Friday, 16 Sep 2016

Written Answers Nos 1416-1444

HSE Funding

Questions (1416)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

1416. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health when funding will be provided to open a new 40-bed hospital in County Kerry (details supplied). [26025/16]

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 10 working days, please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.

Legislative Programme

Questions (1417)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

1417. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the status of the review of international public funding models for fertility treatment; when the general scheme of legislative provisions dealing with assisted human reproduction, AHR, will be published; the timeframe for the legislation dealing with AHR; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26026/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As the Deputy will be aware, in February of this year, the then Minister for Health announced his intention to provide public funding for assisted human reproduction (AHR) treatment in conjunction with the planned introduction of legislation in this area. In order to determine the most appropriate funding model for AHR in the State, the Health Research Board (HRB) was engaged to conduct a comprehensive review of international public funding models. This HRB evidence review is due to be completed before the end of 2016.

Officials in my Department are currently drafting the General Scheme of legislative provisions on AHR and associated research and it is envisaged that it will be published in 2017. This comprehensive piece of legislation will regulate a range of practices for the first time, including: gamete (sperm or egg) and embryo donation for AHR and research; surrogacy; pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) of embryos; posthumous assisted reproduction; and stem cell research. Once the General Scheme has been published, my Department will undertake a consultation process to seek the views of both the general public and stakeholder groups on the General Scheme. In addition, the General Scheme will be submitted to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children for the purposes of pre-legislative scrutiny.

Hospital Appointments Status

Questions (1418)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

1418. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an MRI scan in Temple Street Hospital in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26028/16]

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 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

Audiology Services Data

Questions (1419)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

1419. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on waiting lists for an appointment for community audiology services in County Donegal; the number of persons that have been waiting for three months; six months; nine months; 12 months; 15 months and more than 15 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26029/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for reply to the Deputy.

Medical Aids and Appliances Provision

Questions (1420)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

1420. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of the provision of HSE equipment in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26031/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.

Parliamentary Questions Data

Questions (1421)

Michael Fitzmaurice

Question:

1421. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health the number of parliamentary questions for written answer put to the Minister for Health in each of the past five years; the number of parliamentary questions for written answer put to the Minister for Health in each of the past five years that were directly answered by the Ministers for Health; the number of parliamentary questions for written answer put to the Minister for Health in each of the past five years that were referred by the Minister for Health to the HSE for answer, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26036/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table:

Year	Total PQs Answered	Referred to HSE	Answered by Ministers
2016	5,159	3,372	1,787
2015	8,033	5,258	2,775
2014	8,081	4,907	3,174
2013	7,232	3,623	3,609
2012	7,590	4,045	3,545

As the Departments PQ database does not provide a breakdown between Oral and Written PQs the number of questions answered reflects both. The 2016 figures are for January to July only.

Home Care Packages Administration

Questions (1422)

Eugene Murphy

Question:

1422. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Health the reason there have been such drastic cuts to home care packages in the Roscommon-Galway area in recent times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26043/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Home Care Packages Provision

Questions (1423)

Eugene Murphy

Question:

1423. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a vital home care package in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26044/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Home Care Packages Provision

Questions (1424)

Eugene Murphy

Question:

1424. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he will increase the number of hours of a home care package in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26045/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Home Care Packages Provision

Questions (1425)

Eugene Murphy

Question:

1425. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he will increase the number of hours of a home care package in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26046/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Medical Aids and Appliances Provision

Questions (1426)

Mary Butler

Question:

1426. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health the reason a new blood test metering system known as FreeStyle Libre which has very significant benefits in terms of blood sugar monitoring and control for diabetics is not available here, but is available in the United Kingdom and other European countries; if this new meter will be made available to diabetics here in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26066/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

National Treatment Purchase Fund Eligibility

Questions (1427)

Mary Butler

Question:

1427. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) is eligible for the National Treatment Purchase Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26069/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The Programme for a Partnership Government emphasises the need for sustained commitment to improving waiting times for patients, with a particular focus on those patients waiting longest. It commits to €15m funding to the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) in 2017 for an initiative targeted at those waiting longest as part of continued investment of €50m per year to reduce waiting lists. The Department of Health is working closely with the HSE and the NTPF to develop specific initiatives focused on reducing acute hospital waiting lists in 2017 in accordance with the Programme for a Partnership Government’s commitments. There is currently no initiative focusing on patients awaiting dental surgery under general anaesthetic. These services are provided in an acute hospital setting following a referral from the Public Dental Service of the HSE.

