Written Answers Nos. 428-450
428. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health the reason for the multiplicity of investigations by the human resources department of a disability service provider (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24024/17]
View answer429. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health the reason within the past two years, a disability service provider (details supplied) is experiencing an exceptional and dramatic increase in senior management staff turnover; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24025/17]
View answer430. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health the cost of the investigations on a disability service provider (details supplied) in view of the fact this provider is already undergoing severe financial cutbacks due to HSE cost cutting efforts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24026/17]
View answer431. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health the effect the cost of the multiplicity of investigations by the human resources department of a disability service provider (details supplied) is having on the already reduced provision of essential clinical services for children such as nursing care, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24027/17]
View answer432. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health the person or body that is overseeing or monitoring the financial spending of a disability service provider (details supplied) with regard to investigations; the person or body which is accountable; if this person or body can justify the costs involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24028/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 428 to 432, inclusive, together.
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.
433. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the reason melatonin is not covered under the medical card; and if he will include it under the next revision of included drugs. [24029/17]
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.
434. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Health the reason Macushield and Artelac medications are not being made available for medical card holders. [24041/17]
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.
435. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health the reason it is not possible for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo to receive adapted shoes; and if he will direct the HSE to provide funding for same. [24050/17]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
436. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Health when an appointment for a cataract operation will be scheduled for a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24070/17]
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
437. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the status of an appointment for a person (details supplied) for an assessment. [24080/17]
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 case, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
438. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an operation for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24094/17]
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 particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
439. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an appointment for hip replacement surgery can be expedited for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24101/17]
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.
440. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the status of the hiring of a consultant (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24102/17]
View answerThe National Maternity Strategy recognises that smaller maternity services cannot, and should not, operate in isolation as stand-alone entities. Those units cannot sustain the breadth and depth of clinical services that the populations they serve require without formal links to larger units. Accordingly, Maternity Networks are being established across Hospital Groups. Through the development of the networks, and the sharing of expertise within the networks, the operational resilience of smaller units can be strengthened and such units can be supported to provide safe quality services.
In response to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
441. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health his views on the fact that the Commission on Public Pay was informed by another Department that there are currently no general recruitment or retention problems in the public service in which problems are emerging in respect of senior management and specialist skills in view of the expressed view of his Department and the HSE that there are difficulties in recruiting mental health staff [24118/17]
View answerAs part of the work of the Public Service Pay Commission each sector was asked to provide a submission. The HSE submission, which can be found here: http://paycommission.gov.ie/stakeholder-submissions/, covered a wide range of issues, including recruitment and retention across all staff groups in the health sector. The Commission in its Report noted that there are recruitment problems in some specific and specialist groups, including groups that are internationally in demand particularly in the health sector. It stated that the National Recruitment Service reported particular difficulty in filling posts in psychiatry at consultant and NCHD level, in mental health nursing and many other nursing divisions.
The HSE is focused on recruitment and retention of nurses and midwives within the public health system. It has increased nursing numbers over the past two years as the budgetary position has improved. Under proposals recently agreed with the INMO and SIPTU Nursing management have committed to: increasing the nursing and midwifery workforce in 2017, with 1,208 additional permanent posts; maternity leave cover in accordance with the funded workforce plan; offering all graduating nurses and midwives full time contracts; a career break scheme; the introduction of a pilot pre-retirement initiative;130 additional undergraduate places in 2017; and to offering nurses and midwives improved educational opportunities and career pathways.
I, and my Department. also recognise that there are particular difficulties in recruiting mental health staff at present and related workforce challenges. In discussions with the Psychiatric Nursing Association and SIPTU Nursing last summer it was agreed that retired staff nurses could return to work with recognition for previous service up to the Long Service Increment point of the pay scale. Recognising the need for long term solutions, an additional 60 undergraduate places for psychiatric nursing were introduced last autumn with a further 70 to be added in the 2017-2018 academic year.
442. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the vacant posts at University Hospital Waterford broken down by profession and by length of time the post is vacant, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24129/17]
View answerIn relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
443. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health the reason recommendations of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children's report on childhood immunisation of July 2001 that legislation be drawn up to provide for a no-fault national vaccine injury compensation scheme has not been implemented [24143/17]
View answer445. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health the reason an ex gratia payment scheme has not been established, in view of the recommendations of the vaccine damage steering group of June 2009 regarding the need to deal with issues for retrospective cases, in instances in which persons have been awaiting a resolution of these issues for decades; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24145/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 443 and 445 together.
