Seán Fleming
Question:1148. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will have surgery carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37971/17]
View answerHospital Appointments Status
Questions (1148)
Written answers
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.
Primary Care Centres Provision
Questions (1149)
Seán Fleming
Question:1149. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the number of primary care centre projects in the planning consideration stage; the progress of each of these towards completion; the location of these projects and the status of planning permission and general practitioner support backed up by agreements for leases in each case; if further investment is required by the private sector in these areas especially in rural locations; if rural communities are being properly served in a targeted strategic approach; the level of private investment that will be required to complete the preferred locations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37973/17]
View answerWritten answers
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.
Medical Card Administration
Questions (1150)
Seán Fleming
Question:1150. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the medical and hardship grounds that are taken into consideration for the issuing of a medical card; the number of such medical cards in existence; if, in the context of decisions relating to issuing medical cards, there is an over-reliance on income grounds as opposed to medical grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37975/17]
View answerWritten answers
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.
Services for People with Disabilities
Questions (1151)
Pearse Doherty
Question:1151. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to plans to reduce service days for persons under 65 years of age with physical and sensory disabilities provided at a centre in County Donegal by an established charity (details supplied); if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that as part of these plans it is proposed to reallocate resources within the county due to a lengthy waiting list of persons wishing to access services in the region, coupled with the provider's inability to meet said demand based on existing resources; the measures he will take to ensure that service users in west Donegal are not inconvenienced by these plans; the steps he will take to ensure that there will be no reduction in the number of service days provided at the aforementioned centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37978/17]
View answerWritten answers
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.
Brexit Staff
Questions (1152, 1153, 1261)
Joan Burton
Question:1152. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health if there is a senior official with designated responsibility for Brexit matters in his Department; if so, the grade of the designated official; the funding allocated to the Brexit unit; the cost to date; the anticipated cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37994/17]
View answerJoan Burton
Question:1153. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health the number of staff deployed full time in his Department in respect of Brexit; if there is a designated section or unit to deal with Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38010/17]
View answer
Stephen Donnelly
Question:1261. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of vacancies in his Department for Brexit-related roles; the expected date for these roles to be filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38824/17]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1152, 1153 and 1261 together.
The Deputy Secretary, Policy and Strategy Division, and the Assistant Secretary, R&D and Health Analytics Division are the lead officials in my Department for planning and coordination on the negotiations for Brexit. The Department of Health participates fully in the Senior Officials Group on EU Affairs, the Interdepartmental Group on EU/UK Affairs, and its workgroups as appropriate.
The Department established a Management Board Subcommittee on Brexit in advance of the UK referendum, to examine the implications of a decision to leave the EU. The Subcommittee is chaired at senior level and made up of representatives from across the Department, as well as from the HSE, which is represented at National Director level. In addition to the Management Board sub-committee, an Interdepartmental/Interagency Group, chaired by the Assistant Secretary of the Primary Care Division, has been established to prepare and promote Ireland's bid for the relocation of the European Medicines Agency on foot of a Government Decision at the end of October 2016.
Brexit raises many issues across a wide range of areas that need to be addressed. Work on each specific issue will be led by the line Units with policy responsibility. Units have built up the necessary expertise and contacts with their UK and EU counterparts over time to enable them to examine and address the implications of Brexit in their area. In this way, work on Brexit-related issues is being mainstreamed throughout the Department. The work of individual Units on Brexit is brought together by the Department’s Management Board sub-committee on Brexit.
Within my Department, International and Research Policy Unit provides a coordinating function in relation to Brexit just as it does for other international matters and North-South cooperation. The Department has a full-time EU health attaché stationed in the Permanent Representation in Brussels, who is in regular contact with International and Research Policy Unit and other Units throughout the Department. Vacancies arising and resources allocated to Brexit in my Department are kept under ongoing review.
Health Care Infrastructure Provision
Questions (1154)
Joan Burton
Question:1154. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health the level of construction inflation that has been experienced by his Department in the 18 months to September 2017 in respect of construction projects; the way in which he monitors construction inflation and the mechanisms his Department employs to establish this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38026/17]
View answerWritten answers
The HSE is responsible for the delivery of health care infrastructure projects. Therefore, the executive has been requested to reply directly to you in relation to construction inflation.
General Practitioner Services
Questions (1155)
Joan Burton
Question:1155. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health the position regarding his Department’s work to extend free general practitioner care to wider cohorts of citizens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38087/17]
View answerWritten answers
The introduction of GP care without fees to all people over 70 and all children under 6 years of age which commenced in 2015 represents a major step forward in improving access, quality and affordability of health care in Ireland. The Programme for Government commits to extending in phases, and subject to negotiation with GPs, free GP care to all children under 18 years of age.
Legislative changes will be required for any such extension of GP care without fees to further cohorts of the population and the timetable is subject to the outcome of discussions with GP representatives on this and other contractual matters which are currently underway. As with any negotiation-type process, and given the range and complexity of the issues to be discussed, the engagement may take some time.
Nursing Staff Provision
Questions (1156)
Dara Calleary
Question:1156. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health the status of an application for a one-to-one nurse through the HSE by a special school (details supplied) in County Mayo. [38107/17]
View answerWritten answers
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 Appointments Status
Questions (1157)
Mary Butler
Question:1157. Deputy Mary Butler 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. [38110/17]
View answerWritten answers
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.
