Written Answers Nos. 121-147
121. Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) in County Waterford who sought to avail of hospital transport was deemed not eligible for the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47376/14]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.
122. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 615 of 15 July 2014 if he will provide figures of the amount and location of detox beds that are designated solely for drug rehabilitation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47382/14]
View answerIn line with the National Drugs Strategy, it is Government policy to expand the availability of, and access to, detoxification facilities and treatment services, in particular for those who are under 18 years of age.
As the information requested by the Deputy is not readily available to my Department, I have referred the Deputy's query 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 my officials will follow the matter up.
123. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated with a hospital appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47384/14]
View answerIn relation to the particular patient query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.
124. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that the provision of clinical and laboratory genetic services continue to be provided on a national basis, similar to that as currently provided by the national centre for medical genetics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47386/14]
View answerThe service for medical genetics in Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin (OLCHC) provides services for patients and families in Ireland affected by, or at risk of, a genetic disorder. It comprises three integrated units: a clinical genetics service; a cytogenetics laboratory and a molecular genetics laboratory. The service is under the governance of OLCHC, which has recently made a decision to discontinue the separate identification of the service as the National Centre for Medical Genetics, in the interest of clarity on governance arrangements. I am assured that there has been no reduction in the scope of the services provided.
There have been rapid and progressive developments in genetics and genomic medicine over the past five years, and it is well recognised as one area of medicine that will continue to rapidly develop over coming years. A recently-commissioned review of the genetic services at OLCHC recommended the development of a plan for a National Genetic and Genomic Medicine Network to reflect best international arrangements for the provision of genetic services. This recommendation has been accepted by the HSE and a Steering Group to progress it is currently being established.
125. Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide, by year, from 2009 to date in 2014, the reductions in occupational health therapy posts; the reasons for the reductions; his plans to increase the posts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47390/14]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy. 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.
126. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health if he will review the pension case in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24, noting the stated view of the Pensions Ombudsman that misadministration was involved and has created financial hardship for the person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47418/14]
View answerI have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter. 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.
127. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health the schedule being followed in respect of development of the proposed ambulatory care centre at Tallaght Hospital, Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47419/14]
View answerFollowing the announcement on 6 November 2012 that the new children's hospital was to be located on the St James’s campus, a review of the previous plan for an Ambulatory and Urgent Care Centre at Tallaght was undertaken. In January 2014 the Minister for Health announced that following this review, two satellite centres of the new children's hospital would be developed, one at Tallaght Hospital and a second at Connolly Hospital. These centres will support the children’s hospital in the provision of secondary paediatric care for the region and enhance the interface with primary care by local access to emergency and local access to OPD general paediatric services, including rapid access clinics, for local children and young people. Each centre will provide consultant-delivered urgent care, and secondary outpatient services including rapid access general paediatric clinics. The centres will be under the governance of the new children’s hospital, with staff of the main hospital rotating through the centres
Design work on the satellite centres is now commencing, with the aim of submitting a planning application for the centres as part of the overall new children's hospital planning application in June 2015. Subject to planning, work will commence at all three sites in January 2016. Transition of services to the satellite centres is expected to commence in April 2017.
128. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an application for a primary medical certificate in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47422/14]
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.
129. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health if demographic trends were considered when allocating resources for Cappagh National Orthopaedic Hospital for 2014 in view of demographic trends in similar jurisdictions that result in increased demands for in-patient treatments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47437/14]
View answerDecisions on allocation of resources to individual hospitals are made by the HSE in the context of competing priorities and the overall resources available. I understand that the HSE has been in active engagement with Cappagh Hospital this year regarding their finances and to examine and agree options for optimising the available resources to ensure patients have timely access. The HSE recently facilitated €800k in additional funding to enable Cappagh Hospital to treat 102 patients from the waiting list in Cavan General Hospital and to also facilitate treatment for some additional Cappagh patients. In relation to 2015, I understand that the HSE will continue to engage with the hospital regarding its budget and to explore mechanisms to ensure optimal use of resources at the hospital within the overall resources available to the acute sector.
The Deputy will be aware that Cappagh Hospital is part of the Ireland East Hospital Group and I am confident that there will be a structured integration of Cappagh hospital into that Hospital Group in 2015 and that this will provide opportunities and support for Cappagh hospital in managing demand and delivering high-quality, safe patient care in a cost-effective manner.
130. Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health the position regarding home help in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47438/14]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive 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.
131. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health the arrangements for the implementation of the new medical card guidelines as announced by him on 25 November 2014; when the new arrangements will take effect at local level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47443/14]
View answerFollowing the launch of the two reports in November: (1) Report of the Expert Panel on Medical Need for Medical Card Eligibility and (2) the Medical Card Process Review undertaken by Deloitte / Prospectus, Minister Varadkar and I announced ten key actions, required to enhance the operation of the medical card system, with particular focus on persons with significant medical needs.
A project has been established under the HSE System Reform Programme commencing the implementation of the actions. The project will include:
- the development of a strategic plan for and organisation structure for the service;
- the design and establishment of a governance structure for eligibility;
- further integration of the national medical card application processes with
- local areas and primary care teams; and
- the establishment of Clinical Advisory Group to develop an enhanced assessment process which will take into account the burden of an illness or condition.
A senior manager with responsibility for eligibility for primary and community services has recently been appointed.
132. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health the actions he has taken in view of a recent inquest (details supplied) in County Sligo; if he will meet the family of the deceased to hear their concerns at first hand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47444/14]
View answerAt the outset, I want to offer my deepest sympathies to Mr Sean Rowlette, his children Leanne, Abbie, Joseph and Sally and their families, on the sad and tragic loss of Ms Rowlette.
I am committed to the improvement of maternity services. On 26th November last, I endorsed and launched a further three National Clinical Guidelines. Two of the guidelines promote safety and higher standards in maternity hospitals through standardising an early warning system and clinical handover communication tools. These assist the early identification of deterioration and on-going monitoring of the woman’s condition. The third guideline specifically aims to tackle sepsis for patients, both adults and children, in the emergency department and in hospital wards. The guidelines were quality assured by the National Clinical Effectiveness Committee and were subject to international peer review. I should also draw attention to the additional funding of €2m which has been provided in the recently published national service plan to address current pressures in maternity services. The measures proposed include the appointment of additional obstetricians, midwives and other frontline staff. An additional consultant obstetrician post will be assigned to Sligo Regional Hospital. In 2015 the HSE will also establish a new National Maternity Office within its Acute Hospitals Division which I hope will drive further improvement in our maternity services.
The HSE has advised that improvements continue to be made in Sligo Regional Hospital including:
- The introduction of a structured handover meeting with medical staff, from one shift to the next.
- The establishment of a Postnatal Communication Process for women who developed severe HELLP syndrome.
- Enhancement of the admission and discharge policy for ICU.
- The continued development of risk management structures and processes.
I believe it is important that we reassure women, and indeed their families, that Ireland continues to be a safe country for a woman to give birth, and our safety record compares favourably with other developed countries.
While I have not yet received a request from the family concerned for a meeting, I can assure the Deputy that any such request will be treated with compassion and sensitivity.
133. Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) in County Galway may be considered for urgent dental treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47450/14]
View answerDental services to children up to 16 years are provided by the Public Dental Service of the HSE. The service is targeted at children at key stages in their development. Children are given dental examinations and any follow-up treatment required at these stages. When required, emergency dental treatment is available to all children up to 16 years. The HSE has been asked to examine the specific query raised by the Deputy and to reply to him as soon as possible.
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.
134. Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Health further to the lifting of the embargo on recruitment in the public sector by him if that decision will facilitate the transfer of Health Service Executive staff between hospitals, particularly within hospital groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47459/14]
View answerRestrictions on the employment of additional staff will be eased in 2015 as a result of announcements in the Budget. This will give HSE management greater autonomy to manage their own staffing profile, with discretion over staffing levels within an overall pay framework resulting in flexibility to introduce measures for the most cost effective arrangements to meet service requirements and deliver care.
In 2015, Hospital Groups will develop Strategic Plans covering a three year period. Of key importance will be the flexible use of all resources available, including staff, to facilitate the development of a more a co-ordinated approach to the planning and delivery of services within and across the hospital groups, with an increased focus on small hospitals managing routine, urgent or planned care locally and more complex care managed in the larger hospitals.
135. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will support respite services at a special school (details supplied) in Dublin 9; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47460/14]
View answer143. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will support a matter (details supplied) regarding respite; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47498/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 135 and 143 together.
