Written Answers Nos. 178-197
178. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the number of applications for respite made to a facility (details supplied) in each of the years 2010 to 2017 and to date in 2018; the number of those who received respite at the facility, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28116/18]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
179. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health the status of the HSE's discussions regarding the availability of a drug (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28117/18]
View answerThe HSE has statutory responsibility for medicine pricing and reimbursement decisions, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. As Minister for Health, I do not have any statutory power or function in relation to the reimbursement of medicines. The Act specifies the criteria for decisions on the reimbursement of medicines.
In line with the 2013 Act, if a company would like a medicine to be reimbursed by the HSE pursuant to the Community Drugs scheme, the company must first submit an application to the HSE to have the new medicine added to the Reimbursement List.
As outlined in the IPHA agreement, and in line with the 2013 Act, the HSE will decide, within 180 days of receiving the application (or a longer period if further information is sought from the company), to either add the medicine to the reimbursement list or agree to reimburse it as a hospital medicine, or refuse to reimburse the medicine.
HSE decisions on which medicines are reimbursed by the taxpayer are made on objective, scientific and economic grounds, on the advice of the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE).
The NCPE conducts health technology assessments (HTAs) for the HSE and makes recommendations on reimbursement to assist HSE decisions. The NCPE uses a decision framework to systematically assess whether a drug is cost-effective as a health intervention.
The HSE strives to reach a decision in as timely a manner as possible. However, because of the significant monies involved, it must ensure that the best price is achieved, as these commitments are often multi-million euro investments on an on-going basis. This can lead to a protracted deliberation process.
I have been informed that Ocrelizumab for the treatment of adult patients with early primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) and for the treatment of adult patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (RMS) is currently undergoing a full pharmacoeconomic assessment by the NCPE.
180. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an appointment for a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28122/18]
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 National Waiting List Management Policy, a standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, since 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.
181. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if hospital services in counties Cavan and Monaghan will be invested in; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28138/18]
View answerThe planning and management of future health expenditure is considered as part of the annual estimates and budgetary process which seeks to balance available funding across all service areas to achieve the best possible outcomes for the greatest number of service users and prioritise areas of greatest need. The 2018 HSE National Service Plan outlines the HSE's need to continue to pursue increased efficiency, value for money and budgetary control in delivering safe and effective healthcare services within its budget allocation.
In response to the particular query raised, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you as soon as possible outlining any specific investment plans at these two hospitals.
182. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health if an appointment for a person (details supplied) will be expedited. [28139/18]
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 National Waiting List Management Policy, a standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, since 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.
183. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the did-not-attend rates for hospital procedures by hospital in 2017 and to date in 2018. [28141/18]
View answerThe National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) collects and collates information in respect of the Inpatient, Day Case, Planned Procedure (IDPP*) and Outpatient (OP) Waiting Lists.
In terms of the query raised by the Deputy, the NTPF have provided me with this information, and I have arranged for my Department to email you the relevant spreadsheet.
184. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Health the status of a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied); if the appointment will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28146/18]
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 National Waiting List Management Policy, a standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, since 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.
185. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive a CAMHS appointment. [28149/18]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
186. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the reason persons with disabilities under 18 years of age are not able to access personalised budgets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28158/18]
View answerI have received the Report of the Task Force on Personalised Budgets and am currently considering its recommendations.
187. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Health when the HSE appeals procedure in relation to circular 17/2013 was first issued; the steps taken to ensure compliance with this appeals procedure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28164/18]
View answerI have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
188. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the number of persons with disabilities who remain in inappropriate institutions; if the matter will be addressed in the context of Article 19 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and in the context of the recent ESRI and Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission report Discrimination and Inequality in Housing in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28168/18]
View answerAs the deputy will be aware, Ireland recently ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities which came into force for Ireland on 19 April this year.
The Convention, in Article 19, calls upon State parties to recognise the equal right of all persons with disabilities to live in the community, with choices equal to others, and shall take effective and appropriate measures to facilitate full enjoyment by persons with disabilities of this right and their full inclusion and participation in the community. Accordingly, ‘Living in the Community’ has been designated as one of eight themes within the National Disability Inclusion Strategy launched in 2017, which is co ordinated by the Department of Justice and Equality.
The strategy commits the Government to supporting people with disabilities to live a fulfilled life and enabling them to participate fully in the activities of their communities through a range of measures. Such measures include full implementation of the Transforming Lives Programme; a strengthened focus on culture change from the ‘care’ to ‘support’ model; and the development of actions at community level to build and sustain for disability.’
The report by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, referred to by the Deputy, examines several different aspects of discrimination and inequality relating to housing, accessing housing and housing quality and is a matter for the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government. However, in the context of decongregation, and the process of moving people from institutions into modern independent community living, there is regular and continued engagement between officials from the Department of Health, the HSE and the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government.
This 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 .
The HSE Disability Service Plan is providing for 8,399 residential places this year. The process of moving people with a disability from congregated settings into the community, to live more independent lives, is progressing. At the beginning of 2018 there were 2,370 residents remaining in a congregated setting, down from over 4,000 when this process began. In 2017, 144 people moved into the community, while there has been steady progress in the first quarter of 2018. Current projections are that 170 will complete their move to the community this year.
189. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health his views on laws governing the below-cost selling of alcohol; his further views on whether the law as stated is robust enough; and his plans to bring forward further legislation in this area. [28170/18]
View answerOne of the main provisions of the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill is the introduction of minimum unit pricing. This provision will prohibit the advertising or sale of alcohol products below a set minimum price. This is a targeted measure designed to prevent the sale of alcohol at very cheap prices and aimed at those who drink in a harmful and hazardous manner.
My Department has evidence based findings from commissioned research which show that minimum unit pricing is a more targeted and therefore effective measure than increasing excise duty or introducing a ban on below cost selling. The research indicates that neither of these options address the health harms associated with the consumption of strong cheap alcohol products.
A ban on below cost selling based on the invoice cost price of the alcohol product to the retailer would not target strong, cheap alcohol unlike minimum unit pricing which will target the very cheapest alcohol relative to its strength because the price is determined by, and directly proportionate to, the amount of alcohol in the drink.
190. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the details of the medical card provision to survivors of the Magdalen laundries; the scope of its cover; the services it does not provide for; the similar provisions that apply in other cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28215/18]
View answerQualification for health services under the Redress for Women Resident in Certain Institutions (RWRCI) Act 2015 is based on the following:
(i) The Minister for Justice and Equality has determined that a woman is eligible under the Restorative Justice Scheme, which provides for the making of ex-gratiapayments to women who were admitted to and worked in a relevant institution; and,
(ii) A woman has accepted a formal offer made to her by the Minister for Justice and Equality under the Restorative Justice Scheme.
These women will receive a 2015A Scheme card from the HSE, which identifies the holder as qualifying for the health services specified in the RWRCI Act 2015.
The following primary and community health services are available to cardholders in Ireland and will be provided on the basis of assessed needs:
(i) General Practitioner Service
This includes standard attendances for routine general practitioner services at a GP chosen by the cardholder from the list of GPs participating in the General Medical Services (GMS) scheme or a non-GMS registered medical practitioner providing general practitioner services.
(ii) Drugs, Medicines and Medical and Surgical Appliances
The card holder is eligible to receive free of charge all medicines, medical and surgical appliances that are currently reimbursed by the community drugs scheme. This eligibility refers to items prescribed by a clinical professional. Cardholders are not required to pay any prescription fees.
(iii) Dental, Ophthalmic and Aural Services
The card holder has access to public dental, ophthalmic (eye sight) and aural (hearing) services.
Dental Services
Service under the Dental Treatment Service Scheme include:
- A free oral examination every calendar year
- Two fillings every calendar year
- All extractions
- Free emergency dental treatment for relief of pain and sepsis
- Dentures (every 5 years, if clinically necessary)
- Additional fillings, prophylaxis, other more complex dental treatments if clinically indicated
Ophthalmic Services
This service includes:
- Free eye examination by an optometrist or an ophthalmologist
- Any necessary standard spectacles, (frames and lenses, once every two years more often if required in certain medical circumstances). Lost or broken spectacles may be replaced within two years.
Aural Services
The HSE provides aural services, including hearing tests, hearing aids and repairs of hearing aids.
(iv) Home Nursing Service
The card holder can access the home nursing service, which is provided by the HSE under section 60 of the Health Act 1970, (as amended). The nursing service, which is defined as care provided at home, can provide advice on matters relating to the cardholder’s health and assist her if she is sick.
(v) Home Support Service
The card holder can access the home support service, which is provided by the HSE under section 61 of the Health Act 1970, (as amended). This service assists her to remain in her own home and provides assistance with personal care. The extent of support will be determined following an assessment by a registered medical practitioner or a registered nurse that the service is so required.
(vi) Chiropody Service
The card holder can access chiropody services, which are provided by the HSE, following a referral made by a registered medical practitioner, registered nurse or Primary Care team.
(vii) Physiotherapy Service
The card holder can access physiotherapy services, which are provided by the HSE, following a referral made by a registered medical practitioner or Primary Care team.
(viii) Counselling Service
The card holder can access a counselling service, relative to her admission to and/or work in any of the institutions specified in the Schedule in the RWRCI Act 2015. The counselling service is provided by the HSE, following a referral made by a registered medical practitioner, e.g. the woman’s GP.
In order to access the services of the RWRCI Act, card holders are required to produce their cards as evidence of eligibility to gain access to services.
191. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be called for a procedure at University Hospital Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28217/18]
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 National Waiting List Management Policy, a standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, since 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.
192. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health if hospital transport can be provided to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28240/18]
View answerAs this is a service issue, I have asked the HSE to reply to you directly.
193. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an appointment for a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28241/18]
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 National Waiting List Management Policy, a standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, since 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.
194. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will have an operation at University Hospital Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28242/18]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly as soon as possible.
195. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an appointment for a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28243/18]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
196. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an appointment for a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28244/18]
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 National Waiting List Management Policy, a standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, since 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.
197. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health if he is satisfied that those in need of home care are able to access the care in a timely manner and that this care is adequate to meet their needs in view of the reliance on private companies to deliver home care packages; if an audit of these services has been carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28249/18]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
