health Service Executive, was published on 4 September 2012. The Strategy provides a framework for a coordinated and integrated response to Hepatitis C in Ireland. The National Hepatitis C Strategy Implementation Committee was established by the Health Service Executive to progress the recommendations of the Strategy. Funding for the implementation of the Strategy in 2015 will be determined in the context of the Estimates process.

I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputies in relation to progress achieved to date in the implementation of the recommendations of the Strategy.

Disability Support Services

Questions (851, 852, 853, 857)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

851. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health if he has carried out an impact analysis of the cuts to funding for early intervention services for children with disabilities, particularly in the case of north Dublin whereby the early intervention team there has not been in a position to accept any new referrals since November 2012 due to a large volume of children on the existing caseload and consistent cuts in staff numbers due to the moratorium on public service recruitment. [33265/14]

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

852. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Questions No. 248 and 250 of 3 April 2014 and No. 650 of 24 June 2014, if he will provide further details regarding the way the targeted investment of €4 million and the provision of 80 additional therapy staff as part of the roll out of the progressing disability services for children and young people aged zero to 18 programme will have an impact on improving services for children with disabilities, including those with autism; when these additional staff members will be recruited; and if he will provide a breakdown by the Health Service Executive region of where the allocated funding will be spent. [33266/14]

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

853. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Questions No. 248 and 250 of 3 April 2014 and No. 650 of 24 June 2014, the current status of the works being completed by the local implementation groups in Dublin as part of the roll out of the progressing disability services for children and young people aged zero to 18 programme; if the consultation phase with all stakeholders has been completed as well as the development of implementation plans and the commencement of reconfiguring services. [33267/14]

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

857. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Questions No. 248 and 250 of 3 April 2014 and No. 650 of 24 June 2014, if he will provide an update on the number of reconfigured early intervention teams currently in place in Dublin; and if the planned 12 network teams for north Dublin are now in place [33272/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 851 to 853, inclusive, and 857 together.

The Government is committed to the provision and development of services for children with a disability, including early intervention services, within available resources. These services are in the process of being reconfigured under the HSE’s National Programme on Progressing Disability Services for Children and Young People (0-18 years).

The aim of the Progressing Disability Services Programme is to achieve a national, unified approach to delivering disability health services so that there is a clear pathway to services for all children, regardless of where they live, what school they go to or the nature of their disability. The Programme is organised at national, regional and local level and includes representatives from the health and education sectors, non-statutory service providers and parents. It is envisaged that the Programme, when implemented, will have a positive impact on the provision of clinical services for all children who require access to health related supports. An additional €4m has been specifically allocated in 2014 to drive implementation of the Programme. This equates to approximately 80 therapy posts. Following detailed consideration by the Executive, these additional therapy posts have now been allocated and the recruitment process to fill same is currently underway.

The specific queries raised by the Deputy regarding the implementation of the Programme, including the impact of the additional €4m investment, the recruitment of therapists, the current status of Local Implementation Groups and Early Intervention and School Age Network Teams and consultation with stakeholders are operational matters for the HSE. Accordingly I have arranged for the Deputy's questions to be referred to the Executive for direct reply to him.

Disability Diagnoses

Questions (854, 855)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

854. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Questions No. 248 and 250 of 3 April 2014 and No. 650 of 24 June 2014, if he is concerned that 1,215 applications for assessment of need under the Disability Act 2005 were overdue for completion according to a report developed by the Health Service Executive for quarter one of 2014 and that only 30% of the assessments in the quarter were completed on time; the way improvements will be made in carrying out assessments of need in a more timely manner. [33268/14]

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

855. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Questions No. 248 and 250 of 3 April 2014 and No. 650 of 24 June 2014, if additional resources will be allocated in order to cater for the increased demands placed on staff carrying out assessments of need under the Disability Act 2005 due to the extension of the eligibility for assessment in terms of age following a ruling of the High Court in 2009 such that all children born after 1 June 2002 are eligible to apply for an assessment at any time regardless of their age. [33269/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 854 and 855 together.

Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005 was commenced on 1 June 2007 in respect of children aged under 5. In 2008, the then Government decided, in the light of financial circumstances, to defer further implementation of the Disability Act 2005 and the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004. However, in light of legal advice following a High Court ruling, children born after 1st June 2002 are being treated by the HSE as eligible to apply for an assessment under the Act. Part 2 of the 2005 Act provides for an assessment of the needs of eligible applicants, occasioned by their disability, to be commenced within three months of receipt of an application and completed within a further three months.

Although the HSE recognises that it faces significant challenges in respect of meeting the statutory time-frames which apply to the Assessment of Need (AON) process, given the number and complexity of cases, it has taken a number of measures to address the issue. It has issued guidance to its staff that, where there is a delay in the assessment process, this should not affect the delivery of necessary and appropriate interventions identified for a particular child. While any delay in assessment or intervention for any child is not desirable, the assessment process under the Disability Act can take place in parallel with any intervention which is identified as necessary.

In 2011, the Department of Health and the HSE jointly commissioned the National Disability Authority (NDA) to review the operation of the Assessment of Need (AON) process in the HSE. This report was published by the NDA and can be accessed at www.nda.ie. The NDA research has found that there was no one single solution to remove all of the challenges to operating a statutory assessment of need. It also found that where integrated children's disability teams have already been established under the HSE’s Progressing Disability Services for Children and Young People Programme, the AON process has worked more smoothly. In light of the NDA’s findings, an additional emphasis is currently being placed on re-configuring children's disability services into integrated multi-disciplinary geographically-based early-intervention and school-aged teams, as part of the HSE's Progressing Disability Services Programme. The aim of this Programme is to bring about equity and consistency, with a clear pathway for children with disabilities and their families to services, regardless of where they live, what school they go to or the nature of their difficulty. The Programme is a key priority for the HSE in 2014, with an additional €4m allocated to assist in its implementation.

As the allocation of resources is an operational matter for the HSE, I have referred the Deputy's query regarding the allocation of additional resources to the Executive for direct reply to him.

Disability Services Funding

Questions (856)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

856. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 248 and 250 of 3 April 2014 and No. 650 of 24 June 2014, his position on the report completed by the National Disability Authority into the practice of the assessment of need under the Disability Act 2005 which was submitted by the NDA for consideration by his Department. [33270/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

Part 2 of the Disability 2005 Act, which was commenced on 1 June 2007, provides for an assessment of the needs of eligible applicants, occasioned by their disability, to be commenced within three months of receipt of an application and completed within a further three months. In 2011, the Department of Health and the HSE jointly commissioned the National Disability Authority (NDA) to review the operation of the Assessment of Need (AON) process in the HSE. This report was published by the NDA and can be accessed at www.nda.ie.

The NDA research has found that there was no one single solution to remove all of the challenges to operating a statutory assessment of need. It also found that where integrated children's disability teams have already been established under the HSE’s Progressing Disability Services for Children and Young People Programme, the AON process has worked more smoothly. In light of the NDA’s findings, an additional emphasis is currently being placed on re-configuring children's disability services into integrated multi-disciplinary geographically-based early-intervention and school-aged teams, as part of the HSE's Progressing Disability Services Programme. The aim of this Programme is to bring about equity and consistency, with a clear pathway for children with disabilities and their families to services, regardless of where they live, what school they go to or the nature of their difficulty. The Programme is a key priority for the HSE in 2014, with an additional €4m allocated to assist in its implementation.

Officials from my Department will continue to engage with the HSE and the NDA to further consider the findings contained in this Report.

Question No. 857 answered with Question No. 851.

