Wednesday, 17 Sep 2014

Written Answers Nos. 927-955

HIV-AIDS Programmes

Questions (927)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

927. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his views on whether the drug Truvada could end the HIV pandemic (details supplied). [33525/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

HIV is a notifiable disease in Ireland since September 2011 and is transmitted through contact with the blood, semen, vaginal fluid, or breast milk of a person infected with HIV. The most common way to get HIV is by having unprotected sex with a person who has HIV. Unprotected sex means not using a condom. Another common way to get HIV is by sharing drug injection equipment (such as needles and syringes) with a person infected with HIV.

Currently there is no vaccine or cure for HIV. However over the last 15 years, a number of drugs have been developed which fight HIV infection. A very effective treatment regimen, namely highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART), is widely used in the treatment of HIV and AIDS. The term HAART is used to describe a combination of three or more anti-HIV drugs. This treatment suppresses the HIV virus and can reverse the damage to the immune system for some time, prolonging the lives of those infected. The virus is continually changing, sometimes becoming resistant to current drugs, so HAART may not be a long-term solution and is not a cure.

Truvada was licensed in 2005 by the European Commission. In July 2012, the Food and Drug Administration approved the use of the combination drug emtricitabine-tenofovir (Truvada) to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted HIV infection in those who are at high risk in combination with other preventative measures such as condom use and clean needles. Truvada may also be used as a treatment of HIV in combination with other medications.

The aims of the new National Sexual Health Strategy are to improve sexual health and wellbeing and to reduce negative sexual health outcomes for everyone in Ireland and across the life course, by ensuring access to high quality sexual health information, education and services. This represents the first time that a nationally coordinated approach has been developed to address sexual health and wellbeing. The leadership, governance and coordination required to deliver the overarching goals for the sexual health strategy will be in line with both Future Health and Healthy Ireland and through their emerging structures and mechanisms for implementation.

Medical Aids and Appliances Provision

Questions (928)

Ruth Coppinger

Question:

928. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health his plans to increase the availability of defibrillators; and to increase the level of training in how to operate them. [33527/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

It was agreed that there are a number of questions that need to be considered when designing a public defibrillation programme for Ireland and Government approval was therefore granted for the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) to undertake a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) of a Public Access Defibrillator Programme for Ireland.

The Expert Advisory Group on Public Access Defibrillation is currently preparing its Final Draft Report. By the end of September 2014, it is envisaged that a Public Consultation will begin, ending late October 2014.

The health technology assessment of public access defibrillation currently being conducted by HIQA will examine the clinical and cost-effectiveness of different configurations of any potential public access defibrillation programme, which includes matters of training. The HIQA health technology assessment is due to be completed by end November 2014.

Question No. 929 answered with Question No. 804.

Health Services Provision

Questions (930)

Finian McGrath

Question:

930. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a residential placement in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33538/14]

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.

HSE Investigations

Questions (931)

Denis Naughten

Question:

931. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health further to topical issue debate of 18 December 2013, if he has received a response from the Health Service Executive; if he will now have an independent investigation into all of the circumstances surrounding this case and its handling by HSE management; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33540/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The HSE has confirmed that since the start of this year the Orthodontic Unit at Galway University Hospital has been subject to an external HSE inspection and an internal hygiene and decontamination audit. There are no ongoing patient safety issues associated with this matter and no plans for further investigations.

Question No. 932 answered with Question No. 824.

Health Strategies

Questions (933)

Denis Naughten

Question:

933. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health when he intends to publish the national strategy for dementia; the reason for the delay in its publication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33546/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The number of people living with dementia in Ireland is expected to increase threefold to approximately 132,000 by 2041. The Government has accordingly given a commitment to develop a national Alzheimer’s and other dementias strategy to increase awareness, ensure early diagnosis and intervention and ensure development of enhanced community based services. In April 2013, the Minister for Health and I established a National Advisory Group to assist in developing the Irish National Dementia Strategy. The formulation of a meaningful Strategy, in a context where State finances are limited, was challenging, but work is well advanced and the Strategy will be published in the coming months. Implementation will commence immediately after publication, with the initial emphasis being on actions that can be progressed within existing resources.

Hospitals Capital Programme

Questions (934)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

934. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the position regarding funding in respect of a hospital (details supplied) in County Kerry. [33547/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As with all capital projects the acute sector infrastructure 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 next multi-annual period 2015-2019 given the level of commitments and the costs to completion already in place. The HSE is concentrating on applying the limited funding available for capital works in the most effective way possible to meet needs now and in the future.

