Tuesday, 13 Feb 2018

Medical Card Drugs Availability

Questions (319)

Joan Collins

Question:

319. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health if the medicine loperamide hydrochloride has been removed from the medical card; and the basis on which it has been removed (details supplied). [6673/18]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

Under 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.

Long-Term Illness Scheme Coverage

Questions (320)

Joan Collins

Question:

320. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health when Crohn's disease will be included in the long-term illness scheme. [6674/18]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

The LTI Scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). The conditions covered by the LTI are: acute leukaemia; mental handicap; cerebral palsy; mental illness (in a person under 16); cystic fibrosis; multiple sclerosis; diabetes insipidus; muscular dystrophies; diabetes mellitus; parkinsonism; epilepsy; phenylketonuria; haemophilia; spina bifida; hydrocephalus; and conditions arising from the use of Thalidomide. Under the LTI Scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge.

There are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the Scheme.

Mental Health Policy

Questions (321)

Colm Brophy

Question:

321. Deputy Colm Brophy asked the Minister for Health whether funding is available for organisations (details supplied). [6675/18]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

Funding for the Irish Men's Shed Association is provided by the Health Service Executive and I have referred the Deputy's question to the HSE for attention and direct reply.

Medical Aids and Appliances Provision

Questions (322)

Mary Butler

Question:

322. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health the criteria which must be satisfied in line with the recommendations of the health technology assessment group in order to be reimbursed for children and young persons with diabetes who use the FreeStyle Libre blood glucose management system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6678/18]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

Medical Aids and Appliances Provision

Questions (323)

Mary Butler

Question:

323. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health the timeframe to build the application suite for reimbursement support; the projected costs associated with setting up the application suite in respect of children and young persons who use the FreeStyle Libre blood glucose management system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6679/18]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

Medical Aids and Appliances Provision

Questions (324)

Mary Butler

Question:

324. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health the extra workload that will be incurred by the endocrinologist or hospital clinic team that will initiate the proposal of suitable persons for consideration for individual reimbursement support for the FreeStyle Libre blood glucose management system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6680/18]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

Prescriptions Data

Questions (325, 326, 327, 328)

Micheál Martin

Question:

325. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health if he is satisfied that prescribed medication addiction is receiving adequate attention; the monitoring mechanisms in place to assess same; the extent of the problem here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6693/18]

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Micheál Martin

Question:

326. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the British Government seeking a review of addiction to prescription medication for the treatment of depression and anxiety issues in the UK; his plans to announce same here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6694/18]

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Micheál Martin

Question:

327. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health his views on media reports of a 1,086% increase in the use of pregabalin known as Lyrica amongst medical card holders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6695/18]

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Micheál Martin

Question:

328. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health his views on reports on the 159% increase use of oxycontin amongst medical card holders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6696/18]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 325 to 328, inclusive, together.

My Department is aware of recent reports on trends indicating the increased prescribing of certain drugs over a ten year period and that the British government has announced a review there.

In Ireland the Medical Council is the statutory body for the registration and regulation of doctors engaged in medical practice. The Council has set out specific requirements for doctors regarding prescribing of drugs at section 42 of its Guide to Professional Conduct and Ethics for Registered Medical Practitioners (2016). While the Guide is not a legal code, it sets out the principles of professional practice and conduct that all doctors registered with the Medical Council are expected to follow. The Guide advises that doctors must be aware of the dangers of drug dependency when prescribing benzodiazepines, opiates and other drugs with addictive potential.

In June 2016 the Early Warning Emerging Trends (EWET) subcommittee of the National Advisory Committee on Drugs and Alcohol, with the agreement of my Department, wrote to health care professionals highlighting the need for vigilance when prescribing and dispensing pregabalin and gabapentin, as these drugs present a risk of addiction and a potential for illegal diversion and misuse. Prescribers were advised to always undertake a risk benefit assessment prior to prescribing either of these medicines for patients under their care.

The HSE’s multi-disciplinary Medicines Management Programme (MMP) works with the National Medicines Information Centre (NMIC) and the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE), in collaboration with the HSE-Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS), to provide sustained national leadership relating to issues such as the quality of the medicines management process, access to medicines and overall expenditure on medicines. It aims to promote safe, effective and cost effective prescribing.

The MMP work plan includes monitoring the utilisation of all medicines with a high prescribing frequency and/or high expenditure based on data from the PCRS.

The MMP has previously identified the high number of prescriptions for certain benzodiazepines and ‘z-drug’ sedatives and, coupled with the safety concerns associated with these medicines and their addictive potential, now monitors the total number of patients on these drugs and the total number of prescriptions issued on an on-going basis.

As a result of increasing trends around their use the MMP has published a toolkit to support the appropriate prescribing of benzodiazepine and z-drugs in the treatment of anxiety and insomnia. The guidance document contains information on initiation, review and deprescribing of these drugs and it is anticipated that the adoption of this guidance by prescribers will lead to a reduction in the long-term inappropriate prescribing of these drugs.

