Kevin O'Keeffe
Question:511. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health if a further assessment can be carried out to increase home help hours in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [39734/17]
View answerHome Help Service Eligibility
Questions (511)
Written answers
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Services for People with Disabilities
Questions (512)
Clare Daly
Question:512. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health the action he has taken to assist a person (details supplied) who urgently requires a residential placement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39735/17]
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 an individual case, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
Mental Health Services Provision
Questions (513)
Colm Brophy
Question:513. Deputy Colm Brophy asked the Minister for Health the status of the provision of mental health supports for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 16; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39760/17]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service issue, this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
HSE Staff Data
Questions (514)
Kevin O'Keeffe
Question:514. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health the status of unfilled temporary vacant employee positions within a HSE facility (details supplied). [39764/17]
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.
Hospital Charges
Questions (515)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:515. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the full year cost in 2018 of abolishing all hospital charges, both overnight and accident and emergency. [39785/17]
View answerWritten answers
The HSE has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Health Services Data
Questions (516)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:516. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the full year cost in 2018 of providing free general practitioner care to all. [39786/17]
View answerWritten answers
The cost of GP visit and medical cards varies significantly with the age of the cardholder. The table following outlines the current indicative annual cost for GP visit card eligibility and medical card eligibility, by age group.
Indicative Annual Cost per Card
|
Age Group |
GP Visit Card |
Medical Card |
|
0 – 4 Yrs |
€243 |
€392 |
|
5 – 15 Yrs |
€163 |
€214 |
|
16 - 44 Yrs |
€149 |
€595 |
|
45 – 64 Yrs |
€221 |
€1,217 |
|
65 – 69 Yrs |
€250 |
€1,602 |
|
Aged 70 and over |
€500 |
€2,092 |
Note: Data is compiled by the HSE Primary Care Reimbursement Service, based on available information for the 6 month period to February 2017 and by extrapolation to full year costs.
The extension of free GP care to all citizens not currently covered by a medical card or GP visit card would encompass a further 2.6 million people approximately.
The Deputy will be aware of the ongoing review of the GMS and other publicly funded contracts involving GPs, and that the next phase of discussions to progress this work is underway. The estimated cost of extending free GP care to all citizens will vary depending on the outcome of these negotiations and any implications they may have for the future scope and content of the general practitioner service, and the relevant fees and payments to GPs. As with any negotiation-type process, and given the range and complexity of the issues to be discussed, the engagement may take some time.
The Deputy will be aware that the Report of the Committee on the Future of Healthcare which was published on 30 May 2017 recommended the phased introduction of universal GP care over the next five years. I have welcomed the publication of the Sláintecare report and in particular I have been encouraged by the level of cross party and stakeholder support that it has attracted. Work is underway to develop a detailed response to the Report for consideration by Government in December.
Health Services Funding
Questions (517)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:517. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the full year cost in 2018 of keeping health funding at its current level when taking into account wages, salaries, costs and demographic changes. [39787/17]
View answerWritten answers
The level of funding available for my Department is being considered as part of the national Estimates and budgetary process for 2018 which is currently underway. Pending completion of this process it is not appropriate for me to comment further at this stage.
Health Services Expenditure
Questions (518)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:518. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the current funding in the health budget for obesity and chronic disease prevention. [39788/17]
View answerWritten answers
Funding for obesity and chronic disease prevention is distributed across a number of departmental and agency programmes and initiatives that may both directly and indirectly relate to such prevention and public health.
The prospect of classifying expenditure along the lines requested by the deputy is remote in the absence of being able to precisely disaggregate spending wholly related to obesity and chronic disease prevention from overall HSE expenditure, which has operational responsibility for these areas. The Deputy may wish to note that the report A Healthy Weight for Ireland: Obesity Policy and Action Plan estimated that the burden of adult obesity in financial terms is €1.13 billion per annum. In this context and as this question relates to a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Home Care Packages Funding
Questions (519)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:519. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the funding in the health budget for home care packages. [39789/17]
View answerWritten answers
The overall funding for Service for Older People in 2017 is €765 million. This includes about €373 million for the direct provision of home care and the HSE’s National Service Plan provides for a target of:
- 10,57 million Home Help Hours;
- 16,750 Home Care packages; and
- 190 Intensive Home Care Packages for clients with complex needs.
The funding available for Home Care Packages is approximately €149 million. In addition €9 million supported by HSE and Atlantic Philanthropies is available for Intensive Home Care Packages.
Health Services Funding
Questions (520)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:520. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the funding in the health budget for respite care and personal assistant, PA, services. [39790/17]
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 issues, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
Medicinal Products Reimbursement
Questions (521)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:521. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if he will consider funding the drug Vimizin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39794/17]
View answerWritten answers
The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drug schemes, in accordance with the provisions of the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
Health Services Staff
Questions (522)
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:522. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the timeframe for an ophthalmologist who has resigned to be replaced in a health centre (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to the fact that children are left indefinitely waiting for a service while the post is vacant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39795/17]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Long-Term Illness Scheme Coverage
Questions (523)
Billy Kelleher
Question:523. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the timeframe for the freestyle libre system to be made available under the long-term illness scheme for persons with diabetes; if the system will not be restricted only to persons with type 1 diabetes but will be made available to all persons on multi-daily insulin injections based on clinical need; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39797/17]
View answerWritten answers
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.
