Written Answers Nos. 459 -480
459. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of maternity services in Tralee General Hospital in County Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15926/16]
View answerI am sorry to learn that the baby is unwell. While I can confirm that University Hospital Kerry has an ultrasonography service, I cannot make any comment in relation to individual patients.
As the specific query raised by the Deputy is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to him directly. If he has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.
460. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an operation for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15929/16]
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 the Deputy directly. If he has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.
461. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if and when he will provide urgent treatment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15930/16]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy. If he has 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.
462. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Health the arrangements he has in place to supplement the work of the speech and language therapists based in the speech therapy services in County Kilkenny should one or more therapists take maternity leave for the maximum period they are entitled to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15934/16]
View answerAs this is a service issue, this question has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy. If he has 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
463. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Health the arrangements he has in place to maintain control of the ever-increasing waiting lists for patients seeking speech therapy services in County Kilkenny should one or more therapists take maternity leave for the maximum period they are entitled to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15935/16]
View answerAs this is a service issue, this question has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy. If he has 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
464. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the amount his Department spent on providing individual medicines (details supplied) to patients, the price paid for each medicine and the dispensing fees paid to pharmacists for each medicine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15945/16]
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, therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
If he has 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.
465. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health to examine the register of qualified mastectomy brassiere fitters with a view to putting a contract out for tender for County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15946/16]
View answerThe Deputy's question relates to service delivery matters and accordingly I have asked the HSE to respond directly to him.
If he has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow up the matter with them.
466. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) has not received an appointment. [15954/16]
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 the Deputy directly. If he has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.
468. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health the rules and legislation which formed the basis for him and the Health Service Executive advising representatives from the Central Remedial Clinic at the end of May 2016 that it would not be possible for members in its pension and death benefits plan to transfer to the single public service pension scheme. [15963/16]
View answerThe Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012 provides for the establishment of a Single Public Service Pension Scheme (SPSPS). The Act clearly specifies who may be members of the SPSPS and based on these provisions current members of the CRC Plan are ineligible for membership.
The CRC has been requested to consult with the HSE to develop a business case in relation to the employees concerned.
469. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health the reason substantial portions of appendix 16 of the report of the interim administrator appointed by the Health Service Executive to the Central Remedial Clinic and Friends and Supporters of the Central Remedial Clinic Limited, 2014, were redacted before publication by the Health Service Executive. [15964/16]
View answer474. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health to provide the redacted potions of appendix 16 of the report of the interim administrator the Health Service Executive appointed to the Central Remedial Clinic and Friends and Supporters of the Central Remedial Clinic Limited in 2014, that is, the assumptions the clinic’s plan used in its funding proposal which the Pensions Board accepted. [15983/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 469 and 474 together.
The Report of the Interim Administrator appointed by the Health Service Executive to the Central Remedial Clinic and Friends and Supporters of the CRC Limited was published with redactions by the HSE. Accordingly, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter. If she has 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.
470. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the unregulated sale of false treatments for autism spectrum disorder and cancer over the Internet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15966/16]
View answerUnder the Medicinal Products (Control of Placing on the Market) Regulations 2007, as amended, a medicine cannot be placed on the market in Ireland unless it has a marketing authorisation from the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) or a community marketing authorisation from the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Any product which makes a medicinal claim to treat medical conditions such as autism is considered to be a medicine and requires an authorisation under this legislation.
The product referred to as Chlorine Dioxide or CD Protocol, otherwise known as Miracle Mineral Solution (MMS) is not authorised as a medicine for sale or supply in Ireland. Any manufacture, supply or sale of this product for the purposes of treating a medical condition is illegal.
The HPRA, the competent authority for the implementation of the medicines legislation, has led a number of investigations into the alleged supply of CD Protocol in various parts of Ireland for the alleged treatment of autism. It is pursuing a number of avenues of enquiry in what continues to be an open investigation into the manufacture, supply and sale of this product.