The MMP, in collaboration with the PCRS, has written to all GPs outlining their levels of benzodiazepine and other hypnotics prescribing on the GMS scheme in an initiative to encourage better quality prescribing of these drugs. The reports allow GPs to see exactly how many times they have prescribed these drugs in the preceding months. This is another useful tool for prescribers to monitor prescribing in their practice compared to national rates and also to track changes in their prescribing over time. The next HSE-PCRS prescribing report is planned for circulation in the coming weeks and information from the recently published toolkit will be disseminated to GPs alongside those reports.

Additionally, in October 2017 the Medical Council of Ireland and the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland launched joint guidance on the Safe Prescribing and Dispensing of Controlled Drugs aimed at registered medical practitioner and pharmacists.

Health Services Provision

Questions (329)

Robert Troy

Question:

329. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that as of 1 January 2018 there is now no sexual health service within an hour’s commute of Athlone; and his plans to rectify this matter. [6700/18]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Health Services Funding

Questions (330)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

330. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the projects to which funding has been allocated under the HSE capital plan for 2018 by CHO area, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6714/18]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

Health capital funding was outlined in the Public Service Estimates for 2018. The Health Service Executive's Capital Plan for 2018-2021 is currently the subject of discussion with my Department.

Appendix 4 of the HSE’s National Service Plan 2018 outlines capital projects that were completed in 2016 / 2017 and will be operational in 2018; are due to be completed and operational in 2018; are due to be completed in 2018 and will be operational in 2019.

The Government is preparing a new National Development Plan for the period 2018-2027, which will be published alongside and in support of the forthcoming new National Planning Framework for Ireland.

Dental Services Provision

Questions (331)

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy

Question:

331. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Health the dental services provided free of charge to primary and secondary school children in counties Laois and Offaly; the level of cover provided by the Health Service Executive, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6718/18]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

Speech and Language Therapy Waiting Lists

Questions (332)

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy

Question:

332. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Health when speech therapy will be provided to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6719/18]

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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.

Transport Support Scheme

Questions (333, 375)

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy

Question:

333. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Health when the new transport support scheme will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6720/18]

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Marcella Corcoran Kennedy

Question:

375. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Health the reason a payment was withdrawn from a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6965/18]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 333 and 375 together.

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 4,133 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 Health (Transport Support) Bill is on the list of priority legislation for publication in the Spring/Summer session 2018. I can confirm that work on the policy proposals for the new Scheme is at an advanced stage. The proposals seek to ensure 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.

It is hoped to bring a General Scheme and Heads of Bill to Government shortly, seeking Government approval to the drafting of the Bill for the new Transport Support Payment.

With regard to the Motorised Transport Grant, this scheme operated as a means-tested grant to assist persons with severe disabilities with the purchase or adaptation of a car, where that car was essential to retain employment. The maximum Motorised Transport Grant, which was payable once in any three-year period, was €5,020. Following closure of the scheme in February 2013, no further Motorised Transport Grants have been payable.

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.

Health Services Access

Questions (334)

Mary Butler

Question:

334. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be called for an appointment for a procedure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6722/18]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

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 National Waiting List Management Policy, A standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the HSE, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.

In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.

Dental Services Waiting Lists

Questions (335)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

335. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the number of children waiting for dental treatment in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6723/18]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

Health Services Access

Questions (336)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

336. 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. [6725/18]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

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 National Waiting List Management Policy, A standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the HSE, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.

In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.

Orthodontic Services Provision

Questions (337)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

337. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of orthodontic treatment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6726/18]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

Health Services Access

Questions (338)

Martin Kenny

Question:

338. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) will receive an appointment for surgery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6727/18]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

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 National Waiting List Management Policy, A standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the HSE, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.

In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.

Nursing Home Fees

Questions (339)

Billy Kelleher

Question:

339. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health when the fair deal fees for individual HSE nursing homes will be published or laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas (details supplied); and his views on the importance of providing transparency with regard to fees payable for public nursing home care. [6732/18]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The HSE published on their website the cost of care in public nursing homes in October 2016. My Department has been in recent contact with the HSE regarding publication of more up to date figures. The HSE have advised that compilation work is ongoing and the weekly cost of care for individual public nursing homes will be published in the coming months.

Health Services Access

Questions (340)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

340. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the number of persons waiting for a cataract assessment in Cork University Hospital; the number of persons from County Kerry waiting for a cataract assessment; the number of persons waiting for a cataract operation in South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital; the number from County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6736/18]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

I acknowledge that waiting times for Ophthalmology patients are often unacceptably long and I am conscious of the impact of this on people's lives.

Reducing waiting times for the longest waiting patients is one this Government's key priorities. October's Budget announced a total 2018 allocation of €55m for the NTPF for 2018. This significant increase in funding more than doubles the 2017 total allocation of €20m. The NTPF and HSE are in the process of finalising Waiting List Action Plans and Initiatives for 2018. This will include ambitious targets for both the HSE and NTPF to reduce the overall number of patients waiting for treatment, including those patients awaiting Ophthalmology procedures.

I hope to publish the 2018 Inpatient Day Case Waiting List Action Plan at the end of February.

In response to the particular query raised, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.