Niamh Smyth
Question:251. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if home help will be sanctioned in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14767/19]
View answerHome Help Service Eligibility
Questions (251)
Written answers
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Hospital Services
Questions (252)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:252. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the reason the podiatry department in University Hospital Kerry, UHK, was closed (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14777/19]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly as soon as possible.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (253)
Niamh Smyth
Question:253. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if an ENT appointment will be scheduled for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14786/19]
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 (254)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:254. 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. [14787/19]
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.
Respite Care Services Provision
Questions (255)
Bernard Durkan
Question:255. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if extended respite can be facilitated in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14791/19]
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.
Medical Card Expenditure
Questions (256)
Stephen Donnelly
Question:256. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost in 2019 of the 10% increase across all general practitioner visit card weekly income thresholds; and the estimated full year cost of same. [14796/19]
View answerWritten answers
Budget 2019 provided for a 10% increase across all GP Visit Card weekly income thresholds. The minimum increase to be applied will be €25.
The cost of this measure will be dependent on a number of factors, including the number of additional applications made to the HSE, the timescale within which these are made and the number of applicants who are found to qualify for this benefit. Funding of €18 million in respect of the measure has been included in the HSE's allocation for 2019.
The revised GP Visit Card weekly income thresholds will come into effect from April 1st, 2019.
Drugs Payment Scheme Expenditure
Questions (257)
Stephen Donnelly
Question:257. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost in 2019 of the €10 reduction in the monthly drugs payment scheme threshold from €134 to €124; and the estimated full year cost of same. [14797/19]
View answerWritten answers
The cost of reducing the Drugs Payment Scheme monthly threshold by €10 from €134 to €124 is estimated at €4.3 m in 2019.
The full year cost of this measure is estimated at €5.7 m.
Prescriptions Charges
Questions (258)
Stephen Donnelly
Question:258. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost in 2019 of the reduction in prescription charges from €2 to €1.50 for all medical card holders over 70 years of age; and the estimated full year cost of same. [14798/19]
View answerWritten answers
The cost of reducing the prescription charge to €1.50, subject to a monthly cap of €15, for all medical card holders over the age of 70 is estimated at €8 m in 2019.
The full year cost of this measure is estimated at €12 m.
Services for People with Disabilities
Questions (259)
Niamh Smyth
Question:259. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the status of respite care, occupational therapy, home support and speech and language therapy appointments for a person (detailed supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14802/19]
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.
Medical Conditions
Questions (260)
Peter Burke
Question:260. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health when plans for the treatment of patients with lymphoedema will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14806/19]
View answerWritten answers
A Lymphoedema/Lipoedema Working Group was established by the HSE with the aim of developing a national integrated model of care for the prevention, assessment and treatment of lymphoedema/lipoedema in accordance with evidence-based practice.
I am advised that the Working Group has completed its report, outlining a Model of Care for Lymphoedema and Lipoedema. The report is expected to be considered by HSE Leadership soon. Following this, the recommendations arising from the report will be considered by my Department.
Services for People with Disabilities
Questions (261)
Eugene Murphy
Question:261. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Health if a permanent transport solution will be provided for a person (details supplied) to and form a day care service which is vital for the well-being and health of the person; if a budgetary allowance will be provided to the HSE to provide this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14819/19]
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.
Hospitals Data
Questions (262)
Pat Deering
Question:262. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 724, reference No.1262/19, of 15 January 2019, when a reply will issue from the HSE. [14823/19]
View answerWritten answers
The development of an in-patient unit with 20 single ensuite rooms for cystic fibrosis patients at Beaumont Hospital is a priority for Government and there is commitment to progress it in the Programme for a Partnership Government.
The new cystic fibrosis in-patient unit at Beaumont Hospital is being developed in accordance with a model of care which sets out standards and requirements for the physical and human resources to be provided for treatment of cystic fibrosis patients.
I understand that Beaumont Hospital was granted planning permission for the development very recently.
My Department and the Health Service Executive are currently engaged in a process to finalise the HSE 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 cashflow requirements attaching to each project.
Once the HSE has finalised its Capital Plan for 2019, it will then be submitted to me for consideration.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (263)
Niamh Smyth
Question:263. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the status of an appointment for a person (details supplied); the timeframe for the hip replacement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14824/19]
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 (264)
Niamh Smyth
Question:264. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the status of an appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14825/19]
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.
