Tuesday, 16 Oct 2018

Proposed Legislation

Questions (471)

Noel Rock

Question:

471. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Health when the Bill for assisted health reproduction will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42318/18]

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Written answers

As you 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 General Scheme is published on my Department’s website. This comprehensive piece of legislation encompasses the regulation of a range of practices, including: gamete (sperm or egg) and embryo donation for AHR and research; surrogacy; pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) of embryos; posthumous assisted reproduction; and embryo and stem cell research. The General Scheme also provides for an independent regulatory authority for AHR.

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. 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. However, it is not possible at this time to give a definitive timeline for the completion of the draft Bill and its subsequent passage through the Houses of the Oireachtas.

General Medical Services Scheme

Questions (472)

Stephen Donnelly

Question:

472. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost in 2019 of expanding access to free general practitioner care through a 10% increase in the weekly income thresholds for general practitioner visit cards; and the full year cost of same. [42319/18]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

Budget 2019 provided for a 10% increase in the assessment threshold in respect of means-tested GP visit cards. This change comes into effect from 31st March 2019. The cost of this measure will be dependent on a number of factors, including the number of additional applications made to the HSE, the timescale within which these are made and the number of applicants who are found to qualify for this benefit. Funding of €20 million in respect of the measure is being included in the HSE's allocation for 2019.

Health Services Staff Recruitment

Questions (473)

Niall Collins

Question:

473. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health the status of a recruitment process (details supplied); the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42321/18]

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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.

HSE Agency Staff Expenditure

Questions (474)

Margaret Murphy O'Mahony

Question:

474. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the expenditure incurred employing agency nurses to date in 2017; and the fee paid to recruitment agencies to hire staff in the HSE. [42325/18]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

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

Home Help Service Provision

Questions (475)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

475. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if the home help hours for a person (details supplied) will be sanctioned immediately; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42327/18]

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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.

Disability Services Provision

Questions (476)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

476. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the status of the implementation of the action plan for an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42328/18]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.

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

Drug and Alcohol Task Forces

Questions (477)

John Curran

Question:

477. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health when funding allocations for drug and alcohol task forces will be announced; if there will be an increase in core funding to these task forces in view of the financial challenges many are facing having received no increase in funding in several years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42334/18]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

Drug and Alcohol Task Forces play a key role in assessing the extent and nature of the drug problem and in initiating appropriate responses, so that there is a coordinated approach involving all sectors to the problem of substance misuse in local communities.

Over €27.85m has been allocated to Task Forces by the HSE and the Department of Health for community-based drugs initiatives this year. This level of funding is consistent with the amounts provided for the last four years. This included an additional €540,000 in one off funding to the Task Forces to supports implementation of the national drugs strategy. In addition, Task Forces are being consulted on the provision of €710,000 in one off funding for priority projects and services in CHO areas.

Implementing the health-led national drugs strategy continues to be a Government priority. Within the increased envelope of resources available in Budget 2019 for health services, my intention is to prioritise funding for community drug and alcohol projects in task force areas of greatest need, additional drug and alcohol midwives working with vulnerable mothers-to-be and enhanced treatment services to address existing and emerging needs. The full details of the allocation to task forces will be set out in the HSE 2019 national service plan.

It is intended that all Local and Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Forces will be notified of their 2019 funding allocations by the Department and the HSE as soon as the HSE National Service Plan for 2019 has been approved by the Minister for Health.

Disabilities Assessments

Questions (478)

Darragh O'Brien

Question:

478. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Health the number of children waiting for assessment by early intervention teams in CHO 9; and the number waiting zero to three, three to six, six to nine, nine to 12, 12 to 18, 18 to 24 and more than 24 months, respectively. [42335/18]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.

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

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services Funding

Questions (479)

John Brady

Question:

479. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health if the €55 million increase in the mental health budget will include an allocation of expansion of Jigsaw youth mental health services; if expanding the jigsaw service to County Wicklow is included in budget 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42356/18]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

Budget 2019 allocated an additional €84 million for mental health services, bringing the HSE Mental Health budget to almost €1 billion, an increase of 40% since 2012. Of this, €35 million is apportioned for new developments, while €20 million is for the further growth of projects commenced in 2018. New developments will be progressed in the context of both the overall HSE Service Plan 2019, and the more detailed regional Operational Plan for Mental Health. These will be published by the HSE in the near future.

In order to ensure that public funding is being spent wisely, the HSE is currently reviewing Jigsaw services across a number of headings including Financial, Clinical and Governance. The HSE expects to have this process completed by end of 2018.

