Written Answers Nos. 442-466
442. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health the national policy on the provision of transport for school leavers with special needs who are participating in an adult day service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8322/17]
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 provision of transport to adults with a disability attending HSE-funded day services is not a core health service, and the HSE endeavours to ensure that all service users access public transport, including rural transport services, if possible. This is in keeping with the principle of mainstreaming with a clear focus on ensuring persons with a disability have access to the normal range of services and participate in community life as far as possible. In general, day service users are in receipt of disability allowance and are automatically entitled to the Free Travel Pass, so there should be no additional cost burden at an individual level.
However when all other options are exhausted, and a person cannot avail of a day service because they do not have transport to attend, some transport is provided by disability service providers on a case by case basis as resources allow. Service providers are continuously reviewing their transport arrangements to ensure that they are used as effectively and equitably as possible within available resources. This may result in the provision of a reduced quantum of service to the service user, and the HSE does its best to provide transport in certain cases without reducing services. Service providers continue to keep the matter of transport under review.
The HSE has committed to establishing a high level cross divisional working group this year to rationalise the provision of transport and to maximise equitable access and efficiencies. The HSE also intends to liaise with the National Transport Authority and disability service providers to explore ways in which the Authority’s services could assist people with disabilities. The National Transport Authority has a total of 17 Transport co-ordinating units called Local Link which provide safe secure and reliable Public Transport services in local and rural areas of Ireland through a combination of scheduled Public Transport services and door to door services. The HSE plans to explore the opportunities these units may provide to people with disabilities to access day services and participate in the social, educational and economic life of their local communities.
443. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health if he will assist in having an admission date arranged for a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [8325/17]
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.
444. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be issued with a date for an assessment; the reason for the delay in issuing a date for same, in view of the fact that this is an extremely urgent case; if the person will be able to have this assessment carried out in another hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8333/17]
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.
445. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Health the reason home help was reduced and then removed from a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8345/17]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
446. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the allocation made for the meals-on-wheels project in 2016 by county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8347/17]
View answer447. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the allocation made for the meals-on-wheels project in 2017 by county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8348/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 446 and 447 together.
As these are service matters they have been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
448. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health his plans regarding the cost being incurred by coeliacs on food; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8349/17]
View answerThe 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.
The HSE faces a continuing challenge to deliver services in a way that will minimise any adverse impact on patients and continue to protect, as far as possible, the most vulnerable citizens. Unfortunately, as a result it has become necessary for the HSE to suspend certain products from its list of items reimbursable under the GMS and other community drug schemes. This includes gluten-free products.
Gluten-free products have become more widely available in supermarkets in recent years and tend to be significantly cheaper than products sold through community pharmacies. Coeliac patients can also claim medical expenses tax relief on expenditure incurred on gluten-free products manufactured specifically for coeliacs. There are no plans to reinstate these products on the list of reimbursable items under the GMS and other community drug schemes.
449. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the outpatient waiting times for the RCSI hospital group for each of the years 2011 to 2016 and to date in 2017 broken down by treatment and in wait time bands of up to three months, six months, 12 months, 15 months, 18 months, two years and more than two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8350/17]
View answerIn relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
450. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the number of emergency department attendances at Cavan General Hospital for each of the years 2012 to 2016 and to date in 2017, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8352/17]
View answerIn relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
451. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the number of persons from counties Cavan and Monaghan waiting on the public waiting list for hip operations; the hospital they are waiting for this procedure at; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8353/17]
View answerIn relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
452. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the number of respite care beds available in counties Cork and Kerry for adults with special needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8380/17]
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 (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
453. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) has been refused more resource hours for their child in view of the stress caused to the family in providing care; if he will examine the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8394/17]
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 (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
454. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health if his Department will make funding available for the continuation of services (details supplied) in County Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8395/17]
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 (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
455. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health the respite facilities in counties Sligo and Leitrim that are currently being reconfigured; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8396/17]
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 (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
456. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health the amount of funding allocated to HSE managed and run disability and respite services in CHO area 1 in 2016 and 2017 respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8397/17]
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 (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
457. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health the reason a death certificate is not available in respect of a person (details supplied); if the matter will be investigated in order that the next of kin can receive closure; if there is information available in respect of the cause of death; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8400/17]
View answerI have been advised that the HSE replied to the Deputy on this matter on 29 July 2016 in response to PQ 21171/16. I understand that a death certificate that would appear to match the details provided had been located. I also understand that the HSE had advised that, in order to progress this matter, the family concerned should contact the Office of the Superintendent Registrar, Civil Registration Service, HSE South, Adelaide Court, Adelaide Street, Cork on 021-4275126 or at crs@hse.ie.
458. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health the services available for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24. [8404/17]
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, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
459. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health if any supplementary budget allocation was sought by or granted to Cork University Maternity Hospital in 2016; if so, the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8405/17]
View answerIn relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
460. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the staffing levels within the community audiology service in CHO Area 9; the current vacancies within these services; the total spend in respect of audiology services in CHO Area 9 in each of the years 2014 to 2016 and to date in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8432/17]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
461. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the number of persons currently awaiting appointments to have hearing aids fitted in CHO Area 9; the number of persons that have been waiting for zero to three months, three to six months, six to nine months, nine to 12 months, 12 to 18 months, 18 to 24 months and over 24 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8433/17]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
462. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if intervention will be provided by his Department to support a request for a person (details supplied) to be moved to another facility in view of the breadth and depth of their diagnosis and need for specialised services; if funding is available to support same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8470/17]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
463. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8476/17]
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.
464. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding medical card applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8477/17]
View answerThe Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.
The Health Service Executive operates the General Medical Services scheme, which includes medical cards and GP visit cards, under the Health Act 1970, as amended. It has established a dedicated contact service for members of the Oireachtas specifically for queries relating to medical cards and GP visit cards, which the Deputy may wish to use for an earlier response. Contact information was issued to Oireachtas members.
465. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Health if a review will be carried out of phenyllcetonuria products on the long-term illness card that have been assessed and are waiting to be assessed; when the products currently waiting to be assessed will be assessed by the HSE; if consultations will take place with persons in need regarding the products available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8486/17]
View answer478. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Health the long-term illness card budget spend on PKU products year on year; the person or body responsible for maintaining the list of PKU products; the frequency with which they meet and the criteria used in the assessment of new products for inclusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8598/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 465 and 478 together.
Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community drug schemes; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply.
466. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the status of funding for the drug Respreeza for patients suffering from emphysema caused by Alpha-1. (details supplied). [8487/17]
View answerThe 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 considers 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.
In keeping with the drug assessment process, the recommendation of the HSE Drugs Group regarding the reimbursement of Respreeza was considered by the HSE Leadership team. The HSE has informed that the statutory assessment process is ongoing.
