Written Answers Nos. 281-307
281. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the timeline for the roll out of the recently announced action plan for rural development; the criteria to be used in choosing towns and villages for the pilot scheme for residency and occupation in towns; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9272/17]
View answerThe Action Plan for Rural Development was launched on 23rd January this year and contains over 276 actions for implementation across a range of Government Departments, State agencies and other organisations over the next three years. Delivery of many of these actions is already underway.
Supporting town and villages is just one element of a much more comprehensive Plan aimed at addressing both the economic and social needs of rural Ireland through a whole-of-Government approach.
I have secured funding of €12 million for an enhanced Town and Village Renewal scheme this year. The first phase of the scheme will be launched shortly, with a focus on improving the economic development of our towns and villages.
As a second phase of the Town and Village Renewal scheme this year, I intend to launch a pilot project to encourage residential occupancy in rural towns and villages. This pilot will be launched separately in the second half of the year, when details of the scheme have been finalised in consultation with relevant Departments. Full details of the criteria to apply will be announced when the pilot is launched.
282. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the cost per year for the past three years for the retrieval and return of hard copy files stored at off site locations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9301/17]
View answerThe costs for retrieval and return of hard copy files stored at off site locations for my Department for the last three years are set out below. At all times, value for money is a critical consideration in the context of off-site storage.
|
Year |
Cost of Retrieval |
|
2014 |
€3,839 |
|
2015 |
€3,842 |
|
2016 |
€4,628 |
283. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the cost per year for the past three years for the storage of data and or files on cloud storage or third party servers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9399/17]
View answerNo costs have been incurred in the last three years for the storage of data and or files on cloud storage or third party servers in respect of IT services provided and managed directly by my Department.
IT services for the Heritage Division of my Department are provided by the Department of Housing, Planning, Community & Local Government. I understand that costs have been incurred by that Department in respect of the storage of data and or files in cloud storage or third party servers in the last three years. I will arrange for the information sought in respect of those costs to be forwarded to the Deputy within the agreed timelines set out in Standing Orders.
284. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if all regulatory impact assessments for her legislative proposals are published on her Department websites; the web address for each such site; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9415/17]
View answerMy Department carried out Regulatory Impact Assessments in respect of the Amendment of the National Archives Act 1986 (October 2014) and the Implementation of De-designation Proposals of the Review of Raised Bog Natural Heritage Area Network under the Wildlife (Amendment) Bill (July 1916).
It is the policy of my Department to publish the Regulatory Impact Assessments it undertakes.
The Regulatory Impact Assessment in respect of the amendment of the National Archives Act 1986 is available at:
http://www.ahrrga.gov.ie/app/uploads/2017/02/regulatory-impact-analysis-20-year-rule.pdf.
The Regulatory Impact Assessment in respect of the Wildlife (Amendment) Bill is available at:
http://www.ahrrga.gov.ie/app/uploads/2016/08/review-of-raised-bog-nha-network-ria-2016.pdf.
and
https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/files/Review%20of%20Raised%20Bog%20NHA%20Network% 20RIA%202016.pdf.
285. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if her Department has assessed or had contact with her EU colleagues on the potential relocation of the European Union Youth Orchestra; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9462/17]
View answerA solution for 2016 to prevent the Orchestra from closing down was based on an amendment of the Creative Europe programme's current work programme, the main EU funding instrument for the cultural sector, by the implementation of an action grant for the amount of EUR 600.000.
For 2017, the European Parliament is proposing a "pilot project" to ensure that the EUYO has operational funding by amending the Commission's general budget proposal. I am not aware of any potential relocation of the European Union Youth Orchestra.
286. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if her Department has assessed the potential for creative industries relocating here as a result of Brexit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9463/17]
View answerEarlier this month, I hosted a Sectorial Dialogue on Brexit in Cavan. The participants, who were key stakeholders, were asked, inter alia, to suggest actions that Government or others might take now in the context of Brexit. The dialogue provided an opportunity for me and my officials to hear directly from stakeholders in sectors served by my Department regarding the impact Brexit may have on these sectors, including in relation to arts, culture and the creative industries. The Government’s preparations for Brexit, which are based on consultation, analysis and prioritisation, will incorporate the input from participants at the sectorial dialogues hosted by all Government Departments.
Meanwhile my Department will continue to promote arts, culture, creativity and economic development across its work programme. Recent initiatives include the Creative Ireland Programme and the Action Plan for Rural Development. These initiatives will take Brexit into account as they are being implemented.