Disability Support Services Provision

Questions (858)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

858. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health his position on the plans developed by the Health Service Executive to roll out the Progressing Disability Services for Children and Young People (0-18s) Programme; if he is satisfied with the nature of the plans for the reconfiguration of early intervention services; if he will confirm that the target of full implementation of the model as scheduled for the end of 2015 will be achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33273/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The Government is committed to the provision and development of services for children with a disability, including early intervention services, within available resources. These services are in the process of being reconfigured under the HSE’s National Programme on Progressing Disability Services for Children and Young People (0-18 years).

The aim of the Progressing Disability Services Programme is to achieve a national, unified approach to delivering disability health services so that there is a clear pathway to services for all children, regardless of where they live, what school they go to or the nature of their disability. It also seeks to ensure that resources are used to the greatest benefit of all children and families and that health and education strategies work together to support children in achieving their potential. The Programme is organised at national, regional and local level and includes representatives from the health and education sectors, non-statutory service providers and parents. It is envisaged that the Programme, when implemented, will have a positive impact on the provision of clinical services for all children who require access to health related supports. An additional €4m has been specifically allocated in 2014 to drive implementation of the Programme. This equates to approximately 80 therapy posts. Following detailed consideration by the Executive, these additional therapy posts have now been allocated and the recruitment process to fill same is currently underway.

The HSE's Social Care Division has indicated in its 2014 Operational Plan that the Programme is being implemented on a phased basis, with full implementation scheduled for the end of 2015. Accordingly, I have arranged for the Deputy's query in relation to this target to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

Medical Card Eligibility

Questions (859)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

859. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33274/14]

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.

Nursing Homes Support Scheme Expenditure

Questions (860, 861)

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

860. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Health the overall budget for the fair deal scheme in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33276/14]

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

861. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Health the overall budget for the fair deal scheme in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33277/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 860 and 861 together.

The needs of our older people are, and will remain, a very high priority for me and for the Government, and the resources that are available will be applied to provide the best possible mix of supports and services in a way that most effectively matches the needs and preferences of older people themselves, with a particular focus on enabling people to live as independently as possible in the community.

The total budget for long-term residential care was €974m in 2013 and is €939m in 2014. A number of people covered by funding arrangements which preceded the Scheme are also covered by this funding.

The €939m available for the Nursing Homes Support Scheme in 2014 represents a reduction of €35m on the 2013 provision. The target in the HSE's Service Plan 2014 is for 22,061 persons to be in receipt of financial support for long-term nursing home care by year end. However, €23m has been transferred from the Nursing Homes Support Scheme to provide additional community services, with a view to allowing more older people to be supported in their own homes and communities for longer. This reorientation is in line with both Government policy and with the expressed wishes of older people.

Nursing Homes Support Scheme Administration

Questions (862, 863)

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

862. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Health the current length of time from receipt of an application for the fair deal scheme until approval; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33278/14]

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

863. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Health the length of time from the receipt of an application for the fair deal scheme until approval as of December 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33279/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 862 and 863 together.

As these are service matters they have been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Medical Card Eligibility

Questions (864)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

864. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health if he will approve an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33294/14]

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.

Patient Safety

Questions (865)

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

865. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Health the measures the management at Galway University Hospital put in place to reduce the number of patients on trolleys in the emergency department during the period from 2010 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33296/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy.

Question No. 866 answered with Question No. 824.

Medical Card Reviews

Questions (867)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

867. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health if he will restore a discretionary medical card, which was removed under the review process, in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33305/14]

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.

Medical Card Reviews

Questions (868)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

868. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33310/14]

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.

Prescriptions Data

Questions (869, 1046)

Michael McGrath

Question:

869. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will provide in tabular form the total amount raised from prescription charges in each year since 2011 to date in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33311/14]

Alan Farrell

Question:

1046. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Health the amount collected by the Exchequer from prescription charges over the past three years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34085/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 869 and 1046 together.

The total amount raised from prescription charges in each year since 2011 to date in 2014 is as follows;

Year	Total €
2011	€27.6 Million
2012	€29.7 Million
2013	€85.6 Million
2014	€120 Million (projected)