Written Answers Nos. 785-804
786. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the supports available to persons wishing to access IVF treatments; his plans to extend and increase the number and level of supports and services available to such persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36094/18]
View answerCurrently, patients who access IVF treatment privately may claim tax relief on the costs involved under the tax relief for medical expenses scheme. In addition, a defined list of fertility medicines needed for fertility treatment is covered under the High Tech Scheme administered by the HSE. Medicines covered by the High Tech Scheme must be prescribed by a consultant/specialist and approved by the HSE ‘High Tech Liaison Officers’. The cost of the medicines is then covered, as appropriate, under the Medical Card or Drugs Payment Scheme. There is also a limited specialist AHR service available through the HSE, which provides funding for fertility preservation for cancer patients whose treatment is likely to impact on their future fertility.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Government approved the drafting of a Bill on assisted human reproduction (AHR) and associated areas of research in October last year. The introduction of legislation in relation to AHR and associated research is a priority for me and officials in my Department are engaging with the Office of the Attorney General in relation to the process of drafting this Bill. The General Scheme is published on my Department’s website and the Joint Committee on Health is currently conducting a review of the General Scheme of the Assisted Human Reproduction Bill 2017 as part of the pre-legislative scrutiny process, which began in January of this year.
In order to support the commencement of the legislation, officials in my Department are working with the HSE over the course of this year in developing a model of care for infertility to ensure the provision of safe, effective and accessible services through the public health system as part of the full range of services available in obstetrics and gynaecology.
Part of this work includes identifying policy options for a public funding model for AHR treatment. Once I have had the opportunity to consider these policy options I will bring a Memorandum to Government in relation to a model of care for infertility, including public funding for AHR treatment, for the Government's consideration.
It should be noted that any funding model that may ultimately be introduced would need to operate within the broader regulatory framework set out in the AHR Bill and a model of care for infertility.
787. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the status of progress regarding the implementation of the Non-Broadcast Media Advertising and Marketing of Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages, including Sponsorship and Retail Product Placement, Voluntary Codes of Practice; when the monitoring body will be set up to monitor the codes of practice; the timeframe for the designation of the body; the timeframe for the development of guidelines for implementation of the code; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36095/18]
View answer790. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health when the stakeholder forum on the built environment will be convened; the stakeholders and range of stakeholders that will be invited to attend and present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36099/18]
View answer809. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the status of each of the 20 priority actions identified in A Healthy Weight for Ireland which have been commenced within the first year; the status of each of the actions individually; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36199/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 787, 790 and 809 together.
A Healthy Weight for Ireland’, the Obesity Policy and Action Plan (OPAP), was launched in September 2016 under the auspices of the Healthy Ireland agenda.
The OPAP covers a ten year period up to 2025 and aims to reverse obesity trends, prevent health complications and reduce the overall burden for individuals, families, the health system, and the wider society and economy. Indeed it must be emphasised that every sector of our society has a role in reducing the burden of obesity and the OPAP clearly acknowledges this.
The policy prescribed 'Ten Steps Forward' that would be taken to prevent overweight and obesity. A new Obesity Policy Implementation Oversight Group was established in October 2017. The current position with implementing these is as follows:
1. Embed multi-sectoral actions on obesity prevention with the support of government departments and public sector agencies
An Obesity Policy Implementation Oversight Group (OPIOG) has been established under the Chair of the Department of Health. It is comprised of representatives from the following Departments and Agencies: Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine; Department of Children and Youth Affairs; Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection; Department of Education and Skills; Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government; University College Cork; the Food Safety Authority of Ireland; the Health Service Executive (HSE) - including the National Clinical Lead for Obesity; and Safefood. The OPIOG held its inaugural meeting on the 19th of October last with further meetings arranged at agreed intervals for the purposes of providing oversight to the implementation of the national Obesity Policy & Action Plan (OPAP). The OPIOG will identify processes for engaging with networks of stakeholders. It will elaborate on this aspect of its functions over the course of its work to implement the OPAP that runs up to 2025. Ultimately, it is under the umbrella of the OPIOG that the overarching ten steps forward and the individual actions listed in the OPAP under these steps are being largely implemented.
