Written Answers Nos. 415-438
415. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the number of respite beds available in counties Cavan and Monaghan; the waiting lists for such facilities; his plans to increase the number of respite beds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39384/16]
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 Programme for Partnership Government states that the Government wishes to provide more accessible respite care to facilitate full support for people with a disability.
The particular issue raised by the Deputy is a service matter for the Health Service Executive (HSE). Accordingly, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
416. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) who was referred to University Hospital Waterford on 9 January 2015, their referral was triaged as urgent, will be scheduled for surgery. [39385/16]
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 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.
417. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied). [39406/16]
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.
418. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health when an MRI and lumbar puncture appointment will be provided for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39425/16]
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 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.
419. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health if the laundry at St. Loman's Hospital, Mullingar, County Westmeath, will be closed and outsourced. [39426/16]
View answerAs this is a service issue, this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
420. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health when the FreeStyle Libre system (details supplied) of blood testing will become available on the Irish market; if the HSE has plans to provide the technology on the long-term illness scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39438/16]
View answer426. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Health the reason the FreeStyle Libre device (details supplied) for type 1 diabetes patients is not currently covered on the list of eligible items for the medical card or long term illness scheme; if his attention has been drawn to the impact of this blood sugar monitoring system on type 2 diabetes patients, particularly children; if he will include this in items covered by the medical card and long-term illness scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39511/16]
View answer460. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the new technology for young children with diabetes, the FreeStyle Libre (details supplied); if he will consider investing in this technology to improve blood sugar control in young diabetics; and if he and the HSE will consider approving the freestyle libre on the long-term illness scheme. [39747/16]
View answer519. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health if he will consider providing access to the FreeStyle Libre, a blood sugar level meter for children with type 1 diabetes, on the long-term illness scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40060/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 420, 426, 460 and 519 together.
The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicinal devices under the community drug schemes in accordance with the provisions of the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. The manufacturer must make a completed application to the HSE for reimbursement of the device under the Community Drugs Schemes. A health technology assessment may then be required to assess its clinical benefits and cost-effectiveness.
421. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health the assurances he can provide that community employment schemes in the health and social care service will not be used to replace permanent positions in the service nor to exploit jobseekers along the lines of previous discredited schemes such as JobBridge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39448/16]
View answerI have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.
422. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if statistics are gathered on incidents of sudden death as a result of heart conditions in the context of ensuring that staff in these locations are appropriately trained and that defibrillators are available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39453/16]
View answerAs 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.
423. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health the total photography costs for his Department per annum since March 2011, inclusive of costs incurred from use of the ministerial allowance in tabular form; the occasions for which photographers were booked; the photographers used; the breakdown of costs associated with each occasion that a photographer was used; if there is a policy regarding the booking of photographers within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39472/16]
View answerNo photography costs are met from my Ministerial Allowance. Details as requested are presented in the following table for 2011 - 2015.
I will forward details for departmental photography expenditure for 2016, as soon as they are collated.
|
Year |
Event |
Photographer |
€ Cost ex vat |
|
2015 |
Department of Health Consultation Event 2015 |
Robbie Reynolds Photography |
600 |
|
2015 |
