Thursday, 8 Nov 2018

Written Answers Nos. 130-154

Departmental Contracts Data

Questions (130)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

130. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the completed design and build projects commissioned by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46161/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of health infrastructure projects.

Appendix 4 of the HSE's National Service Plan outlines the capital projects due to be completed and operational each year. The full list of projects for 2018 is published in the 2018 National Service Plan, which is available on the HSE website at: https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/publications/serviceplans/national-service-plan-2018.pdf

Home Help Service Eligibility

Questions (131)

Denis Naughten

Question:

131. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) will be reassessed for home help; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46162/18]

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 (132)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

132. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 464 of 16 October 2018, when a reply will issue from the HSE. [46176/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Reducing waiting time for patients for hospital operations and procedures is a key priority for the Government. This year has seen ongoing improvements with the number of patients waiting for inpatient and daycase procedures (IPDC), now at 72,700 from the peak of 86,100 in July 2017. This represents a 16% reduction in the overall number of patients waiting for an inpatient or day case procedure.

In addition, the waiting list figures show that since July 2017, the number of patients waiting for a hip/knee replacement has reduced from 3,500 to 2,800 at the end of September 2018 equating to a reduction of 21% while the number of patients waiting over 9 months has more than halved from 1,019 to 444 in the same period.

In terms of a response from the HSE, the HSE has 15 working days to provide a written answer to the Deputy. I have raised the issue with the HSE who are preparing a response for the Deputy.

Emergency Departments Waiting Times

Questions (133)

Eamon Scanlon

Question:

133. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on hospital trolleys in all hospitals in the north-west region, including Roscommon University Hospital, in each month since September 2017, in tabular form; the number recorded in October 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46177/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I wish to acknowledge the distress overcrowded EDs cause to patients, their families and front-line staff working in very challenging working conditions in hospitals throughout the country.

This Government remains committed to tackling overcrowding in EDs and improving access to health services. My Department is working with the HSE to ensure the most effective response to the winter challenges to unscheduled care provision and I expect to be in a position to outline the details of the Winter Plan 2018/19 very shortly.

In relation to the particular query on the numbers of patients on trolleys in the north-west region, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.

Mental Health Services Staff

Questions (134)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

134. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of vacant positions for psychiatric nurses within the Louth-Meath mental health services; and the measures being put in place to ensure that these vacancies are filled. [46181/18]

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 Staff Data

Questions (135)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

135. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of vacancies unfilled or filled on a temporary basis in each hospital in the Louth-Meath hospital group and to each position in which there is a vacancy. [46182/18]

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.

Assisted Human Reproduction Legislation

Questions (136)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

136. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the status of progress regarding the assisted human reproduction Bill; when this Bill will be ready to come before Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46190/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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 review is on-going, and the Committee intends to publish its report early in 2019. The introduction of legislation in relation to AHR and associated research is a priority for me and the process of drafting this Bill will be completed in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General. 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.

Childcare Services

Questions (137)

Peter Burke

Question:

137. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health the status of the baby friendly initiative oversight group which was to be set up earlier in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46193/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As the question relates to service matters, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

Health Services

Questions (138)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

138. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 145 of 13 June 2018, the status of the meeting with a group (details supplied); the results of this meeting; the steps that will be taken to action the recommendations from the meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46195/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this PQ relates to the HSE National Hepatitis C Treatment Programme, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Health Services Provision

Questions (139)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

139. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the status of the provision of in access to treatment for Hepatitis C in community settings by the national hepatitis C treatment programme; the results of these pilot programmes; the number of new clients that each pilot programme has reached; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46196/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As the HSE has responsibility for this programme, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this issue.

Hospitals Funding

Questions (140)

Eamon Scanlon

Question:

140. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health the way in which additional funding announced in budget 2019 is being dispensed in Sligo University Hospital in view of the fact that it is among the worst hospitals affected by overcrowding; the specific funding to be provided in County Sligo for winter pressures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46197/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The Health Service Executive is currently in the process of finalising its National Service Plan for 2019, in consultation with officials from the Department of Health.

Following completion of this process, detailed Operational Plans for the coming year for each of the Executive's service areas will stem from this.

Disease Management

Questions (141)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

141. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health the position on improving diagnostics and treatment for persons with Lyme disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46198/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Lyme disease (also known as Lyme borelliosis) is an infection caused by a spiral-shaped bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi. It is the commonest cause of tick-borne infection in Europe. Lyme neuroborreliosis was made statutorily notifiable in Ireland by the Infectious Diseases (Amendment) Regulations 2011 (S.I. no 452 of 2011).

