Written Answers Nos. 459-480
459. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the reason the accident and emergency department in St. Michael's Hospital, Dún Laoghaire, cannot accept an ambulance after 6 p.m. despite the fact it is open until 8 p.m.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6801/19]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
462. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health the role he has in the provision and contribution of services for persons experiencing deafness; the commitments he will give to ensure the continuation of services to a society (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6825/19]
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.
People with disabilities, including those who are deaf, hard of hearing and deafblind, can access the broad range of Acute Care, Primary Care and Community based services that are provided by the HSE. They can also avail of specialist disability services, which are provided in a variety of community and residential settings in partnership with service users, their families and carers and a range of statutory, non-statutory and community groups.
There are a number of non-statutory organisations specifically focused on addressing the needs of the deaf community. Services offered include family and support services, assistive technology and assistive listening devices, communication therapy and lip-reading classes, information and advice, sign language classes, and a mental health and deafness service.
Most of these organisations receive funding from the HSE, either through local grants of varying amounts and-or direct funding. The HSE had 35 separate service level agreements with organisations providing services for the deaf or hard of hearing in 2018.
I am aware of the financial difficulties that the Irish Deaf Society is currently experiencing and the concerns regarding its future sustainability.
The Irish Deaf Society focuses its service delivery on advocacy, training and development as distinct from the delivery of health and social care supports to the deaf community and for this reason, it does not receive core-funding from the Health Vote. However, there are a number of other funding options available to the Irish Deaf Society. It has received funding, in the past, from the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government and the Department of Education and Skills. It has also received grants from the Department of Justice and Equality and the national lottery.
I am currently working with colleagues in government to see if this issue can be resolved and I remain hopeful of a positive outcome.
463. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if respite care will be provided for a child (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6828/19]
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.
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 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.
464. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health if a copy of all minutes of meetings of the board or sub-committees of the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board held in each of the years 2016 to 2018 and to date in 2019, will be provided. [6830/19]
View answerI have been advised by the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB) that documents requested on foot of the Joint Committee on Health meetings on 16, 23, 29 January and 6 February and the Public Accounts Committee on 31 January relating to NPHDB Board minutes for 2017 and 2018, NPHDB Procurement Sub-committee meetings minutes for 2017 and 2018 and NPHDB Finance Sub-committee meetings minutes for 2017 and 2018 have been sent to Committee members through the appropriate Committee Secretariat.
465. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the steps he will take to address a shortage of parking at the Mullingar primary care centre (details supplied). [6834/19]
View answer466. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an adequate air conditioning system will be installed at the Mullingar primary care centre as part of works which are taking place at the facility. [6835/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 465 and 466 together.
As the HSE has responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres and other Primary Care facilities, the Executive has been asked to reply directly to the Deputy.
467. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Health the status of the plan for a new emergency department and the reconfiguration of the existing department at Beaumont Hospital under Project Ireland 2040; if the overrun in spending in the national children’s hospital is expected to impact the commencement date of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6840/19]
View answerThe 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 under way 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.
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 the issues you raised concerning the proposed new emergency department at Beaumont University Hospital.
468. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Health the status of the plan for a 20-bed purpose built cystic fibrosis inpatient facility at Beaumont Hospital under Project Ireland 2040; if the overrun in spending at the national children’s hospital is expected to impact the commencement date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6841/19]
View answerThe 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.
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 the issues you raised concerning the proposed purpose built cystic fibrosis in-patient facility at Beaumont University Hospital.
469. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the breakdown of the €79 million allocation for 2019 for the National Rehabilitation Hospital redevelopment; the date in 2019 it will be completed; if it will be impacted by the cost overrun with the national children's hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6863/19]
View answerThe 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.
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 the issues you raised concerning the capital development at the National Rehabilitation Hospital.
470. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the breakdown of the €55 million allocation for 2019 for the Cork University Hospital radiation oncology unit; the date in 2019 the unit will be completed; if it will be impacted by the cost overrun with the national children's hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6864/19]
View answerThe 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.
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 the issues you raised concerning the Cork University Hospital radiation oncology unit.
471. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the breakdown of the €31 million allocation for 2019 for the Waterford University Hospital ward block; the date in 2019 the ward will be completed; if it will be impacted by the cost overrun with the national children's hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6865/19]
View answerThe 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.
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 the issues you raised concerning the new ward block at Waterford University Hospital.
472. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the breakdown of the €15 million allocation for 2019 for the Naas endoscopy suite; the date in 2019 the building of the suite will commence; if it will be impacted by the cost overrun with the national children's hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6866/19]
View answerThe 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 under way 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.
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 the issues you raised concerning capital developments at Naas General Hospital.
473. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the breakdown of the €13 million allocation for 2019 for Sligo acute mental health; the date in 2019 the project is expected to begin; if it will be impacted by the cost overrun with the national children's hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6867/19]
View answerThe 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.
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 the issues you raised concerning the new mental health unit at Sligo University Hospital.
474. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the breakdown of the €12 million allocation for 2019 for the Letterkenny rebuild; the date in 2019 the rebuild will be completed; if it will be impacted by the cost overrun with the national children's hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6868/19]
View answerThe 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.
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 the issues you raised concerning capital developments at Letterkenny University Hospital.
475. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the breakdown of the €4 million allocation for 2019 for the Clonmel ward accommodation and outpatients department; the date in 2019 these projects will commence; if they will be impacted by the cost overrun with the national children's hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6869/19]
View answerThe 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.
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 the issues you raised concerning the ward accommodation and outpatients department at South Tipperary General Hospital, Clonmel.
476. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the breakdown of the €4 million allocation for 2019 for the Sligo central sterile services department; the date in 2019 the project is expected to begin; if it will be impacted by the cost overrun with the national children's hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6870/19]
View answerThe 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.
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 the issues you raised concerning the Sligo central sterile services department.
477. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the breakdown of the €160 million allocation for 2019 for the national forensic mental hospital on the Portrane campus; the date in 2019 the project is expected to be completed; if it will be impacted by the cost overrun with the national children's hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6871/19]
View answerThe 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.
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 the issues you raised concerning the National Forensic Mental Hospital.
478. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the breakdown of the €295 million allocation for 2019 for the national maternity hospital; the date in 2019 when the project will begin; if it will be impacted by the cost overrun with the national children's hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6872/19]
View answerThe 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.
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 the issues you raised concerning the national maternity hospital project.
479. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when the paediatric outpatients and urgent care centre at Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown will open in 2019; if it will be impacted by the cost overrun with the national children’s hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6873/19]
View answerDevelopment is well advanced on the paediatric outpatients and urgent care centres. Works at Connolly are on target for practical completion of the building in the Spring with the opening scheduled for July 2019. Works at Tallaght are also underway with the centre scheduled to open in 2020.
The HSE National Service Plan for 2019 identifies as a priority the need to oversee the children's hospital development and development of paediatric services. This includes opening the new centre at Connolly in 2019, including the recruitment of the relevant staff to support the expansion of a consultant-delivered workforce and increased capacity through additional outpatient clinics. As set out in the 2019 HSE National Service Plan, development funding of €6.7m has been provided for a number of specific paediatric service initiatives, this includes revenue funding for the further recruitment of the workforce for the paediatric outpatients and urgent care centre on the campus shared with Connolly Hospital.
A total of 13 consultant posts are required and were approved by the Department of Health to support the opening of the Paediatric Outpatients and Urgent Care Centre at Connolly. Children’s Health Ireland, CHI, has confirmed that to date 10 of these positions have been filled and recruitment is ongoing for the remaining posts. Recruitment for nursing, HSCPS and administrative positions at the Centre is also at an advanced stage.
While it is acknowledged that there are recruitment challenges nationally, and internationally, in certain specialties such as radiology and this challenge has been shared by CHI, recruitment is ongoing, and Children’s Health Ireland at Connolly is on schedule to open in July 2019.
480. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the amount paid to each contractor to date regarding the national children’s hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6923/19]
View answerAs the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board has statutory responsibility for planning, designing, building, furnishing and equipping the new children's hospital, I have asked it Board to respond to you directly.
