Wednesday, 14 Dec 2016

Written Answers Nos 141-171

Motorised Transport Grant Closure

Questions (141)

Kevin O'Keeffe

Question:

141. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health the stage that has been reached in respect of the preparation of legislation to reintroduce the motorised transport grant scheme. [40234/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

Conscious 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. As a result, the Motorised Transport Grant referred to by the Deputy, has not been in place for over three years. There are no plans for its restoration on the basis upon which it was previously operated.

However, the Government is aware of the continuing needs of people with a disability who rely on individual payments that support choice and independence. In this regard, monthly payments of up to €208.50 have continued to be made by the Health Service Executive to 4,700 people who were in receipt of the Mobility Allowance.

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 criteria 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.

Medical Card Applications

Questions (142)

James Lawless

Question:

142. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health the status of an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40268/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply directly 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.

Ambulance Service Provision

Questions (143, 144, 178, 179, 180, 181)

Seán Haughey

Question:

143. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Health if he will provide funding directly to the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government and Dublin City Council for the operation of the ambulance service provided by the Dublin Fire Brigade; if this funding can be increased to reflect the current costs of this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40279/16]

Seán Haughey

Question:

144. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Health if he will commence immediately, by way of the new governance arrangements set out in the findings of the expert panel on the pre-hospital emergency care services Dublin published in December 2015, a process to eliminate the shortfall in the Dublin Fire Brigade available capacity to meet demand in order that the use of fire appliances to respond to ambulance calls is reserved for those calls that are clinically appropriate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40281/16]

Seán Haughey

Question:

178. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Health if he will implement as a matter of urgency the findings of the expert panel on the pre-hospital emergency care services Dublin published in December 2015; his views on whether this report provides a mechanism to address the operational inefficiencies and the issue of a fully integrated ambulance service in the Dublin area identified in the recommendations of the December 2014 HIQA report on pre-hospital emergency services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40282/16]

Seán Haughey

Question:

179. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that the national ambulance service and the Dublin Fire Brigade are provided equal status and equal treatment regarding the operation of ambulance services in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40284/16]

Seán Haughey

Question:

180. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Health his views on whether current dispatch functions should be retained by the Dublin Fire Brigade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40286/16]

Seán Haughey

Question:

181. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Health his views on whether the Dublin Fire Brigade should maintain control over its own clinical governance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40288/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 143, 144, and 178 to 181, inclusive, together.

Dublin Fire Brigade (DFB) provide emergency ambulance services in Dublin city and county, by arrangement between Dublin City Council and the HSE. The HSE National Ambulance Service (NAS) provides some emergency capacity in the greater Dublin area, as well as non-emergency patient transport.

In recent years three comprehensive reviews of our ambulance services have been undertaken; the HIQA review, the independent Lightfoot Review of NAS capacity, and the review of Dublin ambulance services which was jointly commissioned by the HSE and Dublin City Council.

The Capacity Review, published earlier this year, examined overall ambulance resource levels, and distribution against demand and activity. The Review identified deficits in ambulance capacity, including in the Dublin area, which will require very significant investment to address. Implementation of the recommendations of the Capacity Review will require a multi-annual programme of phased investment in ambulance manpower, vehicles and technology. To this end, increased funding will be available for ambulance services in 2017.

The HIQA report on ambulance services, which was published in December 2014, highlighted significant public safety issues arising from two ambulance services operating in the same domain. The report identified concerns around the existence of two separate control and dispatch processes, and also highlighted the need for greater clinical governance of both services.

The HIQA report points, very clearly, to the need for enhanced integration of service provision in the greater Dublin area. In that context, the HSE is working closely with Dublin City Council, which is leading on this issue on behalf of the four Dublin local authorities, to devise and agree the elements of a safe, sustainable, integrated and quality ambulance service for the citizens of Dublin. I fully accept that, in the interest of patient safety, we need the DFB and the NAS to have a more coordinated and integrated approach to service delivery.

The Dublin ambulance services review, which was commissioned in 2014, is focused on identifying a service model for the optimal provision of emergency ambulance services and patient care in the Dublin region, including service quality, patient safety and value for money. The review's primary objectives are:

1. To determine the optimal model of ambulance provision which ensures that patients receive the highest standard of emergency response, and where the care provided meets all national safety and quality standards.

2. To determine the most cost effective model of provision going forward, which ensures optimal 'value for money' for the public purse.

I understand that the Review has recently been completed and is under consideration by the HSE and Dublin City Council, who as I mentioned earlier, commissioned the Review. While I have yet to be apprised of the detailed outcome of the Review, I can assure the Deputy that before any changes are implemented, a formal proposal for same will be required to be submitted to both myself and the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, for our consideration and approval. I therefore expect that my Department and the Dept of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government will, in the coming weeks, continue to engage with the HSE and Dublin City Council, in relation to any changes in service provision which may be proposed.