With regard to the individual concerned, I have asked the HSE to investigate this matter and respond to the Deputy.

Appointments to State Boards

Questions (1428)

Brendan Ryan

Question:

1428. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Health the list of all vacancies that existed on 26 February 2016 and all positions that have arisen since included the date it became vacant for State boards or governing bodies under his control; the names of those appointed since the Government was formed; if the position was advertised and a shortlist provided to him by the Public Appointments Service; if the appointments were approved by the Cabinet; the positions under his control which are not subject to the PAS system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26085/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The nomination and appointment process for boards of bodies under the aegis of my Department is set out in legislation. In line with Government Decision S180/20/10/1617 of 2014 and Guidelines set out by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform relating to the advertising for expressions of interest in vacancies on State Boards, my Department in conjunction with the Public Appointments Service (PAS) currently advertises for board vacancies as they arise, where I, as Minister for Health, have nominating rights under relevant legislation. I also appoint members on the nomination of various bodies, again in accordance with the relevant legislation.

The following tables set out the information requested by the Deputy:

Table of Appointments since the Government was formed

Board	Appointee	Date Appointed	Position	Advertised Through PAS	Short-list provided by PAS
Radiographers Registration Board	Dr Mary O'Connor	26/05/2016	Ordinary Member	No	N\A (Member Re-Appointed)
Speech and Language Therapists Registration Board	Ms Irene Gunning	26/05/2016	Ordinary Member	No	N\A (Member Re-Appointed)
Speech and Language Therapists Registration Board	Ms Suzanne Keenan	26/05/2016	Ordinary Member	No	N\A (Member Re-Appointed)
Dietitians Registration Board	Mr John Hanily	26/05/2016	Ordinary Member	No	N\A (Member Re-Appointed)
Dietitians Registration Board	Mr Anthony Morris	26/05/2016	Ordinary Member	No	N\A (Member Re-Appointed)
Food Safety Authority of Ireland	Mr Martin Higgins	15/06/2016	Ordinary Member	Yes	11/01/2016
Food Safety Authority of Ireland	Ms Ros O'Shea	15/06/2016	Ordinary Member	Yes	11/01/2016
Food Safety Authority of Ireland	Ms Mary Cullen	15/06/2016	Ordinary Member	Yes	11/01/2016
Food Safety Authority of Ireland	Mr Derek Cunningham	15/06/2016	Ordinary Member	Yes	11/01/2016
Health Insurance Authority	Mr Ian Britchfield	20/06/2016	Ordinary Member	Yes	04/12/2015
Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council	Dr Conor Deasy	30/06/2016	Ordinary Member	No	N\A (External Nomination)
Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council	Ms Tess O'Donovan	30/06/2016	Ordinary Member	No	N\A (External Nomination)
Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council	Mr Stephen Brady	30/06/2016	Ordinary Member	No	N\A (External Nomination)
Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council	Mr Shane Knox	30/06/2016	Ordinary Member	No	N\A (External Nomination)
Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council	Mr Martin Dunne	30/06/2016	Ordinary Member	No	N\A (External Nomination)
Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council	Professor Patrick Plunkett	30/06/2016	Ordinary Member	No	N\A (Member Re-Appointed)
Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland	Mr Martin Higgins	12/07/2016	Ordinary Member	No	N\A (Member Re-Appointed)
Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland	Mr Pat Dolan	12/07/2016	Ordinary Member	No	N\A (Member Re-Appointed)
Radiographers Registration Board	Ms Alice Dorris	15/07/2016	Ordinary Member	Yes	10/03/2016
Occupational Therapists Registration Board	Ms Aisling Culhane	15/07/2016	Ordinary Member	Yes	10/03/2016
Occupational Therapists Registration Board	Mr Patrick Benson	15/07/2016	Ordinary Member	Yes	10/03/2016
Dietitians Registration Board	Dr Teresa Bruen	15/07/2016	Ordinary Member	Yes	10/03/2016
Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland	Mr Dermot Manning	31/07/2016	Ordinary Member	No	N\A (Member Re-Appointed)
Voluntary Health Insurance Board	Mr John O'Dwyer	01/08/2016	Ordinary Member	No	N\A (Member Re-Appointed)
Social Workers Registration Board	Mr Donal Gill	09/08/2016	Ordinary Member	No	N\A (Member elected by Registrants)
Social Workers Registration Board	Ms Roberta Mulligan	09/08/2016	Ordinary Member	No	N\A (Member elected by Registrants)
Social Workers Registration Board	Ms Colette McLoughlin	09/08/2016	Ordinary Member	No	N\A (Member elected by Registrants)
Dublin Dental Hospital Board	Professor Derek Sullivan	09/08/2016	Ordinary Member	No	N\A (External Nomination)
Health Insurance Authority	Ms Sheelagh Malin	17/08/2016	Chairperson (Government informed of appointment)	Yes	15/12/2015
Health and Social Care Professionals Council	Professor Bernard McCartan	17/08/2016	Chairperson (Government informed of appointment)	Yes	21/04/2016
Occupational Therapists Registration Board	Professor Catherine McCabe	24/08/2016	Ordinary Member	No	N\A (External Nomination)
Speech and Language Therapists Registration Board	Dr Judith Pettigrew	24/08/2016	Ordinary Member	No	N\A (External Nomination)
Radiographers Registration Board	Dr Cliona McGovern	24/08/2016	Ordinary Member	No	N\A (External Nomination)
Social Workers Registration Board	Dr Perry Share	24/08/2016	Ordinary Member	No	N\A (External Nomination)