Creative Ireland is a five-year all-of government initiative, from 2017 to 2022, which places creativity at the centre of public policy to mainstream creativity in the life of the nation so that individually and collectively, in our personal lives and in our institutions, we can realise our full creative potential. The programme for year 1 outlines 10 initiatives to be completed by the end of 2017, including 'An industry-wide, long-term plan, for Ireland as a global hub for the production of Film, TV Drama, and Animation'.
I recently announced the commissioning of an economic analysis of our screen-based creative industries by my Department in partnership with the Departments of Communications, Climate Action and Environment and Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. This study has commenced and will examine the economic impact and potential of the Irish film, TV and animation sector and analyse the scale and economic contribution of the screen-based creative industries and examine its potential to expand further. The study, when complete, will help to inform Government strategies and initiatives as we seek to enhance Ireland’s reputation as a home of creative talent.
I am keenly aware of the potential of the creative sector to contribute to sustainable jobs growth. My Department continues to work with other Departments, in particular with the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation which has responsibility for intellectual property rights, to promote and support Ireland’s cultural and creative sectors.
The Action Plan for Rural Development is the first whole-of-government strategy aimed at people living and working in rural Ireland. It aims to unlock the potential of rural Ireland through a framework of supports at national and local level which will ensure that people who live in rural areas have increased opportunities for employment locally, and access to public services and social networks that support a high quality of life. The Plan is spread across five pillars and the fourth pillar is Fostering Culture and Creativity in Rural Communities. The key objectives of this Pillar are to:
- Increase access to the arts and enhance cultural facilities in rural communities.
- Further develop and enhance culture and creativity in rural Ireland through the establishment of culture teams and creativity hubs as part of the Creative Ireland Programme
- Promote the Irish language as a key resource in Gaeltacht and other rural communities.
287. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the total number of Irish applications made under the EU creative Europe framework per annum since its inception; the total number of successful applications; the total amount drawn down; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9464/17]
View answerThe Creative Europe programme has two funding sub-programmes: the Culture sub-programme operated through the Arts Council, and the Media sub-programme operated through the Irish Film Board. Demand, particularly in the Culture sub-programme far outstrips the budget available. The overall success rate for applications from all countries is about 15%. Ireland’s own success rate is above the EU average.
In respect of the Creative Europe culture sub-programme the number of applications made by Irish organisations since 2014 is 116 (22 as lead coordinator applicants and 94 as partners). The total number of Irish successful applications is 21 (3 as lead coordinator applicants and 18 as partners). The overall success rate across the Culture sub-programme for all applicants is 15%. The Irish success rate is 18.9%. The amount awarded so far under the Creative Europe Culture sub-programme to Irish organisations is €1.56m.
In respect of the Creative Europe Media sub-programme, the number of applications made by Irish companies since 2014 is 179. The total number of Irish successful applications is 69. This represents a 38% success rate. The amount awarded so far under the Creative Europe Media sub-programme to Irish companies is €5.34m.
288. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of employees in her Department and under its aegis who are suspended from work without prejudice and on full pay pending an investigation. [9714/17]
View answerI am advised that there are currently no employees in my Department suspended from work without prejudice and on full pay pending an investigation.
The issues enquired of in relation to State Bodies operating under the aegis of my Department are day-to-day operational matters for each Body. I have arranged for the Deputy’s question to be brought to the attention of each State Body and for a response to issue directly to the Deputy in line with the agreed arrangements and timelines set out in Standing Orders.
289. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health the number of claims under the dental treatment services scheme in each of the years 2012 to 2016 in tabular form; the annual cost of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9330/17]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
290. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health the progress that has been made to date on the mechanism to deal with health care for survivors of the Magdalen Laundries that live overseas, as referred to by the previous Minister on 24 September 2014. [9382/17]
View answerThe Quirke Report recommended that a provision of a comprehensive suite of health services be provided to the Magdalen Women. A specific medical card has been issued to these women so they can access the enhanced health services they require without charge. The number of women who have access to this Scheme in Ireland is 613.
There are a further 118 eligible women living overseas and although the Quirke Report did not make a recommendation that health services be provided to these women, the Irish Government decided that practical arrangements should be put in place to support these women. The HSE is currently exploring the arrangements to be put in place for these women. It is an extremely complex matter as health systems around the world vary in organisation and each system is practically unique and equally complex. Work in ongoing and it is hoped to have practical arrangements in place for these women in the near future.
291. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health the assistance he will provide to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9121/17]
View answer324. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health if assistance will be provided to a person (details supplied) with a query; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9293/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 291 and 324 together.