I also expect that the report of the Expert Panel, referred to by the Deputy, which I understand was commissioned by Dublin City Council as part of its internal response to the HIQA report, will help inform the discussions which are currently taking place between the HSE and Dublin City Council in the context of the Dublin Ambulance Service Review, and will help with the development of an overall plan for a more integrated and safer ambulance service, in line with HIQA's recommendations.

Self-Harm Prevention

Questions (145)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

145. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which follow up and early intervention is arranged in cases of children between the ages of eight and 14, presenting with suspected self-harm at accident and emergency centres throughout the country; if any sample cases have been taken, with a view to identifying and addressing the underlying reasons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40405/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The National Self-Harm Registry Ireland is a national system of population monitoring for the occurrence of hospital-treated self-harm. It was established, at the request of the Department of Health and Children, by the National Suicide Research Foundation and is funded by the Health Service Executive’s National Office for Suicide Prevention. The outcomes of the Registry continue to highlight the importance of improving access to services for people engaging in self-harm, in line with strategic goals 4 and 7 of Connecting for Life, Ireland’s new National Strategy to Reduce Suicide, 2015-2020. This involves access to real-time surveillance data on self-harm, and improving the provision of psychosocial and psychiatric assessment for self-harm patients in the emergency department, as well as delivering targeted interventions for self-harm. Additionally, the findings from the Registry provided an informed basis for an on-going five-year research programme into determinants of self-harm and suicide in Ireland. This programme aims to improve the care for people who engage in self-harm, and to reduce repeated self-harm and suicide.

The 2015 annual report of the National Suicide Research Foundation collected self-harm data from all 36 acute hospitals that operated in Ireland during that year. This report found the rate of self-harm amongst 10-14 year-olds in 2015 to be 178 per 100,000 for females in this age range and 45 per 100,000 for males in this age range. The Registry does record information on self-harm among children under the age of 10; however, since this concerns a small number of cases per year, rates of self-harm per 100,000 for children under the age of 10 are not calculated. The Registry also records referrals for patients discharged from the emergency department following self-harm. In 2015 these referrals included the following: out-patient appointments, recommendations to attend their GP, a recommendation of other services such as psychological services, community-based mental health teams and addiction services, and transfers to another hospital for psychiatric and medical treatment.

Self-Harm Prevention

Questions (146)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

146. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the number of incidents of suspected self-harm reported in the past year in respect of children between the ages of eight and 14; the extent to which such cases have been investigated with a view to appropriate action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40406/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The 2015 annual report of the National Suicide Research Foundation collected self-harm data from all 36 acute hospitals which that operated in Ireland during that year. This report found the rate of self-harm amongst 10-14 year-olds in 2015 to be 178 per 100,000 for females in this age range and 45 per 100,000 for males in this age range. The Registry does record information on self-harm among children under the age of 10; however, since this concerns a small number of cases per year, rates of self-harm per 100,000 for children under the age of 10 are not calculated. The Registry also records referrals for patients discharged from the emergency department following self-harm. In 2015 these referrals included the following: outpatient appointments, recommendations to attend their GP, a recommendation of other services such as psychological services, community-based mental health teams and addiction services, and transfers to another hospital for psychiatric and medical treatment.

Psychological Assessments

Questions (147)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

147. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which psychological assessment services continue to be made available to parents of teenage children when requested; the regions in which such services are currently restricted for whatever reason; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40409/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service issue, this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Mental Health Policy

Questions (148)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

148. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which depression amongst young persons is monitored, whether at school, at work or at play; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40413/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service issue, this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Health Services Provision

Questions (149)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

149. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the particular circumstances in the case of persons (details supplied) and the urgent need for them to access appropriate care in the UK which is not available here; the action that can be taken in this particular situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40209/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The particular issue raised by the Deputy is a service matter for the Health Service Executive. Accordingly I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Long-Term Illness Scheme Coverage

Questions (150, 206, 225)

Kevin O'Keeffe

Question:

150. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health if he will consider approving the freestyle libre on the long-term illness scheme (details supplied) [40211/16]

Thomas Byrne

Question:

206. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the reimbursement status of the Freestyle Libre diabetic equipment [40370/16]

Eugene Murphy

Question:

225. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he will add the freestyle libre blood sugar meter to the long-term illness scheme, in view of the fact it could change the lives of children with type 1 diabetes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40398/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 150, 206 and 225 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.

I understand the manufacturer has not yet made 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.