The OPAP recommended that proposals be developed relating to the rollout of evidence based fiscal measures, including a levy on sugar-sweetened drinks, in support of healthy eating. As the Deputy is aware the Sugar-Sweetened Drinks Tax commenced on the 1st of May. It represents a positive step in our national policy to deal with the problem of obesity.
2. Regulate for a healthier environment
The development of legislation for calorie posting to support people to make healthy choices is underway by the Department of Health. Currently, a behaviour study on how best to make the posting of calories meaningful to customers and more likely to impact on their behaviours is being carried out by the ESRI. In addition, actions in this area are being progressed through engagement with other Government Departments to support the work of stakeholders involved in planning and developing the built environment.
In line with Actions 31 and 59 of the National Physical Activity Plan, which commit to developing guidelines and support materials for those working in developing the built environment in order to promote the importance of physical activity (31), and to develop a programme of on-going stakeholder communication and engagement to ensure delivery of the Plan (59), it is intended to hold a Stakeholder Forum in November this year. The planned Forum will focus on the theme of the Built Environment.
Planning for the Forum is at an advanced stage, and a number of individuals have been approached with regard to giving presentations. A wide range of stakeholders will be invited to the Forum, comprising key representatives from health, sport, planning, environment, local government and others. Full details of the Forum will be available once finalised.
3. Secure appropriate support from the commercial sector to play its part in obesity prevention
At its inaugural meeting, the OPIOG agreed to establish two sub-groups for Reformulation and Healthy Eating. Both sub-groups have met on a number of occasions since being established and agreed their Terms of Reference.
The Reformulation sub-group will be technical in its work programme. The work of the sub-group will primarily set targets on reformulation of food and drink. It will also make recommendations on addressing reduction of portion sizes and on monitoring and validation procedures.
One of the priority actions under Step 3 of the OPAP was to ‘Establish a forum for meaningful engagement with industry on best practice initiatives towards a healthy food environment’. It is intended to progress this action under the auspices of the OPIOG in 2018. And in this regard, a workshop between the Reformulation sub-group of the OPIOG and Food Sector Stakeholders on reformulation is scheduled for the 20th of September next. The intention is that this workshop will provide an opportunity for detailed engagement with key Food Sector Stakeholders on the challenges and opportunities of reformulation in the interest of promoting the health and wellbeing of the population.
A code of practice for food and beverages promotion, marketing and sponsorship has also been developed involving representatives from the food industry, advertising sector, statutory agencies, and various Government Departments. It was chaired by the former CEO of the statutory Food Safety Authority of Ireland. The Codes of Practice concerned were published in February. In line with the Principles of Governance specified in the Codes of Practice, the process to designate a monitoring body by the Minister for Health is continuing and I expect that it shall be well advanced over the next quarter of 2018. The development of guidance on the Codes is also featuring in this process.
4. Implement a strategic and sustained communications strategy that empowers individuals, communities and service providers to become obesity aware and equipped to change, with a particular focus on families with children in the early years
The previously launched Healthy Ireland 2018 campaign seeks to encourage people to get out and get active together this summer – whether walking with a group, visiting some of our many parks and heritage sites with family or sharing a salad or summer fruit with friends. Building on January’s Healthy Ireland 2018 campaign, which encouraged people to make a small, healthy change, the Summer campaign highlights the benefits of making those changes with others – getting out and feeling good together. Research shows that starting a healthy habit with someone, such as a family member, friend or colleague, is more likely to last than if you do it alone.
A new child obesity campaign from Safefood and the HSE was recently launched. It's called the START campaign and it aims to inspire, empower and support parents to start building and persist with healthy lifestyle habits in the family to prevent childhood obesity. The first phase of the campaign advertising features on TV, radio, video on demand, outdoor and digital platforms. The next phase of the campaign was launched in April.