Testing and treatment for Lyme borreliosis is widely available in Ireland in all major hospitals. Lyme borelliosis is diagnosed by medical history and a physical examination which may be carried out by a General Practitioner. Lyme disease may be treated by infectious disease specialists (of which there are 12 nationally) or by general internal medicine available in all acute hospitals. Medical training programmes at undergraduate or postgraduate level in Ireland provides specialist training in infectious diseases, including Lyme disease.

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) of the HSE is responsible for the surveillance of notifiable infectious diseases such as Lyme disease. The Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) of the HPSC established a Lyme Borreliosis Subcommittee, the aim of which is to develop strategies to undertake primary prevention with a view to minimising the harm caused by Lyme Borreliosis in Ireland.

The Subcommittee will shortly be meeting to consider its final report to the SAC. During the report’s preparation, the HPSC learned that the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in the UK was undertaking a systematic review of Lyme disease which resulted in the NICE Lyme disease guidelines. These guidelines are based on the most exhaustive systematic review yet undertaken of the evidence around Lyme disease and focused on producing recommendations based on best available evidence relating to diagnosis, management and public awareness of Lyme disease.

The HPSC delayed the final production of the Subcommittee report to ensure that the findings of these guidelines could be considered for inclusion into the final report. The report is in the final stages of preparation and it is planned to circulate the report to members of the Lyme Subcommittee with a view to having a final sign-off meeting of the Subcommittee in November, at which point it will be sent for consideration to the SAC. At this juncture, it would be inappropriate to consider making changes to the testing, treatment and/or management of the condition until this deliberative process has been completed. It is envisaged that, once published, these guidelines will provide further assistance to General Practitioners.

The HPSC also provides extensive information on Lyme disease diagnosis, treatment and how to avoid tick bites on its website (www.hpsc.ie).

Medical Aids and Appliances Provision

Questions (142)

Seán Haughey

Question:

142. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Health if modern glucose monitoring systems involving readings of sensors attached to patients will be made available to senior citizens suffering from diabetes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46202/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community drug schemes; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Hospital Staff Data

Questions (143)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

143. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the number of vacancies unfilled or filled on a temporary basis respectively in hospitals (details supplied) in counties Cavan and Monaghan; and the details of each by category. [46207/18]

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.

Services for People with Disabilities

Questions (144)

John McGuinness

Question:

144. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the amount of funding issued to an organisation for services in respect of a person (details supplied); the period involved; the attendance record of the person; the amount of funding paid to an organisation in County Kilkenny in respect of another person; the period involved; the attendance record of the person; the reason a sustainable long-term care plan was not put in place; the reason the family has had no support services for the past 11 years; and if a long-term plan with funding will be put in place by the HSE in agreement with the children's parent. [46208/18]

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.

Paediatric Services

Questions (145)

John McGuinness

Question:

145. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if an immediate appointment will be arranged for a person (details supplied) with the paediatric services at Kilcreene Hospital, Kilkenny; and if correspondence from the person's parents, school and general practitioner will be considered. [46209/18]

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.

Traveller Community

Questions (146, 165)

Ruth Coppinger

Question:

146. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health when the last national Traveller health advisory committee met; when the next meeting is to take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46211/18]

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

165. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the reason the National Traveller Advisory Committee has not been convened since 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46319/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 146 and 165 together.

Health and well-being are not evenly distributed across society. There are socially excluded groups who experience extreme health inequalities. Such groups include Travellers, homeless people, refugees and asylum seekers and people with addiction issues. Inequalities in health are reflected in the mortality and morbidity rates of the population. Rates of chronic diseases are another indicator of health inequalities. A social gradient is also apparent in mental health. Reducing health inequalities can delivery real benefits for society and for future generations. It requires interventions to address the social determinants of health and to provide integrated and comprehensive healthcare services.

The health status of Travellers' is documented in the landmark All Ireland Traveller Health Study, published in 2010 and funded by the Department of Health.

The Department of Health, in conjunction with the HSE, supports a range of programmes to improve the health status of Travellers.

These include:

- primary healthcare projects, counselling services, family support programmes and men's health projects; dedicated public health nurses and related staff;

- mental health promotion and suicide prevention services provided in a culturally sensitive manner, to reduce the stigma associated with mental health.

The Department and the HSE participate in various official structures which monitor the provision of healthcare services for Travellers. These include the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy Steering Committee and the Traveller Health Advisory Forum. The Department's Healthy Ireland Network also has Traveller representatives.

The Department convened a workshop on Traveller health needs in May, 2018. This had representation from various policy units in the Department of Health and from Community Healthcare Organisations within the HSE. There was also representation of Traveller organisations, including Pavee Point, Irish Traveller Movement, National Traveller Mental Health Service, Traveller Counselling Service and National Traveller Women's Forum. This workshop reviewed the health needs of Travellers and assessed the policy responses and services being provided, the Department is committed to ongoing engagement with Traveller organisations to address their health needs.

