Tuesday, 18 Dec 2018

Written Answers Nos. 394-413

Healthcare Infrastructure Provision

Questions (394)

Margaret Murphy O'Mahony

Question:

394. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the status of the phase 2 upgrade for Kinsale hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52961/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.

Trade Union Recognition

Questions (395)

David Cullinane

Question:

395. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the trade unions in receipt of a negotiating licence that the HSE does not recognise for collective bargaining and industrial relations purposes, in part or in whole; the section of workers organised by a trade union with a negotiating licence to which non-recognition applies, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52999/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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

Mental Health Services

Questions (396)

Eugene Murphy

Question:

396. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Health if an advocate has been appointed to the residents in a centre (details supplied) as per a commitment in correspondence dated July 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53003/18]

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.

Commencement of Legislation

Questions (397, 428)

Stephen Donnelly

Question:

397. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 188 of 6 December 2018, the impediments that exist to commencing Parts 2 and 3 of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53041/18]

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

428. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health when essential operational arrangements will be in place to facilitate the implementation of Parts 2 and 3 of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015, including the establishment of the national donor-conceived person register and the appointment of authorised persons under the Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53225/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 397 and 428 together.

As you will be aware, Parts 2 & 3 of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 contain provisions relating to the regulation of donor-assisted human reproduction (DAHR) procedures carried out in the State, including dealing with the rights of children born as a result of those procedures. The enactment of the Children and Family Relationships (Amendment) Act 2018 was necessary to correct typographical and technical errors in the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015, to enable the subsequent commencement of Parts 2 & 3 of the Act.

Officials in my Department are working towards putting in place a number of important administrative and operational arrangements that are essential for the implementation of Parts 2 & 3. This includes the establishment of the National donor conceived Person Register (the “Register”), the purpose of which is to vindicate the rights of a donor-conceived child to access information on their genetic heritage. This is based on the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child concerning the right of a child to an identity and internationally regarded as best practice. However, as the Register will contain personal and potentially sensitive information about the various parties to a DAHR procedure, and particularly about the children born as a result of the procedures, robust data protection measures must be put in place prior to the establishment of the Register.

The commencement of Parts 2 & 3 of the Act also requires consent forms relating to the parties to a DAHR procedure (donors and intending parents) to be prescribed by regulations. The Department is liaising with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel in relation to the drafting of those regulations.

In addition, the appointment of authorised persons to ensure compliance of DAHR facilities with their obligations under this Act also needs to be finalised. It is my intention that Parts 2 & 3 of the Act will be commenced as soon as possible.

The provisions in Parts 2 & 3 are interconnected with provisions in other areas of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015, particularly Part 9 which includes provisions for the registration and re-registration of the birth of a donor-conceived child. As such, officials from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, the Department of Justice and Equality, the Department of Health and the General Register Office are working together to ensure that the appropriate legislative, regulatory, and operational mechanisms are in place to allow for the earliest possible commencement of all of the relevant legislation that will allow for birth registrations of donor-conceived children.

Services for People with Disabilities

Questions (398)

John Brassil

Question:

398. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health the educational supports available to parents who care for a child who experiences episodes of aggression; if the provision of a programme of management of actual or potential aggression, MAPA, training for parents will be considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53047/18]

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.

Drug and Alcohol Task Forces

Questions (399)

Stephen Donnelly

Question:

399. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health if funding for drugs services in Ballymun will be restored in view of the recent rise in anti-social behaviour and crime linked to cocaine in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53050/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The HSE's allocation to Task Forces in 2018 is in the region of €22.6 million, this includes one off funding of €0.25 million. In addition, Task Forces are being consulted by the HSE on the provision of €0.71 million in one off funding for priority projects and services in CHO areas in 2018.

In 2018 over €5.25 million was allocated to Drug and Alcohol Task Forces by the Department of Health under the 'Drugs Initiative'. It is expected a similar amount will be allocated in 2019.

Ballymun Local Drug and Alcohol Task Force was allocated over €1.1 million in 2018, including €422,958 from the Department of Health and €697,597 from the HSE.

All Drug and Alcohol Task forces including Ballymun will be notified of their 2019 funding allocations as soon as the HSE National Service Plan for 2019 has been approved by the Minister for Health.

Implementing the health-led national drugs strategy continues to be a Government priority. The HSE national service plan for 2019 prioritises funding for integrated treatment services for co-occurring mental health and substance abuse concerns, improved healthcare services for people who are homeless and have addiction needs and greater access to services for those affected by drug and alcohol addiction in hospitals and communities.