The HSE are due to meet the manufacturer shortly.

Hospital Appointments Administration

Questions (151)

Kevin O'Keeffe

Question:

151. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health if he will arrange for an urgent appointment to be issued to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [40216/16]

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.

Medicinal Products Availability

Questions (152)

Peter Fitzpatrick

Question:

152. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Health if the drug Respreeza is to be discontinued in January 2017; the plans in place to offer persons a replacement treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40220/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drugs schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.

In reaching its decision, the HSE examines all the evidence which may be relevant in its view for the decision (including the information /dossier submitted by the Company) and will take into account such expert opinions and recommendations which may have been sought by the HSE at its sole discretion (for example, from the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics).

In considering an application, the HSE will also have regard to Part 1 and Part 3 of Schedule 3 of the 2013 Act. Part 3 requires the HSE to have regard to the following criteria

1. the health needs of the public;

2. the cost-effectiveness of meeting health needs by supplying the item concerned rather than providing other health services;

3. the availability and suitability of items for supply or reimbursement;

4. the proposed costs, benefits and risks of the item or listed item relative to therapeutically similar items or listed items provided in other health service settings and the level of certainty in relation to the evidence of those costs, benefits and risks;

5. the potential or actual budget impact of the item or listed item;

6. the clinical need for the item or listed item;

7. the appropriate level of clinical supervision required in relation to the item to ensure patient safety;

8. the efficacy (performance in trial), effectiveness (performance in real situations) and added therapeutic benefit against existing standards of treatment (how much better it treats a condition than existing therapies); and

9. the resources available to the HSE.

I am informed that the HSE received a request and economic dossier from the manufacturer of Respreeza for maintenance treatment of emphysema in adults with documented severe alpha1-proteinase inhibitor deficiency.

In June of this year the HSE asked the NCPE to carry out a health technology assessment on the cost effectiveness of this treatment. The NCPE completed its assessment and made a recommendation on 9 December 2016. The NCPE determined that the manufacturer failed to demonstrate cost-effectiveness of the drug and did not recommend it for reimbursement.

A summary of the health technology assessment has been published on the NCPE website and is available at: http://www.ncpe.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/NCPE-website-summary_Final.pdf.

The HSE will consider the NCPE assessment, and other expert advice, as part of its decision-making process for reimbursement. This decision will be made on objective, scientific and economic grounds by the HSE in line with the 2013 Act.

I understand that the NCPE is arranging to meet the patient representative group, the Alpha One Foundation, as soon as possible to provide them with an update in relation to the recommendation of the NCPE.

In relation to compassionate access schemes, I have previously asked manufacturers to show compassion and to maintain compassionate access schemes for patients during the assessment process by the HSE and this remains the position. However, the operation of these schemes is at the discretion of manufacturers. My Department has asked the NCPE to contact the company to seek clarification for those patients currently receiving this drug.

Departmental Reports

Questions (153)

Billy Kelleher

Question:

153. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the status of the Developing a Policy on a Trauma Network for Ireland document which was originally due before the end of 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40227/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The development of the trauma policy is a joint initiative from the Department of Health and the HSE, in recognition that we do not have a coordinated trauma network structure in Ireland. The focus for the development of a policy direction in relation to the strategic organisation of Ireland’s trauma service is to ensure that patients have access to the specific safe, high quality trauma services they need. The primary aim will be to improve patient outcomes and lead to a reduction in preventable death and disability.

The development of the policy is still work in progress and the group has not yet made any recommendations. It is expected the Group's report will be completed in early 2017.

Services for People with Disabilities

Questions (154)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

154. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if he will review the issues in the case of a person (details supplied) with regard to a place in residential accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40230/16]

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 an individual case, I have referred the question to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.

Occupational Therapy

Questions (155)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

155. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if early treatment is available in respect of required occupational therapy in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40233/16]

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.

Hospital Staff

Questions (156)

Carol Nolan

Question:

156. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the number of persons outsourced at the Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore for each the years, 2013 to date in 2016 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40235/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.

Accident and Emergency Departments Data

Questions (157, 159, 160, 172)

Carol Nolan

Question:

157. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the number of emergency department attendances at the Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore for each the years, 2013 to date in 2016, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40236/16]

Carol Nolan

Question:

159. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on trolleys at the Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore for each of the months of 2015, by month, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40238/16]

Carol Nolan

Question:

160. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on trolleys at the Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore for each of the months of 2016, by month, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40239/16]

Carol Nolan

Question:

172. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the number of times the full capacity protocol was initiated at the Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore for each the years, 2011 to date in 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40251/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 157, 159, 160 and 172 together.

