Billy Kelleher
Question:354. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the status of the review of the use of county boundaries for access to health and social services. [40605/16]
View answerHealth Services Access
Questions (354)
Written answers
The Programme for a Partnership Government commitment states the following: "The use of county boundaries for access to health and social services will be reviewed independently, to ensure that the most efficient and cost effective service is provided to those who need it".
As I have previously stated, I do not intend to pursue further structural reforms while the work of the Committee on the Future of Healthcare is ongoing. The Committee has been tasked with developing a long-term vision and strategy for our health services and provides us with a real opportunity to achieve a sustainable political consensus on the future direction of Irish healthcare. I look forward to the outcome of the Committee’s deliberations next year.
As the Deputy may be aware, a separate piece of analysis by my Department in relation to geographical alignment of health service delivery has recently been completed and is due to be circulated to the Committee on the Future of Healthcare for their consideration.
Departmental Correspondence
Questions (355)
Brendan Griffin
Question:355. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40606/16]
View answerWritten answers
Your question has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply as the management of the healthcare property estate is a service matter.
Question No. 356 answered with Question No. 350.
Hospital Consultant Contracts
Questions (357)
Billy Kelleher
Question:357. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the status of the negotiation of a new consultant's contract. [40613/16]
View answerWritten answers
I wish to advise the Deputy that no negotiations have taken place on a new consultant's contract. At present all new entrant consultants are offered the 2008 Common Contract.
Nursing Staff Data
Questions (358)
Billy Kelleher
Question:358. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if the public health nurse service has been expanded in 2016; the number of public health nurses employed at the end of each of the years to 2015 and to date in 2016, for each local health office area in tabular form. [40614/16]
View answerWritten answers
I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.
General Practitioner Training
Questions (359)
John Brassil
Question:359. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health the number of new and additional general practitioner training places which will come on stream in 2017. [40615/16]
View answerWritten answers
The Programme for Partnership Government commits to increasing the number of GP training places by 100 over the next five years to 259 places annually. In July of this year, the GP training intake increased from 157 to 172 places and I am anxious to achieve further increases in future years.
One of the priority actions contained in the HSE's National Service Plan 2017, which was published yesterday (14 December), is to finalise the Service Level Agreement between the HSE and the Irish College of General Practitioners on the new training programme for GPs which will oversee the transfer of GP training to the College. It is expected that this will allow for further increases in training places, with the new programme agreed with the ICGP leading to a reformed training environment. The Service Plan also indicates that the number of GP training places will increase in 2017 to 187 places.
Community Pharmacy Services
Questions (360)
John Brassil
Question:360. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health the status of the Government's plans to expand the role of community pharmacists in managing the health of their patients and in medicine prescription. [40616/16]
View answerWritten answers
In the context of the Programme for Government I am examining the potential for expanding the services that our contracted pharmacists deliver to public patients including in the areas such as vaccination, treatment of minor ailments and supply of emergency contraception.
A pilot minor ailments project was run earlier this year by the HSE in conjunction with the Irish Pharmaceutical Union where medical card patients were treated for six minor conditions directly by the pharmacist. The outcome of this pilot is being assessed by the HSE.
Prison Medical Service
Questions (361)
Noel Grealish
Question:361. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health when a psychiatrist will be appointed to Castlerea Prison (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40622/16]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service issue, this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Medicinal Products Availability
Questions (362, 363)
Clare Daly
Question:362. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health the steps he will take to ensure that a drug (details supplied) continues to be available to treat individuals with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. [40627/16]
View answer
James Lawless
Question:363. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health the status of the future provision of Respreeza for persons that suffer from alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency; the timeframe for the completion of a health technology assessment by the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics; the potential results of this review and the future planning of his Department regarding the results; the position regarding the continued provision of Respreeza for persons that have been using this medication for a number of years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40628/16]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 362 and 363 together.
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. The manufacturer has informed the NCPE that there are 17 patients in the compassionate programme receiving Respreeza. The manufacturer has also confirmed to the NCPE that the programme will be extended until the end of January 2017.
