Written Answers Nos. 104-125
104. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the provision of a new general practitioner services contract in view of the difficulty in sourcing general practitioners in rural parts of the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43230/17]
View answerThe development of primary care is central to the Government's objective to deliver a high-quality, integrated and cost effective health service. The Programme for Government and Sláintecare commit to shifting the model of healthcare towards a more comprehensive and accessible primary care service in order to deliver better care close to home in communities across the country. The development of a new, modernised contract for the provision of general practitioner services will be a key element in facilitating this process. The aim is to develop a contract which has a population health focus, providing in particular for health promotion and disease prevention and for the structured ongoing care of chronic conditions.
Since 2015, negotiations have resulted in a number of service developments including the provision of free GP care to under 6's and over 70's, the introduction of a Diabetes Cycle of Care for adult GMS patients with Type 2 Diabetes and enhanced supports for rural GPs. The next phase of discussions on a new GP contract is under way and I expect that the sustainability of general practice in rural areas will be considered in this context.
Budget 2018 has provided €25 million new funding for primary care that will enable a range of initiatives to be progressed in 2018 which will focus on disease prevention, early intervention and GP care. I am hopeful that progress can be made over the coming months on service developments that can be introduced during 2018 and that we can then build on this with further resourcing in future years. I look forward to continued ongoing positive engagement with GP representatives in the months ahead.
In addition, I would like to assure the Deputy of the Government's commitment to the continued development of GP capacity to ensure that patients across the country continue to have access to GP services and that general practice is sustainable in all areas into the future. I want to ensure that existing GP services are retained and that general practice remains an attractive career option for newly-qualified GPs.
Efforts undertaken in recent years to increase the number of practising GPs include changes to the entry provisions to the GMS scheme to accommodate more flexible/shared GMS/GP contracts, and to the retirement provisions for GPs under the GMS scheme, allowing GPs to hold GMS contracts until their 72nd birthday, as well as the introduction of an enhanced supports package for rural GP practices. Separately, the State is seeking to train more GPs to provide GP services to the population. In 2009, there were 120 GP training places and in 2017 there were 170 training places filled. The Government is committed to further increasing this number to 259 places annually in future years.
105. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health if the data protection ramifications of the HSE asking a private company to carry out a discovery process of all HSE-held information technology equipment and filing systems, including all information technology archiving and individual HSE email accounts and systems for the Grace commission of Investigation have been fully examined; if this contract was put out to tender; if responsibility will rest with senior HSE management in the event of lost documentation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43232/17]
View answerThe HSE has responsibility for the data it holds and ensuring that it complies fully with its obligations under the Data Protection Act in respect of this data. Similary the HSE is responsible for ensuring it complies with public procurement rules when engaging private companies. Accordingly, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the HSE for direct reply.
106. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health the number of children in County Limerick awaiting autism spectrum disorder assessment and intervention, by the number of months spent on a waiting list, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43235/17]
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 a service matter, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
107. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Health if an assessment with the early intervention services in Tuam, County Galway for a person (details supplied) will be expedited; the reason for the ongoing delay; the reason a seamless transfer of former services from the early intervention services in County Sligo could not have been facilitated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43237/17]
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.
108. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an operation for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43238/17]
View answerUnder 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.
109. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health if funding is allocated for capital works on the daycare centre in Monasterevin within the capital budget 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43242/17]
View answerAs the HSE is responsible for the delivery of health care infrastructure projects, the Executive has been requested to reply directly to you in relation to the day care centre in Monasterevin.
110. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health when the recommendations of the report on the future of services at Portlaoise hospital will be made available to the Houses of the Oireachtas. [43243/17]
View answerThe Dublin Midlands Hospital Group has been working for some time on a draft plan for a new model of clinical service delivery at Portlaoise Hospital which takes account of the need to develop services at Portlaoise in the context of developing the model of service provision for the entire Hospital Group. The draft plan has been submitted to my Department and it is being reviewed in detail. Once there is an agreed position on the draft plan, there will be further engagement with all interested parties, including Houses of the Oireachtas members, to ensure that the needs of patients, staff, the local and wider community are addressed.
111. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health if a temporary increase in home help hours for a person (details supplied) will be given while they recover from a hospital procedure. [43245/17]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
112. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Health if funding for an extra podiatrist in County Wexford will be provided; the reason for the sudden increase in the number of persons with diabetes requiring lower limb amputation in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43247/17]
View answerAs this is a service issue, this question has been referred to the Health Service Executive for a direct reply.
113. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an increased number of home help hours for a person (details supplied) will be facilitated. [43248/17]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
114. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health if there has been contact between the corporate pharmaceutical unit of the HSE and a company (details supplied); when the final decision of the HSE is due to be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43250/17]
View answerUnder the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the pricing and reimbursement of the community drug schemes; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
115. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the design phase for the MRI facility at Midland Regional Hospital, Mullingar, County Westmeath. [43254/17]
View answerThe provision of an MRI scanner for the Midlands Regional Hospital Mullingar is part of a project to extend the radiology department. The project is in line with the overall Development Control Plan for the hospital, which is currently being finalised. The design team was appointed earlier this year and is currently finalising the design feasibility. It is hoped that an application for planning permission will be lodged in Q1 2018.
The project is currently funded to design stage only. Further funding for the next phase of development of this project is dependent on the costing and timing of the project, the availability of resources in the context of many other demands across the country, the future capital envelope for the health service and the overall priorities for future service development in the Ireland East Hospital Group.
116. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the number of persons waiting for MRI scans in Galway University Hospital; the average waiting time by priority one, two and three cases respectively at the hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43263/17]
View answerIn response to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
117. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if 81 doctors are working as public hospital consultants, yet do not have full specialist training; the hospitals at which each of these consultants are posted; the specialist training they each lack; if this situation impacts on their ability to fulfil the posts to which they were appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43269/17]
View answerI have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy concerning the specific details sought. I would like to outline steps the HSE has taken to ensure that consultants employed in the public services are on the specialist register of the Medical Council and that where this is not the case appropriate clinical supervision is in place.
In March 2008 the HSE amended the qualifications specified for Consultant posts to require membership of the specialist division of the Register of Medical Practitioners maintained by the Medical Council. Consultant Contract 2008 reflects this requirement. Data from HSE National Doctors Training and Planning indicates that approximately 80 Consultant post holders out of over 3,000 do not hold specialist division registration. Some of these were appointed prior to March 2008 and therefore did not have to meet that requirement on appointment.
In December 20015 the Director General of the HSE requested Professor Frank Keane to lead a process to address a range of issues associated with the creation and approval of Consultant posts and successful recruitment to such posts. In February 2017 the HSE published the Report of the Committee established to undertake this work:- ‘Successful Consultant Recruitment, Appointment and Retention’. The Committee recommended that measures be adopted to cease the poor employment practice which gives rise to contracts of indefinite duration and risk to the public arising from provision of services by persons who are not appropriately qualified. The HSE is focused on implementing the recommendations of the Committee.
On 17 July 2017 National HR, HSE issued a detailed Circular “HR Circular 021/2017 re Qualifications required for Consultant Posts”. The Circular reaffirmed the HSE’s regulatory functions in relation to all consultant appointments in the public service in Ireland, including new and replacement posts, locum and temporary posts, contract type and qualifications to apply. It stated that health service employers are required to seek the prior approval of the HSE before making a Consultant appointment (whether permanent or non-permanent) and to comply with the HSE Letter of Approval concerning any post in making an appointment. It also provided that a risk mitigation plan be put in place for each consultant post where the appointee does not hold the qualifications specified for the appointment, and this should include appropriate arrangements for senior clinical oversight as required. It also provided for the early termination of contracts of temporary/locum doctors who do not hold the qualifications required.
118. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the reason dental services have been removed from Portiuncula hospital; the reason no information on the decision has been made public; the reason the HSE made a decision to close the funeral removal and embalming service at the hospital; and the further closures or cessation of services at the hospital planned to take place in the near future. [43271/17]
View answerIn response to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
119. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 542 of 31 January 2017, the position regarding the scheme eight months later; when it scheme will be made available to members of the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43273/17]
View answerI was pleased to have the opportunity to discuss the proposed Health (Transport Support) Bill with the Joint Committee on Public Petitions on Wednesday 11th October. The Deputy will be familiar with the background to the closure of both the Mobility Allowance and Motorised Transport Grant schemes in February 2013. Since the closure of the Mobility Allowance, the Government has directed that the Health Service Executive should continue to pay an equivalent monthly payment of up to €208.50 per month to the 4,700 people in receipt of the Mobility Allowance, on an interim basis, pending the establishment of a new Transport Support Scheme.
The Government decided that the detailed preparatory work required for a new Transport Support Scheme and associated statutory provisions should be progressed by the Minister for Health. The Programme for a Partnership Government acknowledges the ongoing drafting of primary legislation for a new Transport Support Scheme to assist those with a disability to meet their mobility costs. The Government's legislative programme for 2017 includes the Health (Transport Support) Bill. I can confirm that work on the policy proposals for the new Scheme is at an advanced stage. The proposals seek to ensure that:
- There is a firm statutory basis to the Scheme's operation;
- There is transparency and equity in the eligibility criteria attaching to the Scheme;
- Resources are targeted at those with greatest needs; and
- The Scheme is capable of being costed and is affordable on its introduction and on an ongoing basis.
The draft General Scheme and Heads of Bill were circulated to other government Departments and have been the subject of consultation between the Department of Health and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. When the consultation with other relevant Departments has been completed, the next step will be to seek Government approval to the drafting of a Bill for the new Scheme.
It is important to note that the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers scheme operated by the Revenue Commissioners, remains in place. This scheme provides VRT and VAT relief, an exemption from road tax and a fuel grant to drivers and passengers with a disability, who qualify under the relevant criteria set out in governing regulations made by the Minister for Finance.
Specifically adapted vehicles driven by disabled persons are also exempt from payment of tolls on national toll roads and toll bridges. Transport Infrastructure Ireland has responsibility for this particular Scheme.
120. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health the number of patients outsourced at Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise in each of the years 2013 to 2016 and to date in 2017, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43276/17]
View answer121. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health the number of emergency department attendances at Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise in each of the years 2013 to 2016 and to date in 2017, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43277/17]
View answer122. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health the outpatient waiting times at Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise in each of the years 2011 to 2016 and to date in 2017, by speciality and wait time band (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43278/17]
View answer123. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on trollies at Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise in each month of 2016, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43279/17]
View answer124. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on trollies at Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise in each month of 2015 and 2016 and to date in 2017, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43280/17]
View answer125. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health the operating budget for Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise in each of the years 2009 to 2016, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43281/17]
View answer127. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health the agency spend at Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise in each of the years 2013 to 2016 and to date in 2017, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43283/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 120 to 125, inclusive, and 127 together.
In relation to the queries raised by the Deputy, as these are service issues, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
