Written Answers Nos. 368-391
368. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Health if he will consider a programme to educate the public regarding the importance of following the recommended dosage of medications on packets or given by a general practitioner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29294/16]
View answerLast month I launched a national public information campaign to raise awareness of the safe and effective use of medicines. This campaign is an initiative of the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA). The campaign advises the public that to get the most benefit from their medicine, they should take the time to always read the information printed on the packaging and/or the product leaflet. This information includes essential details such as the correct dose, instructions for use and potential side effects. Entitled ‘For the full benefit, Take three minutes’, this first campaign of its type is running for six weeks (from 19 September 2016), across national and regional radio, digital and print media.
369. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health if he will address the lack of capital investment in intellectual disability services since 2006 by making an extra €100 million available annually for the next five years to address the 17,883 persons who are on waiting lists for services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29309/16]
View answerIn 2015, when announcing the State's multi-annual capital programme Building on Recovery: Infrastructure and Capital Investment 2016-2021, the Government allocated €100m investment over the multi-annual period to replace, upgrade and refurbish long-stay accommodation for Persons with a disability. This work, when completed, will achieve compliance and registration with HIQA.
While significant work has been undertaken by the Health Service Executive (HSE) in determining the scheduling of projects over the period, and within the phased provision of funding, further work remains to be done.
The programme will replace existing accommodation where the physical environment requires significant improvement. Where appropriate, property may be purchased and adjusted to meet residents' needs. All healthcare infrastructure developments, including this programme, will require a lead-in time to complete the various stages. These include appraisal, project brief, design feasibility, detailed design, submission of the planning application, sourcing of appropriately located properties to purchase and the review of costing estimates. Some of these processes may overlap.
This programme is proceeding according to construction and capital planning guidelines and where appropriate properties are being purchased, the HSE's Property Protocol.
Further funding is dependent on the availability of resources in the context of the many other demands across the country and the limited future capital envelope for the health service and the overall priorities for future service development.
In relation to the specific issue of waiting lists for services raised in the Deputy's question, as this is a service matter, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
370. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the grants that are available to families for the purchase of adapted vehicles, since the motorised transport grant is closed; the assistance that can be offered to a person (details supplied) in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29310/16]
View answerConscious of the reports of the Ombudsman in 2011 and 2012 regarding the legal status of both the Mobility Allowance and Motorised Transport Grant Schemes in the context of the Equal Status Acts, the Government decided to close both schemes in February 2013. Both schemes remain closed. There are no grants provided by the Department of Health for the purchase of adapted vehicles.
I am happy to inform the Deputy that work is at an advanced stage in the Department of Health on the policy proposals to be brought to Government for the drafting of primary legislation for a new scheme. The proposals seek to ensure that:
There is a firm statutory basis to the Scheme's operation;
There is transparency and equity in the eligibility criteria attaching to the Scheme;
Resources are targeted at those with the greatest needs; and
The Scheme is capable of being costed and is affordable on its introduction and on an ongoing basis.
The Programme for Partnership Government acknowledges the ongoing drafting of primary legislation for a new Transport Support Scheme. I anticipate that the Heads of Bill will be brought to Government shortly.
The Revenue Commissioners operate the Drivers and Passengers with Disabilities Tax Relief Scheme which provides tax relief for vehicles purchased for use by people with specific severe and permanent physical disabilities. The eligibility criteria for the scheme are set out by the Department of Finance, details of which can be found on www.revenue.ie.
371. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Health the reason persons (details supplied) are waiting over a year for an appointment for surgery for their child in Galway University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29317/16]
View answerUnder the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The scheduling of appointments for patients is a matter for the hospital to which the patient has been referred. Should a patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he or she should take the matter up with the consultant and the hospital involved. In relation to the specific case raised, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
372. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health when a full-time rheumatologist will be posted to University Hospital Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29324/16]
View answerIn relation to the specific query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service matter I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
373. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health if he will allocate additional funding to alleviate the waiting lists for ASD assessment at St. Joseph's Foundation, Charleville, County Cork (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29326/16]
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 level of funding available for my Department is being considered as part of the national estimates/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.
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.
374. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the urgent need to provide funding for the administration of disability services, where assessment reports are being typed, compiled, copied and scanned by clinicians due to the lack of funding for clerical staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29327/16]
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.
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.
375. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that if three items (details supplied) were implemented, it would have a significantly positive income effect for cancer patients whose income is immediately impacted upon through their illness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29328/16]
View answerThe Programme for Partnership Government includes a commitment to reduce the cost of medicines by reducing the annual required co-payment on the Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS) and reducing prescription charges for medical card holders.
Any proposals to amend the DPS co-payment, the medical card prescription charge or the hospital in-patient charge would need to be considered as part of the ongoing Budgetary framework, having regard to the funding available for such measures.
376. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health if he will immediately appoint a Parkinson's disease nurse specialist for the south east in view of the circumstances (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29333/16]
View answerI wish to thank the Deputy for the matter raised.
Given that this is an operational matter, it is appropriate that it should be dealt with by the HSE. I have referred the Deputy's question to the HSE for direct reply.
377. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Health when the Wexford dialysis unit will be open in view of the pre-election promise to provide a facility; if Wexford County Council blocked planning permission for the Wexford dialysis unit; and, if so, the legislation under which this was permitted. [29343/16]
View answer378. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Health the amount it is costing to transport patients from County Wexford to Waterford University Hospital and Dublin hospitals for kidney dialysis every week. [29344/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 377 and 378 together.
