Written Answers Nos. 437-458
437. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 144 of 31 May 2016, the reason the Health Information and Quality Authority will not conduct a review of health care service delivery in prisons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15710/16]
View answerResponsibility for the provision of healthcare in prisons rests with my colleague the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice. Under the Health Act 2007, HIQA’s statutory remit does not extend to the regulation of health services provided in the prison system. The Department of Health and the Department of Justice & Equality are in ongoing communication on issues related to healthcare service delivery in prisons.
438. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if the panel of applicants for the position of groundsman with the Health Service Executive in Castlebar, County Mayo, established in 2015 is exhausted. [15713/16]
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.
439. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health when he will schedule an appointment for a person (details supplied). [15715/16]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has 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 them.
440. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 100 of 2 June 2016, the types of cancer that are suitable for treatment using the combined nivolumab-ipilimumab therapy; if he will provide this combined therapy to suitable cancer sufferers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15720/16]
View answerThe 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.
As these are operational and clinical 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.
441. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the vacant posts in community health organisation area 1 in the past six months; if these posts remain vacant; if not, the date on which he filled each post; the date on which the Health Service Executive became formally aware of when the vacancy for each post existed or would exist; if and when he approved the filling each of these posts and the level at which he formally made this approval, be it local, regional or national, and so on; the measures he has taken to fill these vacancies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15721/16]
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.
442. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive a hospital appointment. [15731/16]
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.
443. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive a hospital appointment. [15732/16]
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.
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.
444. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health if he will provide funding through the South Western Regional Drugs and Alcohol Task Force to assist in the valuable work carried out by a group (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15734/16]
View answerThe South West Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Force receives annual funding from the Health Service Executive to allocate to community-based drugs initiatives at a local level. It is a matter for the Task Force concerned to ensure that its budget is effectively deployed based on locally identified needs and priorities, taking into account the changing nature of the drugs problem. Applications for funding by local organisations in the catchment area should be made directly to the Task Force.
As the Health Service Executive fund the Task Force, the matter has been referred to the Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days he should contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
445. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health his role in formulating a cross-government policy on drugs. [15314/16]
View answerThe Department of Health is developing a new National Drugs Strategy, which will cover the period from 2017 onwards. A Steering Committee, chaired by former General Secretary of the Irish National Teachers Organisation and with representatives from the relevant Statutory, Community and Voluntary Sectors, has been established to oversee the process. The Steering Committee will provide guidance and advice to me on how a new Strategy should address problem drug use, including the structures through which this could be done and incorporating key performance indicators to measure the future effectiveness of the new policy.
A high-level review of the current drugs policy has been undertaken by a panel of international experts, which will highlight the key issues that need to be addressed under the new Strategy. The Committee will also consider the approach to drug policy in other jurisdictions and a review of international evidence on interventions to tackle the drug problem. Focus Groups have been established to advise the Steering Committee on the relevance of the Strategy in tackling the current nature and extent of problem drug use in Ireland, including emerging trends and cross-cutting issues. This aspect of the process will identify any actions that need to be undertaken under the new Strategy to meet challenges ahead.
I will shortly be announcing details of the consultation process on the new Strategy, which I intend to be as broad, comprehensive and inclusive as possible. I am expecting the final report of the Steering Committee by the end of the year.
446. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if he met with the Health Service Executive regarding the deaths of two babies at Cavan General Hospital in May 2016; when these investigations will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15873/16]
View answerI would like to express my deepest sympathy for the families concerned.
I can confirm that I have met with the HSE in relation to recent perinatal deaths at Cavan General Hospital and have been assured that reviews, as necessary, are under way. These reviews will be completed as early as possible.
447. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health if the Health Service Executive will fund a procedure for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15879/16]
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.
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.
448. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a medical device to a person (details supplied) without delay. [15897/16]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has 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 them.
449. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if he will prioritise and arrange an early date for surgery for a person (details supplied); and the reason the surgery was not conducted at another hospital. [15899/16]
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.
450. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health if he has received the business case regarding Central Remedial Clinic, CRC, pensions which the CRC submitted on 1 June 2016; the case put therein; and if he has accepted it. [15900/16]
View answer454. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Health if he is concerned at the sudden termination of the privately funded pension plan in the Central Remedial Clinic in Clontarf, Dublin 3; if the Health Service Executive was consulted; if he will intervene on behalf of the employees concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15910/16]
View answer467. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Health his efforts to secure a favourable outcome for the staff of the Central Remedial Clinic who have been affected by the sudden and unexpected closure of their pension scheme; the direct contact he has had with senior management on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15960/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 450, 454 and 467 together.
The Central Remedial Clinic (CRC) is funded by the Health Service Executive under Section 38 of the Health Act 2004 and employs in the region of 287 employees. It is understood that in the region of 45 employees are members of the funded pension scheme in question.
It is regrettable that the CRC took a decision to cease contributions to the scheme without first consulting with the HSE in relation to scheme solvency and seeking a viable alternative for the employees concerned. In particular options for restructuring the scheme should have been explored with the HSE in advance of a decision to wind up the scheme.
Following receipt of information from the CRC in relation to the wind up of the scheme, the CRC was requested as a matter of urgency, to prepare viable alternative proposals in conjunction with the HSE. A detailed business case in relation to alternative options has not yet been submitted by the HSE in relation to this matter, however I understand that on 1st June the CRC made an initial submission to the HSE which the HSE is currently considering.
When a detailed business case is received from the HSE, my Department will, as a matter of urgency, consider the proposals in conjunction with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The latter is responsible for Government policy in relation to public service pensions. Pension schemes and pension terms for public servants generally require the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
451. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the number of hazard, incident and near-miss reports indicating stress as a cause of the issuing of reports that were submitted, by hospital, in each of the years 2011 to 2016 to date, in tabular form, under the Health Service Executive’s policy for preventing and managing stress in the workplace. [15905/16]
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.
452. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the number of referrals the management of the Health Service Executive made on behalf of the staff of its occupational health department and its employee assistance and staff counselling service in each of the years 2011 to 2015 and in 2016 to date, in tabular form, under its policy for preventing and managing stress in the workplace. [15906/16]
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.
453. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the cost of maintaining the Health Service Executive’s occupational health department and employee assistance and staff counselling service in each of the years 2011 to 2015 and in 2016 to date. [15907/16]
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.
455. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health how an adult support group (details supplied) can apply for and receive an annual grant for operating purposes similar to other comparable support groups; to whom the group should apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15912/16]
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.
456. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the steps he will take to reduce the waiting list for rehabilitation beds in the National Rehabilitation Hospital, given the significant waiting list for places there; his plans to provide these services on a regional basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15913/16]
View answerThe 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.
The Government announced a major development of the National Rehabilitation Hospital with a commitment of around €40 million. The new development will deliver a 120 bed ward capacity, including support therapies, paediatric and acquired brain injury wards, a hydrotherapy unit and a sports hall.
The National Policy & Strategy for the Provision of Neuro-rehabilitation Services in Ireland Report made a number of recommendations for services for people with rehabilitation needs which covered clinical, therapeutic, social, vocational and community supports. The Programme for Partnership Government places a particular focus on publishing a plan for advancing Neuro-rehabilitation services in the community. Currently a steering group led by the Health Service Executive Social Care Division has drafted an implementation framework for the National Policy & Strategy for Neuro-rehabilitation services. The implementation framework will guide and oversee the reconfiguration and development of Neuro-rehabilitation structures and services at national and local level.
As the Deputy's question also relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for a more detailed 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.
457. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the status of the cessation of funding to the WALK PEER programme; if he will meet with the WALK PEER team to discuss the situation and to re-evaluate the decision on funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15919/16]
View answerI understand that the PEER (Providing Equal Employment Routes) project was one of 14 employment activation projects for people with disabilities which were jointly funded by the European Social Fund and the Department of Social Protection from 2012 to 2015. Information on the current status on funding of this project would be a matter for that Department. I will clarify the position with officials in the Department of Health and Department of Social Protection and revert to the Deputy.
458. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health if he will urgently reinstate the provision of 24-hour community care for a person (details supplied), given additional funding to the Health Service Executive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15924/16]
View answerThe 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 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, the Deputy can contact my Private Office and they will follow the matter up with the HSE.