Photography for the launch of National Sexual Health Strategy |
Mark Stedman |
450 |
|
2015 |
Photography for launch of the Healthy Ireland Survey 2015 |
Marc O'Sullivan |
450 |
|
2015 |
Photography for new Healthy Ireland website and social media |
Conor O'Mearain |
150 |
|
2015 |
Purchase of stock photography for Healthy Ireland website |
Shutterstock |
39 |
|
2014 |
All Ireland Chief Nursing Officers' Conference |
Conor McCabe Photography Ltd |
369 |
|
2014 |
HSE Aviva Stakeholder Consultation |
Conor McCabe Photography Ltd |
308 |
|
2014 |
All Ireland Chief Nursing Officers' Conference |
Robbie Reynolds Photography Ltd |
308 |
|
2014 |
Portrait of Council Members - Healthy Ireland |
Conor McCabe Photography Ltd |
1046 |
|
2014 |
Launch of the National Rare Disease Plan for Ireland |
Conor McCabe Photography Ltd |
431 |
|
2014 |
A Ministerial Meeting of the British Irish Council – Misuse of Substances Sectoral Group, Dublin Castle |
Robbie Reynolds Photography Ltd |
246 |
|
2013 |
Symposium for Senior Pharmaceutical Policy-makers on 29-30 August 2013 |
Robbie Reynolds Photography Ltd |
738 |
|
2013 |
Joint Meeting of Chief Medical Officers and Chief Nursing Officers |
Fennells |
105 |
|
2013 |
National Drugs Coordinators Meeting April 2013 |
Fennells |
117 |
|
2013 |
NPHDB /CHGB Joint Induction Day Photo Session 1/10/13 |
1Image Photography |
314 |
|
2013 |
Photography Costs for John Higgins Chair of the Strategic Board on Hospital Groups |
Donagh Glavin Photography |
234 |
|
2013 |
Tobacco Free Ireland Launch |
Conor McCabe Photography Ltd |
554 |
|
2013 |
First National Clinical Effectiveness Symposium |
Derek Speirs |
437 |
|
2013 |
Launch of the Healthy Ireland Report |
Photocall Ireland |
559 |
|
2013 |
Launch of Healthy Ireland Report |
Robbie Reynolds Photography Ltd |
615 |
|
2012 |
2nd National Patient Safety Conference |
Derek Speirs |
317 |
|
2012 |
Consultation Day on Rare Disease Plan for Ireland |
Conor McCabe Photography Ltd |
430 |
|
2012 |
Closing Conference to mark the end of the European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations 2012 in Ireland (in which the Department of Health was co-ordinating) |
Tommy Clancy Photography |
584 |
|
2011 |
Seminar: Parental Substance Misuse – Addressing its Impact on Children A review of the Literature |
Conor Healy |
800 |
It is the policy in the Department only to engage external services, including photography, where it is felt to be appropriate and cost-effective, e.g., to promote awareness of new schemes or to invite public consultations on policy matters. In doing so, the Department takes account of Government decisions and policy.
424. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health the external consultant reports commissioned by his Department since March 2011 per annum in tabular form; the costs per report; the company involved; the title of the report; and the publication date. [39488/16]
View answerSince my appointment as Minister for Health I have not directly commissioned any reports.
Published reports for the years in question are available on the Department’s website at: http://health.gov.ie/publications-research/publications/.
Presented in the following table are details from the Department's A7 expenditure for consultant reports commissioned by the Department from March 2011 to December 2015 together with associated costs and publication status as of the latter date. Data for 2016 are not yet available and will be collated and forwarded as soon as possible.
It is the policy in my Department only to engage the services of external consultants where it is felt to be appropriate and cost-effective, taking account of Government decisions and policy including procurement protocols on the matter. Should the Deputy have a particular report for which additional details are required please contact my office and I will arrange for the matter to be followed up.
|
Year Commenced |
Organisation/ Consultants |
Name of Report |
Status as at December 2015 |
Cost to December 2015 |
|
2015 |
Amarach Research |
Alcohol Labelling Research |
Report being drafted. |
€86,138 |
|
2015 |
NUIG |
Suite of Literature Reviews to support National Clinical Guidelines |
Work commenced |
€159,645 |
|
2015 |
UCC |
Systematic literature review National Early Warning Score update |
Ongoing |
€22,743 |
|
2015 |
ICF Consulting Services/DKM Economic Consultants |
An assessment of the economic costs of smoking in Ireland |
Ongoing |
€12,449 |
|
2015 |
Prospectus |
Code of Conduct for Health and Social Service Providers |
Extracts will be published within clinical guidelines |
€86,138 |
|
2015 |
UCD |
Clinical Handover Guideline |
Work ongoing |
€86,292 |
|
2015 |
DCU |
Management of the Acute Adult Asthma Patient – provision of research |
Extracts to be published within clinical guideline |
€9,973 |
|
2015 |
DCU |
Paediatric Early Warning Score – Pre-implementation research |
Extracts to be published within clinical guideline |
€24,000 |
|
2015 |
INDECON Economic Consultants |
Analysis of potential measures to encourage the provision of Primary Care facilities |
Work ongoing |
€0 |
|
2015 |
DKM Economic Consultants |
Analysis of potential measures to encourage the provision of Nursing Homes and Community Nursing Unit facilities |
Work ongoing |
€40,221 |
|
2014 |
DCU School of Nursing |
Report to support the Taskforce on Staffing and Skill mix for nursing |
Will be used to inform the final Report on the Taskforce on Staffing and Skill Mix |
€7,418 |
|
2014 |
DCU School of Nursing |
