Thursday, 20 Sep 2018

Written Answers Nos. 138-162

Hospital Appointments Status

Questions (138)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

138. 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. [38091/18]

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, 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.

Disease Incidence

Questions (139)

Eamon Scanlon

Question:

139. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health the number of reported cases of tuberculosis in each of the years 2015 to 2017 and to date in 2018; the position regarding the BCG tuberculosis vaccine and its availability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38112/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The number of reported cases of tuberculosis notified in each of the years 2015 to 2017 and to date in 2018 is as follows:

Year	2015	2016	2017	2018 *
Tuberculosis notifications	283	315	315	241

* Up to 19/09/2018

The Health Service Executive continues to experience ongoing delays with the supply of the vaccine. BCG vaccine stock in all areas expired at the end of April 2015 and the programme has been suspended since May 2015. The manufacturer has indicated that it may be in a position to resume supplies later this year.

Hospital Appointments Status

Questions (140)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

140. 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. [38117/18]

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 Provision

Questions (141)

Micheál Martin

Question:

141. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health if supports will be provided to a person (details supplied) and their family; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38121/18]

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 Provision

Questions (142)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

142. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive a full-time bed in a facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38141/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Questions (143)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

143. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the status of an appointment for an operation for a person (details supplied); if there is a timeframe for pre-assessment; the position of the person on the waiting list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38143/18]

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, 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.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Questions (144)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

144. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the status of a hospital appointment for an operation for a person (details supplied); if there is a timeframe for pre-assessment; the position of the person on the waiting list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38146/18]

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, 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.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Questions (145)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

145. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the status of a hospital appointment for an operation for a person (details supplied); if there is a timeframe for pre-assessment; the position of the person on the waiting list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38147/18]

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, 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.

Brexit Issues

Questions (146)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

146. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the plans the HSE is putting into place in case of supply issues with products sourced from the UK following the UK's departure from the EU in particular for children with rare diseases such as PKU (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38152/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Ensuring that Brexit produces minimum disruption to health services, and that essential services are maintained on a cross-Border, all-island and Ireland-UK basis is a key priority of the Department of Health. This includes maintaining continuity in the supply of medicines and other specialised supplies sourced from the UK.

The Department of Health and its agencies including the HSE have been conducting detailed analysis on the impacts of Brexit in the area of health and intensive Brexit preparedness and contingency planning is underway.

Maintaining continuity of supply of medicines and other specialised supplies sourced from the UK irrespective of the outcome of the Brexit negotiations is a key priority of the Department of Health. As such, we are examining customs and regulatory issues as they relate to additional food safety controls and medicines. The implications of Brexit for networks and organisations such as the EU Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed are also under consideration.

Contingency planning for a no-deal or worst-case outcome was identified as an early priority and is now well advanced. Its focus is on the immediate economic, regulatory and operational challenges which would result from such an outcome. It assumes a trading relationship based on the default WTO rules, but also examines the possible effects on many other areas of concern.

In line with this approach, the Government has already approved a number of key Brexit preparedness measures focused on East-West trade and has mandated the presentation to Government before the end of September of detailed and costed proposals on the staffing, IT, infrastructural and operational requirements for the implementation at ports and airports of the necessary customs controls and sanitary and phytosanitary checks required as a result of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. The Government had a further discussion on contingency and Brexit preparedness on 18 September.

This work has provided baseline scenarios for the impact of Brexit across all sectors, which can then be adapted as appropriate in light of developments in the EU-UK negotiations. This is enabling the modelling of potential responses under different scenarios, such as one where a withdrawal agreement, including a transitional arrangement, is concluded and where a Free Trade Agreement is the basis for the future relationship between the EU and the UK.

The co-ordination of the whole-of-Government response to Brexit is being taken forward through the cross-Departmental coordination structures chaired by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Under this structure the Department of Health is working closely with all other Government Departments and agencies to address the many challenges resulting from Brexit.