This review, in conjunction with the HSE Service Plan and Operational Plan 2019, will help inform potential expansion of the Jigsaw service nationally, including any proposals relating to Wicklow.

HSE National Service Plan

Questions (480)

Gerry Adams

Question:

480. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health when the HSE is expected to submit its service plan for 2019 following budget 2019 measures announced to support persons with disabilities. [42377/18]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The timeframes for submission of the HSE National Service Plan for my colleague, the Minister for Health's approval are set down in legislation. As provided for under the Health Act 2004, as amended, the Department must write to the Health Service Executive to notify it of its allocation for 2019 not later than 21 days after the publication by the Government of the Estimates for Public Services. The legislation further provides that, on receipt of the letter of determination, the Executive has 21 days to prepare and submit its National Service Plan for 2019 for my approval. The Health Act allows the Minister to extend the period provided to the HSE to prepare, adopt and submit its Service Plan, if required.

Following the submission of the draft National Service Plan by the HSE, the legislation provides 21 days for the Minister to examine the proposed Plan and where necessary to seek amendment to, or approve, the Plan. The National Service Plan must be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas within 21 days of its approval. Once the Service Plan is laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas the HSE must ensure it is published at the earliest possible time.

Disability Support Services Funding

Questions (481, 482, 483, 485, 487)

Gerry Adams

Question:

481. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the way in which the €12 million announced in budget 2019 to develop day services for school leavers with disabilities will be allocated to each CHO area; and the services, programmes or projects that will receive funding from this allocation. [42378/18]

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Gerry Adams

Question:

482. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the breakdown of the further €150 million for disability services in 2019 announced by the Minister in budget 2019 in tabular form; and the moneys from this which will be allocated specifically to County Louth. [42379/18]

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Gerry Adams

Question:

483. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the way in which the €150 million announced in budget 2019 for the provision of disability services will be allocated; the amount of funding that will be allocated to each CHO area; and the services, programmes or projects that will receive funding from this allocation. [42380/18]

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Gerry Adams

Question:

485. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the amount of additional funding that will be allocated to personal assistance hours as a result of budget 2019 for each CHO area; and the moneys which will be specific to County Louth. [42382/18]

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Gerry Adams

Question:

487. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the amount of additional funding that will be spent on respite care as a result of budget 2019 for each CHO area; and the moneys which will be specific to County Louth. [42384/18]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 481 to 483, inclusive, 485 and 487 together.

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.

The Programme for Partnership Government states that the Government wishes to provide more accessible respite care to facilitate full support for people with a disability.

Following last week's Budget announcement, the HSE and officials from the Department of Health immediately commenced the process of developing and agreeing the HSE National Service Plan 2019, which will set out, in detail, the type and quantum of services to be delivered in 2019 including in relation to services for people with disabilities.

As the Deputy's questions relate to service matters, I have arranged for them to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.

Disability Support Services Funding

Questions (484)

Gerry Adams

Question:

484. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the amount of additional funding that will be allocated to residential care as a result of budget 2019 in each CHO area; and the moneys will be specific to County Louth. [42381/18]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.

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

Question No. 485 answered with Question No. 481.

Home Help Service Expenditure

Questions (486)

Gerry Adams

Question:

486. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the amount of additional funding that will be allocated to home support service hours as a result of budget 2019 for each CHO area; and the moneys that will be specific to County Louth. [42383/18]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The Home Support Service is a core service for older people and is highly valued by service users, their families and by the HSE. It provides supports which assist older people to live independently in their own homes for longer and enables large numbers of people to return home following acute hospital admission who otherwise would remain in hospital or would be admitted to long stay residential care.

Following the recent Budget announcement, the HSE and officials from the Department of Health have commenced the process of developing and agreeing the HSE National Service Plan 2019, which will set out, in detail, the type and quantum of services to be delivered in 2019 including in relation to services for older people. The Service Plan will be developed over, approximately, the next month.

Question No. 487 answered with Question No. 481.

Respite Care Services Data

Questions (488, 490)

Gerry Adams

Question:

488. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the number of additional in-home respite hours for respite care that will be available as a result of budget 2019 for each CHO area; and the moneys which will be specific to County Louth. [42385/18]

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Gerry Adams

Question:

490. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the annual breakdown for the provision of respite care, in-house respite care and overnight respite sessions for each CHO area; and the breakdown for County Louth over the past four years, in tabular form. [42387/18]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 488 and 490 together.

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.

The Programme for Partnership Government states that the Government wishes to provide more accessible respite care to facilitate full support for people with a disability.

As the Deputy's questions relate to service matters, I have arranged for the questions to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.