Written Answers Nos. 256 - 273
256. Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will authorise an investigation into Tusla, the Child and Family Agency and the Health Service Executive's handling of a case (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7817/16]
View answerThank you for bringing this to my attention. I will write to the Deputy separately on the specific issues raised by him in the e-mail. I have also forwarded the information supplied by the Deputy to Tusla and requested a report on the matter. I will revert to the Deputy on issues raised in the correspondence as a priority when the report is received.
257. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health the frequency with which the contract for taxis for the Health Service Executive is put to tender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7254/16]
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.
258. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the number of persons due to be discharged from congregated care settings over the next three years on a county basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7557/16]
View answerThe HSE’s report “Time to Move on from Congregated Settings - A Strategy for Community Inclusion”, (2011) proposes a new model of support in the community by moving people from institutional settings to the community, over a seven year time frame. The plan is being rolled out at a regional and local level and involves full consultation with stakeholders.
The HSE has established a subgroup, under ‘Transforming Lives’, the Programme to implement the recommendations of the Value for Money and Policy Review of Disability Services, which is developing an implementation plan for moving people from institutions. I welcome the fact that the needs of people moving from congregated settings will be fully taken into account during this process as the model of care for individuals will be based on a person centred plan.
In terms of housing, the Department of Health and the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government are working in collaboration to support the transition of people with a disability from institutions to social housing in the community under the Government's National Housing Strategy for People with Disability 2011 to 2016.
The HSE's 2016 National Service Plan has set a target of 165 people to move from institutions in 2016 into suitable accommodation. This is being supported by €20 million in capital funding from the Department of Health in respect of acquiring and renovating properties in priority institutions identified by the HSE. In addition I am pleased to note that the Department of the Environment will provide €10 million under the Capital Assistance Scheme to provide suitable accommodation for people transitioning from institutions in 2016. The HSE estimate that a further 100 people could benefit from this initiative. Some €1 million in ring-fenced leasing funding is also being made available by the Department of the Environment in 2016 to support people moving from institutions into suitable social housing in the community. This demonstrates the joined up commitment of both Departments to support the de-congregation programme.
The HSE has developed a three strand approach to accelerate transitions from institutions in the period 2016-2021, with a target of 900 people to move to more suitable accommodation in this period.
Strand 1 - is focused on large institutional settings at high risk of not meeting HIQA Standards;
Strand 2 - is focused on moving people into suitable social housing in the community through the Department of Environment schemes; and
Strand 3 - is focused on remaining service users in congregated settings who could move to suitable accommodation.
As the specific information requested in 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.
259. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Health the reason a medical card was not granted to a person (detailed supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7248/16]
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 recently 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.
260. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health when the additional beds at Kenmare hospital, County Kerry, will be opened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7249/16]
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.
261. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health the number of cataract operations at South Infirmary Victoria Hospital in 2015 which were for private patients and for public patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7252/16]
View answer262. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health the number of cataract operations which were carried out on public patients in Cork University Hospital and the South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital in 2015; the percentage of these from County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7256/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 261 and 262 together.
As these are service matters, 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.
263. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health when he will introduce a replacement scheme for the motorised transport grant and the mobility allowance scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7268/16]
View answerConscious of the reports of the Ombudsman regarding the legal status of both the Mobility Allowance and Motorised Transport Grant Schemes in the context of the Equal Status Acts, the Government decided to close both schemes. Both schemes remain closed.
However, the Government also decided that monthly payments will continue to be made by the Health Service Executive to 4,700 people who were in receipt of the Mobility Allowance at the time the scheme closed, on the basis that this would prevent hardship and, on an interim basis, alleviate stress, anxiety and uncertainty among a vulnerable group in society.
The Government decided that the detailed preparatory work required for a new Transport Support Scheme and associated statutory provisions should be progressed by the Minister for Health. The Department is seeking a solution which would best meet the aim of supporting people with severe disabilities who require additional income to contribute towards the cost of their mobility needs, while remaining within the available budget and satisfying all legal and equality concerns.
Work is ongoing on the policy proposals to be brought to Government for the drafting of primary legislation for a new scheme. The proposals seek to ensure that:
- There is a firm statutory basis to the Scheme's operation;
- There is transparency and equity in the eligibility criteria attaching to the Scheme;
- Resources are targeted at those with the greatest needs; and
- The Scheme is capable of being costed and it is affordable on its introduction and on an ongoing basis.
264. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when an operation will be provided for a person (details supplied) in County Galway; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7283/16]
View answerUnder the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
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 HSE, 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.
265. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if, in relation to the draft Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (Regulation of Temporary Absence Cover by Pharmaceutical Assistants) Rules 2016, which attempts to provide a legal definition to temporary absence of a pharmacist, his attention has been drawn to the concerns of qualified pharmaceutical assistants who assert that the proposed changes undermine the profession and the holders ability to perform certain duties, which for years have become strongly identifiable with the profession itself; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7289/16]
View answerPharmaceutical Assistants (PAs) are registered with the pharmacy regulator, the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI), and may perform the same functions as a pharmacist, in the temporary absence of a pharmacist, with the exception of functions that are restricted to pharmacists under specific medicines legislation, such as vaccination services.