Primary Care Centres
Questions (364)
John Brassil
Question:364. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health the status of the examination of the use of tax instruments and other incentives to support investment by general practitioners, dentists and other professionals in primary care centres, technology and service developments. [40630/16]
View answerWritten answers
One of my key objectives as Minister for Health, and a strong theme within the Programme for a Partnership Government is to support a decisive shift within the health system towards primary care. The Programme for a Partnership Government also contains a commitment to examine the use of tax instruments and other incentives to support investment in primary care centres, technology and service developments. My Department has had preliminary discussions on this matter with the Department of Finance, which has policy responsibility for taxation matters, in relation to the potential for taxation measures to support the development of a primary care-oriented health service. It is envisaged that the matter will be further examined in 2017, in the context of budgetary planning for 2018.
General Practitioner Services Provision
Questions (365)
John Brassil
Question:365. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health when he will publish proposals following consultation with representatives to support general practitioner practices in disadvantaged urban areas. [40631/16]
View answerWritten answers
I am committed to ensuring that patients throughout the country have access to GP services, including in remote rural areas and also in disadvantaged urban areas, and that general practice is sustainable in such areas into the future.
In the context of the ongoing development of revised GP contractual arrangements, work is underway to consider the most appropriate way to support general practice in areas of social deprivation, particularly in disadvantaged urban areas. This will help inform future discussions with GP representative bodies on these matters. It would be premature, in advance of substantive progress regarding a new contract, to publish any proposal or position on matters which may be considered under the GP contract review process.
Medical Card Administration
Questions (366)
John Brassil
Question:366. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health when he asked the clinical advisory group on medical cards to examine the guidelines for the awarding of discretionary medical cards for persons undergoing treatment for cancer; and when he expects to receive their recommendations. [40632/16]
View answerWritten answers
The Clinical Advisory Group was established by the Director General of the HSE in January 2015 to provide clinical oversight and guidance to the operation of a more compassionate and trusted medical card system. Its establishment followed the completion of the work of the Expert Panel on Medical Need for Medical Card Eligibility. The membership of the Clinical Advisory Group includes clinical experts from specialist services and professions, as well as patient representatives. The Group reports to the National Director of Primary Care on a quarterly basis.
The 2014 "Keane" Report of the Expert Panel on Medical Need for Medical Card Eligibility found that it is not feasible, desirable, or ethically justifiable to list medical conditions for medical card eligibility. However, in an interim report to the HSE in 2015, the Clinical Advisory Group recommended that all children under the age of 18 years with a diagnosis of cancer should be awarded a medical card for a period of five years. The HSE gave effect to this recommendation on 1 July 2015.
The next phase of the work of the Clinical Advisory Group relates to the development of a framework for assessment and measurement of the burden of disease and appropriate operational guidelines for the medical card scheme. I understand that the output of this work has been completed and is being considered by the HSE.
Hospitals Car Park Charges
Questions (367)
Michael McGrath
Question:367. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health the HSE's policy on the operation of car parks within hospital grounds; the revenue collected by the hospital in respect of those car parks around the country; his views on the charges customers have to pay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40643/16]
View answerWritten answers
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
Disabilities Assessments
Questions (368)
Michael McGrath
Question:368. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health the total number of assessments of children with possible special needs which are currently outstanding beyond the time periods permitted by the Disability Act 2005 in Cork city and county. [40653/16]
View answerWritten answers
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.
Disabilities Assessments
Questions (369)
Michael McGrath
Question:369. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health the number of applications received by the HSE in respect of children with possible special needs in the Cork south Lee area in the 12 months beginning January 2016; and the number of same which were completed with the statutory time limits set down by the Disability Act 2005. [40654/16]
View answerWritten answers
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.
Ministerial Travel
Questions (370, 371)
Niall Collins
Question:370. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health the total use his Department has made of the Government jet since he came into office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40683/16]
View answerNiall Collins
Question:371. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health the total use his Department has made of the Government jet per annum from March 2011 to February 2016 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40700/16]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 370 and 371 together.
Since my appointment as Minister for Health I have travelled on the Government jet on 3 October 2016 to and from Bratislava for an informal meeting of EU Health Ministers. I was accompanied by three officials.
The Department of the Taoiseach has accepted the lead responsibility for the code of practice for the use of the Government jet, ensuring transparent and cost effective travel, with the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces having a contributory role in its implementation.
