Written Answers Nos. 141-149
141. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health the status of the ongoing negotiations between the HSE and manufacturers regarding the drug Savitex; if he will ensure that the drug will be made available to persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14590/17]
View answerThe HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on the reimbursement of approved products in Ireland and suppliers of such products must apply to the HSE for reimbursement approval.
I am advised that, following receipt of an application from the supplier for the inclusion of Sativex on the High Tech Scheme, the HSE assessed the medicine in line with their statutory responsibility. The HSE issued the manufacturers with notice of its intention not to reimburse. It is open to the supplier to make a new application for this product, in the context of the previous findings.
142. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health when a replacement will be announced for the motorised transport grant and mobility allowance; the reason a replacement has yet to be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14592/17]
View answerConscious of the reports of the Ombudsman in 2011 and 2012 regarding the legal status of both the Mobility Allowance and Motorised Transport Grant Scheme in the context of the Equal Status Acts, the Government decided to close both schemes in February 2013.
The Government is aware of the continuing needs of people with a disability who rely on individual payments 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 for the new Scheme 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.
The Deputy may be interested to note that people who previously benefited from the now-closed Motorised Transport Grant, may, if they satisfy the criteria under that scheme, be eligible for tax relief under the Drivers and Passengers with Disabilities Tax Relief Scheme. This scheme is the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Finance and is operated by the Revenue Commissioners. Details of the scheme can be found on www.revenue.ie.
143. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health if, further to the recent and unfolding events of the former St. Mary’s Mother and Baby Home in Tuam, County Galway and the Government's response to same, including the remarks made by the Taoiseach in Dáil Éireann in response to same, he will confirm that in the course of actions initiated on behalf of clients against the orders and the HSE the State will not rely upon the Statute of Limitations Act 1957 (as amended) in defending these actions nor cite inordinate or inexcusable delay on behalf of persons bringing these actions as a reason for having same dismissed or struck out, and that the State through the HSE in defence of actions will reference only the substantive issues and will not be relying on the Statute of Limitations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14603/17]
View answerThe sad confirmation that human remains were found on the site of the former Mother and Baby Home in Tuam has disturbed everyone in this House and beyond. As the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs has made clear, the Government is committed to truth recovery and this, of course, is not the domain of any single political party but is owned by all.
In getting to the heart of the matter, we have the crucial ongoing work of the Commission of Investigation (Mother and Baby Homes and certain related Matters) which was established to provide a thorough and objective account of the experiences of women and children who lived in Mother and Baby Homes over the period 1922-1998.
The Deputy has asked about potential legal actions. It would not be appropriate for me to speculate on such matters, particularly as it relates to third parties.
144. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the position regarding members of the ambulance service who were injured seriously in the line of duty and have been accommodated with their employment and in situations in which an arrangement has been put in place for lighter duties; the number of such instances in place in the health service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14604/17]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
145. 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. [14610/17]
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.
In relation to the specific case raised, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
146. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health the status of a position in a hospital (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14625/17]
View answerThe Deputy's question relates to service delivery matters and accordingly I have asked the HSE to respond directly to him.
147. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health the status of plans to secure a site for St. Michael's House in Skerries. [14629/17]
View answerPlans to secure a site for St Michael's House in Skerries falls under the aegis of the Department for Education and Skills. As such this is a matter for my colleague Richard Bruton, Minister for Education and Skills.
148. 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. [14630/17]
View answerIn relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
149. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health if the HSE will pay for a respite care stay for a person (details supplied) due to exceptional circumstances; the detail of the rules regarding respite; if respite must relate to a discharge from hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14632/17]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
