Monday, 11 Sep 2017

Disability Services Provision

Questions (829)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

829. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter regarding support for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37019/17]

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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 an individual case, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.

Autism Support Services

Questions (830)

John McGuinness

Question:

830. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the services available to persons with autism spectrum disorder, ASD, located in counties Carlow, Kilkenny, Laois and Offaly; the number of occupational therapists, psychologists and speech and language therapists that are employed in those counties; the availability of each to those affected by ASD; if there is a waiting list for each of the services; if so, his plans to deal with same; his further plans to improve the services required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37020/17]

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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.

Hospital Complaints Procedures

Questions (831)

John McGuinness

Question:

831. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if the complaints made by a person (details supplied) will be examined; if the HSE and St. Vincent's hospital will be instructed to engage with the person to answer the questions she has posed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37021/17]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

In relation to the query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service issue, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.

HSE Expenditure

Questions (832)

Noel Rock

Question:

832. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Health the amount spent by the HSE on postage and postal services; the forms of communication used by the executive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37025/17]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have referred your question to the Health Service Executive for direct response.

Hospital Waiting Lists Data

Questions (833)

John Brassil

Question:

833. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health the number of persons from County Kerry on the ophthalmic waiting list for cataract assessment or operations at South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital who have been waiting longer than 18 months; the number who can avail of the national treatment purchase fund; the amount of funding that has been made available at the hospital for the NTPF for cataract patients waiting longer than 18 months in 2017; the number of persons from County Kerry who have access to this fund; the amount of additional funding that will be released in 2017 for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37032/17]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

In relation to the specific case raised, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Questions (834)

Joan Burton

Question:

834. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the waiting list for a gastrointestinal endoscopy at Naas General Hospital has risen from 1,380 persons on 28 February 2017 to 1,655 persons on 31 May 2017; his views on the fact that this represents 8.5% of persons nationally awaiting a gastrointestinal endoscopy; the steps he will take to reduce the waiting times for gastrointestinal endoscopy at Naas General Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37034/17]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

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

Speech and Language Therapy Waiting Lists

Questions (835)

John Brassil

Question:

835. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health the number of children awaiting speech and language assessment in County Kerry; the number waiting over four months, eight months and 12 months respectively for assessment in each of the years 2015 and 2016 and to date in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37041/17]

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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 for direct reply.

Autism Support Services

Questions (836)

John Brassil

Question:

836. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health the number of children awaiting autism spectrum disorder, ASD, assessment and intervention in County Kerry; the length of time these children are on the waiting list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37042/17]

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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.

Hospital Equipment

Questions (837)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

837. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when a second MRI scanner will be provided at University Hospital Galway; the reason for the delay in providing the scanner (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37044/17]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

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

Hospital Appointments Status

Questions (838)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

838. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of test results for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37046/17]

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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 you directly.

Orthodontic Services Waiting Lists

Questions (839)

John Brassil

Question:

839. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health the number of minors waiting for initial orthodontic assessment in County Kerry; the number who are further referred for orthodontic treatment in County Kerry; the average waiting time for both initial orthodontic assessment and orthodontic treatment; his plans to reduce this waiting time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37047/17]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

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

Hospital Waiting Lists

Questions (840)

John Brassil

Question:

840. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health if waiting times for cataract operations have increased from 2016 to 2017; if so, the reason; the average waiting times for cataract operations at the South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital; if a breakdown of patients from counties Kerry and Cork will be provided to ascertain whether there is a discrepancy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37048/17]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

In relation to the specific case raised, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.

Mental Health Services Data

Questions (841)

James Browne

Question:

841. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of referrals to CAMHS received for 2014, 2015 and 2016 in each community health organisation, CHO; the number of such referrals accepted; whether those referrals not accepted were referred to other services; if so, the details of same in each CHO; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37050/17]

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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.

