Monday, 11 Sep 2017

Hospital Appointments Delays

Questions (1208)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

1208. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38372/17]

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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 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 the Deputy directly.

Departmental Staff Data

Questions (1209)

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

1209. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health the annual percentage of public service staff who were women under the remit of his Department in each of the years 2010 to 2016, inclusive, and to date in 2017, in tabular form. [38388/17]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter as it relates to their staff. The information regarding the Non-Commercial State Agencies is being sought, and will be forwarded to the Deputy once collated.

Hospital Appointments Status

Questions (1210)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

1210. 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. [38392/17]

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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 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 the Deputy directly.

Drugs Payment Scheme Data

Questions (1211)

James Browne

Question:

1211. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the expenditure incurred by the State in the provision of anti-depressant medication in each of the years 2011 to 2016 by scheme (details supplied); and the expenditure incurred on generics, branded generics, proprietaries with equivalent generics and proprietaries without equivalent generics, in tabular form. [38393/17]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

Under 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.

Hospitals Building Programme

Questions (1212)

Billy Kelleher

Question:

1212. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if recent newspaper reports that he plans to build three new public hospitals which would carry out only non-emergency operations are accurate; the number of beds that would be provided by such hospitals; the general regional location of each hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38394/17]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

My recent comments in relation to the need for new hospital facilities were simply an acknowledgement that our hospital services are under increasing pressure. It is clear that those pressures are only going to increase as our population continues to grow and age. It is also clear that there is a continuing tension within our hospital services between elective and emergency activities with hospitals drawing on the same finite resources. I believe there is merit in the concept of elective-only hospitals, and that this is the international experience, for example in Scotland. This concept would align with the current work on progressing a strategic and integrated service delivery approach at Hospital Group level, and the recommendations of the Slaintecare report and will be given further consideration.

As the Deputy is aware, my Department is currently undertaking a capacity review. The review is examining key elements of primary and community care capacity in addition to hospital capacity. Stakeholder consultation and international benchmarking are two important parts of the process. The outcomes of the review will provide a basis for determining the extent of capacity requirements over the next 15 years and the type of capacity that is needed at a national and regional level. I expect the review to be advanced sufficiently to inform the mid-term review of the capital programme and the development of the new 10 year capital plan later this year.

Disability Services Data

Questions (1213)

Gerry Adams

Question:

1213. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the number of persons, under 18 years of age, 18 to 65 years of age and over 65 years of age, waiting for an initial disability assessment in County Louth. [38404/17]

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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.

Respite Care Services Data

Questions (1214)

Gerry Adams

Question:

1214. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the number of persons waiting for an initial assessment for respite services in County Louth; and the number of persons who have been waiting for three months, six months, 12 months and in excess of 12 months for this assessment. [38405/17]

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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.

The particular issue raised by the Deputy is a service matter for the HSE. Accordingly I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.

Respite Care Services Data

Questions (1215)

Gerry Adams

Question:

1215. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the number of persons waiting for an initial assessment for respite services in County Louth under 18 years of age, 18 to 65 years of age and over 65 years of age. [38406/17]

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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.

The particular issue raised by the Deputy is a service matter for the HSE. Accordingly I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.

Disability Services Data

Questions (1216)

Gerry Adams

Question:

1216. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the number of persons waiting for an initial assessment for day care services in County Louth; and the number of persons who have been waiting for three months, six months, 12 months and in excess of 12 months for this assessment. [38407/17]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Disability Services Data

Questions (1217, 1218, 1235)

Gerry Adams

Question:

1217. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the number of persons, under 18 years of age, 18 to 65 years of age and over 65 years of age, waiting for an initial assessment for day care services in County Louth. [38408/17]

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Gerry Adams

Question:

1218. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the services available to persons with a disability in County Louth. [38409/17]

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Gerry Adams

Question:

1235. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting an initial disability assessment in County Louth; and the number of persons that have been waiting for three months, six months, 12 months and in excess of 12 months, respectively, for this assessment. [38433/17]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1217, 1218 and 1235 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 questions relate to service matters, I have arranged for the questions to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.

Disability Services Data

Questions (1219)

Gerry Adams

Question:

1219. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the scheduled respite services available to persons with a disability in County Louth under 18 years of age, 18 to 65 years of age and over 65 years of age; and the services that cater specifically for persons with an intellectual disability. [38410/17]

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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.

The particular issue raised by the Deputy is a service matter for the HSE. Accordingly I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.

Disability Services Data

Questions (1220)

Gerry Adams

Question:

1220. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the emergency respite services available to persons with a disability in County Louth under 18 years of age, 18 to 65 years of age and over 65 years of age; and the services that cater specifically for persons with an intellectual disability. [38411/17]

View answer

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.

The particular issue raised by the Deputy is a service matter for the HSE. Accordingly I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.

Medical Card Data

Questions (1221)

James Browne

Question:

1221. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of children with medical cards in each of the years 2011 to 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38413/17]

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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.

Medical Card Data

Questions (1222)

James Browne

Question:

1222. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of medical card holders under 18 years of age who are prescribed with anti-depressants in each of the years 2011 to 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38414/17]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

Under 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.

Hospital Appointments Delays

Questions (1223)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

1223. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38415/17]

View answer

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 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 the Deputy directly.

Hospital Appointments Delays

Questions (1224)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

1224. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38416/17]

View answer

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 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 the Deputy directly.

Hospital Appointments Status

Questions (1225)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

1225. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38423/17]

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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 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 the directly.

Occupational Therapy Data

Questions (1226)

Gerry Adams

Question:

1226. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting an initial assessment for occupational therapy in County Louth; and the number who have been waiting for three months, six months, 12 months and in excess of 12 months respectively for this assessment. [38424/17]

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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.

Occupational Therapy Data

Questions (1227)

Gerry Adams

Question:

1227. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting an appointment for occupational therapy in County Louth; and the number of these persons who are aged under 18 years, aged 18 to 65 years and aged over 65 years, respectively. [38425/17]

View answer

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.