Disability Support Services

Questions (935, 1041)

Finian McGrath

Question:

935. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will give the maximum support to spina bifida patients in view of the fact that Ireland has one of the highest rates in the world. [33553/14]

Finian McGrath

Question:

1041. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will support the report on the health and therapy needs of children with spina bifida in Ireland 2014 – 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34045/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 935 and 1041 together.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) provides a range of health and personal social services for people with spina bifida. In addition the HSE National Service Plan for 2014 outlines the quantum of specialist disability services to be provided to people with disabilities, including people with spina bifida, from an allocated budget of over €1.4 billion.

I note that a research report "The Health and Therapy Needs of Children with Spina Bifida in Ireland" has been published recently by Temple Street Children's University Hospital, which I welcome. I look forward to discussing the findings with the researchers at a meeting which is scheduled to take place in the coming weeks.

Health Services Provision

Questions (936)

Finian McGrath

Question:

936. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position regarding services in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33555/14]

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.

Question No. 937 answered with Question No. 914.

Primary Care Reimbursement Service Payments

Questions (938)

Finian McGrath

Question:

938. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will re-examine the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33557/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for the administration of the primary care schemes. Therefore the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Hospital Appointments Status

Questions (939)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

939. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an operation in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33561/14]

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.

Vaccine Damage Compensation Scheme

Questions (940)

Denis Naughten

Question:

940. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health his views on the establishment of a no-fault compensation scheme for those who suffer as a result of vaccine administration; the position regarding the establishment of such a compensation fund for the parents of vaccine-damaged children; when a decision will be made on the implementation of the recommendations of this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33563/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The issues contained in the Report of the Vaccine Damage Steering Group are complex. They need to be considered in the wider context of how best to address the long term health and social needs of people who may have experienced adverse outcomes from all healthcare interventions.

Respite Care Services Availability

Questions (941)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

941. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if more respite hours will be provided by giving further funding to respite services (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33580/14]

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.

Medical Card Applications

Questions (942)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

942. 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. [33584/14]

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.

Hospital Appointments Status

Questions (943)

Tom Fleming

Question:

943. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health the position regarding surgery in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33585/14]

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.

Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant and hospital involved.

In relation to the specific query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Health Services Provision

Questions (944)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

944. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health if he will address the concerns raised in correspondence (details supplied) regarding weight management clinics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33615/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Bariatric services are provided in two public hospitals – St Vincent’s University Hospital in Dublin and Galway University Hospital. Bariatric surgery was originally provided by St. Columcille’s Hospital and, as part of the reconfiguration of hospital services, was transferred to St Vincent’s Hospital last year. Funding was agreed to ensure the continuity of service provision as part of the transfer of services. Typically St Columcille’s carried out 20 cases per year. We are advised by St Vincent’s that the hospital have provided in excess of this number so far this year. Galway University Hospital treat on average 50 cases per year and are not anticipating any reduction in service levels for 2014.

The HSE is working with St. Vincent's University Hospital and the lead Consultant, Dr. O'Shea, to see how the service can be optimised this year within the overall resources available for obesity management in SVUH and St. Columcille's Hospital. The development of Bariatric Services will be considered as part of the 2015 service planning process in the context of competing priorities.

Bariatric surgery is only required for a small minority of obese patients (2% of the population). The vast majority of these patients require clinical treatment that is both hospital and community based as indicated by the HSE-ICGP Weight Management Treatment Algorithm, the clinical care pathway used by healthcare professionals.

My predecessor, Minister Reilly established the Special Action Group on Obesity (SAGO) comprising representatives from relevant Government Departments, the HSE, the Food Safety Authority, members of Academia, service professionals and safefood to examine and progress a number of issues to address the problem of overweight and obesity in Ireland.

Progress has also been made on the Healthy Eating Guidelines, Calories on Menus initiative and the Report on Recommendations to reduce consumption of high fat, salt and sugar foods and drinks from the Top Shelf of the Food Pyramid.

The Department of Health is also developing a new obesity policy this year which will have a significant impact on the obesity agenda, provide a framework for action based on a number of informants and help lead inter-sectoral work in addressing overweight and obesity in Ireland.

In relation to the particular query in relation to waiting lists for bariatric surgery raised by the Deputy, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to you on this matter.

