Written Answers Nos. 398-418
398. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of specialist nurses he will assign to support the newly appointed paediatric urologist and he will hire; the number which currently exist in the system and their starting date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16985/16]
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.
399. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number and hospital locations of the specialist paediatric urology nurses that are to be appointed and the date of commencement of their contracts, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16986/16]
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.
400. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health to address the concerns of parents whose children, they believe, developed side effects from the human papilloma virus, HPV, vaccine, Gardasil. [16988/16]
View answerThe immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). NIAC is a committee of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland comprising of experts in a number of specialties including infectious diseases, paediatrics and public health. The committee's recommendations are informed by public health advice and international best practice. In 2009, NIAC recommended HPV vaccination for all 12 year old girls, and in September 2010, the HPV vaccination programme was introduced for all girls in the first year of second level schools. The HPV vaccine protects girls from developing cervical cancer when they are adults. It is available free of charge from the HSE for all girls in 1st year of secondary school and over 200,000 girls have received the vaccine since its introduction.
In Ireland, the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) is the regulatory authority for medicines in Ireland and is the appropriate authority to which possible adverse reactions to medicinal products should be reported. In November 2015, the European Medicines Agency completed a detailed scientific review of the HPV vaccine. The review which the HPRA participated in, specifically focused on rare reports of two conditions, complex regional pain syndrome and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome associated with heart rate increase. The outcome of the review which was carried out by the EMA Pharmacovigilance and Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) found no evidence of a causal link between the vaccine and the two conditions examined. The European Medicines Agency has advised healthcare professionals that available data does not warrant any change to the use of HPV vaccines as there are no new safety concerns regarding HPV vaccines. Healthcare professionals should therefore continue using the vaccines in accordance with the current product information. On 12 January 2016, the European Commission endorsed the conclusion of the European Medicines Agency stating that there is no need to change the way HPV vaccines are used or to amend the product information. This final outcome by the Commission is now binding in all member states.
However, I am aware of claims of an association between HPV vaccination and a number of symptoms experienced by a group of young women. It appears that some girls first suffered symptoms around the time they received the HPV vaccine, and understandably some parents have connected the vaccine to their daughter's condition. I want to provide assurances that, as well as being eligible to seek medical attention and to access appropriate health and social care services, irrespective of the cause of their symptoms, the HSE will be in a position to facilitate access to specialist services as required due to the individual nature of the needs of some children.
401. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of a recent report in a publication (details supplied) that has linked air pollution to increased mental illness in children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16995/16]
View answerMy Department is aware of the report referred to by the Deputy, which will be taken into account by the HSE and other relevant statutory agencies, in the context of developing mental health policies and services for those under age 18, in the future.
402. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health the status of an operation for a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16998/16]
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.
403. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health if he will reverse huge cuts to services made by the Health Service Executive, which will affect a school (details supplied) in County Dublin as there is clearly no reduction in demand for these services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17005/16]
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 particular issue raised by the Deputy is a service matter for the HSE. Accordingly 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 up the matter with the HSE.
404. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health when he will allocate a home care package to a person (details supplied) in order to facilitate a return home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17018/16]
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.
405. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17031/16]
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.
406. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health when he proposes to establish a board for the south-south west group of hospitals. [17043/16]
View answerPending the enactment of legislation, the Hospital Groups are being set up in line with the Government’s programme for reform of the health service initially on a non-statutory administrative basis, with Hospital Group Boards operating within the existing legislative framework. Hospital Group Chairpersons are already in place (appointed on an administrative basis) for all Hospital Groups, including the South/South West Hospital Group, and Board members in place in three out of seven hospital groups (Saolta University Healthcare, UL and Children's Hospital Group). The appointment of members to the remaining Hospital Group Boards, including the South/South West Board, is expected to take place over the next months.
407. 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. [17045/16]
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.
408. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an appointment for an operation for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17046/16]
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.
409. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health why medical card patients are charged an individual charge for differing strengths of warfarin, that is, if a person is on two warfarin tablets of differing strengths they are charged €5 instead of €2.50. [17047/16]
View answerMedical card holders are required to pay a €2.50 charge per item for medicines and other prescription items supplied to them by community pharmacists, subject to a cap of €25 per month for each person or family.
Where a drug or medicine is required to be dispensed in different strengths and different containers, a prescription charge applies to each claimed strength of the product.
The administration of the prescription charge is an operational matter for the HSE, and I have asked the Executive to respond directly to you 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.
410. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the status of an application for a medical card by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17050/16]
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.
411. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health if he will arrange an admission date for a person (details supplied). [17057/16]
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.
412. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the plan to build 24 rapid-build homes adjacent to Pinewood Estate in Balbriggan, County Dublin, and the plan to locate a small community facility on this site; his plans to locate a social worker on this site; if there is a social worker located specifically here, why he deems this necessary; why this service is not being located in the new primary care centre on the main street in Balbriggan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17062/16]
View answerI am advised by the HSE that the project and associated issues referred to by the Deputy concerning the building of Rapid Houses in Balbriggan is a matter proper to Fingal County Council and is not under the remit of the HSE.
413. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the number of staff, by grade, that will be employed in the new primary care centre in Balbriggan, and the services they will provide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17063/16]
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.
414. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health his plans to build a primary care centre in Swords, County Dublin; the timeline for this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17064/16]
View answerAs this is a service issue, this question has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy. If 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.
415. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health to outline all engagements between the Health Service Executive and an organisation (details supplied) since March 2008; if the HSE received a sum of money in May 2009 on behalf of the organisation via a second organisation; to confirm the sum as €300,000 and to outline, in tabular form, how that money was spent; why a memorandum of association was used instead of the agreed service level agreement; to outline any funding from within his Department or within the HSE paid to this organisation since 2008; if he is aware that this organisation has been declined funding under the Pobal SSNO scheme; and if he will agree that this organisation is delivering an essential service to the families of ill children. [17068/16]
View answerCD Helping Hands received €78,000 in Lottery Funding from my Department in 2008 in order to set up a new office. Leukaemia Trust/Cancer Care West Ltd. received €50,000 Lottery Funding from my Department in 2009 to go towards a new purpose built support centre.
The Pobal SSNO scheme is a matter for the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government.
The remainder of the Deputy's question relates to service delivery matters and accordingly I have asked the HSE to respond directly to him.
If you have 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.
416. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health the process a charity which provides counselling and support to adults must follow in applying for annual funding under section 39; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17077/16]
View answerYour question 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 my officials will follow the matter up.
417. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when he will provide an operation for a person (details supplied); the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17079/16]
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.
418. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the number of medical card applications he has granted and refused to persons in County Kerry in 2015 and 2016 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17083/16]
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.
