Written Answers Nos. 279-297
279. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (detail supplied) regarding funding for a condition in budget 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40203/17]
View answerEarlier this year I was at the launch of the Prader Willi Syndrome National Survey. I also met with the association, the purpose of the meeting was for PWSAI to outline the research findings of "A Population-Based Profile of Prader-Willi Syndrome in Ireland" and to make a case for the delivery of respite services specifically catering to the needs of Prader Willi sufferers. The HSE met the PSWAI representatives on the 7 July 2017 and are committed to establishing a working group to look at the challenges of those suffering from Pradar Willi Syndrome.
The Programme for Partnership Government states that the Government wishes to provide more accessible respite care to facilitate full support for people with a disability. The HSE's Social Care Operational Plan for 2017 aims to provide 182,000 overnight stays in centre-based respite services, in addition to 41,000 day respite sessions. Respite care for children and adults with disabilities is provided by the HSE directly in some instances, or by agencies funded by the HSE to provide services on its behalf.
The HSE remains committed to working with all voluntary disability service providers to ensure that all of the resources available for specialist disability services, including respite services, are used in the most efficient and effective manner possible. And 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 further reply.
280. Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Health when the FreeStyle Libre system will be made available under the long-term illness scheme for persons with diabetes; if availability 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. [40205/17]
View answerUnder 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.
281. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if an organisation (details supplied) is in receipt of Government funding; the financial support received by the organisation in 2015, 2016 and to date in 2017; the funding granted to persons by the organisation; the assistance that is given to persons who have poor or no sight to assist them to read; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40206/17]
View answerThis 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 question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
282. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the child and adolescent mental health services, CAMHS, in Dublin 15 only have the resources to deal with emergency cases; if the level of resourcing in the Dublin 15 area is less than in other parts of the country; his plans to increase CAMHS resourcing in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40216/17]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
283. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken to provide pre-exposure prophylaxis medication here, in particular, for groups that are at high risk of HIV infection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40221/17]
View answerOne of the priority actions identified under the Sexual Health Strategy 2015-2020 was to 'Prioritise, develop and implement guidance to support clinical decision making for STI testing, screening and treatment and on the appropriate use of antiretroviral therapy in HIV prevention’.
As part of this action, a multisectoral PrEP (HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis) working group, with a wide range of professional and community representation, was established by the HSE Sexual Health and Crisis Pregnancy Programme in 2016. The terms of reference of this multisectoral group includes the development of clinical guidance documents and recommendations in relation to the use of HIV PrEP in Ireland. The Working Group is exploring questions in relation to the feasibility, acceptability and uptake of HIV PrEP in Ireland and work has commenced on identifying how these priority questions can be answered through a project within existing clinical infrastructures. In addition the Working Group had explored the possibility of running a ‘demonstration project’ in Ireland with the support of a manufacturer of a relevant authorised product. However, I understand that the demonstration project is not being pursued at this juncture as the window of opportunity has now closed. The Working Group has also progressed work on the development of standards for PrEP service provision and other issues relevant to any future ‘model of care’ and implementation of a PrEP clinical service within a HIV prevention programme to people who would meet determined eligibility criteria and in services meeting agreed standards.
A pharmaceutical manufacturer has submitted a rapid review dossier to the HSE and a rapid review has been formally commissioned from the NCPE (National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics). This is in line with the standard process under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. The outcome of the four week rapid review process has recommended that a full pharmacoeconomic evaluation be undertaken. Following receipt of a further submission from Gilead (which may take between 3 and 6 months) the NCPE starts the 90 day clock on/clock off timeframe for completing the evaluation. This could take between 3 and 6 months to complete at which time the NCPE will make a recommendation to the HSE Leadership team.
284. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Health the number of persons with intellectual and or physical disabilities in HSE CHO 5 who are being PEG fed on an ongoing basis; and the longest periods of PEG feeding involved. [40234/17]
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 service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
285. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in CHO 5 registered with intellectual disabilities; the funding allocated for services to them in 2017; and the breakdown of this funding between HSE direct spending and indirect spending through section 38 and 39 grants. [40236/17]
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 service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
286. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Health the number of persons with intellectual disabilities under 65 years of age living in nursing homes in CHO 5. [40237/17]
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 service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
288. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) in County Cork is on a waiting list for counselling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40254/17]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
289. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health if funding will be provided for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40257/17]
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.
290. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of providing access to foetal anomaly scans to all pregnant women in 2018; the estimated cost involved in ensuring that sufficient ultrasound machines, additional ultrasonographers and foetal medicine consultants are available; the locations in which the additional services would be required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40260/17]
View answerI 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 and 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 the specific queries raised, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
291. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health the number of nurse graduates in 2016 and 2017; the number of these nurse graduates offered permanent contracts; and the location by hospital and speciality of these nurse graduates, in tabular form. [40261/17]
View answerI have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.
292. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health if the HSE has offered all 2016-17 nurse graduates permanent contracts as per the memorandum of 26 April 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40263/17]
View answerNursing and midwifery recruitment and retention is a priority for the Government. My Department is in regular contact with the HSE on matters concerning the recruitment of nurses and midwives, including implementation of the 2017 Nursing and Midwifery Agreement.
As provided for in the Agreement the HSE is focused on offering graduating nurses and midwives permanent posts. Each Hospital or Community Healthcare Organisation area is focused on making offers to the 2016/2017 nursing and midwifery graduates where possible. Where a Hospital or CHO area is unable to offer places to all graduates then the remaining graduates are being offered places in the respective Hospital Group or alternative CHO location as appropriate.
293. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health the status of the HSE's negotiations on the drug Respreeza; if the HSE plans to return to negotiations on the availability of this drug; if he and the HSE will ensure that accommodations are made for the 21 persons who participated in trials of the drug in order for them to continue to avail of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40270/17]
View answerThe HSE has carefully considered the pricing and reimbursement of human alpha1-proteinase inhibitor (Respreeza) through its decision making processes which are aligned with the statutory criteria set out in the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.
Following a detailed review process over the past 18 months, the HSE has written to CSL Behring, the manufacturers of human alpha1-proteinase inhibitor, advising them that the HSE will not support reimbursement at this time.
The HSE was unable to recommend reimbursement as they concluded that there is not enough evidence to suggest that patients will derive a clinically meaningful benefit from this treatment.
The HSE was also required to consider cost effectiveness and deemed that the current price was not a cost effective use of resources.
I am aware that there are a number of patients on a compassionate access scheme which is operated by CSL Behring and that the company is planning to terminate access to this treatment scheme.
I consider this action by the company as unethical and as I have stated previously, there should be no link between compassionate use schemes and reimbursement decisions and manufacturers should be frank with patients and clinicians on the operation of such schemes.
On my request, the HSE has sought assurances from the hospital that appropriate care arrangements are in place in the event that the access programme is discontinued, and that appropriate ethical guidelines have been and continue to be followed in relation to all aspects of the clinical trial and access programme.
It is the responsibility of both the company and the investigator (clinician) to ensure that they have considered and made arrangements for the patients, including in circumstances where the product is not reimbursed by the HSE. I would expect that the company would honour any commitments made to patients in this regard.
294. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 699 of 26 July 2017, if part of the budget for maternity services was ring-fenced for 2016 or has been ring-fenced for 2017 for expansion of access to 20 week anomaly scans. [40271/17]
View answerThe National Maternity Strategy confirms that all development funding for maternity services will be ring-fenced and allocated through the HSE National Women & Infants Health Programme (NWIHP). The Programme, with its wide remit and dedicated expertise, will facilitate greater oversight and support for service providers and will ensure the appropriate allocation and targeting of new resources.
The National Maternity Strategy is also 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 NWIHP. Indeed, the issue of anomaly scanning is a priority issue for the Programme. 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 this particular query, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
295. 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. [40273/17]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
296. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if the HSE, through the National Office for Suicide Prevention, will continue to provide core funding to an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40274/17]
View answerFollowing extensive engagement recently between the organisation in question and the Health Service Executive, it was agreed by all parties that there was no longer a strategic alignment between the National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) and this organisation and that NOSP would be invoking the termination clause of the previous Grant Aid Agreement. However, this organisation was advised to contact other HSE divisions or agencies that may be more aligned with their strategic objectives.
297. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the supports that exist in County Mayo for young persons with an intellectual disability who have just turned 18 years of age for their continuing education and development; the further supports which exist or are planned; the number of applications that have been made in County Mayo for day services for young persons with an intellectual disability; the number of those who have secured a place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40280/17]
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 service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