Health Action Plan

Questions (400)

John Brassil

Question:

400. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health his plans to undertake a detailed assessment of diagnostics, radiology and laboratory service requirements across acute and community care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53054/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

This Government is fully committed to improving and transforming our health services to provide high quality, fair and accessible care to the population. It has approved the Sláintecare Implementation Strategy as Government policy and the vehicle to achieve this transformational reform. A key commitment in Sláintecare is to expand community-based care to bring care closer to home.

The Sláintecare Implementation Strategy was published in August. The Strategy provides the framework within which a system-wide reform programme will be advanced to deliver the Committee's vision of a health system in which care is provided in the right place, at the right time, by the right person and is always provided on the basis of need and not ability to pay. The Implementation Strategy contains 106 linked actions to be delivered over the first 3 years of implementation.

Sub-Action 5.3.4 commits to undertaking detailed planning to support the development of additional diagnostics capacity in the context of Hospital Group strategic plans and community care needs, with national approval and funding.

The detailed 2019 Action Plan to implement Sláintecare is currently in the process of being compiled. It is linked with service plan discussions with the HSE. This will include detailed milestones and timelines for year one and the assignment of responsibility for each action. The action plan will be submitted, before year end, to the High Level Delivery Board comprised of the Secretaries General of the Departments of Health, Taoiseach and Public Expenditure and Reform, the CEO of the HSE and the Sláintecare Executive Director. Following its consideration of the Action Plan, the Board will submit the plan to me shortly thereafter.

Electronic Health Records

Questions (401)

John Brassil

Question:

401. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health the status of the roll-out of a national system of electronic health records; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53057/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Since the publication of my Departments eHealth strategy, a National Electronic Health Record Strategic Business Case has been approved and there has been significant progress in the development of plans to procure and deliver the components and capabilities necessary for an Electronic Health record.

The scale of the task to implement a national E.H.R. programme is considerable and both the schedule and pace of implementation will vary according to a number of factors including technical readiness of each site implementation. It is a long-term programme within the context of the overall eHealth strategy that will be supported by Sláintecare and the National Development Plan.

The endorsement of the E.H.R. programme is a key recommendation in the Sláintecare Report which advocated for the “continued strong support of the e-health strategy - particularly ensuring the necessary funding for timely roll-out of the EHR system". The Sláintecare Implementation Strategy outlines strategic actions on eHealth including that of a national E.H.R. solution, particularly in the context of the new children's hospital development.

A plan for the implementation of an Acute Electronic Health Record in the new children's hospital is currently being drafted. In addition, plans are being formulated for E.H.R. business case progression in other healthcare settings by my Department, in collaboration with the HSE.

Drug and Alcohol Task Forces

Questions (402)

John Curran

Question:

402. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health the funding provided to each of the 24 drug and alcohol task forces in each of the years 2014 to 2017 and to date in 2018, in tabular form; and the way in which the funding was allocated by each task force to groups or projects supported by each task force. [53059/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The funding provided by the Department of Health to the 24 Drug and Alcohol Task Forces, broken down by project is outlined in the attached table.

I have asked the HSE to collate the data for the Drug and Alcohol Task Forces it funds and reply directly to the Deputy.

Funding.

National Treatment Purchase Fund

Questions (403)

Jackie Cahill

Question:

403. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health the cost of a procedure (details supplied) through the NTPF; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53064/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) procures capacity for each of the procedures identified in both private hospitals or public hospitals.

In order to ensure competitive pricing as part of their outsourcing programme, the NTPF works with private hospitals from the existing panel agreement and engages in procurement processes through e-tender. The NTPF also works with legal advisors and procurement specialists to ensure that all funding is appropriately spent.

The NTPF advises that as procedures are tendered for through an open procurement process the cost per procedure would be commercially sensitive.

Ministerial Correspondence

Questions (404)

Joan Collins

Question:

404. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health his plans to respond to correspondence (details supplied); and if compensation will be provided for the last-minute cancellation of an event. [53066/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I have offered my apologies, and do so again, for the cancellation of the meeting last week. I know it was a source of great frustration to the people who made an effort to attend. It was also a source of great frustration to me, as I wanted to ensure adequate time and space for the meeting, but was unavoidably engaged with the progression of a very important piece of women's health legislation through the Seanad.

I am pleased that despite the short notice we were able to reschedule the meeting for the new year and so will have the opportunity to fully engage with those that I could not meet on this occasion. I look forward to giving this engagement the time and space it deserves.

The correspondence that the Deputy refers too has not yet been received in my office, but it will of course be replied to as promptly as possible once received.

Cancer Screening Programmes

Questions (405)

Gino Kenny

Question:

405. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health his views on the fee of €2,000 that patients who want to determine if they are suitable for the cancer treatment drug pembrolizumab are charged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53073/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The Deputy will be aware that a Government decision of 11 May 2018 put in place a package of support measures for the women and families affected by the issues related to CervicalCheck which includes all out of pocket medical costs incurred and medicines which might not be approved for reimbursement, once they are prescribed by the treating clinician. Although not specifically referenced, Pembrolizumab would be encompassed under this aspect of the support package.