List of Vacancies to be Filled

Current Vacancies by Board	Maximum Number of Positions on the Board as per Legislation	Number of Vacant Positions	Date Vacancies Occurred	PAS Process
Dietitians Registration Board	13	3	Feb/March '16	No (Members to be Elected)
Dublin Dental Hospital Board	14	2	May '15/April '16	No (External nomination)
Health and Social Care Professionals Council	29	8	March '16	2 vacancies to be filled by PAS process. Others to be filled by external nominations
National Paediatric Hospital Development Board	13	1	June 2014	No (External Nomination)
Occupational Therapists Registration Board	13	4	Feb - July '16	1 vacancy to be filled by PAS, 3 by election
Physiotherapists Registration Board	13	3	May/June '16	2 vacancies to be filled by PAS process. 1 by election
Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council	17	8	June '16	Yes
Consultative Council on Hepatitis C	8	8	July '16	No (External Nominations)
Social Workers Registration Board	13	2	Aug '16	Yes
National Haemophilia Council	11	7	July '16	2 vacancies to be filled by PAS process. Others by external nominations
Speech and Language Therapists Registration Board	13	4	Feb - July '16	1 vacancy to be filled by PAS process. Others by election.
Voluntary Health Insurance Board	12	1	July '15	Yes

The Hospital Group Boards have been set up on an administrative basis. In relation to Hospital Group Board appointments, Chairs are in place for all Hospital Group Boards, and Board members were appointed to three out of seven hospital groups - Saolta University Healthcare Group, University of Limerick Hospitals Group (UL) and the Children’s Hospital Group. The terms of office of the Saolta University Healthcare Group and University of Limerick Hospital Group Boards are due to expire soon. Given the scale of the change process involved in implementing Hospital Groups, the Hospital Group Boards must be populated with individuals with the expertise and competencies necessary to deliver on the strategic and change management agenda. My Department has, through the Public Appointments Service, just advertised for expressions of interest in the position of Chairperson of the Saolta University Healthcare Group. It will shortly seek expressions of interest for members of the UL Hospitals Group Board and other Hospital Group Boards thereafter, excluding the Children's Hospital Group, and I expect to be in a position to start appoint Board members in the coming months.

