Brendan Griffin
Question:920. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health the requirements for an Irish couple to foster a Syrian child; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10551/16]
View answerFoster Care
Questions (920)
Written answers
The issue of fostering is a matter for Tusla which falls under the aegis of my colleague Katherine Zappone Minister for Children and Youth Affairs.
Question No. 921 answered with Question No. 849.
Nursing Homes Support Scheme Data
Questions (922)
Billy Kelleher
Question:922. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting placement under the nursing home support scheme; and the length of time waiting, by local health area, in tabular form. [10560/16]
View answerWritten answers
As 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.
Ambulance Service Data
Questions (923)
Mary Butler
Question:923. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health the number of ambulances which operate out of University Hospital Waterford on a daily basis, Monday to Sunday; if he will provide a breakdown of this on an hourly and daily rota basis to ascertain the actual level of service in Waterford city and county (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10562/16]
View answerWritten answers
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.
Question No. 924 answered with Question No. 849.
Health Services Data
Questions (925)
Jackie Cahill
Question:925. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health if he will provide, in tabular form, annually for 2010 to 2015 for County Tipperary, the number of babies born in hospitals; the number of home help hours provided; the number of persons who attended emergency departments; the number of emergency calls to the ambulance service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10564/16]
View answerWritten answers
As these are service issues, these questions have been referred to the Health Service Executive 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 the Executive.
Electronic Cigarettes
Questions (926)
Marcella Corcoran Kennedy
Question:926. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Health the reason the mechanics, cost and detail required by manufacturers of vaping products to comply with the law have not been forthcoming from his Department, regarding the drafting of legislation to implement the EU Tobacco Products Directive (TPDII) and more specifically, Article 20(2) referring to a proposed notification submission system for vaping products; the estimated cost of the notification system to the State per annum; the way that cost has been calculated; the way the scheme will be funded; when the notification scheme will be published; the body that will be responsible for the management of the notification system; the products which will need to be notified and by whom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10568/16]
View answerWritten answers
The regulation of electronic cigarettes is provided for in Directive 2014/40/EU, and in particular Article 20; Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2015/2183 establishing a common format for the notification of electronic cigarettes and refill containers and Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2016/586 on technical standards for the refill mechanism of electronic cigarettes. The Directive is required to be transposed by 20 May 2016, and my Department is currently working with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to transpose the requirements of the Directive and the Implementing Decisions.
As my Department will be unable to ascertain the number of manufacturers and importers of electronic cigarettes and refill containers before 20 November 2016, it is not possible to quantify the estimated cost at this stage.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Questions (927)
Mary Butler
Question:927. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health the number of the cardiac patients in University Hospital Waterford who are diabetics waiting to get an appointment with an endocrinologist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10569/16]
View answerWritten answers
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.
Services for People with Disabilities
Questions (928)
John Brassil
Question:928. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health if he will examine and expedite the application by a school (details supplied) for the provision of a nursing support in the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10570/16]
View answerWritten answers
The 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.
Departmental Properties
Questions (929)
James Browne
Question:929. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the details of all property and land owned, leased or otherwise under the control of his Department, and-or its agents or bodies under its control in County Wexford; if each of the properties or land is currently vacant or occupied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10575/16]
View answerWritten answers
The Department holds no property in its own right. It is currently housed in Hawkins House which forms part of the estate portfolio for the Office of Public Works. Details for other bodies under the aegis of the Department are operational matters for the bodies concerned and the Deputy should contact the relevant Director/CEO/Registrar directly.
However, I have requested the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy regarding any properties it holds in County Wexford. 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.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (930)
James Browne
Question:930. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive medical treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10579/16]
View answerWritten answers
Under 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.
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.
Health Insurance Community Rating
Questions (931)
Brendan Griffin
Question:931. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding health care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10590/16]
View answerWritten answers
A sustainable community rated market requires intergenerational solidarity whereby a constant influx of young healthy members support ageing less healthy members. Building on the recent upturn in the economy two initiatives were introduced from 1 May 2015. Lifetime Community Rating and reduced premiums for Young Adults promote the sustainability of the insurance market as a whole. Without these measures, there would be a continued deterioration in the age profile of the insured population, which in turn would contribute to claims inflation and result in higher insurance premiums. The number of people who currently hold private health insurance is now 2.126 million, or 46% of the Irish population, (end Jan 2016). This includes an increase of 104,667 from January 2015 to January 2016 which contributes positively to controlling premium inflation.