Literature Review and Nursing Workforce Evaluation to Support the Taskforce on Staffing and Skill Mix |
Will be used to inform the Report of the Taskforce on Staffing and Skill Mix |
€19,845 |
|
2014 |
Crowe Horwath |
Thematic Analysis of Submissions in response to a Public Consultation on the White Paper for Universal Health Insurance |
Published on Department’s website |
€39,176 |
|
2014 |
NUI Galway |
Systematic literature review Maternity Early Warning Score |
Extracts published within clinical guideline |
€23,935 |
|
2014 |
DCU |
Systematic literature review Paediatric Early Warning Score |
Extracts will be published within clinical guideline |
€20,095 |
|
2014 |
UCC |
Systematic literature review Clinical Practice Guidance |
Published on Department’s website |
€20,712 |
|
2014 |
Sinéad Shannon |
Review of the international evidence and literature on selection criteria for the Outcomes Framework |
Ongoing |
€5,000 |
|
2013 |
Prospectus Strategy Consultants |
Review of Staffing Resources and Organisational Structure of the Department of Health |
Report completed but not published, for Department's use only |
€72,940 |
|
2013 |
Deloitte and Touche Consultants Ltd |
Review of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme |
Ongoing |
€36,900 |
|
2013 |
Matheson Ormsby Prentice |
Legal Research and advisory services on the design and implementation of an insurance based health system providing universal coverage in Ireland |
Not Published |
€123,000 |
|
2013 |
Prof Oonagh Walsh |
Report on symphysiotomy in Ireland, 1944-1984 |
Not published |
€49,500 |
|
2013 |
Ernst & Young |
Reports relating to the development of the Programme Management Office (cost includes a range of consultancy services) |
Ongoing – internal reports |
€79,212 |
|
2013 |
Dr Sinead Hanafin & Associates |
Review of the Traveller Health Advisory Committee |
Finalised |
€6,150 |
|
2013 |
Prospectus |
Overview of the development of the Health & Wellbeing Programme |
Finalised |
€15,156 |
|
2013 |
Research Matters |
Provision of Research Management Services |
Ongoing |
€74,490 |
|
2013 |
Institute of Public Health |
Analysis re Consultation (Tobacco Products Directive) |
Completed - not yet published |
€5,000 |
|
2013 |
Professor Hammond |
Research on Standardised Packaging- Irish Context |
Ongoing |
€5,000 |
|
2013 |
CJP Consultants |
Preparation of report on the efficacy of minimum pricing and other public policies for alcohol. |
Published on website |
€31,488 |
|
2013 |
Advertising Standards Authority of Ireland |
Annual Report of the Alcohol Marketing Communications Monitoring Body (AMCMB) |
Published |
€21,115 |
|
2012 |
McGee Pharma International |
Labelling of Medicinal Products in both Irish and English |
Completed |
€13,644 |
|
2012 |
Goodbody Stockbrokers and Matheson Ormsby Prentice Solicitors |
Further Analysis of Options in relation to the restructuring of the Irish Private Health Insurance Market |
Report completed |
€62,349 |
|
2012 |
Department of Public Expenditure and Reform with the assistance of PwC |
Review of the Department of Health's Parliamentary and Legislative Processes |
Report completed but not published - for Department's use only |
€18,020 |
|
2012 |
Department of Public Expenditure and Reform |
A survey of experience and qualifications in the Department of Health |
Report completed but not published - for Department's use only |
None |
|
2012 |
Michael Collins Associates |
Supplementary Report and Addendum on Cost Comparison for the Dolphin Review Group |
Completed not published, commercially sensitive |
€12,423 |
|
2012 |
John Martin |
Further assessment of planning issues in relation to proposed sites for the Dolphin Review Group |
Published |
€6,000 |
|
2012 |
Simon Clear |
Further assessment of planning issues in relation to proposed sites for the Dolphin Review Group |
Published |
€9,475 |
|
2012 |
The Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, UCC, in conjunction with the Centre for Health Policy and Management, TCD. |
The Efficiency Review of the BreastCheck Screening Programme |
Published |
€71,270 |
|
2012 |
Mr Gerard Mullaly |
Reforming Chronic Care: Financing and Delivering Integrated Chronic Care |
Not published |
€5,227 |
|
2012 |
Mr Gerard Mullaly |
The Integrated Continuing Care System (ICCS): Reforming Elderly Care in Ireland |
Not published |
€7,558 |
|
2012 |
Matheson Ormsby Prentice |
Options Appraisal of multi-payer universal health insurance models: Preliminary advice |
Not Published |
€6,150 |
|
2012 |
Department of Health / SIRA Consulting |
Report on the baseline measurement of the administrative burden from the Department of Health (as part of a cross Departmental project coordinated by Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation) |
Published 2013 |
€14,000 |
|
2011 |
Goodbody Stockbrokers and Matteson Ormsby Prentice Solicitors |
Commissioned to undertake are review of the Irish Private Health Insurance Market in Relation to the options which may exist for re-balancing |
Report completed |
€300,000 |
425. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health the details of the use of external public relations firms employed by his Department per annum since March 2011 in tabular form; the list of uses of the external public relations firm; the internal Department policy with regard to employing external groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39504/16]
View answerBetween March 2011 and December 2014, my Department did not spend any money on public relations or communications consultants.
