Written Answers Nos. 453-470
453. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Donegal will receive a decision on an application for a discretionary medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5936/15]
View answerThe 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.
If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office who will follow up the matter with them.
454. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Donegal will receive an appointment with a neurologist in Letterkenny General Hospital, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5937/15]
View answerThe scheduling of appointments for patients is a matter for the hospital to which the patient has been referred. Should a patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he or she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant and hospital involved. 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.
455. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Donegal will receive an appointment for an operation in Letterkenny General Hospital, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5938/15]
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.
456. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Donegal will receive an appointment for a knee operation in Letterkenny General Hospital, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5939/15]
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.
457. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health his estimate of the cost of extending medical card cover to every cancer patient for the duration of their illness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5946/15]
View answerAs medical cards are not awarded on the basis of illnesses or medical conditions, the HSE does not collect data such as illness category for all applicants. Therefore, it is not possible to provide the Deputy with a cost of extending medical cards to all people with cancer.
458. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a person (details supplied) in County Cavan who had previously lived in England and who has made an application for a medical card under European Union regulations, where that person has been informed that there is a requirement to show proof of savings, investments and three months' bank statements, despite the fact that the medical card-general practitioner visit card assessment guidelines of January 2014 state that persons with European Union entitlement are exempt from a means test; if that person must be treated as a couple with their spouse, though the spouse does not work, nor receive an Irish social welfare payment; if he will clarify the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5964/15]
View answerUnder Regulation (EC) 883/2004 persons insured in any EU Member state, together with persons insured in any EEA Member state (Iceland, Norway or Liechtenstein) or in Switzerland, are entitled to receive health care services in Ireland at the cost of that member state provided they are not subject to Irish social security legislation. Persons in this category are entitled to full eligibility and receive a medical card as evidence of their entitlement. The applicant is only required to demonstrate to the HSE that they qualify under the EU Regulations and there is no requirement to submit income details and details of savings. The applicant must produce the appropriate E or S-form, completed by their Member State confirming the healthcare entitlement for which that state is liable. The position regarding the UK is that, under a reciprocal agreement, the EU S form is not required, however, proof of receipt of a qualifying payment from the UK authorities should be provided with the application to the HSE.
The HSE has responsibility to establish if an applicant is subject to Irish social security legislation. A person is considered subject to Irish social security legislation if s/he is in receipt of a contributory Irish social welfare payment or engaged in work in Ireland and subject to PRSI. If a person is considered subject to Irish social security legislation, the person will not qualify for a Medical Card under EU legislation, but may qualify for a means-tested Medical Card under national legislation. An applicant under the EU Regulations may apply in respect of themselves alone if they consider they meet the above requirements even where their partner/spouse is subject to Irish social security legislation. The dependants of the person who qualifies for a medical card under the EU Regulations who reside with him/her are also entitled to a medical card on production of the appropriate E or S-form provided that they are not themselves subject to the Irish social security system, or in the case of children, that the spouse or person looking after the children is not also subject to Irish social security legislation. Again no form is required in the case of UK applicants provided the required evidence of entitlement is provided.
A spouse who does not qualify under the EU Regulations may separately apply for a means-tested medical card under national legislation but will however be required to supply the information requested by the HSE in respect of the couple's means in order to permit the HSE assess if the spouse will qualify for a means-tested medical card under national legislation.
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. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office who will follow up the matter with them.
459. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if and when a required appointment at the Eye and Ear Hospital, Dublin 2 will be arranged in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5983/15]
View answerThe scheduling of appointments for patients is a matter for the hospital to which the patient has been referred. Should a patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he or she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant and hospital involved. 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.
460. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health in view of the high prices charged for medicines by the pharmaceuticals companies, and the varying prices charged across the European Union by the same companies for the same medicines, if he will raise this matter at a Council of Ministers meeting to see if European Union Government procurement can work collectively to get the best possible price for European Union taxpayers by combining the purchasing power of all European Union states, rather than allowing the individual companies to pick off countries on an individual basis, and charge them different prices, based on what they believe they can get away with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5985/15]
View answerDecisions on pricing and reimbursement of pharmaceutical products within public health systems are a national competence for EU Member States. However, the issue of pricing and reimbursement of medicines has been the subject of recent discussion at an EU level.
The Council of the European Union issued conclusions in December 2014 on the issue of innovation for the benefit of patients which included the issue of co-operation on the pricing of medicines between Member States. The Council conclusions invited the European Commission and Member States to examine opportunities for potential co-operation on a voluntary basis in the field of pricing and reimbursement.
I have indicated previously in discussions at an EU level on this issue that I am supportive of proposals that would deliver greater transparency in prices. However, I am mindful that this may be difficult to achieve as Member States negotiate directly with pharmaceutical companies to agree commercially confidential discounts on the price of medicines and to establish patient access schemes.