HSE Properties

Questions (1429, 1430, 1431, 1432, 1433)

Eamon Ryan

Question:

1429. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Health if he will publish the approved process whereby lands owned by the HSE are to be sold or leased to companies which have charitable status. [26096/16]

Eamon Ryan

Question:

1430. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of a reported agreement by the HSE to sell or lease up to 14 acres of land at Merlin Park Hospital to Galway Hospice. [26097/16]

Eamon Ryan

Question:

1431. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Health if the agreement regarding the sale or lease of land at Merlin Park to Galway Hospice conforms to the approved process for such sales or leases; and if he will put into the public domain the agreement. [26098/16]

Eamon Ryan

Question:

1432. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Health if he will publish the strategic development plan for Merlin Park Hospital, if it exists, which identifies future building plans within the current grounds of Merlin Park Hospital. [26099/16]

Eamon Ryan

Question:

1433. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Health his views on reported plans to allow Galway Hospice to build on meadows adjacent to Merlin Park Hospital which have been classified as ecological sites of international importance and which likely meet the definition of EU annex 1 Lowland Hay Meadows. [26100/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1429 to 1433, inclusive, together.

Your question has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply as the management of the healthcare property estate is a service matter.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Questions (1434)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

1434. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost to clear the patients on trolleys across Ireland and reduce the maximum wait time on a trolley to six to eight hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26132/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.

Autism Support Services

Questions (1435)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

1435. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost to the Exchequer to provide sufficient places for all school leavers on the autism spectrum each year up to 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26133/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities, including those with autism, 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. The Programme for Partnership Government commits the Government to ensuring that all 18 year old school leavers with intellectual and physical disabilities have continued education or training opportunities and funding for the provision of day services for all school leavers is part of the Estimates negotiations on an annual basis.

To ensure these needs are met in 2016, €7.25 million was allocated by the Health Service Executive (HSE), at the beginning of the year, to provide appropriate services and supports to approximately 1,500 young people with disabilities and autism who will require continuing health-funded supports on leaving school or rehabilitative ( life skills ) training this year.

In addition, a proportion of the additional €3 million secured for disability services in June has also funded new initiatives to meet the needs of this year's school leavers. Once off funding of €2 million is also being provided for the refurbishment and fit-out of buildings to provide suitable service locations, based on an assessment of the physical capacity within existing services to accommodate the additional numbers.

Having regard to the estimated cost of providing sufficient day service places for all school leavers on the Autism Spectrum each year up to 2021, as this is a service issue I have arranged for the question to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

Health Services Provision

Questions (1436)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

1436. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health if his Department has examined the possibility of setting up community-based interventions similar to those in the UK to treat drunk persons in a setting other than an accident and emergency department; the amount such interventions would cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26134/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

Alcohol related harm is a major public health concern. Alcohol is causing significant damage across the population, in workplaces and to children in families. It also carries a substantial burden to all in Irish society. The Government has agreed proposals to tackle alcohol misuse which aim to reduce alcohol consumption in Ireland to 9.1 litres per person per annum by 2020 and to reduce the harms associated with the misuse of alcohol. The Public Health (Alcohol) Bill addresses the underlying causes of alcohol misuse i.e. affordability, availability and attractiveness. The Steering Group on a National Substance Misuse Strategy contains a number of recommendations for the provision of treatment and services to those suffering from alcohol addiction.

The HSE has advised that every patient who presents to an Emergency Department (ED) is legally entitled to as comprehensive an assessment as is necessary and that medical and nursing staff are vocationally bound to deliver this care without judgement or prejudice. A key challenge in dealing with undiagnosed and acutely distressed patients in an ED environment is to distinguish between distress that is the result of illness and/or injury and that which is due to understandable anxiety. This challenge is magnified in the case of deciding if someone is simply intoxicated or has a serious medical problem that became manifest after drinking alcohol. The management of patients who have a head injury but also happen or appear to be intoxicated is just one example of why extreme caution and diligence is required in this area. The HSE has also advised that, if, after the appropriate level of assessment, a person is found to have no medical reason to be in the ED and are causing disruption, they will be asked to leave. Should they not do so, all necessary steps, up to and including enlisting the assistance of An Garda Síochána, will be taken if necessary, so long as doing so does not affect the care of other patients awaiting treatment.