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 HSE operates a Treatment Abroad Scheme (TAS), for persons entitled to treatment in another EU/EEA Member State or Switzerland under EU Regulation 883/04, as per the procedures set out in EU Regulation 987/09, and in accordance with Department of Health Guidelines. Patients apply to the HSE TAS seeking access to public healthcare outside the State through model form E112. The application requires the patient's Irish-based public referring hospital consultant, following clinical assessment, to certify, among other things, that the treatment is medically necessary and will meet the patient’s needs. The treatment must not be available within the State or not available within a time normally necessary for obtaining it.
The result of the EU referendum in the UK means that the UK electorate have declared their wish to leave the EU. It is important to be clear that until the UK formally withdraws from the Union, it remains a full member, with all of its existing rights and obligations. I wish to assure the Deputy that there are no immediate changes in the area of health as a consequence of the UK's decision to leave the EU. Irish patients who had planned to travel to the UK under the Treatment Abroad Scheme may continue to do so as planned.
An extensive programme of engagement with all other EU Governments and the EU institutions, including the Commission’s Brexit Negotiations Task Force, is under way. The Taoiseach and Ministers will continue to meet and engage with their EU counterparts over coming weeks to emphasise Ireland’s concerns and to ensure that they are fully reflected in the EU position once negotiations commence.
The programme for Government contained a commitment to extend medical card eligibility for all children in receipt of Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA). I received permission from Government to draft the new Bill in December. This new legislation will effectively mean that all children in respect of whom a DCA payment is made will automatically qualify for a medical card and, therefore, no longer be subject to the medical card means test at any point in the future while in receipt of DCA. The drafting of the legislation is at an advanced stage and will be brought before the Oireachtas as quickly as possible. The HSE has commenced the process of planning for the introduction of the scheme and my objective is that this measure be put into effect as soon as possible.
292. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding respite care in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9122/17]
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 Programme for Partnership Government states that the Government wishes to provide more accessible respite care to facilitate full support for people with a disability.
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.
293. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health the steps he has taken to reduce waiting lists for children in the Children's Hospital Group since a programme (details supplied), detailed the seriousness these delays are causing in some cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9147/17]
View answerLong waiting times for scoliosis surgery have to be addressed, and the Department has been working closely with the HSE to address service pressures, particularly in Our Lady's Children's Hospital Crumlin, which is the largest provider of scoliosis surgery for children and young people.
Additional funding has been provided in recent years to develop the paediatric orthopaedic services, including scoliosis services. €2m was made available under the Winter Initiative Funding in 2016 and over fifty additional patients have been treated to date under this initiative. As a result of investment, we made some progress but there is much more to do to provide the level service that is needed.
I recently met with the CEO of the Children’s Hospital Group and of Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin (OLCHC) to discuss immediate action that can be taken to reduce waiting times for children and adolescents with scoliosis.
While the new theatre in OLCHC was commissioned in 2016, it is only now being used for scoliosis surgery due to challenges with recruiting nurses. The hospital has undertaken an aggressive recruitment drive to attract new theatre nurses with the necessary paediatric training. As a result four new nurses will be in place by April. A further 16 international nurses have been offered posts, and have commenced the registration process. The recruitment of these nurses means that the new theatre will be used to provide the additional capacity for scoliosis procedures in OLCHC from April. This will allow an additional day of procedures to be carried out in the medium term. I am advised by OLCHC that an orthopaedic surgeon post in the hospital will also be filled by June. This means that from July, the hospital expects that the theatre use will be further increased. In addition I will receive an Action Plan for Scoliosis from the HSE by the end of February which will take on board the concerns of the advocacy groups.
294. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a hospital appointment in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9168/17]
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.
295. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the date for the publication of the national action plan on antimicrobial resistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9169/17]
View answer296. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if there are timelines and targets in respect of the management of antimicrobial resistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9170/17]
View answer297. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the actions that will be taken whereby an institution fails to effectively deal with the control of antimicrobial resistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9171/17]
View answer298. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if, with regard to the national action plan on antimicrobial resistance, additional funding will be made available to tackle this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9172/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 295 to 298, inclusive, together.
The rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is universally recognised at global, European and national levels, including Ireland, as one of the greatest potential threats to human and animal health with possible serious consequences for public health, animal welfare and the agriculture and food sectors.
The extensive use, misuse and overuse of antimicrobials in both human and animal health have increasingly raised levels of AMR in a wide range of pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites) – in all countries and in patients of all age groups. With increasing travel and trade in food, drug resistance can spread rapidly and new resistance mechanisms are emerging, which make it difficult or impossible to treat certain infections. If Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) continues to rise it will become increasingly difficult and expensive to control and treat infections in medical care and more difficult to maintain animal health and welfare.