As Minister with responsibility for health promotion and social inclusion, I am very aware of the health inequalities experienced by Travellers. Significant measures have been undertaken across the health service to address these inequalities, as outlined above, and there is ongoing and extensive engagement with Traveller organisations in this regard. I am satisfied that this is the most appropriate and effective approach to improving Traveller health.

Traveller Community

Questions (147, 166)

Ruth Coppinger

Question:

147. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health if funding will be increased for Traveller health; the action being taken to improve Traveller health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46212/18]

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

166. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the reason there has been no increase in the Traveller health budget since 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46320/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 147 and 166 together.

Health and well-being are not evenly distributed across society. There are socially excluded groups who experience extreme health inequalities. Such groups include Travellers homeless people, refugees and asylum seekers and people with addiction issues. Inequalities in health are reflected in the mortality and morbidity rates of the population. Rates of chronic diseases are another indicator of health inequalities. A social gradient is also apparent in mental health. Reducing health inequalities can delivery real benefits for society and for future generations. It requires interventions to address the social determinants of health and to provide integrated and comprehensive healthcare services.

The health needs of Travellers' are documented in the landmark All Ireland Traveller Health Study, published in 2010 and funded by the Department of Health.

The Department of Health, through the HSE, provides funding in the region of €10m per annum for programmes to improve the health situation for Traveller communities.

These include:

- primary healthcare projects, counselling services, family support programmes and men's health projects; dedicated public health nurses and related staff;

- mental health promotion and suicide prevention services in a culturally sensitive manner, to reduce the stigma associated with mental health.

A further €500,000 funding is provided through the Dormant Accounts Fund for initiatives aimed at improving Traveller mental health.

The Department recently convened a workshop on Traveller health needs. This involved representation from various policy units in the Department of Health, Community Healthcare Organisations within the HSE and Traveller organisations.

As Minister with responsibility for health promotion and social inclusion, I am very aware of the health inequalities faced by Travellers. Both I and the Department are committed to enhancing funding to address the acute health needs of Travellers, within the budgetary resources available.

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services Provision

Questions (148)

Frank O'Rourke

Question:

148. Deputy Frank O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) will be referred to child psychology services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46217/18]

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.

Long-Term Illness Scheme Eligibility

Questions (149, 159)

Tony McLoughlin

Question:

149. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Health the reason children up to the age of 16 years who are in receipt of the long-term illness scheme for mental illness are no longer entitled to the benefits of this scheme between after 17 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46233/18]

Tony McLoughlin

Question:

159. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Health the reason children up to 16 years of age who are in receipt of the long-term illness scheme for mental illness are no longer entitled to the benefits of this scheme after 17 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46290/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 149 and 159 together.

The Long Term Illness (LTI) Scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act, 1970 (as amended). Regulations were made in 1971, 1973 and 1975 specifying the conditions covered by the LTI Scheme, including mental illness in a person under 16 years of age.

There are no plans at present to amend these regulations.

Long-Term Illness Scheme Coverage

Questions (150)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

150. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health if the FreeStyle Libre device will be added to the long-term illness scheme for all type 1 diabetics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46238/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community drug schemes; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

HSE Properties

Questions (151)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

151. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health if he will report on investigations or checks into the construction of three health facilities at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, by a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46248/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As the Health Service Executive has overall responsibility for the management of health care property, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to you in relation to this matter.

Cross-Border Health Services Provision

Questions (152)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

152. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the number of treatments carried out in 2017 and to date in 2018 under the EU healthcare directive up to quarter 3 of 2018 for persons here; the budgetary allocation for recoupment of the cost of these treatments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46249/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Home Care Packages Provision

Questions (153)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

153. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a home care application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46259/18]

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.

Public Procurement Contracts Data

Questions (154, 156)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

154. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Health the number of contracts tendered to businesses in each of the years 2011 to 2017 and to date in 2018. [46271/18]

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

156. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Health the number of contracts tendered to businesses in each of the years 2011 to 2017 and to date in 2018, disaggregated by the value of the contracts awarded. [46273/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 154 and 156 together.

The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available. The Department of Health follows procurement guidelines with regard to contract awards.

The Office of Government Procurement has responsibility, together with sectorial partners, for putting in place framework agreements and contracts through which public sector bodies can buy goods and services. The Office is also responsible for procurement policy and procedures, sourcing systems and data analytics.

A list of contracts awarded since 2016 is available on the OGP website ogp.gov.ie/contract-awards-for-standalone-mini-competitions/ .

If there is any particular contract the Deputy wishes to receive information on please contact my private office.