Health Products Regulatory Authority
Questions (1158)
Stephen Donnelly
Question:1158. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health if the health products regulatory authority is engaged in the development of risk mitigation strategies regarding the impact Brexit will have on accessing specific medical drugs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38120/17]
View answerWritten answers
The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) has established an internal working group to examine all issues under its remit relating to Brexit, including the ongoing availability of medicinal products. As part of its Brexit plans, the HPRA has contacted all marketing authorisation holders and asked them to identify any issues that they anticipate in supplying medicines to Ireland after Brexit. The HPRA has also held a stakeholder meeting and publicly expressed its willingness to facilitate industry in maintaining marketing authorisations in Ireland and the rest of Europe.
In general, companies have not yet taken any firm decisions in relation to the supply of the Irish market post-Brexit, but the HPRA has indicated that it will meet with any company and take a pragmatic approach to managing the issues they might face. The HPRA is also communicating with colleagues within the UK’s regulatory authorities for human medicines and veterinary medicines to explore possible co-operation on common UK/Irish products, such as joint labeling, to minimize the impact of Brexit. Separately to these preparations for Brexit, the HPRA has commenced a project on managing medicines shortages which will help to support the availability of medicines after Brexit, but in the first instance the HPRA will seek to maintain existing authorisations on the Irish market regardless of their source.
Food Promotion
Questions (1159)
Louise O'Reilly
Question:1159. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health when the food in school forum will be established; the timeframe for same; the way in which his department is working towards facilitating a cross-sectoral and cross-departmental approach to healthy lifestyles especially with the Department of Education and Skills and the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38124/17]
View answerWritten answers
My Department is finalising Nutrition Standards for School Meals, a cross- sectoral and cross- departmental collaboration on healthy eating and healthy lifestyles with the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection; the Department of Education and Skills and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs. These Nutrition Standards will be published later this month.
My Department and the Department of Education and Skills continue to work together under the Healthy Ireland agenda to strengthen collaboration and support the promotion of health and wellbeing and healthy lifestyles in schools – including supporting the introduction of the new Junior Cycle Wellbeing area of learning.
Question No. 1160 answered with Question No. 901.
Question No. 1161 answered with Question No. 899.
Medicinal Products Prices
Questions (1162)
Stephen Donnelly
Question:1162. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1015 of 20 June 2017, the analysis and risk assessments conducted to date in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38131/17]
View answerWritten answers
The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) has established an internal working group to examine all issues under its remit relating to Brexit, including the ongoing availability of medicinal products. As part of its Brexit plans, the HPRA has contacted all marketing authorisation holders and asked them to identify any issues that they anticipate in supplying medicines to Ireland after Brexit. The HPRA has also held a stakeholder meeting and publicly expressed its willingness to facilitate industry in maintaining marketing authorisations in Ireland and the rest of Europe.
In general, companies have not yet taken any firm decisions in relation to the supply of the Irish market post-Brexit, but the HPRA has indicated that it will meet with any company and take a pragmatic approach to managing the issues they might face. The HPRA is also communicating with colleagues within the UK’s regulatory authorities for human medicines and veterinary medicines to explore possible co-operation on common UK/Irish products, such as joint labeling, to minimize the impact of Brexit. Separately to these preparations for Brexit, the HPRA has commenced a project on managing medicines shortages which will help to support the availability of medicines after Brexit, but in the first instance the HPRA will seek to maintain existing authorisations on the Irish market regardless of their source.
I have also asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy on the issues raised that relate to the agency. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
Medical Aids and Appliances Applications
Questions (1163)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:1163. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a hearing aid application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38136/17]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Health Services Provision
Questions (1164)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:1164. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an appointment for therapy for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38137/17]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Public Services Card
Questions (1165)
John Curran
Question:1165. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health if he or bodies and agencies under the remit of his Department plan to make services or payments dependent on the mandatory use and production of the public services card; if so, the services and payments which will now be dependent on the mandatory use of the public services card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38150/17]
View answerWritten answers
The Public Services Card does not currently play any part in the delivery of healthcare or access to healthcare services. Any future consideration of its use by the health service would be done in conjunction with the relevant Government Departments and in line with the policy and legislative provisions in relation to the use of the card.
Long-Term Illness Scheme Coverage
Questions (1166)
Bobby Aylward
Question:1166. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Health if he will investigate the possibility of including motor neurone disease under the long-term illness scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38161/17]
View answerWritten answers
The LTI Scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). The conditions covered by the LTI are: acute leukaemia; mental handicap; cerebral palsy; mental illness (in a person under 16); cystic fibrosis; multiple sclerosis; diabetes insipidus; muscular dystrophies; diabetes mellitus; parkinsonism; epilepsy; phenylketonuria; haemophilia; spina bifida; hydrocephalus; and conditions arising from the use of Thalidomide. Under the LTI Scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge.
There are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the Scheme.
Legislative Measures
Questions (1167)
John Curran
Question:1167. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health the progress being made to commence parts 2 and 3 of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38164/17]
View answerWritten answers
The Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 was intended to reform and update family law to address the needs of children living in diverse family types. I have responsibility for Parts 2 & 3 of the Act which are concerned with parentage rules for children born through donor assisted reproduction and regulation of donor assisted reproduction in Ireland. These provisions are intended to underpin the rights of the child to information about her or his genetic identity.
The commencement of Parts 2 & 3 of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 requires the preparation of complex regulations, to ensure the appropriate consent and counselling requirements of the Act are met, in addition to significant liaison with various departments and other bodies concerned with the provisions of the Act. This work is essential to ensure that the process undertaken by parents and donor conceived children is as clear, straightforward and seamless across all services as is possible.
It is intended that Parts 2 & 3 will be commenced in late 2017. Other provisions of the Act which relate to donor assisted human reproduction and related to Parts 2 and 3 will be co-ordinated with the commencement of those Parts.