Written Answers Nos. 198-209
198. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if additional resources have been allocated to support a second consultant led adult diabetes team at Letterkenny university hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5040/18]
View answer200. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if a full-time dietician based at Letterkenny University Hospital and dedicated to diabetes services is now in post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5042/18]
View answer201. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if the recently vacated diabetes clinical nurse specialist post at Letterkenny University Hospital has yet been advertised; the efforts being made to recruit for this role; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5043/18]
View answer202. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if a suitable candidate has now been selected to fill the recently vacated paediatric diabetes clinical nurse specialist post at Letterkenny University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5044/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 198, 200 to 202, inclusive, together.
In response to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
199. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the waiting times in respect of review appointments as part of adult diabetes services at Letterkenny University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5041/18]
View answerIn response to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
203. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the review of the decision not to reimburse and provide access to Translarna; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5058/18]
View answerThe Health Service Executive has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drug schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.
The HSE informed my Department of its decision not to reimburse Ataluren (Translarna) in July 2017. The HSE, in deciding not to reimburse Translarna, cited uncertainty around clinical evidence but advised the applicant that it would be open to reviewing any additional clinical evidence if any should become available. The HSE informed the applicant of this decision, in keeping with the requirements of the 2013 Act. The applicant has appealed the HSE’s decision to the High Court, which is part of the statutory process under Section 27 of the 2013 Act.
As proceedings have issued against the HSE, this is now subject to the Courts process.
It would be inappropriate for me to comment on a matter currently before the Courts.
204. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding Freestyle Libre for diabetics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5077/18]
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.
205. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health the rationale for the decision to make Freestyle Libre available on the long term illness scheme for children and young persons only; when this will be made available to all persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5101/18]
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.
206. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health if a person's (details supplied) need for an ear, nose and throat, ENT, consultation will be considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5102/18]
View answerIn relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
207. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if his Department has completed an external quality assurance assessment of its internal audit function as required by the Institute of Internal Auditors' standards that were introduced in 2012 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5113/18]
View answerMy Department's internal audit function is guided by the Institute of Internal Auditors' Standards which were published by the Department of Expenditure and Reform (DPER) in November 2012. These Standards require that a quality assurance and improvement programme be developed for the function which involves both periodic internal assessments and external assessments being carried out every five years. Guidance provided by DPER suggested that these assessments be carried out in 2017. My Internal Audit Unit intends completing an internal quality assurance assessment in early 2018 followed by an external quality assessment which will be undertaken during 2018.
208. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health the efforts being made to secure a second permanent consultant to fill a recently vacated second post in relation to dermatology services at Sligo University Hospital; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is only one permanent consultant covering the north west; the wait time for persons in the north west requiring an appointment with a consultant; the wait time for procedures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5121/18]
View answerIn response to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
209. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if a dedicated attendant will be provided to accompany persons on a bus service which operates and transports service users to and from a day care centre (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5128/18]
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.
The particular issue raised by the Deputy is a service matter for the HSE. Accordingly I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