It is unacceptable that patients wait on trolleys for long periods. Over the coming months it is essential that the health service plans effectively for expected surges in emergency care demand. My Department, working with the HSE, has been driving a range of measures to improve patient ED experience times.

Following the formation of Government an additional €40 million was provided to assist in the management of winter pressures. Utilising this additional funding the HSE developed the Winter Initiative Plan 2016 – 2017 which was published in September. Key aspects of this plan are being implemented at hospital and community services level across the country.

Recently, the HSE convened a Winter Initiative Health Summit and I met with Hospital Group CEOs, as well as hospital and Community Health Organisation managers, to reinforce the importance of driving key performance improvements across primary, acute and social care to reduce ED overcrowding and to plan for expected surges in demand in our EDs in the New Year.

In relation to the particular queries raised by the Deputy, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.

Hospitals Data

Questions (158, 166, 167, 168)

Carol Nolan

Question:

158. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the outpatient waiting times at the Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore for each the years 2011 to date in 2016, by year and by speciality and in the wait time bands of up to three months, up to six months, up to 12 months, up to 15 months, up to 18 months, up to two years, and more than two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40237/16]

Carol Nolan

Question:

166. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the number of outpatient hospital cancellations at the Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore for each the years, 2013 to date in 2016, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40245/16]

Carol Nolan

Question:

167. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the number of inpatient hospital cancellations at the Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore for each the years, 2013 to date in 2016, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40246/16]

Carol Nolan

Question:

168. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the number of inpatient and outpatient did not attends at the Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore for each the years, 2013 to date in 2016, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40247/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 158, and 166 to 168, inclusive, together.

This Government is committed to improving waiting times for patients. While recognising that demand for acute hospital services has increased, the important issue for patients is how long they wait.

Under the HSE Service Plan 2016 targets, 85% of people should wait less than 52 weeks for their first outpatient appointment. The latest NTPF Outpatient Waiting List figures indicate that 77% of people in the Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore are waiting less than 52 weeks for their first outpatient appointment and 95% of people are waiting less than 18 months for access to outpatient services.

In August, I asked the HSE to develop a Waiting List Action Plan for 2016 to reduce by year end the number of patients waiting over 18 months for an inpatient or day case procedure. Since then, over 8,000 patients have come off the waiting list nationally.

Regarding outpatient waiting lists in particular, the HSE recently launched the Strategy for the design of Integrated Outpatient Services 2016-2020. It seeks to improve waiting times for outpatient services by enhancing patient referral pathways and utilising technology to enable better planning.

Budget 2017 provides for the treatment of our longest-waiting patients. €20m is being allocated to the NTPF in 2017, rising to €55m in 2018. Planning of these initiatives is at an advanced stage. I will shortly be asking the HSE to develop a Waiting List Action Plan for 2017, working collaboratively with the NTPF, to address inpatient, day case and also outpatient waiting times, including in the Mater Hospital.

In relation to the specific queries raised by the Deputy, as these are service matters, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.

Questions Nos. 159 and 160 answered with Question No. 157.

Hospitals Funding

Questions (161)

Carol Nolan

Question:

161. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the operating budget for the Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore for each the years 2009 to date in 2016 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40240/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.

Capital Expenditure Programme

Questions (162, 170, 171)

Carol Nolan

Question:

162. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the capital budget or total capital spend at the Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore for each the years, 2009 to date in 2016, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40241/16]

Carol Nolan

Question:

170. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the capital projects agreed and funded at the Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore; the details and an overview of each project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40249/16]

Carol Nolan

Question:

171. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the cost of each capital project funded by the HSE and or his Department at the Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore for each the years 2009 to date in 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40250/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 162, 170 and 171 together.

My Department has not funded any project at the Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore. As the HSE is responsible for the delivery of health care infrastructure projects, the Executive has been requested to reply directly to you in relation to the approved projects it has funded at the Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore for each the years 2009 to date in 2016.

HSE Agency Staff Expenditure

Questions (163)

Carol Nolan

Question:

163. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the total agency spend at the Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore for each the years, 2013 to date in 2016, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40242/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.

Hospitals Data

Questions (164)

Carol Nolan

Question:

164. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE nursing positions in place at the Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore for each the years, 2009 to date in 2016, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40243/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.

Hospital Beds Data

Questions (165)

Carol Nolan

Question:

165. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the number of beds operational at the Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore for each the years, 2009 to date in 2016, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40244/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.

Questions Nos. 166 to 168, inclusive, answered with Question No. 158.

Hospitals Data

Questions (169)

Carol Nolan

Question:

169. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the number of theatres operational at the Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore for each the years, 2011 to date in 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40248/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.

Questions Nos. 170 and 171 answered with Question No. 162.