Drugs Payment Scheme Coverage

Questions (945)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

945. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health if there will be a review of the decision not to make the drug Fampyra, which is used in the treatment of patients with multiple sclerosis, available under the Health Service Executive drug payments scheme; and if his Department is reviewing the operation of current drug treatments available to MS patients. [33635/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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 HSE received an application for the inclusion of Fampridine in the GMS and community drugs schemes. The application was considered in line with the procedures and timescales agreed by the Department of Health and the HSE with the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association for the assessment of new medicines. In accordance with these procedures, the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE) conducted a pharmacoeconomic evaluation of Fampridine and concluded that, as the manufacturer was unable to demonstrate the cost effectiveness of Fampridine in the Irish healthcare setting, it was unable to recommend the reimbursement of the product. The report is available on the NCPE's website (www.ncpe.ie ). 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. Due to the very difficult and challenging economic environment in which the Government targeted additional savings in health expenditure of €619 million in 2014, which must be achieved while protecting front line services to the most vulnerable to the greatest extent possible, the HSE decided it was not in a position to add the drug to the List of Reimbursable Items supplied under the GMS and other community drug schemes.

It is open to the supplier, at any time, to submit a new application to the HSE incorporating new evidence which demonstrates the cost effectiveness of Fampridine. Biogen Idec's Irish management indicated to the HSE in November 2013 that it intended to re-submit an application in April 2014. The HSE has advised it received a revised application from Biogen Idec on Friday 25th July. This application is currently being assessed in line with the agreed procedures and timescales. No further comment is possible at this time as the HSE decision making process is ongoing.

The Department is not currently engaged in a process to review the current drug treatments available to MS patients.

Diabetes Strategy

Questions (946)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

946. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health if additional resources required for the implementation of the model of care under the national clinical programme for diabetes, particularly for the services required for children and adolescents with diabetes, will be provided in the Estimates for the 2015 national service plan for the Health Service Executive. [33649/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The services referred to by the Deputy are being considered in the context of the annual Estimates process for the 2015 HSE National Service Plan.

Hospital Staff

Questions (947)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

947. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm that one of the whole-time equivalent posts at Our Lady’s Children's Hospital, Crumlin funded by the Health Service Executive remains vacant due to staff sick leave; and to outline the arrangements that will be made to fill this post. [33650/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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

Nursing Staff Provision

Questions (948)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

948. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the actions that will be taken by his Department in conjunction with the Health Service Executive to ensure that the recommendations of the report issued in April 2008 following the review completed by the diabetes expert advisory group can be implemented in practice, in particular the recommendation to have one nurse specialist per 100 children or adolescents with diabetes; and to improve on the current ratio of one nurse specialist to 250 children or adolescents with diabetes. [33651/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The matters mentioned by the Deputy are, among other things, a function of the availability of additional resources, which are examined in the context of the HSE National Service Plan as part of the annual Estimates process.

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for a direct reply to the Deputy.

Medical Aids and Appliances Provision

Questions (949)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

949. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the actions that will be taken by his Department in conjunction with the Health Service Executive to reduce delays in the pump start-up service for children and adolescents with diabetes in order that the 48 children and adolescents awaiting commencements of pumps as of July 2014 and the further 11 children and adolescents who have funding approved but are awaiting the initiation with pumps as of July 2014 can commence insulin pump therapy. [33652/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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

Departmental Staff Data

Questions (950)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

950. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 828 of 27 May 2014, if the report referred to in the reply is now to hand. [33659/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

My Department has again requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Health Service Executive to arrange for a reply to issue to the Deputy on this matter 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 Data

Questions (951)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

951. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 829 of 27 May 2014, if the report referred to in the reply is now to hand. [33660/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

My Department has again requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Health Service Executive to arrange for a reply to issue to the Deputy on this matter 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 Administration

Questions (952)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

952. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 831 of 27 May 2014, if the report referred to in the reply is now to hand. [33661/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

My Department has again requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Health Service Executive to arrange for a reply to issue to the Deputy on this matter 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 (953)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

953. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 38 of 25 June 2014, if the report referred to in the reply is now to hand. [33662/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

In relation to the Deputy's further question in this matter, I had previously asked the Health Service Executive to respond to him directly in June. I have again reminded the HSE to respond to the request.

Health Services Provision

Questions (954)

Finian McGrath

Question:

954. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position regarding appropriate accommodation in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 4; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33665/14]

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.

Medical Card Applications

Questions (955)

Finian McGrath

Question:

955. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33667/14]

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.