Written Answers Nos. 125-130
125. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the status of the current private sector tendering process in the residential disability sector; his plans to extend more open commissioning to the charitable sectors 38 and 39 providers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32232/16]
View answerThe Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has been working with other relevant Departments, including the Department of Health, to develop a framework for commissioning of human, social and community services across the public sector. In parallel to this process, the Department of Health has been undertaking work on the development of a healthcare commissioning model that links resources to the assessed needs of patients and service users, and ensures clear accountability throughout the system. Research into various commissioning models and frameworks is ongoing but to date, has included engagement with international experts in this field in order to learn from the experiences of other countries that have implemented commissioning systems. The conclusions drawn from this research are being used to inform the development of a commissioning model that will be appropriate and beneficial within the Irish context. While this process is underway, the HSE is putting in place the foundations necessary to underpin the provision of cost effective, accountable and transparent services.
As the Deputy's question relates to a service matter, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
126. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health his views on the need for more private sector providers and private sector capital to complete the actions of the HSE’s report, Time to Move on from Congregated Settings – A Strategy for Community Inclusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32233/16]
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 Health Service Executive (HSE) is responsible for leading out on the recommendations on "Time to Move on from Congregated Settings - A Strategy for Community Inclusion", I have arranged for the Deputy's question to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
127. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the current private sector proportion of the HSE budget compared with charitable sector; the way this figure compares with other jurisdictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32234/16]
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.
128. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding children on domiciliary care allowance receiving medical cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32235/16]
View answerBudget 2017 included a commitment to provide a medical card to all children in respect of whom a Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) payment is made.
It is my intention to bring a proposal to Government which will allow the necessary legislation be prepared to give effect to this measure and it is my objective to have this prepared and brought before the Oireachtas as quickly as possible.
I have asked the Health Service Executive to commence the process of planning for the new arrangements, so that they can be implemented in a smooth and efficient manner.
129. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the number of persons waiting for disability and mental health residential placement in County Tipperary; the number housed in residential placement, with a charity (details supplied) or other such facilities in County Tipperary; the type of such placement, disability, mental health, dual diagnosis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32237/16]
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.
130. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the status of the discretionary national lottery fund applications for 2016; if funding has been considered in respect of an application made by a voluntary organisation (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32249/16]
View answerMy Department administers a National Lottery Discretionary Fund from which once-off grants are paid to community and voluntary organisations providing a range of health related services. Funding in 2016 amounts to €3.286m of which € 585,000 has been allocated to date.
The application for funding received from the organisation referred to by the Deputy is among a large number of applications currently being assessed by my Department.
I will decide on the allocation of the remaining funds in the coming weeks. Once a decision has been made, organisations will be notified of the outcome of their application.