As 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.
136. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health if he will take steps to expedite a neurological procedure in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47468/14]
View answerThe National Waiting List Management Policy, A standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, January 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, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up with them.
137. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health if an additional 0.5 nursing resource allocation will be approved to University Hospital Galway to ensure the provision of the insulin pump treatment for GUH paediatric diabetic service to make the best possible use of the recently approved 0.5 senior dietetic post which forms part of this important service [47469/14]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.
138. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Health the reason there has been such a long delay in adding another paediatric urologist position at Crumlin Hospital, Dublin, as currently there is only one full time practitioner in the entire country; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there are currently waiting lists of over two years for children with hyposadias cases; his plans to bring these waiting lists down in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47472/14]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.
139. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the routine out-patient waiting list at St James Hospital, Dublin 8; the number of persons waiting more than three months, more than six months, more than 12 months, more than two years, more than three years and longer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47473/14]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.
140. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite admission to the National Rehabilitation Hospital, Dun Laoghaire, County Dublin, in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47478/14]
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, he can contact my Private Office and they will follow the matter up with the HSE.
141. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on a primary care centre (details supplied) that is planned for an area in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47486/14]
View answerAs the delivery of primary care infrastructure is a service matter your question has been referred to the Health Service Executive 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 on the matter.
142. Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the national dementia strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47487/14]
View answerArrangements are currently in train for the publication of the National Dementia Strategy, and it is hoped to publish it by the end of this month.
144. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a school transport refund will be provided in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47423/14]
View answerBus Éireann, which operates the School Transport Scheme on behalf of my Department, has advised that the child referred to by the Deputy is not eligible for school transport under the terms of the Post Primary School Transport Scheme.Children who are not eligible for school transport may avail of transport on a concessionary basis only subject to a number of terms and conditions including the availability of spare seats and payment of the annual charge.
The child in question is currently availing of transport on a concessionary basis and is therefore liable for the annual charge.
145. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of persons currently involved in retraining-upskilling schemes; the number of job placements achieved arising from such schemes over the past 12 months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47336/14]
View answerI am informed that 7,306 job-seekers undertook training with Skillnets in 2013. An independent evaluation by Indecon International Economic Consultants of all Skillnets programmes and activity in 2013 gave the following levels of progression into employment for Skillnets unemployed trainees: The Training Networks Programme (TNP) and Finuas Networks Programme (Finuas) - 42% progression rate: The Job-seekers Support Programme (JSSP) – 47% progression rate
The projected number of job-seekers that will train with Skillnets in 2014, and the progression rates into employment, are expected to be similar to 2013.
I understand from SOLAS that the out-turn projection of services provision to the end of 2014, as reported by the Education and Training Boards and other organisations, indicate that 219,178 people will commence further education and training programmes during 2014. Approximately every two years, SOLAS commissions independent researchers to carry out a survey to find out what happens to people after they exit SOLAS education and training programmes. The most recent survey documents the experiences of those who exited during the summer of 2012. The survey covers all SOLAS full-time training programmes, as well as evening courses and online learning. It was conducted in May and June 2013 among trainees who had exited these programmes 12 months previously. A total of 2,074 interviews were conducted. The survey is available at www.solas.ie.
146. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of children attending primary schools in Ballymun, Dublin 11; and if she will provide in tabular form the absentee rates for the years 2010 onwards. [47358/14]
View answerTusla/EWS (and formerly NEWB) commissions an annual report on school attendance by the Educational Research Centre, Drumcondra, that provides national and county level data, but not school level data. Therefore it is not possible to provide information on individual schools.
Schools complete an Annual Attendance Report after the end of each school year. These reports are sent by the Agency to ERC for data processing and compilation of the annual attendance report.
A list of all primary schools and their enrolment can be found on the Department of Education and Skills website at http://www.education.ie/en/Publications/Statistics/Data-on-Individual-Schools/
147. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Education and Skills her plans for an Educate Together secondary school in Ballymun, Dublin 11. [47359/14]
View answerMy Department is currently analysing the latest demographic data on a nationwide basis to determine where additional school accommodation might be needed at post-primary level in the coming years.
This process includes an examination of the Ballymun area. When this exercise has been completed arrangements will be made to make additional accommodation available where it is needed.
