Written Answers Nos. 298-312
298. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the progress to date in the determination of an application for a medical card in the case of a person (details supplied); if all documentation has been received and processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38467/18]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
299. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the savings that will accrue to his Department in 2019 arising from the agreement with an association (details supplied); and the way in which this is accounted for in the fiscal space calculations for 2019. [38477/18]
View answerThe 2016 Framework Agreement on the Supply and Pricing of Medicines (available at http://www.ipha.ie/alist/ipha-hse-agreement.aspx), between the State and the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA), is expected to deliver approximately €600 million in savings from IPHA companies over the four year lifetime of the Agreement and €150 million in savings from non-IPHA companies.
The 2016 Agreement represents clear additional value to the State over previous agreements. For example, the reference basket of countries, used to set drug prices in Ireland, has been expanded from 9 to 14 countries, including lower cost countries. Also, the Agreement now provides for an annual price realignment, so that Irish medicine prices can be reduced in line with price reductions across the reference countries. This will ensure the State achieves better value for money on medicines as prices in other basket countries are adjusted downwards over time. In addition, the Agreement provides for a 30% reduction in the price of biologic medicines when a biosimilar medicine enters the market.
A key focus of this agreement is to achieve lower prices in the face of both demographic pressures on expenditure and the continued development of new medicines, many of which pose affordability challenges to the Irish health service and internationally.
The estimated saving for 2019 from the Agreement is €203 m.
300. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the expenditure savings that are earmarked for his Department for 2019 that are not accounted for in the mid-year expenditure report or are not included in the fiscal space calculations for 2019. [38488/18]
View answerThe level of funding available for my Department is being considered as part of the national Estimates and budgetary process for 2019 which is currently underway. Pending completion of this process it is not appropriate for me to comment further at this stage.
301. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Health if the case of a person (details supplied) with very complex special needs and who requires specialised residential care will be examined; if funding will be granted to allow them to reside in a home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38502/18]
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.
302. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health if the HSE has made progress on securing a building (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38510/18]
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.
303. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health his plans for a new school building (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38513/18]
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.
304. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that pharmacy assistants are being regulated out of their jobs and existence by a society (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38514/18]
View answerThe Pharmacy Act 2007 established the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI) and the functions of the Society are set out in the Act. The functions of the PSI are carried out on its behalf by the Council of the Society.
Section 30 of the Act provides for an exception to the general provision in the Act which requires the sale and supply of medicines at a pharmacy to be conducted under the personal supervision of a registered pharmacist, and specifies that no offence is committed where a registered pharmaceutical assistant “acts on behalf of a registered pharmacist during the temporary absence of the registered pharmacist”.
Section 30 also permits the Council to make rules as to:
1. What may or may not be done by a registered pharmaceutical assistant when acting on behalf of a registered pharmacist; and
2. What constitutes the temporary absence of a registered pharmacist.
On June 21, the Council of the Society approved for issuance for public consultation the proposed draft Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (Temporary Absence of Pharmacist from Pharmacy) Rules 2018. This public consultation commenced on 17 July and ran until 14 August and afforded any interested party the opportunity to make representations on the matter directly to the PSI.
Following completion of the public consultation phase, the Council of the PSI considered the proposed draft Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (Temporary Absence of Pharmacist from Pharmacy) Rules 2018 at its meeting on the 20th September 2018 where Council approved the draft rules without amendment.
My role in relation to this process is limited to the consideration of any such Rules once submitted for my approval. I must consider any Rules presented to me from a fair and impartial perspective, without prejudice or prejudgement. I await the receipt of the Rules for my consideration from the PSI and until that time, I am unfortunately not in a position to comment any further on the matter raised.
305. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Health if CBD oil will be made available to persons with multiple sclerosis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38516/18]
View answerAs the deputy will be aware, cannabis is strictly controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Acts 1977 to 2016, and the Regulations and Orders made thereunder.
For the purposes of clarity, the two most common active components found in cannabis oil are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
Whilst THC is the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis, under the Misuse of Drugs legislation products containing THC are strictly controlled and possession is unlawful except under licence. However, although CBD is derived from cannabis, since it is not psychoactive it is not controlled under the Misuse of Drugs legislation, and does not require a Ministerial Licence.
Persons interested in the use of cannabis for medical purposes are strongly advised to consult the Department of Health website which contains details information on cannabis for medical use, including information on the different types of cannabis products and the specified medical conditions for which they may be used to treat, as well as clinical guidance on the use of medical cannabis products. This information can be found at the following website address:
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 patients or clinicians require any further details or clarification they are invited to contact the my Department directly.
306. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Health when the new transport support scheme will be put in place following the discontinuation of the mobility allowance for new applicants in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38517/18]
View answerThe Deputy will be familiar with the background to the closure of both the Mobility Allowance and Motorised Transport Grant schemes in February 2013.
My colleague, the Minister for Health and I brought a Memorandum to Government on proposals for a new Transport Support Payment Scheme towards the end of the last Dáil session. Following consideration of the matter, it was decided to withdraw the Memorandum from the Cabinet Agenda at the time. A new Transport Support Payment Scheme remains a priority and we intend to revert to Government with revised proposals to reflect the discussions at that Cabinet meeting and further discussions between ourselves, in due course.