Since 1994, the provisions of "temporary absence" have been understood with reference to a Code of Practice agreed that year between the PSI and the Pharmaceutical Assistants' Association (PAA). Section 30(2) of the Pharmacy Act 2007 provides that the PSI Council may make Rules, with the consent of the Minister, to provide further as to what constitutes the temporary absence of a registered pharmacist and what may or may not be done by a PA when acting on behalf of a pharmacist. In 2013, the PSI Council directed that a policy position be developed to enable and facilitate the drafting of rules in line with the requirements of Section 30(2) of the Act and was included in the PSI Service Plan 2014.
The draft PSI (Regulation of Temporary Absence Cover by Pharmaceutical Assistants) Rules 2016 were developed following debate and engagement with interested parties including the PAA.
The draft Rules were issued for consultation on 8 February 2016, ending on 7 March 2016. The PSI Council considered the matter, including themes arising from the consultation process, at a policy session on the 14 April 2016. The consideration by the PSI Council is on-going and the PSI will continue to engage with the PAA and other interested parties in doing so.
Minister Lynch and I are aware of the concerns of PAs regarding any perceived changes to their employment status and conditions, and Minister Lynch met with a delegation from the PAA in September 2015 to discuss these concerns.
These draft Rules have yet to be formally submitted to me. If the PSI Council decides to submit them I will then give consideration to the Rules.
266. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health to expedite an ophthalmologist appointment for a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7293/16]
View answerUnder the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The 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 should take the matter up with the consultant and the hospital involved.
In relation to the specific case raised, 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.
267. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 297 of 22 March 2016, his views on correspondence regarding non-rostered paramedics with the National Ambulance Service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7302/16]
View answerIn relation to your further query in this 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.
268. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if payments due to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow will be made in full to the person directly; if there is an outstanding sum due; and if he will expedite the matter [7318/16]
View answerAs the Deputy's question relates to an individual case, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for investigation and 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.
269. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if the hours of home care granted in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be operated in line with the old system rather than under a pilot scheme; and if he will expedite the matter [7321/16]
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.
270. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if a medical card will be reinstated in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7323/16]
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 recently 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.
271. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on hospital waiting lists who are eligible to avail of the cross-border treatment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7325/16]
View answer272. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on waiting lists from the Fingal area who are eligible to avail of the cross-border treatment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7326/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 271 and 272 together.
The EU Directive 2011/24/EU on Patients’ Rights in Cross Border Healthcare aims to ensure EU citizens may access safe and good quality healthcare services across EU borders. The Directive establishes a framework for cross border healthcare between EU/EEA states to facilitate patients to access care in another Member State in accordance with their entitlements in their own country. Under the Directive, known as the Cross Border Healthcare Directive (CBD), insured patients are entitled to have the costs of cross-border healthcare services reimbursed if the healthcare service in question is among the benefits to which they are entitled in their Member State of affiliation. As such, it allows Irish residents to avail of healthcare in other EU or EEA (excluding Switzerland) Member States that they would be entitled to within the public health system in Ireland, which is not contrary to Irish legislation.
Public patients may access the healthcare they require in either the public or private healthcare system of the country abroad under CBD. Access to healthcare abroad is based on patients following public patient pathways - i.e. patients must demonstrate they have followed the equivalent public patient pathways that a patient would follow if accessing public healthcare in Ireland. Referral for care under the CBD may be made by a GP, a hospital consultant and certain other HSE clinicians. The CBD excludes certain health services, e.g. services of public health, long term care, organ transplantation, etc. All persons on public waiting lists, other than for such exempt health services, are eligible for the Scheme.
273. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the reason those availing of the cross-border treatment scheme have to pay for their treatment abroad up-front; if he is aware that this is not a requirement; if he will consider facilitating access to this scheme without up-front payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7327/16]
View answerThe EU Directive 2011/24/EU on Patients’ Rights in Cross Border Healthcare aims to ensure EU citizens may access safe and good quality healthcare services across EU borders. Under the Directive, known as the Cross Border Healthcare Directive (CBD), insured patients are entitled to have costs of cross-border healthcare services reimbursed if the healthcare service in question is among the benefits to which they are entitled in their Member State of affiliation. The HSE endeavours to reimburse the cost of treatment incurred or the cost of providing such healthcare in the State, whichever is the lesser, to the applicant within 30 days of receipt of a claim for reimbursement, in line with Prompt Payment legislation.
Each Member State is free to set its own payment policy for cross-border healthcare services, by means of reimbursement to the patient or by direct payment to the healthcare provider. That policy decision is a matter for each Member State under the Directive and, similar to the majority of Member States, Ireland has no plan to introduce a policy of direct payment to each healthcare service provider, both public and private, in all EU/EEA Member States for healthcare services provided by them.