Cross-Border Health Services Provision

Questions (842)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

842. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if an appointment can be expedited for a person (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the person is in the process of seeking medical attention in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37052/17]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

The Deputy may wish to note that the Directive on Patients' Rights in Cross Border Healthcare provides rules for the reimbursements to patients of the cost of receiving treatment abroad, where the patient would be entitled to such treatment in their home Member State, and supplements the rights that patients already have at EU level. Public patients may access the healthcare they require in either the public or private healthcare system of another Member State under the Cross-Border Directive (CBD). Access to healthcare abroad is based on patients following public patient pathways, i.e. they must demonstrate they have followed the equivalent public patient pathways that a patient would follow if accessing public healthcare in Ireland. It is important to note that reimbursement is confined to the costs of the care itself and that the rates of reimbursement cannot exceed the cost of provision of the care if it were provided in the Irish public health service. Referral for care under the CBD may be made by a GP, a hospital consultant and certain other HSE clinicians. The CBD excludes certain health services, e.g. services of public health, long term care, organ transplantation, etc. All persons on public waiting lists, other than for such exempt health services, are eligible for the Scheme. Full details are available on the HSE website.

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 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.

Vaccination Programme

Questions (843)

Billy Kelleher

Question:

843. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 968 of 20 June 2017, if the health technology assessment, HTA, on universal vaccination will be completed before September 2018; if his Department is working towards extending the HPV vaccination to boys in September 2018 or 2019 if the assessment produces a positive recommendation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37054/17]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

I expect that the Health Information and Quality Authority will complete the HTA in accordance with the timeframe given in my reply to the parliamentary question referred to by Deputy Kelleher. Any decision concerning the extension of the HPV vaccination programme will be informed by the results of the HTA. It would be inappropriate for me to speculate about the outcome of the HTA and any consequent decisions.

Primary Care Centres Administration

Questions (844)

Billy Kelleher

Question:

844. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if a company (details supplied) has agreed to a deal to take over a number of primary care centres currently operated by the HSE; the primary care centres, in tabular form; the revenues raised by such deals; if other companies have agreed to similar deals for primary care centres or other health facilities; if so, the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37057/17]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

As the HSE has responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres and other Primary Care facilities, the Executive has been asked to reply directly to the Deputy.

Maternity Services Provision

Questions (845)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

845. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the status of anomaly scans for pregnancies in the north east; if a service is available in other parts of the country for anomaly scans; if so, his plans to address this lack of service in the north east; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37058/17]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

I am advised that foetal anomaly scans are available in all Hospital Groups. Those hospitals/maternity units currently providing anomaly scans accept referrals from other maternity units, if requested. This occurs where the medical team in the referring maternity unit consider that an anomaly scan is clinically indicated.

The National Maternity Strategy is very clear that all women must have equal access to standardised ultrasound services. The Strategy will be implemented on a phased basis and this work will be led by the HSE National Women & Infants Health Programme. Indeed, the issue of anomaly scanning is a priority issue for the Programme and, accordingly, it will develop clinical guidance regarding routine detailed scans at 20 weeks. In the meantime, the Programme will continue to work with the six Hospital Groups to assist in increasing access to anomaly scans for those units with limited availability.

One of the current challenges to increase access to anomaly scans is the recruitment of ultrasonographers. In this context, it is expected that the establishment of Maternity Networks across Hospital Groups will assist in developing a sustainable model that ensures that all women within each Hospital Group can access anomaly scans.

In relation to your specific query regarding the availability of scans in the North East, I have asked the HSE to reply to you directly.

Departmental Staff Data

Questions (846, 847)

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

846. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health the number of women and men respectively employed in his Department, in tabular form. [37073/17]

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Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

847. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health the number of men and women respectively in his Department who hold posts (details supplied). [37084/17]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 846 and 847 together.

At end June 2017, there were 262 females and 170 males in my Department. Details in respect of the grades the Deputy requested are supplied below:

GRADE	Number of Males	Number of Females
Secretary General	1	-
Deputy Secretary	3	-
Assistant Secretary	2	4
Principal Officer	19	31
Assistant Principal Officer	42	66

Hospital Appointments Status

Questions (848)

Peter Fitzpatrick

Question:

848. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Health when a person (detailed supplied) will receive a hospital appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37092/17]

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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 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.