Tuesday, 5 Jul 2016

Written Answers Nos. 486 - 509

Nursing Staff

Questions (486)

Pat Buckley

Question:

486. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health the annual cost to the Exchequer of restoring entrance wage rates for psychiatric nurses. [19273/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I 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.

Disability Support Services Provision

Questions (487)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

487. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of the case of a person (details supplied) who has been refused respite care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19280/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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 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.

Disability Support Services Provision

Questions (488)

Colm Brophy

Question:

488. Deputy Colm Brophy asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will have their needs assessed by a needs assessment officer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19282/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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.

Disability Support Services Provision

Questions (489)

Colm Brophy

Question:

489. Deputy Colm Brophy asked the Minister for Health the status of the provision of needs assessments by needs assessment officers in areas (details supplied) in County Dublin; the number of officers in place; the reason for the delay in provision; when the backlog of applicants will be cleared; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19283/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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 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.

Community Care

Questions (490)

Eugene Murphy

Question:

490. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Health his plans to move a primary care centre (details supplied) out of community health care organisation area 2 and into community health care organisation area 1; if so, the consequences and repercussions this will have on patient care and quality of service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19287/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As 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.

Cross-Border Health Services Provision

Questions (491)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

491. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health the implications for radiotherapy patients from Donegal attending the north-west cancer centre in Altnagelvin Hospital in light of the Brexit outcome; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19289/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Construction of the new Radiotherapy Unit at Altnagelvin Area Hospital is progressing well. It is expected that the provision of services to patients from both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland will begin in late autumn this year. The new Unit continues to have the full support of both jurisdictions.

At this stage, it is envisaged that there will be no immediate changes in the area of health as a consequence of the UK's decision to leave the EU. Co-operation will continue towards the implementation of the joint Service Level Agreement on radiotherapy services at Altnagelvin and it is not anticipated that the project will be affected by the UK's decision to leave the EU.

Mental Health Services Provision

Questions (492)

Michael McGrath

Question:

492. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter raised in correspondence from a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19292/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As 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.

Ambulance Service Staff

Questions (493)

John Paul Phelan

Question:

493. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Health the number of officer positions, including operational resource manager, fleet, logistics and estate manager, and quality, safety and risk manager, which have become vacant since 9 January 2012 to 2016 to date in all areas of the country in the national ambulance service; the county in which each vacancy arose; the date it became vacant and the date it was filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19293/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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.

Ambulance Service Staff

Questions (494)

John Paul Phelan

Question:

494. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Health the number of officer positions which have been filled by persons on a temporary basis who were not on the 2012 to 2016 to date officer panel in regard to the national ambulance service; the counties in which each occurred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19294/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I 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.

Ambulance Service Staff

Questions (495)

John Paul Phelan

Question:

495. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Health the areas of operations where local competitions to fill vacant officer positions have been carried out for the national ambulance service; the counties and stations where successful candidates have been installed in a temporary capacity without senior management in that area referring to an existing national ambulance service officer recruitment panel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19295/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I 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.

Ambulance Service Staff

Questions (496)

John Paul Phelan

Question:

496. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Health if an operations resource manager officer was transferred into a vacant quality and risk position in the absence of a transfer policy and without reference to the current panels with regard to the national ambulance service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19296/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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.

Ambulance Service Staff

Questions (497)

John Paul Phelan

Question:

497. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Health the reasons an operations resource manager position in Cork city has been vacant from 2 June 2015 to date in the national ambulance service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19297/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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.

Ambulance Service Staff

Questions (498)

John Paul Phelan

Question:

498. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Health if all temporary quality and risk positions in Dublin are filled by persons on the national ambulance service officer panel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19298/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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.

Ambulance Service Staff

Questions (499)

John Paul Phelan

Question:

499. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Health the length of time the national ambulance service officer panel was in place prior to the 2012 competition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19299/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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.

Disability Support Services Provision

Questions (500)

Gino Kenny

Question:

500. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health his plans to develop inpatient rehabilitation services at both national and regional level, to ensure timely access to community neuro-rehabilitation teams, CNT, in each of the nine community health organisations; if he will invest in long-term rehabilitation specific services in the community and provide lifelong support in appropriate settings for persons with neurological conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19302/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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 places a particular focus on a number of key programmes and strategies including 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, which will guide and oversee the reconfiguration and development of Neuro-rehabilitation structures and services at national and local level.

Alongside these developments, the Government announced a major development of the National Rehabilitation Hospital which will deliver a purpose built hospital on the site with 120 beds and include support therapies, paediatric and acquired brain injury wards, a hydrotherapy unit and a sports hall.

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the 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.

Orthodontic Services

Questions (501)

John McGuinness

Question:

501. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if he or the Health Service Executive covers claims from clients of orthodontists where the procedure has gone wrong; if there is a national body to monitor the insurance cover for dentists and orthodontists; and if there is a regulatory body tasked with ensuring that such professionals comply with best practice. [19307/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Dental practitioners and orthodontists must purchase professional clinical indemnity cover from one of the medical defence organisations or commercial insurers, except in respect of public services provided in HSE dental clinics and in the two Dental Hospitals. In these circumstances, claims arising from the diagnosis, treatment and care of patients in public healthcare enterprises is delegated to the State Claims Agency which has a statutory mandate to investigate and manage these cases to completion. All practitioners delivering orthodontic treatment are required to be registered by the Dental Council. The Council's Code of Practice relating to Professional Behaviour and Ethical Conduct requires practitioners to hold appropriate professional indemnity cover.

