Tom Neville
Question:764. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Health the position with regard to recruiting a general practitioner to replace the general practitioner who is retiring in Waterville, County Kerry. [46596/17]
View answerGeneral Practitioner Services
Questions (764)
Written answers
As this question relates to a service matter, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Health Services Provision
Questions (765)
Clare Daly
Question:765. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health his views on the refusal of the HSE to cover the cost of the administration of a drug (details supplied) in their homes to a cohort of persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46603/17]
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.
Legislative Measures
Questions (766)
Niamh Smyth
Question:766. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health his views on the Life Saving Equipment Bill 2017 which provides specific penalties for those found to have damaged life-saving equipment such as defibrillators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46619/17]
View answerWritten answers
Criminal damage legislation is not the responsibility for Department of Health. The private members Bill referred to in the Parliamentary Question is a matter for Government.
Services for People with Disabilities
Questions (767)
Niamh Smyth
Question:767. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health his plans to provide more support for persons living with Parkinson's disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46622/17]
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 Administration
Questions (768)
Pat Deering
Question:768. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) keeps having their follow-up appointments cancelled. [46625/17]
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 Services Provision
Questions (769)
Timmy Dooley
Question:769. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive treatment for cataracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46626/17]
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.
In relation to the particular case raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (770)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:770. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a cataract operation for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46627/17]
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.
Question No. 771 answered with Question No. 722.
Medical Conditions
Questions (772)
Róisín Shortall
Question:772. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if steps will be taken to ascertain the number of persons affected by foetal anticonvulsant syndrome here; the clinical pathways for diagnosis and treatment for persons with this condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46629/17]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service issue, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
Orthodontic Services Provision
Questions (773)
Bobby Aylward
Question:773. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Health if he will request the Health Service Executive to expedite orthodontic treatment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46639/17]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Procedures
Questions (774)
John Brassil
Question:774. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health if hip replacement surgery can be expedited for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46640/17]
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.
Medical Consent
Questions (775)
Róisín Shortall
Question:775. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the legal position in regard to unmarried cohabiting couples with respect to next of kin rights for consent to medical treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46641/17]
View answerWritten answers
The requirement for a person's informed consent to be obtained in advance of medical treatment is well established in Irish case law. In addition, the principle of informed consent in healthcare practice is set out in the HSE’s National Consent Policy, as well as specific guidelines and regulations for individual healthcare and social care professionals, for example the Medical Council and the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland. Furthermore, informed consent is also recognised as a prerequisite to medical treatment in international and European human rights law as well as under the Irish Constitution.
In relation to the matter of a person providing consent on behalf of another adult, currently, as is outlined in the HSE's National Consent Policy no other person such as a family member, friend or carer and no organisation can give or refuse consent to a health or social care service on behalf of another adult who lacks capacity to consent unless they have specific legal authority to do so.
However, it should be noted that parts of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015, which have yet to be commenced, provide a number of potential mechanisms for decision-making on behalf of a person who lacks capacity, which could include providing consent to medical treatment in certain circumstances. For example, this includes Part 4 Co-Decision Making and Part 7 Enduring Powers of Attorney, which are the responsibility of the Minister for Justice and Equality, and Part 8 Advance Healthcare Directives, which is the responsibility of the Minister for Health.
Health Services Provision
Questions (776)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:776. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the reason there is only one HSE-appointed optician in County Kerry; the number of persons on the waiting list from four years of age onwards; the average waiting time; if another optician will be appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46644/17]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Services
Questions (777)
Catherine Connolly
Question:777. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 391 of 26 September 2017, the plan in place to deal with the closure of two operating theatres at Merlin Park hospital, County Galway; the assessment carried out by the external engineering firm of the damage; the timeframe for the completion of repairs; the arrangements in place for surgeries to be carried out at alternative sites, more particularly, the full complement of beds at St. Finbar's ward; if they are now all available for patients; the number of persons that had been scheduled for surgery; when they can expect to have their operations; if the persons involved have been written to in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46659/17]
View answerWritten answers
In response to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
Hospital Procedures
Questions (778)
Pearse Doherty
Question:778. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the number of inpatient and outpatient procedures, respectively, which are expected to be carried out in 2018 across the various hospital groupings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46665/17]
View answerWritten answers
The HSE is currently in the process of preparing its 2018 Service Plan, which will include details of the type and volume of health services being provided in 2018. The timeframes for submission of the HSE Service Plan for my approval are set down in legislation. As provided for under the Health Act 2004, as amended, my Department must write to the Health Service Executive to notify it of its allocation for 2018 not later than 21 days after the publication by the Government of the Estimates for Public Services. This notification issued by way of Letter of Determination from my Department on 26 October, 2018. The legislation further provides that, on receipt of the letter of determination, the Executive has 21 days to prepare and submit its Service Plan for 2018 for my approval. The Health Act allows me to extend the period provided to the HSE to prepare, adopt and submit its Service Plan, if required.
Following the submission of the draft National Service Plan, the legislation provides 21 days for me to examine the proposed Plan and where necessary to seek amendment to, or approve, the Plan. The National Service Plan must be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas within 21 days of its approval. Once the Service Plan is laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas the HSE must ensure it is published at the earliest possible time.
Medicinal Products Reimbursement
Questions (779)
James Lawless
Question:779. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health when a decision will be made in relation to the reimbursement of a drug (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46666/17]
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.
Hospital Appointments Administration
Questions (780)
Robert Troy
Question:780. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an appointment for hip revision surgery for a person (details supplied) will be scheduled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46675/17]
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.
Medical Aids and Appliances Provision
Questions (781)
Noel Rock
Question:781. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Health if there are grants to help persons with the cost of mobility scooters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46682/17]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (782)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:782. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46692/17]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Services for People with Disabilities
Questions (783)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:783. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the number of persons that have registered for respite care in a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46694/17]
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.
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.
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.
Mental Health Services Provision
Questions (784)
James Browne
Question:784. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the way in which he plans to promote positive mental health and suicide prevention at third-level educational institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46708/17]
View answerWritten answers
Counselling and other supports are currently available in most Third Level institutions in Ireland for students, and there are already good and innovative practices aimed at supporting students experiencing mental health difficulties in many institutions. I have just completed a review process through the National Taskforce on Youth Mental Health. The Taskforce included representation of third level students, and it will make a number of recommendations in this area when I publish its findings in December. These are:
- The current provision of counselling and mental health supports in higher level institutions should be maintained and enhanced;
- The Higher Education Authority and the Department of Education and Skills should develop appropriate indicators to assess student experience in higher education in the system performance framework for higher education; and
- Prioritise the implementation of recommendations contained in “Mental Health Matters”. The “Mental Health Matters - Mapping Best Practices in Higher Education’ report was carried out to give a voice to students with mental health difficulties and to hear the experiences of professional staff in third level education. Of the 28 Higher Education Institutes (HEI), 22 took part in the report.
- Oversight of the third level sector is the responsibility of the Minister for Education and Skills who may be able to provide further information on services to promote positive mental health and suicide prevention at that level.
Psychological Services Waiting Lists
Questions (785)
Gerry Adams
Question:785. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on waiting lists for psychology services in each of the years 2011 to 2016, by CHO area, in tabular form. [46727/17]
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.
Psychological Services Waiting Lists
Questions (786)
Gerry Adams
Question:786. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the number of children who are on waiting lists for psychology services; the number of children who have been waiting three months, six months, 12 months and longer than 12 months, respectively, by CHO area, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46728/17]
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.
Dental Services Waiting Lists
Questions (787)
Micheál Martin
Question:787. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health the length of dental waiting lists for persons with a medical card in each local health area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46731/17]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.