Seán Fleming
Question:1168. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an appointment for surgery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25095/16]
View answerHospital Appointments Administration
Questions (1168)
Written 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 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.
Free Travel Scheme
Questions (1169)
Bobby Aylward
Question:1169. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Health if there are provisions due to be implemented within his Department to accommodate persons that are not permitted by the State to drive due to a sight impairment but cannot avail of a free-travel pass as they are under 66 years of age and are not in receipt of a disability allowance, blind pension, carer's allowance or an invalidity pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25100/16]
View answerWritten answers
I wish to inform the Deputy that the Department of Health does not have a scheme in place for people with a sight impairment who cannot avail of the Free Travel Pass and are not in receipt of core payments from the Department of Social Protection. The criteria for the Free Travel Pass are a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Social Protection.
However, if the Deputy has concerns regarding the provision of health and personal, social supports to a particular individual, he is welcome to contact my Private Office with the details and they will follow the matter up with the Health Service Executive.
Medicinal Products Prices
Questions (1170)
Brendan Griffin
Question:1170. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding pharmaceutical pricing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25108/16]
View answerWritten answers
The implementation of price reductions arising from the new pricing and supply agreement with the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association is an operational matter for the HSE; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and reply to the Deputy.
Medicinal Products Prices
Questions (1171)
Brendan Griffin
Question:1171. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding high cost medicines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25109/16]
View answerWritten answers
Regulation (EC) 883/04 and Implementing Regulation 987/09 provide for the coordination of social security systems, including healthcare, within the EU/EEA and Switzerland, with the aim of ensuring the free movement of persons. This objective of the Regulation is to ensure that persons exercising their right to move and to stay freely within the EU/EEA and Switzerland do not suffer disadvantage.
Medical cards may be issued to EU/EEA citizens under EU Regulation 883/04 if the person is in receipt of a contributory social insurance payment from one, or more, of the Member States provided they are not receiving a contributory social insurance payment from the Irish State.
These Medical Cards are issued on an individual basis and the income of a spouse/partner is not relevant. EU/EEA citizens who are in receipt of a qualifying payment from another Member State should make an application for a Medical Card directly to the HSE. The application should be accompanied, as evidence that they are receiving a qualifying payment, by the relevant EU "S" form issued by the Member State making the payment. The annual average cost to the State of the provision of an individual medical card is €912. As of 1 September 2016, 1,709,896 individuals hold a medical card. This figure also includes discretionary medical cards.
Services for People with Disabilities
Questions (1172)
Louise O'Reilly
Question:1172. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an appointment for occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech and language therapy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25111/16]
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 service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
Speech and Language Therapy Provision
Questions (1173)
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:1173. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the waiting list for counties Louth and Meath for speech and language therapy assessment and intervention for each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25112/16]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service issue, this question has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (1174)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:1174. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25115/16]
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.
Ambulance Service
Questions (1175)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:1175. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding ambulances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25121/16]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
Public Relations Contracts Data
Questions (1176)
Louise O'Reilly
Question:1176. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the total amount billed to publicly funded hospitals, including section 38 providers, by external communications and public relations firms for work provided in 2015; the list of the hospitals; the names of the PR and communications companies and the corresponding spend in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25142/16]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Public Relations Contracts Data
Questions (1177)
Louise O'Reilly
Question:1177. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the total amount billed to hospital groups by external communications and public relations firms for work provided in 2015; the names of the PR and communications companies; the seven hospital groups and the corresponding spend in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25143/16]
View answerWritten answers
In relation to the specific query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Public Relations Contracts Data
Questions (1178)
Louise O'Reilly
Question:1178. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the total amount billed to community health-care organisations by external communications and public relations firms for work provided in 2015; the names of the PR and communications companies; the lists of the CHOs and the corresponding spend in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25144/16]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Health Services Staff Data
Questions (1179)
Louise O'Reilly
Question:1179. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the number of persons employed in communications in the HSE; if he will include those working in communications roles in individual hospitals, in community health-care organisations, the HSE press office and communications teams and those working for hospital groups; the total number of those employees who are in senior management grades grade V111 and above in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25145/16]
View answerWritten answers
I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.
General Practitioner Services
Questions (1180)
Brendan Griffin
Question:1180. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health the reason general practitioners are unable to refer public patients for MRI scans in public hospitals; if will review this process given the fact it is available to private patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25147/16]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly
Orthodontic Services Provision
Questions (1181)
Bernard Durkan
Question:1181. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if essential orthodontic treatment is covered by a parent's medical card in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25156/16]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Questions (1182)
Pearse Doherty
Question:1182. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) has been put an a further nine-month waiting list after initially being referred since March 2015 for a procedure in Letterkenny University Hospital; if the person is on the routine or urgent waiting list; when the person is likely to receive an appointment for the procedure; if the person is a suitable candidate for the Cross-Border Healthcare Directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25176/16]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
Dental Services Waiting Lists
Questions (1183)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:1183. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a dental appointment in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25177/16]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Questions (1184)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:1184. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an operation in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25186/16]
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.
Drug Treatment Programmes
Questions (1185, 1186)
Pearse Doherty
Question:1185. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the total number of residential and inpatient detoxification beds available for the purpose of treatment for drug and alcohol misuse in the State; the number of such beds which are available within each local health office area with respect to all LHOs in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25196/16]
View answerPearse Doherty
Question:1186. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the patient waiting times, per facility, in relation to those awaiting access to residential and inpatient detoxification beds for the purpose of treatment for drug and alcohol misuse, and who have been waiting for six, nine, 12, 15 months and more than 15 months in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25197/16]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1185 and 1186 together.
As these are service matters, they have been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Appointments Administration
Questions (1187)
Pearse Doherty
Question:1187. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an appointment for surgery at Letterkenny University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25198/16]
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.
Consultancy Contracts Expenditure
Questions (1188)
Clare Daly
Question:1188. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 633 of 19 July 2016, if he will provide a breakdown of all expenditure to date by the CRC on outside consultancy services specifically connected to the wind-up of the CRC pension plan, both leading up to the announcement that the plan was to be wound up and afterwards in tabular form. [25203/16]
View answerWritten answers
I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.
Health Services
Questions (1189)
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:1189. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if he will investigate details provided in correspondence (details supplied); the action taken in response by the HSE to this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25207/16]
View answerWritten answers
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 10 working days, please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (1190)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:1190. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a hospital appointment in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25208/16]
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.
Home Care Packages Data
Questions (1191)
John Brassil
Question:1191. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a breakdown of allocation of the €20 million allocated to maintain home help hours and home care packages by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25210/16]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Services for People with Disabilities
Questions (1192)
John McGuinness
Question:1192. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if funding will be provided for two full-time placements in respect of persons (details supplied); if further funding will be provided for transport for them; and if a decision will be expedited [25214/16]
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 service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
Medical Card Applications
Questions (1193)
Bernard Durkan
Question:1193. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if and when medical card will issue in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25216/16]
View answerWritten answers
The 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 was issued to Oireachtas members previously.
Illness Benefit Applications
Questions (1194)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:1194. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a critical illness payment in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25217/16]
View answerWritten answers
I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.
Orthodontic Services Waiting Lists
Questions (1195)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:1195. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an orthodontic appointment in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25218/16]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for reply to the Deputy.