Occupational Therapy Waiting Lists

Questions (147)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

147. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the waiting times for an occupational therapist appointment in Dublin 11; when a person (details supplied) will be seen by an occupational therapist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38159/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.

Hospital Procedures

Questions (148, 149, 150)

Carol Nolan

Question:

148. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health when he expects to have sight of the chief medical officer’s report on the clinical and technical implication of using transvaginal mesh implants in surgical procedures [38165/18]

Carol Nolan

Question:

149. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the transvaginal mesh implant clinical protocols in place for surgical training, reporting and registration of procedures, reporting and publication of guidelines; and if the protocols in place meet the recommended standards of the UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence [38166/18]

Carol Nolan

Question:

150. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the number of transvaginal mesh implant removals that have been performed here; if these were full or partial removals; the number that were publicly or privately funded, respectively; and the number as a percentage of total implant procedures performed in this regard. [38167/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 148 to 150, inclusive, together.

As Minister for Health I am committed to putting in place the measures necessary to ensure that both the current use of Transvaginal mesh implants (TVMIs) in surgical procedures in Ireland, and the ongoing clinical management of women who have had these procedures in the past are in line with international best practice and emerging evidence. At my request, the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) is preparing a report which will make recommendations in relation to the clinical and technical issues involved. I am informed that following policy actions in relation to mesh by health authorities in the NHS and in Northern Ireland in July 2018, as set out below, further engagements with the HSE, the Health Products Regulatory Agency, the professional bodies and colleagues in other jurisdictions were needed for the purpose of finalising the report. I am informed that the CMO’s Report is anticipated to be completed in the coming weeks.

Pending finalisation of the report, a number of significant system actions in relation to mesh implants have already been advanced.

The CMO wrote to the Acting Director General of the Health Service Executive on 20 July 2018 to request that the Executive put immediate measures in place to:

1. Pause the use of all procedures involving uro-gynaecological/transvaginal mesh implants for the management of Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) or Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) in HSE funded hospitals, in cases where it is clinically appropriate and safe to do so.

2. Ensure that in situations where expert clinical judgment is that there is an urgency to carry out the procedure and no suitable alternative exists, surgery should proceed only if a delay would risk harm to the patient and should be based on multidisciplinary team decision and fully informed consent.

This pause is to remain in place pending confirmation of implementation by the Health Service Executive, working in conjunction with the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (IOG) and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), of three urgent recommendations relating to:

(i) Surgical Training,

(ii) Informed Consent and

(iii) the Development of an agreed Dataset of Mesh Procedures.

The Department also wrote to the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and the Continence Foundation of Ireland on requesting that they assist the HSE in progressing these recommendations on an urgent basis.

The HSE has published information for patients on its website concerning the pause.

It is acknowledged that there may be concerns that restricting the availability of mesh procedures, particularly SUI mesh procedures, which are widely accepted to be less invasive and more effective than non-mesh alternatives will delay access to treatment procedures for distressing symptoms. Advice received in relation to this is that uro-gynaecological mesh procedures are largely elective procedures and it is not anticipated that a postponement of weeks/months will materially affect health outcomes for the majority of women affected. Given the limited number of surgeons and units carrying out these procedures in HSE funded hospitals, it is anticipated that the Executive will be in a position to indicate to the Department that these recommendations have been implemented within a number of months.

The decision to institute a pause in vaginal mesh procedures in HSE funded hospitals followed a review by Department officials, together with representatives of the HSE and the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA), of the NHS England decision of Tuesday 10 July to institute a similar ‘pause’ in their use. This decision in the NHS followed a recommendation by the Independent Medicines and Medical Devices Safety (IMMDS) Review established in February 2018 by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, the Rt. Hon Jeremy Hunt MP. On Wednesday July 11, a pause was instigated by health authorities in Northern Ireland.

It has been clarified by the NHS that there is no concurrent change in the evidence base concerning these devices. The recommendations of the IMMDS to NHS England arose because of a lack of certainty or confidence that critical clinical governance measures to assure the safety of mesh procedures are demonstrably in place. The Department considers that similar concerns in relation to the visibility and consistency of such measures apply equally in the public health system here.

