Tuesday, 24 Oct 2017

Dental Services Provision

Questions (237)

Eugene Murphy

Question:

237. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Health his plans to close the children's dental services in Elphin, County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44677/17]

View answer

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 Staff

Questions (238)

Marc MacSharry

Question:

238. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Health the status of a dignity at work complaint submitted by a person (details supplied) working at Cappagh National Orthopaedic Hospital, Dublin; the detail of the process; the length of time the process will take; when it will be concluded; if there have been changes to the treatment of the complainant during the process; if so, the reason therefor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44732/17]

View answer

Written answers

Minister for Health

The Health Service recognises the right of all employees to be treated with dignity and respect and is committed to ensuring that all employees are provided with a safe working environment which is free from all forms of bullying, sexual harassment and harassment. The Dignity at Work Policy is based on the following three Codes of Practice:

The Health and Safety Authority's Code of Practice for Employers and Employees on the Prevention and Resolution of Bullying at Work;

The Work Place Relations Commission's (WRC) Code of Practice Detailing Procedures for Addressing Bullying in the Workplace; and

The Equality Authority's Code of Practice on Sexual Harassment at Work.

In relation to the specific query regarding the status of an individual dignity at work complaint, as this is an operational matter I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.

Services for People with Disabilities

Questions (239)

Shane Cassells

Question:

239. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Health when therapy services will be provided to a person (details supplied) in County Meath; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44779/17]

View answer

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.

Hospital Services

Questions (240, 241)

Imelda Munster

Question:

240. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Health if he will publish the plan received regarding the continued operation of the cottage hospital beyond June 2018; the HSE's long-term plans to maintain the current service at the cottage hospital; his plans for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44796/17]

View answer

Imelda Munster

Question:

241. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Health if the cottage hospital has been re-registered as a transitional care unit; his plans to do so in the future, or post-June 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44797/17]

View answer

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 240 and 241 together.

As these are service matters I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Nursing Homes Support Scheme Review

Questions (242)

Thomas Byrne

Question:

242. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Health if it is proposed in the review of the fair deal scheme to take into account the costs of private health insurance; and whether, if this was allowed, it would, in fact, more than pay for itself through a cost reduction to the State. [44799/17]

View answer

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS) is a system of financial support for those in need of long-term nursing home care. Participants contribute to the cost of their care according to their income and assets while the State pays the balance of the cost. The Scheme aims to ensure that long-term nursing home care is accessible and affordable for everyone and that people are cared for in the most appropriate settings.

Under the primary legislation an NHSS applicant may apply for certain items of expenditure to be taken into account and netted off against their means prior to the calculation of their contribution. These items are referred to as allowable deductions. Under the law, private health insurance is not classed as an allowable deduction. An applicant can apply for the following to be deducted:

- Health Expenses such a doctors' fees, pharmacy costs and prescription charges;

- Interest on loans related to the applicants principal primary residence;

- Rent Payments; and

- Property Tax.

When the NHSS commenced in 2009, a commitment was made that it would be reviewed after three years. The Review has concluded and a Report of the Review was published in July 2015. Arising out of the Review, a number of key issues have been identified for more detailed consideration across Departments and Agencies. An International/Agency Working Group has been established to oversee the implementation of certain recommendations contained in the Review. Work in this regard is currently underway.

Health Services Provision

Questions (243)

Lisa Chambers

Question:

243. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in making a decision on the application by a person (details supplied) for a package for physical and sensory support, in view of the fact that the application was submitted a number of years ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44828/17]

View answer

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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.

Hospitals Data

Questions (244, 245, 246, 247, 248, 249, 250, 251, 252, 253)

View answer

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 244 to 253, inclusive, together.

As these are service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly.