Written Answers Nos. 767-87
767. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the number of persons involved in the initial clinical trials of roaccutane prior to its launch and market authorisation; if he will provide details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30606/15]
View answerRoaccutane® is the brand name for the medicinal substance isotretinoin which is authorised for use in the treatment of severe forms of acne. In the application for a marketing authorisation for Roaccutane®, received by the then Irish Medicines Board (now the Health Products Regulatory Authority) in 1982, 451 subjects entered clinical trials of isotretinoin (Roaccutane®) for the indications cystic and conglobate acne, and for severe acne resistant to systemic antimicrobial therapy. The number of patients that received isotretinoin was 423.
769. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No.610 of 14 July 2015, his views on correspondence (details supplied) in relation to this parliamentary question, and the Labour Relations Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30608/15]
View answerAs indicated in my response to the Deputy's previous PQ, I have no direct role in this matter. Details relating to the State's apparatus for investigating and resolving workplace relations and disputes can be found at www.workplacerelations.ie/en/Workplace_Relations_Services.
770. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will support the health care provisions for survivors (details supplied) of the Magdalen laundries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30609/15]
View answerThe Government accepted all the recommendations of the Quirke report and established an ex gratia restorative justice scheme. Under the scheme, the Government then set up a range of payments of up to €100,000 along with supports, for the women who worked in these institutions. In his report, Mr Justice Quirke recommended, inter alia, that legislation be introduced to give effect to his recommendation on the provision of a comprehensive suite of health services to Magdalen women. The Health (Amendment) Act 1996 provides health services to persons who contracted hepatitis C in the State from a blood product or blood transfusion. It should be noted, however, that Judge Quirke’s report acknowledged that the HAA services were reproduced for illustrative purposes and recognised that not all of the HAA services described may be relevant to the Magdalen women and that the scheme for the Magdalen women would require suitable adaptation.
Eligibility for health services for the Magdalen women is now provided by the Redress for Women Resident in Certain Institutions Act 2015 which sets out the primary and community health services available in Ireland, free of charge, effective from 1 July 2015. Those services are as follows: GP services; prescribed drugs, medicines, aids and appliances; dental, ophthalmic and aural services; home nursing; home support; chiropody; physiotherapy; and counselling services. As Justice Quirke recommended, the women are entitled to a greater range of entitlements than those provided under the standard medical card. As a result, a specific card has been issued to the women so that they can access the enhanced health services they require without charge, as set out in the Act.
While the Quirke report did not make a recommendation that health services should be provided to women residing overseas, the Government has decided that practical administrative arrangements should be put in place to support women residing overseas for the same services. The Department of Health and the HSE are exploring the practical arrangements to be put in place for the overseas women as it is an important but complex matter. I am sure that the Deputy recognises that all health systems around the world vary in organisation and that each system is practically unique and equally complex. When practical arrangements are in place, the HSE will contact those participants living abroad in this regard, which I hope will be as soon as possible.
771. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will support a matter (details supplied) regarding the rare genetic condition, phenylketonuria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30615/15]
View answerThe 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. Prior to reimbursing any medicine, the HSE considers a range of statutory criteria, including clinical need, cost-effectiveness and the resources available to the HSE.
The decisions on which medicines are reimbursed by the taxpayer are made on objective, scientific and economic grounds by the HSE on the advice of the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics. They are not political or ministerial decisions.
Sapropterin (Kuvan®) was previously considered under the national pricing and reimbursement processes in 2009. At that time, insufficient evidence was available to support the pricing and reimbursement application submitted by the manufacturer, Merck Serono.
Merck Serono recently commenced the process of resubmitting a new application for pricing and reimbursement of Kuvan; this application will now be considered in line with criteria set out in the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013 and using the processes outlined in national pricing framework agreements.
As the application process is still at a very early stage, it is not possible to discuss potential outcomes or comment further at this time.
772. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health his views on options available to disabled persons who are not satisfied with their treatment in the Health Service Executive services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30616/15]
View answerThe Health Service Executive (HSE) has a Complaints Policy "Your Service, Your Say", which includes a number of options available for people, including people with disabilities, to provide feedback or make complaints. These include making the complaint in person; via an on-line feedback form; by e-mail; by letter; by telephone call; through the Confidential Recipient for Vulnerable Persons process; and through an Advocacy Service. The complainant may seek a review of the outcome of their complaint and may accept any recommendations made or can seek a review of the complaint by the Ombudsman or the Ombudsman for Children. Details regarding the HSE Complaints Policy are available at hse.ie complaints.
773. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health his views on the case of persons (details supplied) in County Wicklow, and their treatment by the Health Service Executive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30617/15]
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.
774. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health his views on correspondence regarding the case of a person (details supplied) who requires support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30622/15]
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.
775. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a long-term residential facility for a homeless person (details supplied) with an intellectual disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30626/15]
View answerAs this is a service issue this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. If you have not received a reply within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
776. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a long-term residential facility for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 who suffers from multiple sclerosis and who has mental health concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30627/15]
View answerAs this is a service issue this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. If you have not received a reply within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
777. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an application for a medical card by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30636/15]
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.
778. Deputy Gabrielle McFadden asked the Minister for Health the progress of the new primary care centre at Robinstown, Mullingar, County Westmeath including an opening date; the facilities it will offer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30637/15]
View answerThe HSE has responsibility for the provision, maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres. Therefore, this matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and 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.
779. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will support a matter (details supplied) regarding home help; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30649/15]
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.
780. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Health the number of public patients the National Ambulance Service transfers from University Hospital Limerick in each quarter of 2014 and in the first quarter of 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30665/15]
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.
781. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if the Health Service Executive has a system in place to ensure that all resources such as hospital beds, walkers, chairs, stair lifts and so on that are made available to those living at home are collected when they are no longer required and reissued as suitable; if he will provide details of this system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30669/15]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for attention and 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.
783. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an application for a hearing aid by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30675/15]
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.
784. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health if the holder of a current medical card is entitled to IVF treatment under the general medical services scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30676/15]
View answerA defined list of fertility medicines needed for fertility treatment is covered under the High Tech Scheme administered by the Health Service Executive (HSE). Medicines covered by the High Tech Scheme must be prescribed by a consultant/specialist and approved by the HSE ‘High Tech Liaison Officers’. The cost of the medicines is then covered, as appropriate, under the Medical Card or Drugs Payment Scheme.
785. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health his plans regarding the staffing of Corduff primary care centre, Dublin 15, in particular whether the new administration and clerical positions will be advertised or covered through redeployment from other areas within Health Service Executive. [30682/15]
View answerThe HSE has responsibility for the provision, maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres. Therefore, this matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and 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.
786. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the supply of a medication (details supplied) for the treatment of phenylketonuria. [30683/15]
View answerThe 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. Prior to reimbursing any medicine, the HSE considers a range of statutory criteria, including clinical need, cost-effectiveness and the resources available to the HSE.
The decisions on which medicines are reimbursed by the taxpayer are made on objective, scientific and economic grounds by the HSE on the advice of the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics. They are not political or ministerial decisions.
Sapropterin (Kuvan®) was previously considered under the national pricing and reimbursement processes in 2009. At that time, insufficient evidence was available to support the pricing and reimbursement application submitted by the manufacturer, Merck Serono.
Merck Serono recently commenced the process of resubmitting a new application for pricing and reimbursement of Kuvan®; this application will now be considered in line with criteria set out in the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013 and using the processes outlined in national pricing framework agreements.
As the application process is still at a very early stage, it is not possible to discuss potential outcomes or comment further at this time.
787. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will examine the ongoing inaction by the Health Service Executive in implementing the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 which is restricting eligible children and adults to various services and the autism evaluation procedure which is required for entry to mainstream schools catering for autistic children, who cannot be assessed until October 2015, while in the meantime these affected children will be denied school placement for the deadline of September school term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30688/15]
View answerPart 2 of the Disability Act 2005 was commenced on 1 June 2007 in respect of children aged under 5 years. 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 ruling of the High Court, children born after 1 June 2002 are being treated by the Health Service executive 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.
The HSE recognises that it faces significant challenges in respect of meeting the statutory time-frames which apply to the assessment of need process, given the number and complexity of cases, and has taken a number of measures to address the issue. While any delay in assessment or intervention for any child is not desirable, it should be noted that the assessment process under the Disability Act can take place in parallel with any intervention which is identified as necessary. The HSE 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.
Following the publication of a National Disability Authority report commissioned by the Department of Health and the HSE, a major emphasis is being placed on reconfiguring children’s disability services into integrated multi-disciplinary geographically-based early-intervention and school-aged teams under the HSE’s Progressing Disability Services for Children and Young People Programme. The key objective of this Programme is to bring about equity of access to disability services and consistency of service delivery, with a clear pathway for children with disabilities, including autism, and their families to services, regardless of where they live, where these children go to school or the nature of the individual child’s difficulties. Implementation of the Programme is a key priority for the HSE in 2015. In 2014 an additional €4 million was specifically allocated to drive implementation of the Programme, equating to approximately 80 additional therapy posts. A further additional €4m has been allocated to the Programme this year.
My Department has requested the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on the issues he has raised. 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.
