Eoin Ó Broin
Question:393. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be allocated additional home care hours. [6465/19]
View answerHome Care Packages
Questions (393)
Written answers
This is a service matter, however the Health Service Executive needs further details to answer the request, including a date of birth and address of the person concerned.
If the Deputy contacts my office with these details, I will ask the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Local Drugs Task Forces Funding
Questions (394)
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:394. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if a €1 million national fund will be made available through the drug policy unit in his Department; if the addiction services and local drugs task force in Drogheda will be in a position to apply for this funding stream at a time when it is providing critical work during a major drugs crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6467/19]
View answerWritten answers
The Department of Health allocated funding of almost €100m to the HSE for addiction services in 2019. The HSE National Service Plan 2019 sets out the type and volume of addiction services to be provided, having regard to the funding allocated.
In addition, the Department provides a further €28m to Drug and Alcohol Task Forces through various channels of funding, including the HSE.
Implementing the health-led national drugs strategy continues to be a Government priority. Task forces have an important role in delivering the strategy at the local level.
Within the limited envelope of resources available for drug and alcohol services in 2019, I am considering options for the provision of additional funding for addiction services and task forces.
I am committed to providing additional resources to enhance service provision under the national drugs strategy. These resources should be directed towards those interventions which are most likely to lead to a reduction in problem substance use and positive improvement in public health, safety and wellbeing.
Health Screening Programmes
Questions (395)
Seán Barrett
Question:395. Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to establishing a screening programme for haemochromatosis such as in the UK in order to ensure that no person goes undiagnosed with an iron overload (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6488/19]
View answerWritten answers
It is correct to say that haemochromatosis is now recognised as one of the most common genetic disorders in Ireland. Research has shown that as many as 1 in 100 people are likely to be at risk of developing iron overload. However this fact alone is not sufficient to commence a population based screening programme.
There are well established international criteria to be met before a national population based screening programme can be recommended. The current position of the UK National Screening Committee is that a systematic population screening programme is not recommended.
Arising from a recommendation from the Scally Report (2018) a National Screening Committee (NSC) will be established and become operational in Ireland during the course of 2019. The NSC will be responsible for advising the Minister and Department of Health on all new proposals for screening and revisions of existing programmes.
Hospitals Building Programme
Questions (396)
Thomas Pringle
Question:396. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health the timeframe for approved funding spend for the community nursing units in Stranorlar and Ramelton, County Donegal; when tenders will be sought for this work to begin (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6489/19]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Hospitals Building Programme
Questions (397)
Thomas Pringle
Question:397. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health the progress made to address the issues outlined by a group (details supplied); when a definitive answer on its future in terms of a new build community nursing unit for the area will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6490/19]
View answerWritten answers
At a meeting on 7 November with public representatives and local delegations I advised that the need for additional beds and the potential to develop a replacement facility to the existing community nursing unit in Lifford will be reviewed further post 2021, when new Census data is available and the Health Service Capacity Review and the National Development Plan have been advanced.
The existing unit at Lifford will continue to operate in the intervening period. I further advised that I welcome the community continuing to engage with the HSE at local level, in the first instance, as appropriate, regarding further ideas and proposals for community based options that may be considered.
I have asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy in relation to the funding aspect of his question.
Hospitals Building Programme
Questions (398)
Thomas Pringle
Question:398. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health the impact on anticipated upgrades for the community hospital sector in County Donegal in view of the cost overrun of the national children’s hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6491/19]
View answerWritten answers
The Health Service Executive is currently developing its Capital Plan for 2019. The HSE Capital Plan will determine the projects that can progress in 2019 and beyond having regard to the available capital funding, the number of large national capital projects currently underway and the relevant priority of each project. The requirements of the new children's hospital and other health capital projects, currently at various stages of development, are being considered as part of this process. Once the HSE has finalised its Capital Plan for 2019, it will then be submitted to me for consideration.
Disability Services Provision
Questions (399)
Catherine Murphy
Question:399. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to a case regarding the HSE and a service provider (details supplied); the status of the funding that was provided for the service user; if he will direct the HSE to review the case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6495/19]
View answerWritten answers
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.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (400)
Mary Butler
Question:400. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) will have a follow-up appointment at University Hospital Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6499/19]
View answerWritten answers
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 (401)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:401. 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. [6501/19]
View answerWritten answers
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.