I refer the Deputy to my reply to question number 379 on 16 May 2017. As I stated in my reply, my Department is considering how to implement the Programme for a Partnership Government commitment, which encompasses consideration of the implementation of the recommendations of the Vaccine Damage Steering Group. This includes the nature of any such scheme, whether it would be on a statutory or non-statutory basis, whether it would apply retrospectively, the arrangements for eligibility, the vaccines that would be included in such a scheme, the criteria for determining an adverse effect, the burden of proof required, the assessment of the level of disability and how this would be conducted, the levels of award, the mechanisms for appealing any decision and how the scheme might interact with the legal process and litigation rights. Regard is being given to the international experience with such schemes and to their potential applicability to Ireland. In the course of its considerations, my Department is engaging with other Government Departments and relevant State agencies. I hope to be in a position to finalise the consideration of options with a view making recommendations on the design and implementation of a proposed scheme in line with the commitments in the Programme for a Partnership Government.
444. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health if he will establish an expert medical group on the HPV vaccination along the lines of the previous group established in November 1977 on the whooping cough vaccination. [24144/17]
View answer452. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health his views on whether it is appropriate to describe parents that are of the view their children's symptoms are a result of the HPV vaccine as scaremongers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24175/17]
View answer453. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health his views on the motion recently passed by the annual conference of a union (details supplied) seeking a review of the HPV vaccination programme in post-primary schools. [24176/17]
View answer454. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health his plans to include new warnings which would include the manufacturers leaflet in the information package being supplied to persons with regard to the HPV vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24178/17]
View answer455. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health his views on the fact that HPRA has received of over 1,000 reports of suspected adverse reactions associated with HPV vaccines and that the majority of these reports are consistent with the types of effects known to occur with the vaccine including chronic fatigue syndrome, post viral fatigue and auto immune disorder; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24179/17]
View answer537. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health if in relation to the gardasil HPV vaccine, the reason persons are being denied the details from the manufacturing company by way of the manufacturer patient information leaflet, which outlines in detail the potential side effects in relation to same, and which are not listed on the leaflet furnished by the HSE; if he will acknowledge the right of persons to have all relevant information pursuant to the doctrine of informed consent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24741/17]
View answer538. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health if, in relation to the use of gardasil HPV vaccine and the significant health side effects that have been documented by a number of persons that suffered as a result of vaccination, if he will put in place an appropriate and proper investigation of persons that became ill in the aftermath of the vaccination; the steps he will take to put in place an appropriate treatment and redress plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24742/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 444, 452 to 455, inclusive, 537 and 538 together.
Immunisation is regarded as one of the safest and most cost-effective of health care interventions and the importance of vaccination is acknowledged by all the major international health organisations. The World Health Organisation estimates that up to 3 million lives are saved each year as a result of vaccination and the scientific evidence is clear that benefits of vaccines outweigh the known side effects.
The immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). NIAC is a committee of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland comprising of experts in a number of specialties including infectious diseases, paediatrics and public health. The committee's recommendations are informed by public health advice and international best practice. All relevant and appropriate information is taken into account when deciding to make changes to the State's immunisation programmes.
The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) is responsible for monitoring the safety and quality of all medicines that are licensed in Ireland. While no medicine is entirely without risk, the safety of vaccines, as with all medicines, is carefully monitored and any new evidence concerning side-effects is taken into account. The HPRA and the European Medicines Agency continually monitor adverse events to vaccination.
Unfounded, false claims have been made of an association between HPV vaccination and a number of conditions experienced by a group of young women. It appears that they first suffered symptoms around the time they received the HPV vaccine and a false connection is being made between the HPV vaccine and the onset of these symptoms. This false connection has been seized upon by individuals and groups opposed to vaccination to mislead parents about the safety of vaccines and to scare them into refusing the vaccines on behalf of their daughters. It is important to reassure people that anyone who is suffering ill health is eligible to seek medical attention, and to access appropriate health and social care services, irrespective of the causes of their symptoms. The diverse natures of these symptoms, which can have both physical and psychological causes, are shared by many conditions which have implications for both diagnostic and treatment services. The individual nature of the needs of some children may require access to specialist services and the HSE is working to put in place clinical care pathways appropriate to their differing medical needs.
As there is no scientific evidence that the vaccine causes long term illnesses, the HPV vaccine cannot be held responsible for these illnesses. However, this misinformation has led to a significant drop in uptake rates of the HPV vaccine. This means that a large cohort of girls is now at risk of developing cervical cancer later in their lives.
This misinformation is causing real harm to those unvaccinated children and adults who develop vaccine preventable diseases, and to people who seek inappropriate treatments for real conditions that are not caused by vaccines. Any parent who has doubts or questions about vaccination should talk to their family doctor, or alternatively to visit the National Immunisation office website. These sources of information are clear and accurate and will answer any queries you may have about the benefits or risks of vaccination. Vaccination is the best way for parents to make sure their children are healthy and protected from preventable diseases.