5. The Department of Health, through Healthy Ireland, will provide leadership, engage and co-ordinate multi-sectoral action and implement best practice in the governance of the Obesity Policy and Action Plan
As referred to at step 1 above, the establishment of an Obesity Policy Implementation Oversight Group is well advanced. New Healthy Eating Guidelines, Food Pyramid and supporting resources have already been published, disseminated and communicated in 2017, including dissemination of the new Guidelines to all primary and post-primary schools.
Work has also commenced on developing Healthy Eating Guidelines for the 1-5 year old age group. As a first step in this work, the Scientific Committee of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) is currently developing scientific recommendations for food based dietary guidelines for 1 to 5 year olds.
New Nutrition Standards for schools, with an initial focus on school meal programmes funded by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, have also been developed. These Nutrition Standards were published in September 2017. The Nutrition Standards were developed by the Department of Health with the assistance of Safefood and the Health Service Executive, in cooperation with the members of the School Meals Programme in the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection and the Department of Education and Skills.
6. Mobilise the health services to better prevent and address overweight and obesity through effective community-based health promotion programmes, training and skills development and through enhanced systems for detection and referrals of overweight and obese patients at primary care level
A Healthy Eating, Active Living Programme has been established as a Policy Priority Programme within the HSE and a three-year plan for the programme has been finalised. The GP contract for the provision of free care to children under 6 years, already provides that the medical practitioner shall take an active approach toward promoting health and preventing disease through the provision of periodic assessments to child patients.
The HSE is also implementing a Breastfeeding Action Plan and a new Making Every Contact Count brief intervention framework which aims to capitalise on the opportunities that occur every day within the health service to support people to make healthy lifestyle choices.
On the issue of nutrition in hospitals, the HSE is developing a Food, Nutrition and Hydration Policy for Adult Patients, Staff and Visitors in Acute Hospitals. Consultation on the policy has been completed and comments are currently being reviewed. The policy will apply to all locations in Acute Hospitals including Inpatient wards, Emergency Departments, Day Procedure Units as well as all facilities providing food and beverages for staff and visitors. The aim is to improve the quality and safety of food, nutritional and hydration care in our hospitals.
7. Develop a service model for specialist care for children and adults
Professor Donal O’Shea was appointed the National Clinical Lead for Obesity. This appointment will be important in further advancing the implementation of many of the recommendations in the OPAP including the development of a national integrated service model for the health and social care of overweight and obese people and for developing quality assurance guidance for obesity services.
8. Acknowledge the key role of physical activity in the prevention of overweight and obesity
'Get Ireland Active! The National Physical Activity Plan for Ireland' (NPAP) is one of the key developments arising from Healthy Ireland, and implementation of that Plan is well underway in collaboration with the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and a range of other stakeholders.
9. Allocate resources according to need, in particular to those population groups most in need of support in the prevention and management of obesity, with particular emphasis on families and children during the first 1,000 days of life
The implementation of the Healthy Eating and Active Living Plan within the HSE will begin to address this action area, with a particular focus on supporting parents and families.
10. Develop a multi-annual research programme that is closely allied to policy actions, invest in surveillance and evaluate progress on an annual basis
The establishment of the national oversight structure referred to earlier will foster developments under this step of the OPAP.
788. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the status of the progress with the development of the new five-year stroke strategy; the timeline for the development of the strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36096/18]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
789. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the consultations undertaken by his Department in 2017 and to date in 2018; the status of these consultations; if the results of these consultations have been published; the way in which the consultations feed into policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36097/18]
View answerDetails of Public consultations for 2018 to date and 2017 are available on the Department's Website at health.gov.ie. There are no consultations currently open for this Department.
Each consultation undertaken is carried out to address specific issues under consideration by the Department. Submissions are not generally published as a final report is not usually produced on the consultation itself.