The WHO Global Action Plan 2015 sets out five Strategic Objectives:
(1) to improve awareness and understanding of antimicrobial resistance;
(2) to strengthen knowledge through surveillance and research;
(3) to reduce the incidence of infection;
(4) to optimise the use of antimicrobial agents and
(5) to develop the economic case for sustainable investment that takes account of the needs of all countries, and increase investment in new medicines, diagnostic tools, vaccines and other interventions.
The WHO expects that countries will develop their own national action plans on antimicrobial resistance in line with the Global Plan. European Council Conclusions - ‘The next steps under a ‘One Health approach to combat antimicrobial resistance' adopted at the June 2016 EPSCO (Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs) Council meeting call on Member States to have in place before mid-2017 a national action plan against Antimicrobial Resistance based on the ‘One Health’ approach and in line with the objectives of the WHO Global Action Plan.
In 2011 a national Health Service Executive/Royal College of Physicians in Ireland (HSE/RCPI) Clinical Advisory Group on HCAI/AMR (Healthcare Associated Infections/antimicrobial Resistance) was established to provide expert advice to the public health system and a HCAI Clinical Programme within the HSE was put in place.
The HSE established a National Taskforce on HCAI and AMR in 2015 to support and advise on providing effective system-wide response to the issue. The Taskforce will oversee the continuing development and implementation of an Action Plan to address HCAI/AMR across the Hospital Groups and Community Healthcare Organisations with support from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) and Public Health Directorate of the HSE.
The National Healthcare Quality Reporting System (NHQRS) publishes data on antibiotic prescribing in the community as well as MRSA and Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) rates. The second annual report of the NHQRS was published in June 2016. As the majority of human antimicrobial consumption in Ireland takes place at community level it is important to have a measure of consumption. Measuring rates of MRSA infection is used as a quality measure in many countries while C. difficile rates in hospitals are recognised and used internationally as a good measure of the quality and safety of a healthcare service.
In recognition of the serious and increasing threat of AMR and the requirement for a ‘whole of Government’ approach to health issues, the Department of Health’s Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) established a high level National Interdepartmental AMR Consultative Committee to address this issue. The Committee has a clear role and mandate across the human and animal health sectors. Committee membership consists of representatives of both Departments and of the relevant HSE and veterinary specialist agencies, including other relevant bodies with a remit across the two sectors; membership is representative of major stakeholders. The Committee meets Ireland’s requirements to have an Intersectoral co-ordination mechanism for addressing AMR at European level, as outlined in Council Conclusions. The Committee meets bi-annually and its next scheduled meeting will take place on 6th April 2017.
The Committee and the Departments of Health and Agriculture, Food & the Marine are currently working to finalise Ireland's National Action Plan on AMR. This work is ongoing and it is expected that the Plan will be published in 2017. The Plan is examining strategies to optimise Ireland's response to AMR and this examination will include both timelines for implementation and resource requirements. I am considering seeking cross-Government support for the National Action Plan. I welcome the recognition by the Deputy of the seriousness of AMR.
299. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Health if he will provide urgent funding to a facility (details supplied) in County Louth for the care of persons with intellectual disabilities and mental health issues to allow it meet modern standards for delivery of care to persons in both institutional and community settings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9189/17]
View answer300. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to problems uncovered with the services provided at a facility (details supplied) in County Louth for persons with intellectual disabilities and mental health issues; if his attention has been further drawn to the imminent closure by HIQA of four of the units at this facility and the distress that this will cause to persons and families that use same; if his attention has been drawn to the urgent need for resources to keep this much needed service open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9190/17]
View answer302. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the number of persons that are living in the four units at St. John of God, Drumcar, which have been recommended for closure by HIQA; the outcome for these persons in the event that these units are closed; the measures that need to be taken to prevent closure of these units; the steps that will be taken to ensure these units are up to the required standard; the communication that has taken place with the families of these persons since the HIQA report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9193/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 299, 300 and 302 together.
The Government’s ongoing priority is the safeguarding of vulnerable people in the care of the health service. As the Deputies will be aware, regulation and inspection of residential centres for people with disabilities was placed on a statutory footing in November 2013 and compliance with HIQA standards is a requirement under the Service Level Arrangements between the HSE and non-statutory disability service providers.