This package of supports does not extend to other patients with a diagnosis of cancer. It is not possible, therefore, to meet costs which such patients may have incurred in connection with treatments which they may wish to access outside the public health system.

I have requested the HSE to examine ways in which other women with cervical cancer could be afforded access to Pembrolizumab if prescribed by their treating clinician. The range of issues to be addressed in pursing such an approach includes the question of supply of the product and any terms (including financial ones) under which it might be supplied, the cooperation of the clinical community and the development of appropriate governance and management arrangements, the method of selection of patients suitable to commence treatment and the criteria that would govern clinical decisions in respect of continuation or discontinuation of treatment. Any proposals must place patient safety as a priority, given that this is not a licensed medicine for the treatment of cervical cancer.

I have asked the HSE to revert to me in this regard as a matter of urgency.

Nursing Homes Support Scheme Eligibility

Questions (406)

Kevin O'Keeffe

Question:

406. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health if long-term care will be provided for a person (details supplied) in a specific hospital. [53078/18]

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.

Medicinal Products Supply

Questions (407)

Niall Collins

Question:

407. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) will be allowed access to Versatis patches to treat their chronic pain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53086/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Medicines play a vital role in improving the health of Irish patients. Securing access to existing and new and innovative medicines is a key health service objective. However, the challenge is to do this in a safe and sustainable manner. Treatment must be appropriate and proportionate and clinical decision-making, such as prescribing, should be based on both patient needs and sound medical evidence.

Lidocaine 5% medicated plasters are licensed for localised relief of post-shingles pain in adults. This is the patch's only licensed use in Ireland. It has been reimbursed in the community drug schemes since 2010.

Clinical concern arose when, from 2012 on, usage increased significantly, to the point where more plasters were being used in Ireland than in the entire UK National Health Service. In such situations, it is important and appropriate for clinicians to review usage and, in 2016, the HSE Medicines Management Programme (MMP) reviewed the use of the plasters. The review estimated that only 5-10% of prescribing was for the licensed indication.

From September 2017, following the clinical review, the HSE introduced a new reimbursement approval system for the patches, to support appropriate use and patient care. Under these arrangements, the patient's GP or consultant applies to the MMP for reimbursement approval on behalf of the patient. If an application is refused, the clinician may submit an appeal to the MMP, making a clear clinical case for the patient. Information for patients and practitioners is on the HSE MMP website at: hse.ie/yourmedicines.

The outcome of an application or an appeal for reimbursement of lidocaine patches is a matter between the MMP and the treating clinician. The Deputy will appreciate that, as Minister for Health, I cannot intervene in individual cases.

The decision to introduce a new reimbursement approval process is a matter for the HSE. However, I fully support the objectives of the HSE Medicines Management Programme.

Diabetes Strategy

Questions (408)

Mary Butler

Question:

408. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health the supports and services available to adult patients of type 1 and 2 diabetes at University Hospital Waterford (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53090/18]

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

Health Services Funding

Questions (409)

John Brassil

Question:

409. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health if the funding model in place for the provision of moneys to an association (details supplied) will be reviewed; if the drop in funding to the organisation will be reinstated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53093/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

There is no specific funding made available directly by the Department of Health to voluntary organisations. Health specific grants are usually provided through the HSE or other lead agencies. In the case of this organisation, I understand that funding is provided by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, and so is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Children & Youth Affairs, Katherine Zappone, T.D.

Health Services Allowances

Questions (410)

Jackie Cahill

Question:

410. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health if the anomaly still exists by which children from north County Tipperary who are cared for by the mid-west hospital group are only allowed a partial allowance for an ophthalmic prescription when children in south County Tipperary who are cared for by the southeast hospital group receive 100% allowance for an ophthalmic prescription; if so, when he plans to remove this anomaly and offer 100% allowance to all children in County Tipperary who require an ophthalmic prescription; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53099/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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

Ambulance Service Provision

Questions (411)

Stephen Donnelly

Question:

411. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in procurement under the private ambulance tender framework that commenced in 2017 and has not progressed since September 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53101/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service issue, I have asked the HSE to reply to you directly.

Hospitals Data

Questions (412)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

412. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the number of inpatient procedures and surgeries by specialty carried out at Letterkenny University Hospital for each month in 2017 and to date in 2018, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53102/18]

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.

Healthcare Infrastructure Provision

Questions (413)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

413. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the status of the progress being made to commission the bespoke maternity theatre at Letterkenny University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53103/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is an operational matter, I have asked the HSE to reply to you directly.