Tuesday, 16 May 2017

Written Answers Nos. 386-402

Mental Health Services Provision

Questions (386)

Tom Neville

Question:

386. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding provision of mental health services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22874/17]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

In line with the commitment to develop early intervention mental health services for those under 18, €5 million has been allocated to primary care, of which €3.4 million will fund the recruitment of 114 Assistant Psychologists in primary care. This will enhance the primary care response and help to reduce waiting lists for child and adolescent mental health services. This recruitment has now been sanctioned by DPER and the recruitment process is beginning.

The HSE Mental Health Division currently employs approximately 213 Psychologists with 67 of these operating within Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. A further 60 psychology students participate as members of community based mental health teams providing services to children and adults. In addition, the HSE currently funds a number of agencies to provide a variety of counselling services to young people. This includes 11 existing Jigsaw sites nationally together with further planned expansion of this service for 2017 with additional sites in both Cork and in Limerick.

Primary Care Centres Administration

Questions (387)

Michael McGrath

Question:

387. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health his plans for recruitment of persons to fill medical and administrative positions in a primary care centre (details supplied) currently under construction. [22880/17]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.

Health and Social Care Professionals Registration Boards

Questions (388)

Michael McGrath

Question:

388. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health the way in which he plans to select a practising occupational therapist for inclusion on the CORU occupational therapists registration board; the way in which a person can put himself or herself forward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22883/17]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Under Section 28(a) of the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 the Minister appoints registrants to the registration board of a designated profession on their election by fellow registrants of that profession.

Last month only two nominations were received for election to the six professional positions on the Occupational Therapists Registration Board.

I have requested my officials to examine options with regard to filling the remaining four professional positions in accordance with the Act. This may involve, in accordance with Government guidelines on appointments to State boards, seeking expressions of interest from members of the profession through the Public Appointments Service.

Prescriptions Data

Questions (389)

Gino Kenny

Question:

389. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health the data on trends in the prescription of stimulant drugs to children for the past 20 years; if the collected data indicate an overall rise in problems associated with prescribed stimulants in terms of stunting of growth, cardiovascular anomalies and diversion for recreational or other unauthorised use; the steps he will take to address a rise in prescription rates and associated problems regarding stimulant medications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22891/17]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

Stimulant drugs such as methylphenidate (brand names include Ritalin, Concerta and Equasym) or atomoxetine (Strattera) are authorised in the treatment of conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as part of a comprehensive treatment programme which typically includes psychological, educational and social measures. As previously highlighted to the Deputy (Parliamentary Questions Nos. 508 and 509 of 11 April 2017; reference Nos. 17648/17 and 17651/17), medicinal products authorised in Ireland and Europe are required to have detailed accompanying product information.

European reviews on the use of such stimulant medicinal products have resulted in updates to product information in order to support better informed prescribing and use of these medicinal products. A risk of cardiovascular anomalies and effects on growth are known to occur in association with methylphenidate and atomoxetine and the product information for these medicines includes detailed warnings regarding the use of stimulants in patients with structural cardiac abnormalities, severe hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions, as well as a warning regarding the misuse of stimulants. Guidance is provided regarding the monitoring of growth status, including advice to consider stopping treatment if growth is adversely affected.

The HPRA has communicated updates to product information for stimulant medicinal products via its Drug Safety Newsletter, articles in the Monthly Index of Medical Specialities (MIMS) and through approval of Direct Healthcare Professional (DHPC) letters directly from the marketing authorisation holder (MAH – the company who holds the licence for a drug) to healthcare professionals. Additionally educational materials for patients and prescribers (as approved by the HPRA) have also been developed by the marketing authorisation holders for certain stimulant products. These materials help support the safe and effective prescribing of medicinal products. These materials are accessible from the HPRA website: https://www.hpra.ie/homepage/medicines/safety-information/educational-material.

The HPRA, in conjunction with European counterparts, continues to review the safety of authorised medicines and takes appropriate regulatory action when necessary.

I have no available information on prescribing rates. I have asked the HSE to review what information is available on prescribing of stimulant drugs to children and to provide whatever information is available directly to the Deputy.

Diabetes Strategy

Questions (390, 391, 392, 393)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

390. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the services in place to manage children with type one diabetes in University Hospital Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22897/17]

Mattie McGrath

Question:

391. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the services which have been put in place to manage children with type one diabetes on insulin pumps attending University Hospital Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22898/17]

Mattie McGrath

Question:

392. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in holding interviews for the vacant consultant paediatrician post to provide services for children with type one diabetes in University Hospital Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22899/17]

Mattie McGrath

Question:

393. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the number of children under 16 years of age with type one diabetes who attend University Hospital Waterford; the number of those that are on insulin pump therapy; the number awaiting insulin pump initiation training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22900/17]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 390 to 393, inclusive, together.