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 persons with a disability are also exempt from payment of tolls on national roads and toll bridges. Transport Infrastructure Ireland has responsibility for this particular scheme.
There are improvements in access to a range of transport support schemes available to persons with disabilities in the State and on-going work is being carried out by Government Departments, agencies and transport providers to further improve access to public transport services. Under the National Disability Inclusion Strategy, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has responsibility for the continued development of accessibility and availability of public transport for people with a disability.
307. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the status of the planned new acute psychiatric unit at Sligo University Hospital; when the project will proceed to construction; if a completion date for the project has been determined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38523/18]
View answerThe HSE is responsible for the delivery of health infrastructure developments. I understand the HSE Directorate approved the tender contract last week. Therefore I expect construction work to commence shortly.
308. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Health the HSE supports offered to spinal injury patients who are seeking to move from a care setting into a home in the community in order to live independently; his views on whether discussions with the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government might advance this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38541/18]
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 a service issue, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
309. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Health if the HSE's views on whether the level of care provided to a person (details supplied) to date has been appropriate for a person who has suffered life-changing disabilities; if his attention has been drawn to the problems faced by the person; if clarification will be sought from the occupational services team in Sligo about when the person's wheelchair provision situation will be resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38542/18]
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.
310. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the level of funding being provided to an autism support organisation (details supplied); his plans to increase funding for this group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38543/18]
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.
311. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the reason only six paediatric scoliosis patients have been sent abroad for treatment under the treatment abroad scheme in view of the backlog of cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38548/18]
View answerIn May 2017 the HSE published the Scoliosis Waiting List Update and Service Development Plan, to address waiting times for Scoliosis. Under this Plan the Children's Hospital Group used a combination of insourcing of surgical procedures within the Children’s Hospital Group (CHG) and the broader public hospital sector, as well as outsourcing initiatives, including private providers nationally and abroad.
As part of the outsourcing initiative, two hospitals in the UK and two in Europe were engaged to undertake spinal fusion surgery. In 2017, 28 surgeries were completed in these hospitals.
The Children’s Hospital Group has advised that as part of the outsourcing initiative this year families were offered the opportunity to have their children’s surgery abroad but did not avail of the offer as they did not want to travel abroad.
They further advise that one child did have their surgery abroad in 2018, this was scheduled to have taken place in late 2017 but it was deferred until 2018.
More broadly, the Children’s Hospital Group has advised that as capacity has increased in its hospitals during 2018 there has not been the demand to send patients abroad for surgery.
Furthermore, the Deputy may wish to be aware that the HSE operates the Cross-Border Directive (CBD) in Ireland. Under the terms of the Directive, patients of an EU/EEA Member State who meet the necessary criteria may opt to avail of healthcare provided under the legislation of their Member State of affiliation in another EU/EEA Member State and be reimbursed the lesser of the cost of receiving the treatment abroad, or the cost in their own Member State. The HSE advise that Scoliosis surgery is not accessible via the Treatment Abroad Scheme (TAS).
In 2017 waiting times for scoliosis related surgery reduced for the first time in a number of years. This has continued in 2018 with the investment in paediatric orthopaedics this year, to include scoliosis services, which has already improved access for surgery and out-patient review to address the lengthy waiting times experienced by children and young people with scoliosis.
The impact of investment is now starting to deliver results with a consistent reduction in waiting times being recorded. The Children’s Hospital Group advise that already this year 319 spinal surgeries have been carried out and they are on course to meet the year of end target of 446 surgeries while at the same time dealing with the 291 children who have been added to the waiting list for scoliosis surgery this year.
312. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the progress made on the national roll-out of the no-fry zone in County Wicklow, which prevents the sale of fatty or fast food near schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38549/18]
View answerThe initiative that the Deputy has raised is relevant to the national Obesity Policy and Action Plan being implemented under the aegis of the Department of Health.
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. 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. Under the Plan, a new Obesity Policy Implementation Oversight Group (OPIOG) was established in October 2017 under the Chair of the Department of Health. It is comprised of representatives from a range of Government Departments and Agencies - including the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government.
Step 2 of the OPAP is Regulate for a healthier environment. One of the Actions under this Step is to "Develop guidelines and support material for those working in developing the built environment for urban development and planning in relation to reducing the obesogenic environment". The OPAP recognised that changing the obesogenic environment is a critical factor underpinning the success of maintaining the population at a healthy weight. The prevention approach aims to gradually change Ireland's food environment to one that facilitates consumption of healthier food and drinks and fosters active lifestyles. The OPAP acknowledged that food and retail outlets are more widely available now than every before and that this becomes important as children have discretionary income and may not follow the healthy eating guidelines. It therefore declared that it is important that the health input into the local area planning process is consistent and evidence based.
This area is 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 - including key representation from the initiative referred to by the Deputy - have been approached with regard to giving presentations at the Forum. 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.
Finally, the question of legislation around planning matters for the issue raised by the Deputy is ultimately a matter for my colleague the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, and I understand that he has addressed the position on this in his reply to Parliamentary Question 34831/17. For convenience a link to this question is here: https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/question/2017-07-13/1332/?highlight%5B0%5D=34831.