I am aware of HIQA’s ongoing concerns regarding the safety and care of residents at the Saint John of God Drumcar facility in Louth, following numerous inspections the regulator has carried out there.
I understand that HIQA has recently issued notices of proposal to cancel registration of some of the centres at this facility. I also understand that HIQA is in very close liaison with both the service provider and the HSE in relation to these matters and I have asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputies with a detailed response on the various operational issues they have raised.
301. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health the current statutory position of the provision of personal budgets as an alternative to institutional care for vulnerable adults. [9192/17]
View answerThe requirement to make statutory provision for personalised budgets will be examined by the Task Force on Personalised Budgets which I established in September 2016, in line with a commitment in the Programme for Government. I have asked the Task Force to report to me by the end of 2017 with a recommended approach and an implementation strategy for the introduction of personalised budgets.
The goal of the Task Force is to support people with disabilities to live independent lives in the community and to facilitate their own choices and decisions in relation to the support services they receive. As well as any legislative changes which may be necessary, recommendations on what will be covered by personalised budgets is among the issues which the Task Force has been asked to address.
The Task Force includes officials from the relevant Government Departments and agencies, HSE, academic and policy experts, stakeholder organisations and a wide range of people with lived experience of disability and disability services (both intellectual and physical). A wider Reference Group has also been established, and this Group will be consulted directly at key points throughout the process.
A Project Initiation Document and Work Plan were identified as key early deliverables and have now been finalised, and are published on the Department of Health website. The Work Plan identifies seven work streams and sets out lead partners and an ambitious timeframe for each one. A number of these work streams are currently being progressed in parallel. It is planned that the Task Force will:
- issue a report setting out the evidence, analysis and preferred options in relation to each of the matters under its Terms of Reference;
- propose an approach and implementation pathway with timetable for delivery;
- outline any legislative changes that may be required.
303. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health the current levels of security staff at the Ballyfermot, HSE-run and operated, mental health facility; if he will address suggestions of a shortfall in security staff required particularly for night time care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9195/17]
View answerAs this is a service issue, this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
304. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Health the progress that has been made by the HSE in making the drug Orkambi available to cystic fibrosis sufferers through having it included on the medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9197/17]
View answer326. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the current position of the HSE in relation to the proposed Orkambi cystic fibrosis drug; the timeframe in which a decision will be made; the further details he has on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9296/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 304 and 326 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, following a request from the HSE, the NCPE carried out an assessment of the manufacturer's economic dossier submitted in March 2016 on the cost effectiveness of Orkambi. This dossier included details on all relevant costs and relevant cost offsets including those associated with hospitalisation, disease management costs, intravenous antibiotics, adverse events and any additional costs arising in patients not taking Orkambi.
The NCPE has completed its Health Technology Assessment and this is available on its website. It was submitted to the HSE in June 2016. The NCPE determined, following an evaluation of the economic dossier, that the manufacturer failed to demonstrate cost-effectiveness or value for money from using the drug. The NCPE have confirmed that all relevant costs were included in the analysis. In line with the HSE's assessment process, the HSE Drugs Committee considered the NCPE recommendation, the manufacturers submissions and commercial offer and other information. Following this consideration the Drugs Committee did not recommend reimbursement at the current price. The HSE Directorate considered the Drugs Committee’s recommendation in December and the Directorate took the decision not to reimburse at the current price offered by the company.
The HSE has since re-entered into negotiations with Vertex, the manufacturer of Orkambi, with a view to significantly reducing the cost of Orkambi. A meeting was held in December and again in early January. Following completion of the negotiation process, I am advised that the HSE’s Drugs Committee met at the end of January and considered the manufacturer's latest price offerings. The matter is currently under consideration by the HSE Directorate, in accordance with the criteria set out in the 2013 Act.
305. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Health his plans to provide for the libre testing device (details supplied) for sufferers of diabetes on the medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9200/17]
View answerUnder 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 to the Deputy.
306. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health when he expects to deliver on the commitment to provide a medical card to every child in receipt of a domiciliary care allowance. [9206/17]
View answerI received permission from Government to draft the new Bill in December 2016. This new legislation will effectively mean that all children in respect of whom a Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) payment is made will automatically qualify for a medical card and, therefore, no longer be subject to the medical card means test at any point in the future while in receipt of DCA. The drafting of the legislation is at an advanced stage and will be brought before the Oireachtas as quickly as possible. The HSE has commenced the process of planning for the introduction of the scheme and my objective is that this measure be put into effect as soon as possible.
307. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a refund in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9213/17]
View answerAs the particular issue raised relates to an individual case, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
