Written Answers Nos. 128-134
128. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 759 of 8 July 2014, if she will provide an update on the application lodged with the Health Service Executive for the inclusion of the drug Fampyra for multiple sclerosis under the community drugs scheme; when she expects a decision to issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42310/14]
View answerThe decisions on which medicines are reimbursed by the taxpayer, are not political or ministerial decisions. These are made on objective, scientific and economic grounds by the Health Service Executive (HSE) on the advice of the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE).
The 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 NCPE conducted a pharmacoeconomic evaluation of Fampridine and concluded that, as the manufacturer was unable to demonstrate sufficient effectiveness and a fair price for 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).
On foot of this, the HSE decided that 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.
As was outlined in the reply to your question of the 8th of July, it is open to the supplier, at any time, to submit a new application to the HSE for the inclusion of Fampridine on the community drugs schemes incorporating new evidence which demonstrates the cost-effectiveness of the drug, by offering a reduced price or both. A revised application was subsequently received by the HSE on 25th July 2014 and is currently being considered in line with the agreed procedures and timescales. No further comment is possible at this time as the HSE decision making process is ongoing.
I would like to assure the Deputy that the Department, and the HSE, fully understand the concerns of patients regarding the availability of this drug. While I appreciate that some may take the view that the taxpayer should reimburse every licensed medicine for whatever the price the drug company demands, I hope the Deputy will appreciate that the better interests of the health service require that we reimburse only the most effective medicines and only at a fair price.
129. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the position regarding UK pensions and payments from the UK Government here; if both Administrations have since agreed in principle to work towards a form of pensioner registration which will form the basis for calculating pensioner reimbursement costs in the future and agreed interim arrangements for determining pensioner liability, based on previous survey result trends; the estimated figure for same for the year 2014 and when same will be resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42312/14]
View answerSince 1973 Ireland has operated a bilateral healthcare reimbursement agreement with the United Kingdom in respect of health services provided under EU Regulations. This agreement covers such persons as temporary visitors between the two countries, pensioners of one country and their dependants residing in the other country, and the dependant families of persons employed in the other country.
Under the terms of the agreement net liability between the two countries is calculated on a lump sum basis. The amount payable is the net difference between the estimated costs to the two countries for providing healthcare to entitled persons. Payments are made in advance and are subject to final settlement once all necessary statistical and financial information for the particular year is complete. Total payments in any one year can relate to both final settlements in respect of previous years' liabilities and advance payments in respect of the current year. A total of €172 million has been paid by the United Kingdom in 2014.
By far the largest part of the payments made on an annual basis under the agreement relates to the provision of healthcare to pensioners of one country residing in the other country. The estimated number of pensioners for whom each country is liable was based on a sample survey undertaken by both administrations every three years, the most recent of which was completed in 2008.
Both administrations have since agreed, in principle, to work towards the introduction of a system of pensioner registration. This will form the basis for calculating reimbursement costs in the future. It was accepted that such a process would take some years to introduce. Consequently, both administrations agreed to interim arrangements for determining pensioner liability based on previous survey results trends. Discussions between both administrations on introducing such a system of pensioner registration are ongoing.
130. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the reason the Health Service Executive did not accept the advice of social workers and doctors in relation to a person (details supplied) with a long-term brain injury who was referred to an Alzheimer's unit which it is felt will have no impact on their recovery and rehabilitation, is against the advice of doctors and social workers and where it appears the HSE's decision was not based on that specific individual's need. [42332/14]
View answerAs the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, she can contact my Private Office and they will follow the matter up with the HSE.
131. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the concerns expressed by the Irish Fire and Emergency Services in respect of the introduction of post codes in spring 2015; the discussions he has had with the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in respect of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42352/14]
View answerThe National Ambulance Service (NAS) is currently engaged in a process of modernising and reconfiguring its services. This is to ensure that pre-hospital emergency care is delivered in an appropriate and timely manner. This process includes using modern technology to improve service delivery. Any developments which enable the NAS to respond more quickly to patients in emergency situations are to be welcomed.
The new postal codes will assist in directing emergency resources to patients. Where the caller is in an area with a new postal code, the code will be entered into the Computer-Aided Dispatch system and the dispatcher will then activate the nearest available ambulance resource to the patient. Where no code is available - for example, in areas such as mountains, open land or beaches - the NAS will, as currently, establish the location from the caller and dispatch the nearest resource.
As postal address codes will provide definitive information on the location of a patient, this will assist in the deployment of emergency responses. The NAS therefore looks forward to the implementation of these codes.
132. Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Health the number of children in receipt of respite in County Kerry at present; and the number of children in receipt of respite in the country at present. [42367/14]
View answerThe vision for the Health Service Executive's Disability Services Programme is to contribute to the realisation of a society where people with disabilities are supported, as far as possible, to participate to their full potential in economic and social life, and have access to a range of quality personal social supports and services including respite care to enhance their quality of life.
In relation to the specific queries raised by the Deputy, as these are service issues, they have been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, he can contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with the HSE.
133. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health the plans in place by the Health Service Executive to have dialectical behavioural therapy available throughout all areas of the country. [42387/14]
View answer134. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health the position regarding dialectical behaviour therapy in respect of a person (details supplied). [42388/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 133 and 134 together.
As this is a service issue this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