Consultations inform policy development and or legislation through a variety of means including informing deliberations of working groups tasked with making recommendations to the Minister (e.g. Consultation on Personal Possession of Illegal Drugs) or assisting the Department in implementing Government policy. The Sláintecare Report proposed the geographic alignment of Hospital Groups and Community Health Organisations. The consultation on Geographical Alignment of Community Healthcare Organisations and Hospital Groups – Towards Integrated and Person-centred Care was undertaken to assist the Department in considering what actions may be taken, and in a manner which is reflective of the broadest possible range of views from stakeholders and members of the public.
In line with Department of Public Expenditure and Reform guidelines, those submitting proposals are advised that their submissions are subject to Department are subject to the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2014 and may be released in response to an FOI request.
791. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36103/18]
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.
792. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if conditions for patients (details supplied) will be improved at University Hospital Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36109/18]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly as soon as possible.
793. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if the case of poor practice relating to a person (details supplied) in a hospital will be investigated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36110/18]
View answerAs 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 as soon as possible.
794. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in County Kerry who have applied under the cross-border directive for cataract operations in the past 12 months; the number who have had payments issued to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36111/18]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
795. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health if a change to the assessment guidelines for the over 70s medical card will be considered to take into account net rather than gross income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36114/18]
View answerThere are no proposals at present to amend the current assessment guidelines for the granting of eligibility for medical cards for persons aged 70 and over. However, it should be noted that the gross income limits are reviewed annually and considered in the context of the budget.
796. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the status of the provision of the 20-week anomaly scan for all expectant mothers at the Midlands Regional Hospital, Mullingar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36115/18]
View answerThe National Maternity Strategy is very clear that all women must have equal access to standardised ultrasound services. The Strategy is being implemented on a phased basis and this work is being led by the National Women and Infants Health Programme. The Programme's Implementation Plan for the Strategy includes a number of actions to facilitate the provision by all maternity hospitals/units of dating and anomaly scans to all pregnant women.
Furthermore, additional development funding of €4.15 million is being allocated to maternity services this year. The Programme has prioritised improving quality and safety, establishing community midwifery teams and increasing access to anomaly scans. I understand that the Programme has approved the appointment of an additional 28 ultrasonographers which was the total requirement identified to provide 100% access to anomaly scanning.
Pending the completion of the requisite recruitment and training processes, I am assured that the Programme will continue to work with the six Hospital Groups to assist in increasing access to anomaly scans for those units with limited availability. The Programme is also working with the Maternity Networks to ensure foetal medicine expertise is available when an anomaly is identified. In relation to the status of anomaly scan provision at the Midlands Regional Hospital, Mullingar, I have asked the HSE to reply to you directly.
797. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health the status of an application by a person (details supplied). [36117/18]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
798. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the progress in resolving difficulties in regard to the operation of chiropractic services in view of the agreement by all parties at a meeting of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health that qualified chiropractic practitioners should be allowed to refer patients and carry out x-rays as heretofore; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36129/18]
View answer896. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the progress in resolving difficulties in regard to the operation of chiropractic services and the wish expressed by all parties at a meeting of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health that qualified chiropractic practitioners should be allowed to refer patients and carry out x-rays as heretofore; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36579/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 798 and 896 together.
This question relates to the transposition of the medical provisions of the Basic Safety Standards Directive (BSSD) by my Department and the request by chiropractors to be designated as referrers and practitioners in the transposing regulations (they are not designated in the current relevant regulations).
I am currently examining the matter, including recent correspondence from the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health.
799. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the status of the case of a person (details supplied); and when a hospital appointment will be expedited. [36142/18]
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.
800. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if he will provide the unpublished report review of public hospital interventional care for acute coronary syndrome patients in Ireland 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36153/18]
View answerThis review was conducted by the Health Service Executive and as such this PQ has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
801. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health the amount of funding provided to a service (details supplied) in each of the years 2005 to 2017 and to date in 2018. [36155/18]
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.
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.
802. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of cath labs in operation at St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin in each of the years 1978 to 2017 and to date in 2018, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36160/18]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly, as soon as possible.
803. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if the case of a person (details supplied) will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36173/18]
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.
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.
804. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if an appointment for a person (details supplied) will be scheduled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36175/18]
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.