There is understandable public and patient anxiety about the ongoing safety of mesh devices in light of the considerable publicity that this issue has received and this has been heightened by recent developments in the NHS. It is important that this be addressed as comprehensively as possible. A pause on the use of mesh procedures, pending confirmation by the Executive that the recommendations as set out above have been implemented, is considered proportionate and necessary to provide public assurance that these procedures are being carried out in accordance with internationally accepted good practice.

The advice of the HPRA to the Department is that it is supports a temporary restriction on all procedures involving uro-gynaecological/transvaginal mesh implants, pending the introduction of the further clinical mechanisms proposed relating to the delivery of care for patients. The regulatory status of uro-gynaecological mesh implants at a European level remains unchanged in that they are CE marked medical devices. As such, the benefit-risk profile for the devices is considered positive. Ensuring that the use of transvaginal mesh is appropriate and as safe as possible requires, not only that the device is safe and performs as intended, but also that the healthcare system has appropriate measures for patient selection, treatment and follow-up in place.

In relation to the provision of appropriate aftercare for women suffering from mesh complications, including appropriate diagnostic facilities, this has already been identified as one of two priority recommendations for immediate advancement by the Executive in the course of preparation of the CMO’s report. The CMO wrote to the Acting Director General of the HSE, and to the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (IOG), the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), and the Continence Foundation of Ireland (CFI) on May 28 2018, requesting that the Executive commence work on (i) the development of appropriate patient information resources and consent materials and (ii) clarification and development of treatment pathways and appropriate referral services for women suffering from mesh-related complications, in conjunction with the IOG, the RCSI and the CFI.

The HSE has confirmed that work has commenced by the National Women and Infants Health Programme (NWIHP) in the HSE to progress all of the recommendations above. A Learning Notice concerning mesh devices in uro-gynaecological procedures was circulated by the NWIHP on 26 June 2018 to all maternity hospitals and acute hospitals with gynaecological services to highlight the importance of appropriate patient selection, adequate information and consent and also to inform the service providers that a Response Group has been convened to propose remedies for and address the provision of aftercare for complications. This learning notice has been posted on the NWIHP website.

The experiences of women concerned will be an essential element to informing the assessment of need and identifying the aftercare services required. I am informed that a Synthetic Mesh Devices Advisory Group has been convened by the NWIHP which includes three patient representatives, as well as representatives of the HPRA, the IOG, the RCSI, the CFI and all Hospital Groups to advise on and action all of the recommendations.

This work is ongoing and will include identifying the appropriate specialist clinical expertise and facilities required at hospital group level and nationally to provide comprehensive aftercare services. It will also include an examination of the role of and requirement for specialist diagnostic services such as translabial scanning. The outcome of this work will clarify if there is a need to look at sourcing services from abroad to address any shortfalls identified at national level, either through utilisation of the treatment abroad scheme or by commissioning services from abroad.

The information provided by the HSE is that approximately 700-800 procedures are carried out annually for pelvic organ prolapse repair and similar numbers of sling procedures for stress urinary incontinence are performed. However, the HSE Hospital In-patient Enquiry (HIPE) system does not record the numbers of these procedures that involve the implantation of a mesh device. The HIPE system also does not code for repair or revision procedures which involve the removal of mesh. Information about mesh procedures and mesh removals in private hospitals is not available at national level.

The HSE advice is that all patients who have experienced complications due to mesh devices are advised to contact their consultant’s clinic in the first instance. Each hospital group has nominated an individual to coordinate a response to this group of patients. If patients are having trouble accessing information they can contact the National Women & Infants Health Programme at [e-mail] for help.

Primary Care Centres Provision

Questions (151)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

151. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the status of the proposed primary care centre in Bettystown and Laytown, County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38170/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As the HSE has responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres and other Primary Care facilities, the Executive has been asked to reply directly to the Deputy.