School Equipment
Questions (402)
Kate O'Connell
Question:402. Deputy Kate O'Connell asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question Number 129 of 21 November 2018 to the Minister for Education and Skills, the way in which an application can be made through the aids and appliances scheme administered by the HSE regarding computer equipment for a person (details supplied) [6516/19]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
National Children's Hospital
Questions (403)
Catherine Murphy
Question:403. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if the reports by a company (details supplied) in respect of the national children's hospital will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6521/19]
View answerWritten answers
I have been advised by the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board that, while it has no current plans to publish the report, the report was forwarded to the Clerk of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health on 22 January 2019 for circulation to all members of the Committee following a request for a copy of the report made at the meeting of the Committee on 16 January.
HSE Properties
Questions (404)
Joan Collins
Question:404. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health if he will engage with the HSE to facilitate conservation-led improvements to a location (details supplied) in Dublin 8 and carry out a study of its historical importance, that is, the persons buried there and so on. [6531/19]
View answerWritten answers
As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the management of the healthcare property estate, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to you in relation to this matter.
Hospitals Building Programme
Questions (405)
Eugene Murphy
Question:405. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Health the status of the planned €7.85 million national rehabilitation unit at Roscommon County Hospital, which was approved in 2015 for a 20-bed unit to be managed in conjunction with the service in Dún Laoghaire; when the design phase will be completed; when construction is expected to commence; if funding for the project is included in the HSE capital plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6532/19]
View answerWritten answers
As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of healthcare capital projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this project at Roscommon University Hospital.
Hospitals Building Programme
Questions (406)
Peter Burke
Question:406. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health the status of the progression of capital projects at the Sacred Heart Hospital in Roscommon, Portiuncula University Hospital in Ballinasloe and St. Patrick's Community Hospital in Carrick-on-Shannon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6534/19]
View answerWritten answers
The Health Service Executive is developing its Capital Plan for 2019 which will determine the projects that can progress in 2019 having regard to the limited available capital funding, the number of large national capital projects currently underway and the relevant priority of each project.
As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of individual healthcare infrastructure projects such as those referred to in the Deputy's question, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to the current position of each project listed.
Medical Card Eligibility
Questions (407)
Bernard Durkan
Question:407. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if eligibility for a medical card for a person (details supplied) will be reviewed in view of the circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6539/19]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (408)
Lisa Chambers
Question:408. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in obtaining a scan at a clinic in County Galway; the position on the waiting list for same of a person (details supplied); when an appointment will be arranged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6549/19]
View answerWritten answers
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.
National Treatment Purchase Fund Data
Questions (409, 412)
John Brassil
Question:409. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health the amount spent by the NTPF on patients by county in each of the years 2016 to 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6550/19]
View answerJohn Brassil
Question:412. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health the amount of the NTPF budget spent on patients with addresses in County Kerry in each of the years 2016 to 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6585/19]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 409 and 412 together.
The information requested by the Deputy is currently being collated by officials in my Department, and will be provided to the Deputy directly as soon as it becomes available.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (410)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:410. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if a hospital procedure will be expedited for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6559/19]
View answerWritten answers
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.
Ministerial Advisers Data
Questions (411)
Mattie McGrath
Question:411. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the number of advisers and special advisers employed by his Department in 2017 and 2018 and to date in 2019; the areas of expertise covered by such advisers; the annual salaries associated with same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6573/19]
View answerWritten answers
The information requested by the Deputy is detailed in the table:
|
Minister/Minister of State |
Number of Special Advisers in 2017 |
Number of Special Advisers in 2018 |
Number of Special Advisers in 2019 |
|
Simon Harris, T.D. |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
Finian McGrath, T.D. |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
Jim Daly, T.D. |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Catherine Byrne, T.D. |
0 |
1 |
1 |
In accordance with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform instructions to Personnel Officers on Ministerial Appointments for the 32nd Dáil, the salaries applicable to my advisers and those of Minister of State Finian McGrath, T.D. (who sits at Cabinet), are the standard scale for the grade of Principal Officer in the Civil Service (€81,661 - €107,548). The salaries applicable to the special advisers appointed to Ministers of State Jim Daly, T.D. and Catherine Byrne, T.D., are the standard scale for the grade of Assistant Principal Officer in the Civil Service (€64,232 - €78,311).
The special advisers are suitably qualified for their roles.
Question No. 412 answered with Question No. 409.
Hospital Transfers
Questions (413)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:413. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be transferred from University Hospital Galway to the National Rehabilitation Hospital; the reason for the delay; the position of the person on the waiting list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6592/19]
View answerWritten answers
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 an individual case, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Facilities
Questions (414)
James Browne
Question:414. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of psychiatric inpatient units here with no disabled showers within the unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6593/19]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.