There are a number of initiatives underway in the HSE which may assist in reducing the number of intoxicated people in Emergency Departments:

- Clinical Decision Units are areas adjacent to the ED (in some larger EDs), that provides for a short period of observation, assessment or therapy for patients who have finished the ED phase of care, but are not yet fit for discharge. The fundamental purpose of the Clinical Decision Unit is to make safe clinical decisions on a patient who is not yet fit for discharge, but likely to be ready for discharge within 24 hours. Patients who require observation, including those whose need for observation arises from incapacity as a result of intoxication, are one such group who benefit from a stay in these units.

- Some EDs have successfully run occasional initiatives, in conjunction with other emergency services, whereby appropriately qualified staff are placed in facilities in areas where it is known there will be a large number of intoxicated patients, usually in inner city areas during national holidays and other celebrations. This allows for the treatment of some injuries and other medical problems on the scene, leaving a satisfied patient and removing the need to attend the ED in some instances.

- Such outposts are also very successfully deployed at large concerts, sporting events and, in particular marathons, where dehydration and hypo or hyperthermia may, in many instances be treated at the scene.

Budget 2017

Questions (1437)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

1437. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the projects his Department is prioritising in Budget 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26135/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The level of funding available for my Department is being considered as part of the national Estimates and budgetary process for 2017 which is currently underway. Pending completion of this process it is not appropriate for me to comment further at this stage.

Hospital Appointments Administration

Questions (1438)

John McGuinness

Question:

1438. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if he will arrange and expedite an early date for operations in respect of a person (details supplied). [26155/16]

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 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

Health Services Provision

Questions (1439)

John McGuinness

Question:

1439. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if dialysis will be provided in Kilkenny city rather than Waterford Regional Hospital in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will expedite a positive response based on the general practitioner's recommendations. [26156/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

With regard to the specific query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service matter I have asked the HSE to reply to you directly.

Health Services Provision

Questions (1440)

John McGuinness

Question:

1440. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in providing follow-up care and treatment in respect of a person (details supplied); if the treatment will be provided as a matter of urgency; if a report on the issues will be provided to the person's general practitioner; if correspondence from an insurance company (details supplied) will be dealt with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26157/16]

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 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.

Services for People with Disabilities

Questions (1441)

Pat Casey

Question:

1441. Deputy Pat Casey asked the Minister for Health the status and future of services at Sunbeam House Services in Arklow and Bray following recent HIQA reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26172/16]

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.

Primary Care Centres Provision

Questions (1442)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

1442. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the status of the proposed Primary Care Centre for Finglas; if the HSE has identified sites and begun to draw up plans for this centre; if the provision of this facility remains a priority for the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26174/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this 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.

Hospitals Building Programme

Questions (1443)

Pat the Cope Gallagher

Question:

1443. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the rebuild of the Radiation Department at Letterkenny University Hospital; when it will be commissioned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26176/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.

Hospital Services

Questions (1444)

Pat the Cope Gallagher

Question:

1444. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Health if he will request the HSE to provide a cardiac catheterisation laboratory at Letterkenny University Hospital; if he will provide the necessary funds for the employment of a cardiologist to service the laboratory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26177/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The National Clinical Programme for Acute Coronary Syndrome recommends that patients who are suffering a ST-elevation heart attack (often referred to as a 'STEMI') should have access to Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (pPCI) within 90 minutes. pPCI is a cardiology procedure, carried out in a cardiac catheterisation laboratory, which is used to clear arterial blockages and to insert stents at any sites of arterial narrowing or occlusion.

Earlier this year, a new cross-border cardiology service was put in place, which gives Donegal patients suffering from a STEMI heart attack direct access to pPCI services at the cardiac catheterisation facilities in Altnagelvin Hospital, Derry. This is the first cross-border service of its kind and represents a milestone in medical provision for the north west.

The Saolta Group has appointed a Consultant Interventional Cardiologist at Letterkenny University Hospital, who will assist in delivering the pPCI service from Altnagelvin. Patients within 90 minutes’ travelling distance of Altnagelvin Hospital will now have access to 24/7 pPCI at that facility.

Up to 60 patients from County Donegal suffering from a STEMI heart attack will be treated in Altnagelvin every year. Previously, patients from this region had to be transported to University Hospital Galway. This initiative therefore represents a significant improvement in terms of rapid access to pPCI for patients in County Donegal.