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

Nursing Homes Support Scheme Applications

Questions (394)

Brendan Howlin

Question:

394. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health if he will reconsider the decision to refuse long-term residential care to a person (details supplied) who has applied under the nursing homes support scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22919/17]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Lourdes Hospital Redress Scheme Eligibility

Questions (395)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

395. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if he will meet with persons (details supplied) as per their request; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22920/17]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I have examined the details surrounding these cases and the position over the years relating to them. Unfortunately, the position as outlined in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 548, reference No. 26471, of 27 September, 2016, raised by the Deputy, concerning the small number of women who did not meet the criteria for either Scheme, remains unchanged.

Government approved the establishment of the Lourdes Hospital Redress Board in 2007 following detailed consideration of the findings of the Lourdes Hospital Inquiry. The Terms of Reference of the Redress Board, which were agreed by Government, were to provide compensation to women who were former patients of Dr Michael Neary, and who had unnecessary obstetric hysterectomies; and to women who were former patients of Dr Neary who were under 40 years of age when they underwent unnecessary bilateral oophorectomies, i.e. the removal of both ovaries or a remaining single functioning ovary at the time of obstetric hysterectomy, or as a gynaecological procedure. A bilateral oophorectomy left the patient incapable of bearing any more children, as in the case of an obstetric hysterectomy, and in addition caused an immediate surgical menopause in the woman concerned. The Redress Board determined that awards were payable in 119 cases.

The Lourdes Hospital Payment Scheme was later established on an independent basis in November 2013 in keeping with a commitment in the Programme for Government to make awards to an estimated 35 women over 40 years who had a bilateral oophorectomy, or the surgical removal of a single functioning ovary, but whose applications were rejected on age grounds alone by the Redress Board. In order to be compensated, each applicant had to have had an immediate menopause consequent upon the procedure and they had to show that the procedure was medically unwarranted. Each application was carefully assessed and the Scheme made awards to 47 women who met the criteria under the Terms of Reference. Thirty-eight applications were refused under the Scheme, because they did not meet the criteria for an award. The reasons for refusal in each cases is set out in the Final Report of the Lourdes Hospital Payment Scheme, which is available on the Department's website. Another fifteen applications were withdrawn.

Both Schemes were administered independently and the medical records of all applicants were provided to the Administrator of each Scheme. Judge Maureen Harding Clark administered the Lourdes Hospital Redress Board and the State Claims Agency administered the Lourdes Hospital Payment Scheme. The Department of Health did not have access to women's medical records.

Minister Varadkar, former Minister for Health, met Patient Focus during 2015 concerning a small number of women who were represented by that organisation, who did not meet the criteria to receive awards under either Scheme. Following this meeting, Department officials, with the assistance of the State Claims Agency, who had dealt with the medical records of the women as part of its assessment of applications to the Lourdes Hospital Payment Scheme, carefully considered these cases and that of another woman, who had made representations to the Minister and Taoiseach and who was not a member of Patient Focus. Despite being sympathetic to the women, it was determined that the procedures outlined were clearly outside the terms of the Lourdes Redress Board and the Lourdes Hospital Payment Scheme.

As the situation remains unchanged since the meeting with Patient Focus and the consideration of these cases, my officials have advised that there is nothing further to be gained from a meeting with persons as requested by the Deputy. It is of course, open to any woman to seek redress or compensation in the normal way in conjunction with her legal advisors, should she believe that she has a personal injury claim.

Hospital Consultant Recruitment

Questions (396, 428)

Eamon Scanlon

Question:

396. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health if recruitment for the vacant consultant paediatrician post to provide services for children with type one diabetes in Sligo University Hospital has begun; when the interviews will take place; when he expects the post to be filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22921/17]

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

428. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health if recruitment for the vacant consultant paediatrician post to provide services for children with type one diabetes in Sligo University Hospital has commenced; when the interviews will take place; when he expects the post to be filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23068/17]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 396 and 428 together.

In response to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.

Diabetes Strategy

Questions (397, 419)

Eamon Scanlon

Question:

397. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health the services which have been put in place to manage children with type one diabetes on insulin pumps in Letterkenny University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22922/17]

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

419. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health the services which have been put in place to manage children with type one diabetes on insulin pumps in Letterkenny University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22998/17]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 397 and 419 together.

In response to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.

Diabetes Strategy

Questions (398, 424)

Eamon Scanlon

Question:

398. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health the services which have been put in place to manage children with type one diabetes on insulin pumps at Sligo University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22923/17]

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

424. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health the services that have been put in place to manage children with type one diabetes on insulin pumps in Sligo University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23064/17]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 398 and 424 together.

In response to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.

Medical Card Applications

Questions (399)

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

399. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health the reason a medical card application was closed without taking into account the second medical report that was requested by the HSE for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22924/17]

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 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.

Home Care Packages Provision

Questions (400)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

400. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the estimated amount it would cost to provide 3,000 extra home care packages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22935/17]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Services for People with Disabilities

Questions (401)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

401. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the number of children's disability network teams currently in CHO area 9; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22936/17]

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.

HIQA Inspections

Questions (402)

Eamon Scanlon

Question:

402. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health when a Health Information and Quality Authority inspection was carried out at Solas respite centre in County Sligo; the reason the facility will no longer be used for respite; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22939/17]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.