Details on the use of the Government are published on the Department of Defence website at http://www.defence.ie/website.nsf/MATS2016nov. Data from 2008 is available on the site and it is updated monthly.
HSE Staff
Questions (372)
Róisín Shortall
Question:372. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the details of all existing management grade HSE staff per community health care organisation and other division by grade in each case; and the corresponding figures for the end of 2013 to 2015, inclusive. [40708/16]
View answerWritten answers
I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.
Hospital Beds Data
Questions (373)
Róisín Shortall
Question:373. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the number of hospital beds which were closed as of 9 December 2016 by hospital, with a reason for the closure in each case. [40709/16]
View answerWritten answers
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
Occupational Therapy
Questions (374)
Róisín Shortall
Question:374. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 519 of 12 July 2016, if he will intervene to ensure that a person (details supplied) who previously was denied occupational therapy due to the lack of maternity cover, is provided an essential review as part of an early intervention service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40715/16]
View answerWritten answers
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.
Appointments to State Boards
Questions (375)
Dara Calleary
Question:375. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health the gender balances on each of the State boards under his remit. [40728/16]
View answerWritten answers
Section 16 of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform's Guidelines on Appointments to State Boards states that compliance with the Government Decision of 23 July 2014 on Gender Balance on State Boards is an essential requirement for all State Boards. This requirement is for a minimum of 40% of both men and women appointed as Ministerial representatives to all State Boards. My Department in conjunction with the Public Appointments Service (PAS) currently seeks expressions of interest for membership of boards as vacancies arise, where I, as Minister for Health, have nominating rights under relevant legislation. In considering applications made through PAS due regard is given to Government policy on gender balance on State Boards.
I also appoint members on the nomination of various bodies, again in accordance with the relevant legislation. The external body is requested, where practical, to nominate both a male and female nominee. In so far as possible when making appointments to State Boards, I endeavour to ensure an appropriate balance between men and women.
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table:
|
Board |
Total Serving Membership |
Men |
Women |
|
Beaumont Hospital Board |
11 |
45% |
55% |
|
Consultative Council on Hepatitis C |
0 |
0 |
0% |
|
Dental Council |
19 |
74% |
26% |
|
Dietitians Registration Board |
10 |
40% |
60% |
|
Dublin Dental Hospital Board |
12 |
50% |
50% |
|
Food Safety Authority Of Ireland |
10 |
60% |
40% |
|
Health and Social Care Professionals Council |
23 |
48% |
52% |
|
Health Information and Quality Authority |
12 |
33% |
67% |
|
Health Insurance Authority |
5 |
60% |
40% |
|
Health Products Regulatory Authority |
9 |
56% |
44% |
|
Health Research Board |
10 |
70% |
30% |
|
Irish Blood Transfusion Service |
12 |
50% |
50% |
|
Leopardstown Park Hospital Board |
7 |
43% |
57% |
|
Medical Council |
25 |
52% |
48% |
|
Medical Scientists Registration Board |
12 |
33% |
67% |
|
Mental Health Commission |
13 |
38% |
62% |
|
National Cancer Registry Board |
7 |
43% |
57% |
|
National Haemophilia Council |
11 |
45% |
55% |
|
National Paediatric Hospital Development Board |
12 |
75% |
25% |
|
National Treatment Purchase Fund Board |
9 |
67% |
33% |
|
Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland |
22 |
50% |
50% |
|
Occupational Therapists Registration Board |
9 |
33% |
67% |
|
Optical Registration Board |
12 |
58% |
42% |
|
Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland Council |
21 |
52% |
48% |
|
Physiotherapists Registration Board |
10 |
40% |
60% |
|
Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council |
16 |
75% |
25% |
|
Radiographers Registration Board |
13 |
23% |
77% |
|
Social Care Workers Registration Board |
13 |
69% |
31% |
|
Social Worker's Registration Board |
11 |
54% |
46% |
|
Speech and Language Therapists Registration Board |
9 |
11% |
89% |
|
St. James's Hospital Board |
11 |
73% |
27% |
|
Tallaght Hospital Board |
11 |
64% |
36% |
|
Voluntary Health Insurance Board |
11 |
73% |
27% |
|
Total |
398 |
53% |
47% |
In relation to the Consultative Council on Hepatitis C, I hope to be in a position to make appointments in the coming weeks.