Bernard Durkan
Question:410. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if and when a medical card will issue in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21758/19]
View answerMedical Card Applications
Questions (410)
Written answers
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Physiotherapy Provision
Questions (411)
Denis Naughten
Question:411. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be called for therapy; the reason for the delay in same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21791/19]
View answerWritten answers
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.
Home Help Service Provision
Questions (412)
Catherine Connolly
Question:412. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to providing additional home help hours for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21798/19]
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.
Home Help Service Provision
Questions (413)
Catherine Connolly
Question:413. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to providing additional home help hours for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21799/19]
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.
Home Help Service Data
Questions (414)
Catherine Connolly
Question:414. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the waiting list for a home support service in each area of CHO2; the number of persons on a waiting list for an increase in home support hours in each area of CHO2; the number waiting for periods (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21800/19]
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 Capital Programme
Questions (415)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:415. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health if the funding for the proposed 50 bed unit for Portiuncula Hospital is ring-fenced in view of the overspend for the national children's hospital; and the timeframe for the delivery of the unit. [21803/19]
View answerWritten answers
My Department is continuing to work with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the Health Service Executive in a process to finalise as soon as possible a multi-annual Capital Plan for the HSE, which will include capital projects to be funded in 2019 and beyond, having regard to the available capital funding and the number of large national capital projects currently under way. The availability of funding determines the timeframe for the delivery of capital projects such as the proposed 50 bed replacement ward block at Portiuncula Hospital. I understand that planning permission has been received and that tender documents are being prepared with a view to progressing the procurement process for an enabling works contract.
HSE Staff Recruitment
Questions (416)
Charlie McConalogue
Question:416. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health the status in relation to the recruitment of a key worker for teenagers with physical sensory disabilities for County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21811/19]
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.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services
Questions (417)
James Lawless
Question:417. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health the waiting time for patients who are waiting on an appointment with the child and adolescent mental health services in County Kildare. [21816/19]
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.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (418)
Barry Cowen
Question:418. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) can expect an appointment. [21818/19]
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.
Question No. 419 answered with Question No. 331.
Primary Care Centres Provision
Questions (420)
Pat Deering
Question:420. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Health the status of the provision of a primary care centre for Tullow, County Carlow. [21842/19]
View answerWritten answers
As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare services and infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to you in relation to this matter.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Questions (421)
Pearse Doherty
Question:421. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Donegal can expect a MRI scan to be carried out at Galway University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21845/19]
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 Waiting Lists
Questions (422)
Pearse Doherty
Question:422. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) in County Donegal is on the routine or urgent waiting list for a knee operation to be carried out in Letterkenny University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21855/19]
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 Waiting Lists
Questions (423)
Pearse Doherty
Question:423. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Donegal will receive a date for a knee operation to be carried out in Letterkenny University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21856/19]
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.
Medicinal Products Reimbursement
Questions (424)
Catherine Connolly
Question:424. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health if reimbursement of FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitoring systems pursuant to recommendation 2 of the health technology assessment group advice note 2017/001 was considered; if so, the decision made; when the decision was made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21859/19]
View answerWritten answers
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.
Long-Term Illness Scheme Eligibility
Questions (425)
Kevin O'Keeffe
Question:425. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health if fibromyalgia will be included on the long-term illness card scheme in view of the fact that the condition is now recognised as same in Northern Ireland. [21861/19]
View answerWritten answers
The LTI Scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). The conditions covered by the LTI are: acute leukaemia; mental handicap; cerebral palsy; mental illness (in a person under 16); cystic fibrosis; multiple sclerosis; diabetes insipidus; muscular dystrophies; diabetes mellitus; parkinsonism; epilepsy; phenylketonuria; haemophilia; spina bifida; hydrocephalus; and conditions arising from the use of thalidomide.
Under the LTI Scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge.
There are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the Scheme at this time. However, I wish to inform the Deputy that the LTI Scheme will be included as part of a review of the current eligibility framework, including the basis for existing hospital and medication charges, to be carried out under commitments given in the Sláintecare Implementation Strategy.
For people who are not eligible for the LTI Scheme, there are other arrangements which protect them from excessive medicine costs.
Under the Drug Payment Scheme, no individual or family pays more than €124 a month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The scheme significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals with ongoing expenditure on medicines.
People who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be entitled to a medical card. In the assessment process, the HSE can take into account medical costs incurred by an individual or a family.
People who are not eligible for a medical card may still be able to avail of a GP visit card, which covers the cost of GP consultations.
Departmental Communications
Questions (426)
Alan Kelly
Question:426. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the date and time of all meetings, consultations and correspondence, and the purposes of each, between Ministers or officials and a person (details supplied) since the person undertook work in relation to CervicalCheck; if similar information will be provided regarding meetings between HSE officials and the person for the same time period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21862/19]
View answerWritten answers
Since the Scoping Inquiry into the CervicalCheck screening programme was established in May 2018, I along with officials from my Department met with Dr Scally on a number of occasions. These included meetings on 11/6/2018 and 10/9/2018, regarding his First and Progress Reports and his Final Report, respectively; 10/10/2018 relating to the supplementary report which Dr Scally was requested to undertake and implementation of his recommendations; and 31/1/2019 in the context of a meeting with members of the 221+ Patient Advocacy Group.
Officials from my Department also met with Dr Scally in person or by telecon on 24 May, 12 July, 8 August, 28 August, 20 November, 17 December 2018 and 14 February 2019. These meetings related to Dr Scally's work at various stages, including facilitating the work of the inquiry, updates on the progress of the work and engaging with Dr Scally in assessing the work under way to implement his recommendations.
In addition to the above meetings, Dr Scally has written to me or to Departmental officials on a number of occasions including 8/5/2018, 16/5/2018, 22/5/2018, 30/5/2018; 12/6/2018; 8/8/2018, 23/8/2018, 31/8/2018; 1/1/2018, 26/11/2018, 30/11/2018; 15/2/2019, 2/5/2019. Correspondence related to practical issues including estimated costs, invoices, declaration of interests; requests for documents for the purposes of his inquiry; and substantive matters relating to the progress and implementation of his work.
I or my officials have written to Dr Scally on 17/5/2018, 21/5/2018, 22/5/2018; 1/6/2018, 7/6/2018, 18/6/2018, 19/6/2018, 22/6/2018; 6/7/2018, 9/7/2018, 16/7/2018, 18/7/2018; 30/8/2018; 25/10/2018; and 27/11/2018. Correspondence related to practical matters such as indemnification of various members of the inquiry team and invoicing arrangements; provision of documents for the inquiry; and substantive matters relating to his work including terms of reference and implementation of recommendations.
As set out in the Final Report of the Scoping Inquiry into the CervicalCheck Screening Programme, in completing this Report Dr Scally or his team also interviewed key personnel from organisations concerned, including the Department of Health.
It is not possible in the time available to confirm that the above is an exhaustive list of all meetings and correspondence, but it does represent the factual position as established in the time available.
In relation to the Deputy's query regarding meetings between HSE officials and Dr Scally, I have asked the HSE to respond to him directly.
Home Help Service Provision
Questions (427)
James Lawless
Question:427. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health if suitable homecare hours will be made available to a person (details supplied). [21868/19]
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.
Services for People with Disabilities
Questions (428)
Alan Kelly
Question:428. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the 2019 current funding deficit for section 39 disability organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21870/19]
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 a service issue, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.