Pharmacy Regulations
Questions (265)
Peter Burke
Question:265. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health his plans to reject calls by an organisation (details supplied) to define a temporary absence of a pharmacist in view of the way in which this will affect trained pharmaceutical assistants; if he will investigate the damage this would cause to pharmacists in further view of the high number of trained pharmaceutical assistants working in the pharmacy network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14826/19]
View answerWritten answers
The Pharmacy Act 2007 established the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI) and the functions of the Society are set out in the Act. The functions of the PSI are carried out on its behalf by the Council of the Society.
Section 30 of the Pharmacy Act 2007 provides for an exception to the general provision in the Act which requires the sale and supply of medicines at a pharmacy to be conducted under the personal supervision of a registered pharmacist and specifies that no offence is committed where a registered pharmaceutical assistant “acts on behalf of a registered pharmacist during the temporary absence of the registered pharmacist”.
The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (Temporary Absence of Pharmacist from Pharmacy) Rules 2019 were developed by the PSI in accordance with Section 30 of the Pharmacy Act 2007, which also permits the Council to make rules as to:
1. What may or may not be done by a registered pharmaceutical assistant when acting on behalf of a registered pharmacist; and
2. What constitutes the temporary absence of a registered pharmacist.
On 8 March 2019, the PSI submitted the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (Temporary Absence of Pharmacist from Pharmacy) Rules 2019 to me for my consent, in accordance with the requirements of the Pharmacy Act 2007.
Under the Pharmacy Act 2007, my role in relation to this process is limited to the consideration of any such Rules once submitted for my consent.
As the Rules submitted to me are currently subject to legal challenge and I am a party to the proceedings I will not be commenting further on the matter.
Services for People with Disabilities
Questions (266)
John Lahart
Question:266. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health the supports in place for the parents of child with dyspraxia in an area (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14864/19]
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.
Healthcare Infrastructure Provision
Questions (267)
John Brassil
Question:267. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health his plans to upgrade the oncology department at University Hospital Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14870/19]
View answerWritten answers
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.
Healthcare Infrastructure Provision
Questions (268)
John Brassil
Question:268. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health the progress regarding the provision of an aseptic compounding laboratory at University Hospital Kerry to assist the work of the oncology department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14873/19]
View answerWritten answers
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.
Healthcare Policy
Questions (269)
Michael McGrath
Question:269. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health the relationship between his Department and the HSE; the way in which the two organisations are linked; if he will provide a chart to outline the structure of the interrelationship; the level at which contact from his Department is channelled to and from the HSE; the way in which the structure through which information is passed from the HSE to his Department and vice versa; the way in which he receives accurate information from the front-line service providers within the HSE in terms of statistics, practices, feedback and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14877/19]
View answerWritten answers
The current relationship between my Department and the HSE is set out in the Health Act 2004. Under this Act, the HSE Directorate is accountable to the Minister for Health for the performance of its functions. The Director General must account to the Minister for Health, via the Secretary General of my Department, for the performance of the Directorate’s functions. The Act states that the Minister for Health determines the annual expenditure for the HSE and the Executive submits its Corporate Plan and Service Plans to the Minister for Health for approval.
Engagement between my Department and the HSE is multifaceted and takes place at many levels within both organisations. There is regular and on-going contact between Divisions and Line Units in my Department and their counterparts within the HSE in relation to the provision of services, the development and implementation of health policy and legislation, reform and other health initiatives. This on-going engagement results in multiple information flows between my Department, the HSE and other stakeholders.
In addition to these engagements, a monthly performance management process is in place to provide Departmental oversight of the performance of the HSE in the delivery of the services set out in its annual National Service Plans. Performance against the Key Performance Indicators set out in these Plans is tracked and monitored by both the HSE itself and my Department through monthly performance reports (specifically Performance Profiles and Management Data Reports) which are produced by the HSE and submitted to my Department. These reports are subsequently published by the HSE on a quarterly basis. As part of the performance management process, monthly high-level meetings between my Department’s Management Board and HSE senior management are held to discuss on-going or emerging performance issues and to determine actions to resolve and improve areas of concern.