Written Answers Nos. 439 - 462
439. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health if he will provide for each of the 90 public nursing homes to be replaced and refurbished; the progress made in 2016 in respect of each in tabular form. [39641/16]
View answerThe Government’s “Building on Recovery: Infrastructure and Capital Investment Plan 2016-2021” which was published on 30 September 2015 included an investment programme in health infrastructure. Based on this, the HSE prepared its Capital Plan and on 26 January 2016 details of the programme of investment in public nursing home facilities were announced.
The programme includes the replacement of 33 existing facilities and refurbishment/extension of 57 others. Operational responsibility for delivering the programme is a matter for the HSE and I have asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy in relation to progress made this year with the programme.
440. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health when he will introduce changes to remove discrimination against small business and family farms under the fair deal nursing homes support scheme. [39642/16]
View answerThe Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS) is a system of financial support for those in need of long-term nursing home care. Participants contribute to the cost of their care according to their income and assets while the State pays the balance of the cost. The Scheme aims to ensure that long-term nursing home care is accessible and affordable for everyone and that people are cared for in the most appropriate settings. A financial assessment is carried out by the HSE to determine how much a participant in the Scheme will contribute to the cost of their care. The Programme for a Partnership Government has committed to reviewing the NHSS to remove any discrimination against small businesses and family farms.
When the NHSS commenced in 2009, a commitment was made that it would be reviewed after three years. The Report of the Review was published in July 2015. Arising out of the Review, a number of key issues have been identified for more detailed consideration across Departments and Agencies, including the treatment of business and farm assets for the purposes of the financial assessment element of the Scheme. This work is currently underway and the IFA has made a submission in this context to the Interdepartmental Group which is overseeing the implementation of certain recommendations contained in the Review. The proposals put forward by the IFA are currently being considered. Once all of the relevant Review recommendations have been considered, any amendments required to the Scheme will be identified. Changes which require legislative implementation will be addressed collectively.
441. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health the new mechanism he has put in place to incentivise private nursing home investment and new supported living and assisted living arrangements; and the engagement he has had with the strategic investment fund to provide loan finance for new and additional residential options. [39643/16]
View answerThe lead Department in relation to incentivising investment is the Department of Finance. In 2015 the Minister for Finance announced changes to the Employment and Investment Incentive Scheme (EIIS) to allow for investment in the extension, management and operation of nursing homes.
The Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, in conjunction with the Department of Health is developing policy options for supported housing/housing with care so that older people have a wider range of residential care choices available to them. Both Departments, the HSE and Dublin City Council are currently working on developing a demonstration project to provide housing with support for older people in line with Rebuilding Ireland - Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness.
442. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health when he will introduce a uniform home care service in order that all recipients can receive a quality support. [39644/16]
View answerHomecare is an increasingly important part of the supports that we offer to older people, and will continue to increase in importance into the future. In this context it is essential that we consider how homecare services should be provided and regulated.
The Programme for Partnership Government includes commitments to increase funding for home support services, to improve these supports, to introduce a uniform homecare service so all recipients can receive a quality support, 7 days per week, where possible and to review the management, operation and funding of national home-help services.
I am committed to legislating for the financing and regulation of homecare, however I do not underestimate the extent and the complexity of the work involved which will involve very significant legislative, operational and financial resources. In this context additional resources are being provided to the Older People’s Division of the Department so that this legislation can be progressed as quickly as possible. Preparatory work has already commenced and the Health Research Board has carried out an evidence review of the approaches to the regulation and financing of home care services in four European countries. This review is being finalised at present.
In terms of quality assurance in the homecare sector, a significant step was taken in 2012 when the HSE introduced a single procurement framework for external providers. This included quality standards covering governance and accountability, person-centred care, complaints management, training and qualifications. Providers are monitored through Service Level Agreements with the HSE and are required to provide a range of information in relation to the services they provide. From the 1st September 2016 all new Home Care Packages approved by the HSE will be provided by organisations that have been approved by the HSE following a detailed tender process. The 32 approved providers appointed under this process meet a required level of quality based on consistent national standards.
443. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health the number of home help hours provided in each local health office area for each month in 2016 to date, in tabular form; and the way it compares against target. [39647/16]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
444. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of public health nurses in each local health area as of 30 November 2016; and the equivalent figures for the same date in 2014 and 2015. [39648/16]
View answerI have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.