A number of mechanisms exist at a European level to assist with the issue of pricing and reimbursement of medicines. In 2008 the network of Competent Authorities on Pricing and Reimbursement was created of which Ireland is a member. This is an informal platform which discusses the issues and challenges in the field of pricing and reimbursement of medicines. Ireland also has access to the EU Euripid Database which was launched in 2010. This is a web based database which provides up to date information on the prices of medicines which can be accessed by participating Member States.
It is also worth noting that a Joint Procurement Agreement for medical countermeasures is in place at an EU level which enables countries, including Ireland, to procure pandemic vaccines and other medical countermeasures on a group rather than individual basis.
461. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the reason he and the Health Service Executive discuss the cost of medicines with the Irish Pharmaceuticals Health Care Association, instead of directly with the pharmaceutical companies; the reason he goes through a third party; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5986/15]
View answer462. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he or the Health Service Executive enter into direct face-to-face negotiations with the pharmaceutical companies regarding the price of medicines that they charge the Irish tax payer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5987/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 461 and 462 together.
The Department of Health and the Health Service Executive have entered into a series of agreements with the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA) and the Association of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers in Ireland (APMI). Between 2006 and 2014 these agreements have generated savings in the region of €790 million.
The State has engaged at an industry level on the basis not only of the savings delivered but also that the agreements have provided the State with certainty regarding security of supply of pharmaceutical products for Irish patients including ensuring that patients have access to new and innovative medicines.
The 2012 agreement with the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association provides for a mid-term review. My Department and the HSE have been engaging with IPHA in this context. Whilst the Government's preference would be for additional savings to be delivered in co-operation with the pharmaceutical industry, agreement has not been reached in discussions to date.
Section 21 of the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013 affords the HSE powers to review and alter prices. This is an option which the Executive is examining at present, having regard to all relevant factors, including the funding pressures that it faces in relation to new and innovative drugs.
It is important to note that the HSE does enter into direct negotiations with pharmaceutical companies who are seeking reimbursement of new products on the GMS and community drugs schemes.
463. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a vacant building (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5998/15]
View answerAs the management of the health property portfolio is a service matter, therefore 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.
464. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Health when a child (details supplied) in County Clare will receive the surgery required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6013/15]
View answerSpinal conditions, including scoliosis, in children and young people are predominantly managed at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin (OLCHC). It is acknowledged by all that waiting times for surgery are unacceptable and the Children's Hospital Group, OLCHC and the HSE are actively working to address them as quickly as possible and exploring all short, medium- and long-term options to increase capacity. I am pleased to say that funding has been allocated in the 2015 Service Plan to facilitate the appointment of an orthopaedic surgeon, anaesthetist and support staff to maximise utilisation of available theatre sessions in OLCHC.
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.
465. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Health the paediatric services available for children who attend a school (details supplied) in County Carlow, who may have difficulties with speech and language; and the funding that has been made available for this in the coming year. [6014/15]
View answerThe particular issue raised by the Deputy is a service matter for the Health Service Executive. Accordingly I have arranged for the question to be referred to the 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.
466. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding orthodontic treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6025/15]
View answerThe HSE provides orthodontic treatment to patients based on their level of clinical need. An individual's access to orthodontic treatment is determined against a set of clinical guidelines and priority is given to patients with greatest needs. I have asked the HSE to investigate this matter and respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow up the matter.
467. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding calorie counts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6041/15]
View answerThe levels of overweight and obesity have increased in recent years. Currently 61% of all adults in Ireland are either overweight (37%) or obese (24%). The picture in relation to childhood overweight and obesity is similar where one in four children is either overweight or obese.
A significant contributor to this trend is the consumption of high calorific foods and drink outside the home. In 2012, the then Minister for Health initiated calorie posting on menus on a voluntary basis. Although the majority of restaurants stated that they would like to display calories, in May 2013 only 8% of all fast food outlets, coffee shops and food chains did so.
In 2012, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) conducted a consultation exercise to find out public views on the matter. 96% of the general public who made a submission wanted calorie menu labelling in all, or some, food outlets. 86% wanted calorie labelling in all food service businesses. An industry majority were in favour of calorie posting.
It is important to note that putting calorie counts on menus is about providing consumers with information at the point of choice.
I am aware that the legislation may impose a cost on the industry and, for that reason, the FSAI was requested to develop a web-based, user friendly and free to users Calorie Calculator to enable them to accurately calculate calories on all menus at no cost. This calculator is called “MenuCal” and has been in operation since April 2014. The Department of Health will consult with industry and other stakeholders on the calorie posting legislation.
468. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health the number of formally trained systems analysis investigators here; the date of completion of the first training in systems analysis here; and the number of systems analysis investigations reported to date. [6052/15]
View answerI have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on the 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.
469. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if an appointment and treatment will be expedited in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath. [6056/15]
View answerThe scheduling of appointments for patients is a matter for the hospital to which the patient has been referred. Should a patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he or she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant and hospital involved. 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.
470. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health the status of equipping a nursing home (details supplied) in Dublin 7 that is currently closed; and the date it will be re-opened. [6059/15]
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.