Medicinal Products Reimbursement
Questions (524)
John McGuinness
Question:524. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health his plans to fund the drug Vimizin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39804/17]
View answerWritten answers
The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drug schemes, in accordance with the provisions of the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
Medicinal Products Reimbursement
Questions (525)
John McGuinness
Question:525. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health his plans to provide persons with multiple sclerosis access to Sativex and to allow the costs to be reimbursed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39805/17]
View answerWritten answers
The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drug schemes, in accordance with the provisions of the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
Medical Card Administration
Questions (526)
John McGuinness
Question:526. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if a medical card is for life and is not subject to review or modification in cases where the card is issued under EU regulation 883-04; if he will ensure that this right to a medical card is applied in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39806/17]
View answerWritten answers
Regulation (EC) 883/04 and Implementing Regulation 987/09 provide for the coordination of social security systems, including healthcare, within the EE/EEA and Switzerland, with the aim of ensuring the free movement of persons. This objective of the Regulation is to ensure that persons exercising their right to move and to stay freely within the EU/EEA and Switzerland do not suffer disadvantage.
Medical cards may be issued to EU/EEA citizens under EU Regulation 883/04 if the person is in receipt of a contributory social insurance payment from one, or more, of the Member States, provided they are not receiving a contributory social insurance payment from the Irish State. These medical cards are issued on an individual basis and the income of a spouse/partner is not relevant. EU/EEA citizens who are in receipt of a qualifying payment from another Member State should make an application for a medical card directly to the HSE. Such applicants are not means tested. The application should be accompanied, as evidence that they are receiving a qualifying payment, by the relevant EU "S" form issued by the Member State making their payment, and as such these cards will be subject to periodic reviews in order to ensure that the person is still in receipt of the qualifying payment.
The HSE has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (527)
Bernard Durkan
Question:527. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when required surgery will be facilitated in the case of a person (details supplied); the number of persons awaiting similar surgery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39807/17]
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 queries raised by the Deputy, as these are service issues, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
Long-Term Illness Scheme Coverage
Questions (528)
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:528. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health if the FreeStyle Libre system will be made available for persons with all types of diabetes under the long-term illness scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39813/17]
View answerWritten answers
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.
European Health Insurance Card
Questions (529, 530)
Louise O'Reilly
Question:529. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if his Department has estimated the cost of maintaining the European Health Insurance Card, EHIC, for Irish citizens resident in Northern Ireland, post-Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39815/17]
View answerLouise O'Reilly
Question:530. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the work done by his Department to date on the maintenance of the European Health Insurance Card, EHIC, benefits for Irish citizens living in Northern Ireland post-Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39816/17]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 529 and 530 together.
It is a priority for the Government to ensure that the rights of Irish citizens living in Northern Ireland will be protected through the withdrawal process of the UK from the European Union. In particular, the Government prioritised the protection of the Good Friday Agreement and the maintenance of the Common Travel Area for the withdrawal negotiations.
My Department and its agencies have been conducting analysis on the impacts of Brexit in the area of health. A number of issues, including matters relating to European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), are being examined. The Department is working closely with the Health Service Executive, which has operational responsibility for the EHIC, to examine proposals on the maintenance of the EHIC benefits for Irish Citizens living in Northern Ireland post Brexit.
I am confident that our EU partners understand the priority placed by Ireland on the protection of the rights of Irish citizens, in the context of our unique circumstances. The Government was pleased at the strong affirmation in the EU's negotiating directives that the fact that Irish citizens residing in Northern Ireland will continue to enjoy rights as EU citizens will be taken into account in the Withdrawal Agreement. This is also reflected in the European Commission Task Force paper on Guiding Principles for Ireland/Northern Ireland.
Hospital Staff Recruitment
Questions (531)
Brendan Smith
Question:531. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if specific funding or additional resources will be allocated to enable the appointment of personnel at a hospital (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39855/17]
View answerWritten answers
In response to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
Community Care
Questions (532, 533)
Brendan Smith
Question:532. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health his plans to allocate additional resources for home support for the remainder of 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39857/17]
View answerBrendan Smith
Question:533. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health his plans to allocate additional resources to community health area 1 for home support for 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39858/17]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 532 and 533 together.
The overall funding for Services for Older People is €765 million in 2017 with €367m for direct funding of Home Help and Home Care Packages. A further €9m supported by HSE and Atlantic Philanthropies will provide Intensive Home Care Packages (IHCPs) for people with more complex needs. The HSE’s National Service Plan for 2017 provides for a target of 10.57 million Home Help Hours to support about 49,000 people, 16,750 Home Care Packages and 190 Intensive Home Care Packages for clients with complex needs including 60 clients with dementia supported with co-funding from Atlantic Philanthropies under the Irish National Dementia Strategy. This represents a significant increase on home care in comparison to last year’s Service Plan, which had an original target of 10.4 million hours' home help and 15,450 Home Care Packages.
Despite this significant level of service provision, the demand for Home Care continues to grow. It is important to note that the allocation of funding for home care across the system, though significant, is finite and services must therefore be delivered within the funding available. The level of activity and associated costs must be managed in each of the nine Community Healthcare Organisations, including CHO 1 in a way that ensures that those with the greatest needs are supported and that the overall expenditure on home care services by the HSE does not exceed the available funding.
The Programme for Government commits to increasing funding for Home Care Packages and Home Help every year. The planning and management of future health expenditure will be considered as part of the annual estimates and budgetary process which seeks to balance available funding across all of the various service areas to achieve the best possible outcomes for the greatest number of service users and prioritise areas of greatest need.
Health Products Regulatory Authority
Questions (534)
Stephen Donnelly
Question:534. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the Health Products Regulatory Authority, HPRA, project focused on managing medicine shortages after Brexit. [39872/17]
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 minimise 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.