445. Deputy Frank O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the status of an application for a residential place for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39650/16]
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 an individual case, I have referred the question to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
446. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delays in accessing the meningitis B vaccine; the reason high risk groups have not been prioritised, leading to a situation whereby children most susceptible will now have to purchase the vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39657/16]
View answerThe HSE Service Plan included additional funding of €2.5 million for the expansion of the Primary Childhood Immunisation Schedule in 2016. Two changes were made to the Primary Childhood Immunisation Schedule which came into effect on 1 December, 2016 with the introduction of Men B and Rotavirus for all babies born on or after 1 October, 2016. All vaccines administered through the Primary Childhood Immunisation Schedule are provided free of charge. Ireland is the second country in Europe to make the vaccine available free of charge as part of its national immunisation programme.
NIAC makes many recommendations in relation to “at risk groups” but not all of these are included in the current immunisation schedule. The introduction of the vaccine to the childhood immunisation programmes means that all children born on or after 1 October 2016, including those in "at risk groups", will automatically receive the vaccine. However, there are no plans at this stage to introduce a catch-up programme for older children. Those who have a medical card are eligible to have the vaccine administered by their GP free of charge. However the purchase of the vaccine is not covered by the medical card scheme.
447. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health the status of the structure of the replacement scheme for the motorised transport and mobility allowance; when he expects this to be finalised and announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39658/16]
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 Scheme in the context of the Equal Status Acts, the Government decided to close both schemes in February 2013. The Government is aware of the continuing needs of people with a disability who rely on individual payments which support choice and independence. In that regard, monthly payments of €208.50 have continued to be made by the Health Service Executive to 4,700 people who were in receipt of the Mobility Allowance at the time the scheme closed.
The Government decided that the detailed preparatory work required for a new Transport Support Scheme and associated statutory provisions should be progressed by the Minister for Health. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the Programme for Partnership Government acknowledges the ongoing drafting of primary legislation for a new Transport Support Scheme. I can confirm that work on the policy proposals in this regard is at an advanced stage and I anticipate that this will be brought to Government shortly.
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 critieria attaching to the Scheme;
- Resources are targeted at those with greatest needs; and
- The Scheme is capable of being costed and is affordable on its introduction and on an ongoing basis.
448. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the status of a medical appointment in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39668/16]
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.
449. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will schedule an operation in respect of a person (details supplied). [39716/16]
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.
450. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Health his plans to tackle the issue of health insurance providers charging consumers inaccurately for services, for example, a consumer paying for a private room but staying in a public ward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39717/16]
View answerThe Health Act 1970 provides that all persons ordinarily resident in the country are eligible, subject to certain charges, to all in-patient public hospital services in public wards including consultant services and out-patient public hospital services. Persons can opt to be treated privately on admission to a public hospital, in which case they are liable for the consultants fees and hospital charges arising for that episode of care, whether paid for by the patient or by a health insurer on their behalf.
The Health (Amendment) Act 2013 revised the charging regime in respect of private patients in public hospitals. Previously, the cost of providing private services in public hospitals were not reflected in the charges levied on private patients, as only a €75 statutory in-patient charge applied. The private in-patient charge applicable now takes account of all the services which a public hospital provides, for example, accommodation, nursing, diagnostics (such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI etc.) and other overheads and maintenance costs. The 2013 Act makes it clear that it is not where the private service is received that matters, but rather it is the receiving of such private services that makes patients liable for the charges and obliges the charges to be raised.
Regarding the broader issue of charging in respect of customers for inaccurate services, it is my understanding that health insurers issue a statement of benefit to each customer detailing the payments made by that insurer on their behalf. If customers think that there is a mistake on their statement or that their insurer has been charged for treatments not received, they can notify the insurer accordingly. The insurer can then examine the individual case, on behalf of their customers, to ensure the claim details are accurate. In this way, incidences of error or overcharging by healthcare providers can be identified, fully investigated and rectified as appropriate.
451. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of the case of a person (details supplied) who is waiting to receive HSE equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39720/16]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
452. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive HSE equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39723/16]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
453. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive HSE equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39727/16]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
454. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive HSE equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39729/16]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
455. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health if long-term care will be provided for a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [39730/16]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
456. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite an appointment for hand surgery for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39736/16]
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.
457. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health when a cataract operation will be provided for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39739/16]
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.
458. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health the plans in place to accommodate the 60 persons with an intellectual disability currently on the waiting list for a residential place in County Wexford, 19 of whom are deemed as priority 1 cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39740/16]
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 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.
459. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health if he will address concerns raised by health staff concerning the location of a proposed new mental health rehabilitation service (details supplied) in Dublin 15; the reason there has been no consultation with service users or providers regarding the proposal; if any alternative locations have been identified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39746/16]
View answerAs this is a service issue, this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
461. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health when persons (details supplied) will be facilitated with home help hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39748/16]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
462. Deputy Frank O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the status of an application for a residential placement for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39749/16]
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 an individual case, I have referred the question to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