Disability Services Provision

Questions (502)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

502. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will have access to occupational therapy, psychology and speech and language therapy. [19308/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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.

Disability Support Services Provision

Questions (503)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

503. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if a requested place can be facilitated in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19309/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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 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.

Hospital Appointments Delays

Questions (504)

Mary Butler

Question:

504. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure a person (details supplied) receives surgery without further delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19310/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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 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.

Cross-Border Health Services Provision

Questions (505)

Declan Breathnach

Question:

505. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Health the number of persons here who have used the cross-border health care directive per annum since its inception to date, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19311/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The Health Service Executive operates the EU Directive on Patients’ Rights in Cross Border Healthcare in Ireland. The Health Service Executive has been asked to examine the matter of the data requested and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible. 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.

Cross-Border Health Services Provision

Questions (506)

Declan Breathnach

Question:

506. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who have used the cross-border health care directive, by county in tabular form. [19312/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The Health Service Executive operates the EU Directive on Patients’ Rights in Cross Border Healthcare in Ireland. The Health Service Executive has been asked to examine the matter of the data requested and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible. 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.

Cross-Border Health Services Provision

Questions (507)

Declan Breathnach

Question:

507. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Health the total amount of money reimbursed to persons under the cross-border health care directive per annum since its inception, in tabular form. [19313/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The Health Service Executive operates the EU Directive on Patients’ Rights in Cross Border Healthcare in Ireland. The Health Service Executive has been asked to examine the matter of the data requested and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible. 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.

Cross-Border Health Services Provision

Questions (508)

Declan Breathnach

Question:

508. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Health to give an update on the implementation of the cross-border directive. [19314/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The EU Directive on Patients’ Rights in Cross Border Healthcare has been transposed by Statutory Instruments No. 203 of 2014, the European Union (Application of Patients’ Rights in Cross-Border Healthcare) Regulations 2014, which came into operation on 1 June 2014, and S.I. 65 of 2015, the European Union (Application of Patients’ Rights in Cross-Border Healthcare) (Amendment) Regulations 2015, which was signed into law on 23 February 2015. Awareness of the provisions of the Cross-Border Directive has grown substantially recently, reflected in the activity in the NCP and the HSE has been asked to provide data to the Deputy directly.

The Health Service Executive operates the EU Directive on Patients’ Rights in Cross Border Healthcare in Ireland. In line with practice in other EU Member States, the HSE, through the National Contact Point (NCP) office, provides information for patients on the Cross-Border Directive on its website - http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/1/schemes/cbd/ - and also by phone. The principal function of the NCP (which is the mechanism specified under the Directive for the dissemination of information on the Directive by Member States) is to facilitate exchange of information for patients concerning their rights and entitlements relating to receiving healthcare in another Member State, in particular the terms and conditions for reimbursement of cost and the procedures for accessing and determining those entitlements.

The NCP also has a responsibility to ensure that all enquirers are informed of the right to healthcare, if any, that they may have through the European legislation on the coordination of social security schemes (EU Regulation 883/04) and which may be more beneficial to them. The NCP is able to inform patients what the cost of their treatments would be in Ireland to allow them make a comparison with the costs they are being quoted for comparable treatment in another Member State.

Similar to other healthcare schemes operated by EU Member States under Community legislation, access to healthcare abroad under the Cross-Border Healthcare Directive is based on patients following public patient pathways, hence the HSE has in particular concentrated on informing the doctors who make the referrals. 

Cross-Border Health Services Provision

Questions (509)

Declan Breathnach

Question:

509. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Health if he has held or plans to hold meetings with his Northern Irish counterparts with regard to the cross-border directive in light of the Brexit referendum result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19315/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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.

The result of the recent EU Referendum in the UK means that the UK electorate have declared their wish to leave the EU. It is important to be clear that the UK has not yet left the EU. Until it formally withdraws from the Union, it remains a full Member, with all of its existing rights and obligations. I wish to assure the Deputy that there will be no immediate changes in the area of health as a consequence of the UK’s decision to leave the EU. Irish patients who had planned to travel to the UK under the CBD in the near future may continue to do as planned.

The terms of a British exit from the EU are unknown at this stage. It is expected to take a minimum of two years of negotiations between all EU member states, including Ireland, to agree a new arrangement between the UK and the EU, and the Department of Health will be fully involved in these negotiations.

The North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) Plenary took place on Monday 4 July. This provided an important opportunity for an initial strategic discussion between the Government and the NI Executive on the impact of the recent UK referendum.

In order to optimise joint planning and engagement on key issues arising following the UK referendum result, the NSMC agreed to work together to ensure that Northern Ireland’s interests are protected and advanced and the benefits of North/South co-operation are fully recognised in any new arrangements which emerge as regards the United Kingdom’s future relationship with the European Union.

NSMC ministerial sectoral meetings will provide an important forum for consideration of the strategic and cross-cutting issues arising from the UK referendum. The next NSMC Health and Food Safety ministerial sectoral meeting is scheduled to take place in autumn 2016.

In advance of this, my Department will build on initial work completed to undertake a full audit of the possible impacts, risks, opportunities and contingencies arising over the longer term, in the phases preceding and following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.

This work will be conducted by a sub-committee of the Management Board, which was set up in advance of the UK referendum to examine the potential consequences of a UK decision to leave the EU on healthcare in Ireland and for Irish citizens.

Regular contact with counterparts at political and official level will be maintained throughout this process.

Further discussion on the implications of the referendum result will take place at the next NSMC Plenary, which takes place in Armagh in November.