We have a highly competitive insurance market. While I welcome the recent reduction in the number of products from 416 at end 2015 to 354 now, I agree that product proliferation is not in the interest of consumers. I have asked my officials to examine what supports could further reduce products. In the meantime many consumers can make savings on their health insurance premiums by taking advantage of promotional offers and by reviewing their level of cover to ensure that their needs are being met, without being over-insured. The Health Insurance Authority website offers a clear price comparison and can be accessed at www.hia.ie. All of the health insurers provide a number of lower cost plans, making it possible for consumers to find the same level of cover for a cheaper price.
Finally, I would remind the Deputy that Insurance companies operate as commercial providers and make their own commercial decisions including pricing policies. The Minister for Health has no legal power to intervene in relation to any insurer’s prices. You may wish to note however, that in the 12 months to end December 2015, the average gross premium received by insurers was €1,173, which represents a 2% decrease on the average premium received in 2014 (€1,200).
Nursing Home Accommodation Provision
Questions (932, 933, 934, 935)
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:932. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health why the Health Service Executive chose Collinstown, County Westmeath, as its location for a new residential home; if it carried out a feasibility study into the suitability of the site considering it is located on a secondary country road that has no footpath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10603/16]
View answerCaoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:933. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the rationale behind the Health Service Executive’s decision to relocate its care facilities from St. Peter's estate, Castlepollard, to bungalows in Castlepollard, then on to Collinstown, County Westmeath; the executive's future plans for the buildings and grounds of St. Peter's estate, Castlepollard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10604/16]
View answerCaoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:934. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the investment that has been made to improve care homes the Health Service Executive runs in Castlepollard, County Westmeath; if his Department or the executive has implemented measures to address the issues and concerns regarding the standard of accommodation that was identified in past Health Information and Quality Authority reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10605/16]
View answerCaoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:935. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health to provide the criteria and rationale for the decision to relocate houses that were bought for the residents in St. Peter's Estate in Castlepollard, County Westmeath, and another house that is soon to open in Collinstown, County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10606/16]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 932 to 935, inclusive, together.
As the Deputy's questions relate to service matters, I have arranged for the questions 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.
Nursing Home Accommodation Provision
Questions (936)
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:936. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the care homes the Health Service Executive owns or runs or that are managed by housing agencies for it; their annual running costs over the past three years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10607/16]
View answerWritten answers
As this query relates to service matters, I have referred this question 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.
Long-Term Illness Scheme Eligibility
Questions (937)
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:937. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health his plans to extend entitlement under the long-term illness scheme to those suffering from Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome; the reason these debilitating conditions have not been included heretofore as against those health circumstances that do qualify; if he has requested details of the number involved and the projected cost of extending the entitlement to this cohort of persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10609/16]
View answerWritten answers
The Long Term Illness (LTI) Scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act, 1970 (as amended). Regulations were made in 1971, 1973 and 1975 specifying the conditions covered by the LTI Scheme, which are as follows: acute leukaemia; mental handicap; cerebral palsy; mental illness (in a person under 16); cystic fibrosis; multiple sclerosis; diabetes insipidus; muscular dystrophies; diabetes mellitus; Parkinsonism; epilepsy; phenylketonuria; haemophilia; spina bifida; hydrocephalus; and conditions arising from the use of Thalidomide. There are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the LTI Scheme. This being the case, the Department of Health has not conducted specific research into the projected cost of adding Crohn's Disease to the LTI Scheme.
Under the Drug Payment Scheme, no individual or family pays more than €144 per calendar month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The scheme significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals incurring ongoing expenditure on medicines.
Under the provisions of the Health Acts, medical cards are provided to persons who are, in the opinion of the HSE, unable without undue hardship to arrange GP services for themselves and their dependants. In the assessment process, the HSE can take into account medical costs incurred by an individual or a family.
Community Care Provision
Questions (938)
Peter Burke
Question:938. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health if funding to the Health Service Executive will urgently be reinstated for the provision of 24-hour community care for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10612/16]
View answerWritten answers
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, he can contact my Private Office and they will follow the matter up with the HSE.
Disabilities Assessments
Questions (939)
Peter Burke
Question:939. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health to expedite an assessment of need under the Disability Act 2005 for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10636/16]
View answerWritten answers
The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
As 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 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.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (940)
Robert Troy
Question:940. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health to expedite surgery for a person (details supplied). [10637/16]
View answerWritten answers
Under 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 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.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (941)
John Brassil
Question:941. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health to expedite a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10639/16]
View answerWritten answers
Under 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.