Details of external PR companies engaged between January 2015 and July 2016, are presented in the following table. I will advise the Deputy separately if any public relations companies were engaged since July 2016.
|
Year |
Name of Company |
Tendered Contract |
|
2016 |
RPS Consulting Engineers Ltd |
Public consultation process to inform the development of a new National Drugs Strategy. This work has a public relations dimension, as it involves a range of different public activities and events to publicise the consultation process in order to optimise public participation |
|
2015 |
DHR Communications |
Development of strategy to support communication of the Healthy Ireland Framework and toolkit for Healthy Ireland Council |
It is the policy in my Department only to engage the services of external consultants where it is felt to be appropriate and cost-effective, taking account of Government decisions and policy on the matter.
427. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health when the review of legislation on elder abuse will be completed. [39411/16]
View answerThere is currently no specific legislation on elder abuse . In December 2014, the Health Service Executive (HSE) launched Safeguarding Vulnerable Persons at Risk of Abuse – National Policy and Procedures. This new national policy applies to all HSE and HSE-funded services for older people and people with disabilities. It incorporates the previously existing HSE elder abuse service into a single structure for older people and people with disabilities. The policy outlines the procedures to be followed when there is a concern of abuse, neglect or self-neglect of a vulnerable adult.
The HSE has established a number of structures to implement the policy, including a National Safeguarding Office and a National Safeguarding Committee. Safeguarding and Protection Teams to deal with suspected abuse have been established in each of the nine Community Healthcare Organisation Areas. These Teams are managed and led by a Principal Social Worker and staffed by Social Work team leaders and Professionally Qualified Social Workers. Staff training is under way and over 900 Designated Officers have been appointed in service settings within the HSE’s Social Care Division to receive concerns or referrals of abuse.
The National Safeguarding Committee was established in December 2015 with the overarching remit to support the development of a societal and organisational culture which promotes the rights of persons who may be vulnerable and safeguard them from abuse. It is a multi-agency and inter-sectoral body with an independent chair and will publish its Strategic Plan 2017 – 2021 later this month. This Plan includes the strategic objective of informing and influencing Government policy and legislation to safeguard the rights of people who may be vulnerable, including a focus on issues such as adult safeguarding, advocacy, the use of chemical restraint and deprivation of liberty. Minister Harris met with the Chair of the Committee on 5 December to discuss a number of issues, including the possibility of a consultation document on the development of legislation to include adult safeguarding.
With regard to residents of nursing homes, all public and private nursing homes must comply with Regulations under the Health Act 2007 and with National Standards prepared by HIQA and subject to Ministerial approval. The Regulations contain provisions in relation to the prevention, detection and response to abuse. National Standard 3.1 specifically states that each resident must be safeguarded from abuse and neglect and their safety and welfare promoted.
The Health Service Executive has operational responsibility for planning, managing and delivering home and other community-based services for older people and people with a disability. Homecare services are currently not formally regulated. It is accepted that there is a need to regulate the sector and the Department has asked the Health Research Board to review how homecare services are funded and regulated in comparable jurisdictions. The HRB review is expected to be completed by the end of 2016.
428. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health if he will amend the terms of the long-term illness scheme to cater for persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39526/16]
View answerThe HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicinal devices under the community drug schemes 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.
429. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the status of a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied). [39535/16]
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 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.
430. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health when legislation is due on the matter of surrogacy; the timeframe for the implementation of the planned legislation; and the conditions for surrogacy in which the child is being brought into the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39547/16]
View answerOfficials in my Department are currently drafting the General Scheme of legislative provisions on assisted human reproduction (AHR) and associated research, which will include provisions relating to surrogacy. It is envisaged that the General Scheme will be completed in 2017. Once the General Scheme has been completed, and has been approved by Government, I intend to submit it to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children for pre-legislative scrutiny. It is not possible to give a definitive timeframe for the completion of the draft Bill and its subsequent passage through the Houses of the Oireachtas.
The proposed legislation will take cognisance of the 2014 Supreme Court judgment in the MR and Anor v An tArd Chláraitheoir & Ors (surrogacy) case, which found that the birth mother, rather than the genetic mother, is the legal mother. It is envisaged that the legislation will establish a mechanism for transfer of parentage from the surrogate (and her husband, if she has one) to the intending parents.
In relation to the issue of Irish citizens engaging in surrogacy outside of the State, a guidance document was published on this matter in February 2012 by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence. This guidance document is entitled "Citizenship, parentage, guardianship and travel document issues in relation to children born as a result of surrogacy arrangements entered into outside the State". The guidance document provides information to people who intend to enter surrogacy arrangements outside the State on the practical and legal considerations arising under Irish law where the intending parents intend to bring the child to live with them in the State.
431. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health if he has used any private unsecured e-mail accounts for official business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39586/16]
View answerI conduct official business through my official Department of Health secure email account. The Department's email policy does not allow access to webmail services from its network. I have on occasions used my gmail account for non-sensitive correspondence. While a review is underway, there is currently no policy preventing members of Government using personal accounts.
432. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that an organisation (details supplied) applied to the HSE for a part-time service co-ordinator more than 12 months ago to facilitate independent living for their members; if he will ensure that there is no further delay in expediting this request; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39593/16]
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.
433. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if a date for an operation will be provided to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39613/16]
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 National Waiting List Management Policy, A standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for inpatient, 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.
434. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health the maximum timeframe allowed for the HSE to respond to parliamentary questions which have been redirected for response by him; if it is still 15 working days or if this has been changed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39618/16]
View answerAll Ministers are mandated to follow Dail Standing Order 42A which states:
"(1) Where a member of the Government (including the Taoiseach), in replying to a Question asked on notice, either - (a) states that he or she has referred or will refer the Question to a body under the aegis of his or her Department for reply (a “referred reply”), or (b) confirms that more detailed information can and will be supplied to the member in whose name the Question appears on the Order Paper at a later date (a “deferred reply”), that member of the Government shall cause such referred or deferred replies to be provided within ten days after the Question has been answered, not reckoning a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday.
(2) Each and every reply received pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be included in or otherwise associated with the Official Report of the Debates (alongside the Question and the original reply) to which it relates and shall be laid before the Dáil."
Compliance with the new standing order is challenging and there is ongoing contact with the Oireachtas on this.
435. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) has not received an urgent appointment; if an appointment can be arranged as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39620/16]
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 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.
436. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health his plans to add new low-protein foods to the long-term illness scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39623/16]
View answer437. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there has been no revision to the number and type of low-protein foods on the long-term illness scheme over a number of years for the metabolic disorder, PK, phenylketonuria, in which treatment involves a strict low-protein diet and supplement; if he had any consultation with the PKU Association of Ireland concerning same. [39624/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 436 and 437 together.
The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicinal products under the community drug schemes 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.
438. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health if he will reply to an appeal for a meeting with him and CF Ireland or if the meeting has been set up (details supplied). [39640/16]
View answerOfficials from my Department and the HSE, including the NCPE, met with Philip Watt, CEO of CF Ireland on 30 November last. Officials provided a detailed briefing on the statutory assessment process for Orkambi and the negotiations that had been undertaken with Vertex to date. Due to the commercial confidentiality constraints applied by the company, the HSE was unable to share details of current pricing proposals.
I was pleased to learn that Vertex since has responded to the HSE with a view to re-engage in negotiations with them on Orkambi.