Home Care Packages Data

Questions (152)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

152. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the number of home care packages that were applied for and approved through both the Louth and Meath disability services in counties Louth and Meath in each of the years of 2016, 2017 and to date in 2018, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38174/18]

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.

Speech and Language Therapy Data

Questions (153)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

153. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the caseload per speech and language therapist for counties Louth and Meath in each of the years 2016, 2017 and to date in 2018, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38176/18]

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 service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.

Cannabis for Medicinal Use

Questions (154)

Lisa Chambers

Question:

154. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Health the process a person must follow to access cannabis oil in circumstances in which the person suffers with epilepsy. [38180/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Medical practitioners and patients may consult the Department of Health website which contains information on medical cannabis, including clinical guidance on the use of medical cannabis and details on how a medical practitioner may apply for a Ministerial licence for medical cannabis. This information can be found at

https://health.gov.ie/blog/publications/cannabis-for-medical-use/

It is important to note that the decision to prescribe or not prescribe any treatment, including cannabis treatment, for an individual patient is strictly a decision for the treating clinician, in consultation with their patient. As Minister for Health I have no role in this clinical decision-making process.

If clinicians or patients require any further details or clarification, having consulted the information on the website, they may contact the Department of Health directly.

Hospital Services

Questions (155)

Mary Butler

Question:

155. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health the position at UHW regarding the additional hours that were granted as a result of the recommendations in the Herity report for 20% extra hours for cardiac services; if the staff members have been recruited; if not, the reason therefor; the days on which the extra hours occur; if it is possible for the extra hours to be facilitated on a Saturday when the catheterisation laboratory is closed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38182/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly, as soon as possible.

Hospital Appointments Status

Questions (156)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

156. 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. [38184/18]

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, 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.

Hospital Appointments Status

Questions (157)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

157. 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. [38185/18]

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, 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.

Medical Aids and Appliances Provision

Questions (158)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

158. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health when equipment will be removed from the home of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38186/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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

Hospital Services

Questions (159)

Eamon Scanlon

Question:

159. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health the expected completion date of the new acute mental health unit at Sligo University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38188/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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

Haddington Road Agreement Implementation

Questions (160)

Clare Daly

Question:

160. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 586 of 7 September 2018, the reason a formal procedure for informing the relevant individuals of the process to appeal was not utilised in view of a paragraph (details supplied) in the circular in regard to the appeal procedure relating to Circular 17/2013. [38189/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly on this matter.

Medicinal Products Availability

Questions (161)

John Curran

Question:

161. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health if he has had a meeting with an organisation (details supplied) to address the issue of ensuring that new medicines are made available to persons with MS as quickly as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38198/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The HSE has statutory responsibility for medicine pricing and reimbursement decisions, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. The Act specifies the criteria for decisions on the reimbursement of medicines. As Minister for Health, I do not have any statutory power or function in relation to reimbursement of medicines.

Under the 2013 Act, if a company wishes to have a medicine reimbursed through the community drugs schemes, it must submit an application to the HSE to have the medicine added to the Reimbursement List.

As outlined in the 2016 Framework Agreement on the Supply and Pricing of Medicines, 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 add the medicine to the reimbursement list, agree to reimburse it as a hospital medicine or refuse to reimburse it.

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 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 ongoing basis. This can lead to a protracted deliberation process.

I am keen to explore ways in which new medicines might be more easily available for public patients in Ireland, but innovative approaches must be compatible with the statutory provisions in place and must also recognise fundamental pricing and funding issues, in the context of finite Exchequer resources.

Owing to scheduling difficulties, it was not possible for me to meet with MS Ireland in June. However, I am willing to meet with MS Ireland on a mutually convenient date.

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services Data

Questions (162)

Eamon Scanlon

Question:

162. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health the number of children and adolescents waiting for an appointment for child and adolescent mental health services in CHO1 to date in September 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38204/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.