Fiona O'Loughlin
Question:382. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health when a methadone clinic will be built in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29296/19]
View answerDrug Rehabilitation Clinics
Questions (382)
Written 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 (383)
Fiona O'Loughlin
Question:383. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health the status of an operation for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29297/19]
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.
Transport Support Scheme
Questions (384)
Fiona O'Loughlin
Question:384. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health the status of the new scheme to replace the mobility allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29298/19]
View answerWritten answers
The Deputy will be familiar with the background to the closure of both the Mobility Allowance and Motorised Transport Grant schemes in 2013.
With regard to the proposals for a new Health (Transport Support) Bill, the Deputy may be aware that my colleague, the Minister for Health and I, brought a Memorandum to Government on proposals for a new Transport Support Payment Scheme. Following consideration of the matter, it was decided to withdraw the Memorandum from the Cabinet Agenda at that time. I intend to revert to Government in due course with revised proposals to reflect the discussions at that Cabinet meeting and further discussions between myself and Minister Harris, on the best way to progress the Transport Scheme.
It is important to note that the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers scheme, operated by the Revenue Commissioners, remains in place. This scheme provides VRT and VAT relief, an exemption from road tax and a fuel grant to drivers and passengers with a disability, who qualify under the relevant criteria set out in governing regulations made by the Minister for Finance. Specifically adapted vehicles driven by persons with a disability are also exempt from payment of tolls on national roads and toll bridges. Transport Infrastructure Ireland has responsibility for this particular scheme.
There are improvements in access to a range of transport support schemes available to persons with disabilities in the State and on-going work is being carried out by Government Departments, agencies and transport providers to further improve access to public transport services. Under the National Disability Inclusion Strategy, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has responsibility for the continued development of accessibility and availability of public transport for people with a disability.
Data Protection
Questions (385)
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:385. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the progress being made in relation to an investigation by the Data Protection Commissioner of a data breach involving the five pages of medical records pertaining to ten patients at a hospital (details supplied) in late April 2019; when the data protection audit at the hospital will be completed; if the findings of the investigation will be made public; the steps the hospital has taken to improve the management of sensitive patient information since this breach occurred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29300/19]
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.
Medicinal Products Supply
Questions (386, 397)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:386. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the reason the HSE limits the amount of medication that can be given to a patient with cystic fibrosis to a three-month supply in view of the fact it restricts their ability to travel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29307/19]
View answer
Martin Ferris
Question:397. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health the reason for limiting the supply of cystic fibrosis medication for a person to a three-month supply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29368/19]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 386 and 397 together.
In 2017, Orkambi was approved for reimbursement by the HSE. Given the scope of this significant investment by the State in Cystic Fibrosis treatment, a strong management and oversight programme was introduced.
A robust reimbursement protocol was introduced for this expensive medicine, which was agreed with the Cystic Fibrosis programme, and was circulated to all designated specialists and prescribing consultants.
This protocol clearly states that patients must be ordinarily resident in Ireland to qualify for reimbursement of this medicine. In Ireland, medicines are available to persons who are ordinarily resident under the Community Health Care Schemes including GMS, DPS and LTI.
In addition the protocol states that persons will be required to attend their specialist Cystic Fibrosis centre at least every 3 months to ensure that care is managed optimally.
My Department has previously directed that a maximum of 3 months medicines can be supplied to patients to facilitate travel, however, arrangements do not extend to persons who no longer reside in the State.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (387)
Seán Fleming
Question:387. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will have an operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29309/19]
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 Administration
Questions (388)
Robert Troy
Question:388. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an outpatient appointment for a person (details supplied) will be expedited. [29319/19]
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 Charges
Questions (389)
Niall Collins
Question:389. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health if assistance in relation to hospital bills will be offered to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29323/19]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
Medicinal Products Supply
Questions (390)
John Brassil
Question:390. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the provision of Duodopa for peritoneal dialysis patients in view of the fact that the health technology assessment process has been completed by the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics, NCPE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29328/19]
View answerWritten answers
The HSE has statutory responsibility for medicine pricing and reimbursement decisions, under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. The Act specifies criteria for decisions on the reimbursement of medicines. As Minister, I have no role in this statutory process.
HSE decisions on which medicines are reimbursed by the taxpayer are made on objective, scientific and economic grounds, including the advice of the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE). The NCPE conducts health technology assessments (HTAs) for the HSE and makes recommendations on reimbursement to assist HSE decisions. The NCPE uses a decision framework to systematically assess whether a drug's clinical and cost effectiveness as a health intervention.
The HSE strives to reach a decision in as timely a manner as possible. However, because of the significant monies involved, it must ensure that the best price is achieved, as these commitments are often multi-million euro, ongoing investments. This can lead to a protracted deliberation process.
I wish to advise you that the NCPE completed a health technology assessment on 14 June 2019 on levodopa and carbidopa intestinal gel (Duodopa) for patients with Parkinson's disease.
The NCPE recommendation was that levodopa and carbidopa intestinal gel (Duodopa) not be considered for reimbursement unless cost-effectiveness can be improved relative to existing treatments.
The HSE's final decision on reimbursement will take into consideration the statutory criteria contained in the 2013 Health Act.
The NCPE recommendation is available on the NCPE website at http://www.ncpe.ie/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Duodopa-Website-Summary-final.pdf
Cross-Border Health Services Provision
Questions (391)
Robert Troy
Question:391. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if a cross-border scheme refund will be expedited for a person (details supplied). [29335/19]
View answerWritten answers
The HSE operates the Cross Border Directive (CBD) in Ireland. As this question refers to a service matter I have asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy.