With regard to the specific queries raised by the Deputy, as these are service matters I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
379. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the perilous financial position of a disability service (details supplied); his plans to increase funding for the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29370/16]
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.
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.
380. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29379/16]
View answerUnder the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The scheduling of appointments for patients is a matter for the hospital to which the patient has been referred. Should a patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he or she should take the matter up with the consultant and the hospital involved. In relation to the specific case raised, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
381. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health his plans to allocate increased funding for the provision of home care for those suffering from dementia; his views on whether appropriate home care can keep dementia sufferers well in their communities and out of hospitals and long-term care; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that home care packages can also provide support to family carers who provide the majority of home-based care for persons with dementia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29382/16]
View answerHome care services are critical to allow older people, including people with dementia, to stay in their own homes for as long as possible and to avoid excessive admissions to acute hospitals. They can also provide respite to carers and support them in their caring role. The HSE’s National Service Plan for 2016 provided for a target of 10.4 million Home Help Hours to support about 47,800 people. It also provides for 15,450 HCP and 130 Intensive HCPs for clients with complex needs.
It is clear that the resources available for home supports need to be strengthened and we have committed in the Programme for Government to improving the situation. As a first step, an additional €40m has been made available to maintain and develop home care services to the end of 2016. This year the HSE will now provide 133,000 home help hours and 350 home care packages more than was originally planned.
On 9 September the HSE published its Winter Initiative Plan for 2016/2017. The plan focuses on specific measures to address the surge in demand for services that is typical of this time of year. A key objective is to facilitate the discharge of people who have completed their hospital treatment. The Plan provides for an extra 950 HCPs over the Winter Initiative period and the packages will be targeted at 10 specific hospitals.
The Implementation Programme, co-funded by the HSE and the Atlantic Philanthropies, which accompanies the Irish National Dementia Strategy, includes the provision of Intensive Home Care Packages for people with dementia valued at €22.1 million. To date 133 people living with dementia have benefitted at an average cost of €1,000 per package per week. There are currently 71 people with dementia in receipt of a dementia-specific Intensive Home Care Package. Up to 500 people with dementia and their families are expected to benefit from Intensive Home Care Packages over the lifetime of the Implementation Programme. In addition to these Intensive Home Care Packages, the HSE will continue to provide mainstream home help and standard packages to people with dementia whose needs have been assessed as requiring these supports and within available resources.
382. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Health the status of a treatment plan for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29386/16]
View answerThe Deputy's question relates to service delivery matters and accordingly I have asked the HSE to respond directly to him.
383. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to plans to build a primary care centre in Carrickmacross, County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29390/16]
View answerAs 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.
384. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Health his plans to support the further roll-out of Jigsaw drop-in centres around the country and, if so, the locations and under what timeline; whether funding is ring-fenced for this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29398/16]
View answerThe HSE Service Plan 2016 prioritises the development of a range of Early Intervention and prevention mental health initiatives for young people. This includes the consolidation of the ten existing Jigsaw services nationally,and the provision of new services at Dublin, Cork and Limerick. As the details raised by the Deputy on a further roll-out is a service issue, this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
385. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health if he will provide sufficient funds to ensure that adequate home care package hours can be provided to persons in need of this package; if his attention has been drawn to the severe cutbacks made in the home care package hours in the west of Ireland; if his attention has been further drawn to home care package hours in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29408/16]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
387. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Health when the next clinic is scheduled in County Clare for the assessment of applicants for primary medical certificates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29412/16]
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.
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.
388. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health if he will provide sufficient funds to ensure that adequate home care package hours can be provided to persons in need of this package; if his attention has been drawn to the severe cutbacks made in the home care package hours in the west of Ireland; if his attention has been further drawn to a person (details supplied) who needs urgent home care package hours; when this person will be allocated the full home care package hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29414/16]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
389. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a list, county by county, of planned HSE primary health care facilities that have not yet been delivered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29415/16]
View answerAs 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.
390. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a report on his Department's dealings with survivors of thalidomide since 2011 following the commitment in the programme for Government that year; the status of any discussions regarding compensation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29428/16]
View answerThere are 32 Irish survivors of thalidomide. Given the challenges that persist for each individual, the Government is committed to addressing the health and personal social care needs of thalidomide survivors living in Ireland. Most of the survivors are represented by the Irish Thalidomide Association, with a smaller number represented by the Irish Thalidomide Survivors Society. A small number of others are not affiliated to either organisation. Irish survivors of thalidomide are seeking additional supports (financial and public service supports) from the State, some of which are outside the remit of my Department.
In accordance with the commitment in the 2011 Programme for Government, the then Minister for Health met with both representative bodies of Irish survivors of thalidomide in July of that year. Following the Government Decision of 27 April, 2010, the Government offered a once-off ex-gratia payment of €2 million to be divided equally between all the Irish survivors as a practical expression of the Government's sympathy, along with a wider package of supports based on an individual assessment of need. Since then, a total of 17 survivors have accepted a payment of €62,500 each. This payment remains on offer to other survivors.
The Health Service Executive has also appointed Ms. Carmel Buckley (Nursing and Midwifery Planning and Development Officer) as a strategic national liaison to all 32 thalidomide survivors to assist them in accessing health and personal social supports which they may require.
Of the 32 Irish Survivors of thalidomide, 22 have initiated personal injury claims in the High Court against the State. The personal injury claims are being managed on behalf of the State by the State Claims Agency.
391. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the number of individual placement services the HSE funds for persons with disabilities by county and cost per location; the number of persons per location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29430/16]
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.
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.
