Thursday, 24 Nov 2016

Written Answers Nos. 177 - 191

Medicinal Products Reimbursement

Questions (177, 180)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

177. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that prescribed low protein foods are required to prevent neurological damage and to supplement the diet of adults and children with phenylketonuria, PKU; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that no new low protein products have been added to the long-term illness card list in more than six years; if he will ensure a full and appropriate updated list of foods prescribed for PKU is added to the reimbursement list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36609/16]

Gino Kenny

Question:

180. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that prescribed low protein foods are required to prevent neurological damage and to supplement the diet of adults and children with phenylketonuria, PKU; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that no new low protein products have been added to the long-term illness card list in more than six years; if he will ensure a full and appropriate updated list of foods prescribed for PKU is added to the reimbursement list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36618/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 177 and 180 together.

The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of products under the community drug schemes, including the LTI Scheme, in accordance with the provisions of the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.

Health Services

Questions (178)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

178. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the services available in west Limerick for a person who has mitochondrial disease. [36611/16]

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.

Health Insurance Cover

Questions (179)

John Brassil

Question:

179. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health the current protocol in place for persons visiting here from EU member states who require holiday dialysis; the way they can access the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36617/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Under EU Regulations, all persons ordinarily resident in the EU are entitled to apply for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The EHIC certifies that the holder has the right to receive emergency healthcare during a temporary stay in any EU country as well as Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Iceland. This right is guaranteed to all persons who are covered by the public healthcare system of these countries. The European Health Insurance Card holder has the right to receive necessary treatment in the host Member State's public healthcare system on the same terms and at the same cost as nationals of the State concerned. Renal units in this State normally accommodate dialysis for those presenting a EHIC once contact has been made with them in advance of the patient travelling here and the patient's clinicians provide all relevant patient information to the consultants in the receiving renal unit here.

Under bilateral arrangements, patients from the UK can bring evidence of UK residence instead of an EHIC.

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

Question No. 180 answered with Question No. 177.

Health Services

Questions (181)

Maurice Quinlivan

Question:

181. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health the services available in west Limerick for a child who has mitochondrial disease. [36624/16]

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.

Nursing Homes Support Scheme Data

Questions (182)

Billy Kelleher

Question:

182. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting placement under the fair deal scheme; the average waiting time; the number of persons currently awaiting placement under the scheme for each local health area in tabular form; and the length of time waiting. [36625/16]

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.

Hospital Services

Questions (183)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

183. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the details of the waiting lists for physiotherapy services for pregnant women for all hospitals where this is available, in tabular form; the average waiting time for this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36631/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service issue, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.

Orthodontic Services Waiting Lists

Questions (184)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

184. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) in County Donegal will remain on the waiting list for orthodontic treatment or if the person will be referred elsewhere having reached the age of 17 and approaching adulthood; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36634/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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

Departmental Agencies Staff Data

Questions (185, 216)

Dara Calleary

Question:

185. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health the number of vacancies on boards or agencies within his Department's remit that currently exist; the number that have been filled since 8 May 2016; the number of these that were filled through the Public Appointments Service; the timeline for filling remaining vacancies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36649/16]

Dara Calleary

Question:

216. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health the number of vacancies on State boards in his Department; the number filled since he took office; the number filled through the Public Appointments Service; the timelines to fill vacancies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36839/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 185 and 216 together.

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 table sets out the information requested by the Deputy.

Vacancies on State Boards	Numbers
Current number of vacancies on State Boards	44
Number of appointments made since taking office	56
Number of appointments filled through advertising process	24
Number of appointments filled on the nomination of others (in accordance with relevant legislation)	21
Number of re-appointments	11

There are a number of vacancies at present that are to be filled on nomination from external bodies or following elections. I expect to make these appointments in the coming months. I also hope to be in a position to proceed with the appointment of 8 members to the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council by the end of the month. My Department is currently in contact with PAS to launch an advertising campaign to fill vacancies on the Health and Social Care Professionals Council (CORU) and its Registration Boards, which makes up the majority of the current vacancies. Plans are also at an early stage to advertise for positions on the Dublin Dental Hospital Board.

Disability Support Services Provision

Questions (186)

Michael McGrath

Question:

186. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive an appointment at an early intervention unit [36658/16]

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.

Alcohol Sales Legislation

Questions (187)

Timmy Dooley

Question:

187. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Health if section 11 of the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill 2015 will, when enacted, mean that the container of an imported alcohol product will need a health warning label on it when actually imported or if the importer could affix such a label to the container prior to its going on sale. [36664/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The Public Health (Alcohol) Bill provides for the furnishing of information to consumers on alcohol. The aim is to ensure that consumers are provided with access to health information on alcohol products. Labels on alcohol products will contain:

- Health warnings (including for pregnancy)

- The amount of pure alcohol as measured in grams

- The calorie count

- Details of an alcohol public health website to be established by the HSE.

Under the legislation, it will be an offence for an individual to manufacture, import or sell to a person in the State an alcohol product that does not comply with the labelling requirements.

All alcohol products imported into the State must be correctly labelled prior to being removed from the warehouse and placed on sale in the State.

Disability Statistics

Questions (188)

Gerry Adams

Question:

188. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 202 of 29 September 2016, the name of the current co-ordinator of a project (details supplied) in Co Louth. [36670/16]

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 (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.

Health Services

Questions (189)

Michael McGrath

Question:

189. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health the details of the imputed rate of interest used by his Department and the HSE in respect of eligibility to different means tested schemes that fall under their remit, including medical cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36695/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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.

Medical Aids and Appliances Provision

Questions (190)

John McGuinness

Question:

190. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if an electric scooter will be provided to a person (details supplied); if the person's circumstances will be investigated by the HSE with a view to approving such a support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36698/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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

Hospital Waiting Lists

Questions (191)

John McGuinness

Question:

191. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the date for an operation at Waterford Regional Hospital in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36700/16]

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.