Written Answers Nos. 446-467
446. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the number of ambulances on duty during the day and at night to facilitate counties Cavan and Monaghan in tabular form; the depot they are based at; and his plans to increase the provision of emergency ambulance cover in counties Cavan and Monaghan. [31379/17]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
447. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the ambulance waiting times, by county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31380/17]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
448. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the waiting times for orthodontic treatment for the north east, including counties Cavan and Monaghan similar to those outlined (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31381/17]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
449. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the consideration which is given to the publication of the census in respect to the delivery of services; the way in which demographic data features in planning at various levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31402/17]
View answerCensus data provides information on demographic change, disability and general health which serve as an important input into the analysis of evidence based policy decisions undertaken by this Department.
Census data is also a vital component of international health analysis carried out by this Department on an ongoing basis in conjunction with the OECD, DG Santé, Eurostat and the WHO.
A current illustration of the importance of census data to health analysis and evidence based policy decisions is the collaborative research programme undertaken by this Department with the ESRI to develop a medium term projection model of healthcare demand and expenditure. A key building block of this model is demographic projection of the size and structure of the population. Work is currently in train to develop population projections by gender and single year of age for each year, up to 2030, where assumptions can be altered to examine alternative scenarios (e.g., fertility, migration, life expectancy, health status) , and the impact on future health and social care demand by sector.
This Department has also commissioned a review of the current health capacity incorporating acute hospitals, primary care and social care sectors to be completed this year. Census and population projection data will act as key inputs into this process and will be fundamental to the Department's assessment of future health service capacity requirements.
450. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the consideration which is given by the HSE to the publication of the census of population; the sections that are considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31410/17]
View answerThis is a matter for the Health Service Executive and they will respond to the Deputy directly.
451. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Health the number of child psychologists available to children and adolescents in the south east within the public health system; the average waiting time for access to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31411/17]
View answerAs this is a service issue, this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
452. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Health the number of child psychotherapists available to children and adolescents in the south east within the public health system; the average waiting time for access to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31412/17]
View answerAs this is a service issue, this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
453. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health the clinical staffing for stroke in Midland Regional Hospital, Mullingar; the staffing for stroke in the hospital for physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, dieticians, medical social work and psychology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31413/17]
View answerIn relation to the queries raised by the Deputy, as these are service issues, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
454. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health the availability of early supported discharge for rehabilitation in Midland Regional Hospital, Mullingar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31414/17]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
455. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the findings of The Burden of Stroke in Europe Report (details supplied); his plans to put in place a multi-year plan regarding the service and staff deficits in stroke services here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31415/17]
View answerI am aware of The Burden of Stroke in Europe Report launched on 11 May, 2017 by Stroke Alliance for Europe. The Deputy will be aware that the Changing Cardiovascular Health; National Cardiovascular Health Policy which covers the period 2010 - 2019 deals with all aspects of cardiovascular health including stroke.
As the Deputy's question in the main deals with service matters, I am referring it to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
456. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health if he will meet with an organisation (details supplied) that has requested a meeting on stroke services here in view of findings of The Burden of Stroke in Europe research; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31416/17]
View answerA meeting is being arranged with the Irish Heart Foundation.
457. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to funding being reduced to allow for the provision of wigs for cancer sufferers and persons with alopecia in a HSE area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31417/17]
View answer458. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health if he or his Department officials were consulted before there was a reduction made to the funding available for wigs for medical card holders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31418/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 457 and 458 together.
I became aware through media reports on 30 June of the HSE’s intention to introduce revised arrangements for the provision of supports to patients who are being or have been treated for cancer and other illnesses. I understand that the HSE’s objective was to develop more equitable arrangements for the provision of post-mastectomy products, wigs and hairpieces and to extend these supports to a broader cohort of patients. Neither my Department nor I were involved or consulted in the course of this process. At my request, the HSE has deferred introduction of the proposed changes. I have asked the Executive to re-examine the matter with a view to devising a plan which will achieve an equitable outcome but not lessen the level of provision for patients who are already coping with serious illness. The HSE has confirmed that the status quo will operate pending further consideration of the matter, including discussions with my Department.
459. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health the various rates that the HSE allows for grants to provide wigs for persons who have cancer or suffer from alopecia; the reason for the variances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31419/17]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
460. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of staff employed in the Maynooth community care unit by role; the vacancies that exist; if there is a commitment to fill those vacancies; if the method of recruitment is being reconsidered; if staff numbers are impacting on the full use of the unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31421/17]
View answerI have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.
461. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of beds in the Maynooth community care unit; the number of beds being used in the unit; the number of beds available for respite; the number of beds being used for respite care; if the unit is in compliance with HIQA standards; if not, the way in which he plans to address this; the timeframe for same; if the HSE is fully committed to retaining the unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31422/17]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
462. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will have an assessment of need carried out under the Disability Act 2005; the position of the person on the waiting list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31431/17]
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.
463. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health his views on the suitability of congregated settings for those with mental health challenges; the number of service users in such settings; the locations of such settings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31433/17]
View answerAs this is a service issue, this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
464. Deputy Frank O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health if a full review of the home care package being delivered via an approved care provider to a person (details supplied) could be carried out as a priority; if consideration will be given to an immediate transfer to a different home care agency with a commitment to delivering the service it is being paid to provide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31438/17]
View answerAs 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.
465. Deputy Josepha Madigan asked the Minister for Health the financial support available for those seeking to undergo IVF treatment; and his plans to expand existing support [31440/17]
View answerIVF treatment is not currently provided by the Irish public health service, however, there is some support available in that patients who access IVF treatment privately may claim tax relief on the costs involved under the tax relief for medical expenses scheme. In addition, a defined list of fertility medicines needed for fertility treatment is covered under the High Tech Scheme administered by the HSE. Medicines covered by the High Tech Scheme must be prescribed by a consultant/specialist and approved by the HSE ‘High Tech Liaison Officers’. The cost of the medicines is then covered, as appropriate, under the Medical Card or Drugs Payment Scheme.
In February 2016, the Health Research Board (HRB) was engaged to conduct a comprehensive review of international public funding models for assisted human reproduction (AHR). The completed HRB evidence review was published simultaneously on the Department of Health’s and the HRB's websites on Wednesday 15 March 2017.
This evidence review examines the public funding mechanisms for AHR in different countries. The review looks at the associated costs and benefits for the funder, provider and patient, the criteria for accessing the public funded service and the basis for these criteria in different jurisdictions.
The review does not indicate a recommendation or preference for a specific funding model; rather it outlines the pros and cons of such funding models, the different aspects of models in different jurisdictions, as well as the different rationales underpinning such funding models.
The HRB evidence review will be analysed by officials in my Department in the context of considering policy options for a potential public funding model for AHR treatment. It should be noted that, any funding model that might ultimately be introduced would need to operate within the broader regulatory framework relating to AHR.
Work on the General Scheme of an AHR Bill is well-advanced in my Department and I consider this and the development of policy on public funding for AHR treatment to be a priority for 2017.
466. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Health the status of an operation for a person (details supplied) in County Clare [31487/17]
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.
467. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the reason for the uncertainty of supply of the drug Respreeza that is critical to the continued treatment of those alpha 1 sufferers who have been in receipt of the therapy; the steps he will take to remove doubt or fear regarding continuity of supply; the steps taken and commitment to date in 2017 to ensure access to Respreeza for those persons not in receipt of the drug; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31489/17]
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.
The HSE has considered the issue of reimbursement of Respreeza for maintenance treatment of emphysema in adults with documented severe alpha1-proteinase inhibitor deficiency.
The HSE has decided not to support reimbursement of the medicine.
The HSE in such instances is required under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013 to issue a notice of proposal to the applicant company setting out that it is minded to not reimburse this medicine and the reasons why.
The company is entitled to make written representations and must be provided with at least 28 days in which to do so. The HSE is required to consider carefully any written representations it receives from the applicant company.
The notice period for applicant company representations has recently ended and the HSE is now considering the representations received from the applicant company. The HSE has also met with the company to fully understand its representations.
A final decision by the HSE can only be made after the representations received under the 2013 Health Act processes have been carefully considered.