The HSE is committed to providing accurate information for parents about diseases, the vaccines to prevent them and side effects to allow them to choose whether to give consent to vaccination. All the information provided to parents about vaccination is prepared from the available licensed documentation for each vaccine, the Summary of Products Characteristics (SPC) and Patient Information Leaflet (PIL). The information is presented in clear simple language and approved by the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) so that it can be understood by all adults.
The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Guide ‘Communicating in plain English’ (2015) developed in partnership with NALA states that “One in six people find reading and understanding everyday texts difficult: for example, reading a health leaflet, bus timetable or medicine instructions. One in four has difficulties in real world maths from simple addition and subtraction to the calculation of averages”. Therefore, like other countries providing school immunisation programmes, the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) is replaced by this information leaflet and like other countries the HSE information leaflet provides the same information on side effects of the vaccine.
Prior to all school immunisation parents receive an information pack in a sealed package with an information leaflet, consent form and cover letter. The information packs for all immunisation are standardised nationally. The information booklets include information on all the known side effects that can occur after each vaccination. All the known side effects of the HPV vaccine Gardasil are outlined in the information booklet given to parents. Parents are also given contact details for their local immunisation office and advised to speak to a member of the school immunisation team if they have any further questions.
Parents are not being denied the information on the Patient Information Leaflet. The HSE parent information leaflet refers parents to the national immunisation website www.immunisation.ie where links to additional information including the licensing documentation, the SPC and the PIL for each vaccine can be found at: www.hse.ie/eng/health/immunisation/pubinfo/schoolprog/HPV/HPV/.
The website allows members of the public to contact the National Immunisation Office (NIO) to ask a question if they require further information. These questions, when possible, are answered by the staff of the NIO within one working day.
The NIO website has been accredited by the World Health Organisation (WHO) credibility and content good information practices criteria.
I have no plans to set up an expert group along the lines suggested in the PQ as the safety and efficacy of these vaccines continues to be monitored by regulatory agencies at both national and European level.
I am aware from media reports that a union representing members in the educational sector passed a motion concerning the HPV vaccine at their conference recently. However, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on any motion passed at a union conference.
446. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Donegal will have a procedure in Letterkenny University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24150/17]
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.
447. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the number of laparoscopy procedures carried out per month in Letterkenny University Hospital, County Donegal in 2015 and 2016, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24151/17]
View answerIn response to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
448. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health if he will provide payment proposed by procedure to hospitals as part of proposed plans for activity-based funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24154/17]
View answerAs this is a matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
449. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health his plans for placing public hospitals under the management of private hospital operators or other contractors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24155/17]
View answerI am not aware of any plans to place public hospitals under the management of private hospital operators or other contractors.
450. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health his views on the continuing failure to implement the European working time directive which was transposed into law through the Organisation of Working Time Act and, notwithstanding which, workers in the homeless sector and more particularly, those working with a centre (details supplied), continue to receive only €4.50 per hour from the HSE west which is less than half of the minimum wage and in breach of the Labour Court recommendation as far back as September 2014; his views on whether time spent on sleepovers should be acknowledged as constituting working time; when this will be rectified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24171/17]
View answerAll Social Care staff employed in the public health service are subject to the requirements of the European Working Time Directive which was transposed into Irish law by the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997.
The extent to which the work patterns of social care staff are compliant with the Directive has been the subject of ongoing discussions between employers and unions for many years. The issue was referred to the Labour Court in June 2014, with a particular focus on the operation of and payment for ‘Sleepovers’ in both the Child Care and Intellectual Disability sectors.
The Labour Court issued its recommendation on 18 September 2014. The recommendation stated that time spent on sleepovers should be acknowledged as constituting working time. It also recommended that staff should be paid an hourly rate in respect of each hour spent on sleepover in excess of 39 hours. This should be paid at a rate that is equal to the national minimum hourly rate.
Time spent on sleepovers is now regarded as working time and the HSE, agencies funded under section 38 of the Health Act 2004 and the trade unions are jointly actively working towards designing and implementing rosters which comply with the Directive in each residential facility.
My Department, the Health Service Executive, Social Care employers and unions continue to participate in a conciliation process regarding sleepovers. This process is independently chaired by a Senior Conciliation Officer, appointed by the Workplace Relations Commission.
With regard to the homeless services in Galway, namely Cope Galway and Simon Galway, I understand that the HSE has in place Service Level Agreements with these providers that set out the level of service to be provided for the grant to the individual organisation and requirements in relation to standards of care.
As the individuals employed by Section 39 organisations are not HSE employees, the HSE has no role in determining the salaries or other terms and conditions applying to these staff, including sleepover payments. Accordingly such arrangements offered by individual providers may vary.