During its investigations to date, the HPRA has carried out searches at a number of premises assisted, where necessary, by An Garda Síochána and has also spoken to a number of individuals. In each case, substances and/or equipment have been detained for further examination.
The HPRA, in cooperation with the Revenue’s Customs Service, An Garda Síochána and other international regulatory and law enforcement agencies, actively monitors the online movements and supply of prescription and illicit medicines to Ireland. The HPRA uses a range of enforcement powers to tackle this activity including seizing product and taking prosecutions.
On July 1 the EU logo signifying the legitimacy of websites of pharmacies and medicines retailers was introduced in order to place controls upon, and reduce the significant health risk posed by, falsified medicines. Members of the public are strongly urged not to purchase medicines from an internet site which does not have the EU internet logo. In Ireland these controls apply to pharmacies/ retailers involved in the internet supply of non-prescription medicines. The internet supply of prescription medicines continues to remain prohibited in Ireland on grounds of public health protection.
I would reiterate the advice of the HPRA and recommend against the purchase of any prescription, or unauthorised medicines online. Further information can be found in the HPRA’s leaflet, “The Dangers of Buying Prescription Medicines Online”. For those already in possession of such products, consumers who feel any ill effects from taking any products purchased online should contact their doctor immediately. Any remaining product should not be taken.
471. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a person (details supplied) with traditional respite care through the Health Service Executive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15968/16]
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 Programme for Partnership Government states that the Government wishes to provide more accessible respite care to facilitate full support for people with a disability.
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.
472. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health to provide the methadone treatment list data for the Kildare and west Wicklow local health office. [15973/16]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service 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.
473. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in opening the new health centre in Mullagh, Cavan town; when he will open it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15979/16]
View answerAs this is a service issue, this question has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy. If she has 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.
475. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Health the reason for delays experienced by children and their families in assessing early intervention services for children with autism spectrum disorder in County Mayo; and his plans to rectify this serious issue. [15989/16]
View answer476. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Health the number of children who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in County Mayo in each of the years 2014 to 31 May 2016, in tabular form. [15990/16]
View answer477. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Health the number of staff the Health Service Executive employs in early intervention services and where they are located, in tabular form. [15991/16]
View answer478. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Health the number of applications which have been made to the Health Service Executive for early intervention services in County Mayo, by month; and the length of time it took for applicants to receive the services, by up to six months, between six and 12 months, more than 12 months and still waiting, in each of the years 2014 to 31 May 2016, in tabular form. [15992/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 475 to 478, inclusive, together.
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.
The Programme for Partnership Government states that the Government will improve services and increase supports for people with disabilities, particularly for early assessment and intervention for children with special needs. In that context, the HSE is in the process of reconfiguring services for children with a disability under their National Programme on Progressing Disability Services for Children and Young People (0-18 years).
The aim of the Progressing Disability Services Programme is to achieve a national, unified approach to delivering disability health services so that there is a clear pathway to services for all children, regardless of where they live, what school they go to or the nature of their disability. The Programme is organised at national, regional and local level and includes representatives from the health and education sectors, non-statutory service providers and parents. It is envisaged that the Programme, when implemented, will have a positive impact on the provision of clinical services for all children who require access to health related supports. An additional €4m has been specifically allocated in 2016 to drive implementation of the Programme. This equates to approximately 75 therapy posts. Following detailed consideration by the Executive, these additional therapy posts have now been allocated and the recruitment process to fill same is currently underway.
As implementation of the Programme and the questions the Deputy has raised are a service matter, I have arranged for the questions to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy. If she has 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.
479. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16001/16]
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 the Deputy directly. If he has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.
480. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the number of abortions carried out in 2015 under the provisions of the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16002/16]
View answerThe Minister for Health is under an obligation under the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act 2013 to prepare and lay before the Houses of the Oireachtas an annual report on the terminations of pregnancy that have taken place in accordance with this Act in the preceding year by 30th June. The number of notifications received for terminations carried out under the Act in 2015 will be published at the end of this month.