Public Health Policy
Questions (392)
Mattie McGrath
Question:392. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health his views on the serious public health concerns raised in an email (details supplied); if an immediate public inquiry will be conducted into the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29344/19]
View answerWritten answers
I wish to advise the Deputy that I have been fully briefed on this issue.
I am satisfied that these matters have been investigated and that a public inquiry is not warranted.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services
Questions (393)
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:393. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the nature of the out-of-hours service provided by north Dublin Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, CAMHS, for children and families in crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29350/19]
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.
Psychological Services Waiting Lists
Questions (394)
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:394. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in CHO9 awaiting a primary care psychology appointment as of 1 July 2019; the length of time they have been waiting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29351/19]
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 (395)
Kevin O'Keeffe
Question:395. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health if longer hours will be provided at a facility for a person (details supplied). [29356/19]
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 Policy
Questions (396)
Peter Burke
Question:396. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health the status of the model of care for lymphoedema and lipoedema services further to a representation (details supplied); when these recommendations will be considered and implemented; if he has met with an organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29359/19]
View answerWritten answers
The working group report detailing the proposed model of care for lymphoedema and lipoedema treatment in Ireland was published on the HSE website in April 2019.
The HSE has advised that a 12-month 'proof of concept' programme will commence in September this year. The programme will consist of:
- an early detection service in the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin;
- a community demonstration site in Community Healthcare Organisation 8 (Laois/Offaly);
- the introduction of lymphoedema education into undergraduate programmes; and,
- eLearning modules in lymphoedema awareness for health care practitioners.
The broader implementation of the Model of Care will be addressed by the HSE in the coming months in the context of the budget process for 2020.
Officials from my Department have met with Lymphoedema Ireland on a number of occasions to discuss progress regarding the development of the Model of Care and the plan for its implementation. The most recent meeting with the organisation took place in April this year.
Question No. 397 answered with Question No. 386.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (398)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:398. 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. [29370/19]
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.
Departmental Advertising Expenditure
Questions (399)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:399. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the amount spent on digital marketing in each of the past eight years; the items on which funds were spent; the criteria by which target audiences were selected; the amount of the digital spend targeted here; the amount targeted abroad; the amount that related to private companies; the amount that related to policy initiatives; and the purpose of the digital advertisements [29394/19]
View answerWritten answers
The Department of Health did not pay for any digital marketing or advertising before 2018.
Please see the following table for details of monies spent by the Department on digital marketing from 2018 to date.
Healthy Ireland
2018 - €70, 761.34
2019 - €45, 488,35
Items - Advertising on facebook, twitter, youtube, google and RTE
Target audience - Adult population in Ireland
Criteria - Research findings that 92% of the population want to improve health and wellbeing.
Purpose - Healthy Ireland is a Government priority
Policy - Healthy Ireland Framework 2013-2025.
Drugs Policy Unit
2019 - €5,923.07
Items - Digital Media campaign in Ireland
Target audience - 25-50 year olds
Criteria - Age group with highest prevalence of drug use and most affected by policy change
Purpose - On-line questionnaire, part of public consultation to seek input from stakeholders and general public on policy change.
Policy - Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery, a health led response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland.
Sláintecare Programme
2019 - €49.20
Items - Two facebook advertisements
Target audience - General Public Irish Market
Criteria - Users of Social Media
Purpose - Promotion of Sláintecare Vision
Policy - Integrated healthcare service provision.
Press and Communications Office
2019 - €35
Items - Facebook post for Skin Cancer Prevention Plan
Target audience - General population
Purpose - Raise awareness of skin cancer prevention during periods of hot weather and high UV index rating.
Policy - Healthy Ireland.
Home Help Service Expenditure
Questions (400)
Brian Stanley
Question:400. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health the average cost per hour for home helps employed directly by the HSE; and the average cost per hour for home helps provided to the HSE by agencies. [29400/19]
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 Aids and Appliances Provision
Questions (401)
Michael Moynihan
Question:401. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the status of the review into making the FreeStyle Libre device available to all persons with type 1 diabetes; if the findings of the survey submitted by an organisation (details supplied) will form part of the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29402/19]
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.
Disability Support Services Provision
Questions (402)
James Browne
Question:402. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health when 15 additional posts for a service (details supplied) will become operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29403/19]
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 (403)
Martin Ferris
Question:403. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) can expect to receive an appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29404/19]
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 (404)
Peter Burke
Question:404. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive respite hours approved for them. [29405/19]
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.
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.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (405)
Martin Ferris
Question:405. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) can expect to receive an appointment at Cork University Hospital. [29417/19]
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.
HSE Staff Recruitment
Questions (406)
Michael Lowry
Question:406. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the recent announcement by the HSE of a recruitment embargo in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29422/19]
View answerWritten answers
I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
Palliative Care Services
Questions (407)
Bríd Smith
Question:407. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of fully resourcing a clear timetable and process for the implementation of the Palliative Care Services Three Year Development Framework 2017-2019 and the ring-fenced development funding outlined in the Sláintecare report [29434/19]
View answerWritten answers
The HSE's Palliative Care Services Three Year Development Framework 2017-2019 aims to inform and direct the development of adult palliative care services, both generalist and specialist, in Ireland. This is against the backdrop of an aging population in Ireland, coupled with increasing numbers of deaths from cancer, dementia, and neurodegenerative disease, with an associated palliative care need.
The Steering Group which produced the Framework estimated that a total of €41.06 million would be required to properly implement the Framework’s recommendations, including €25 million for the associated revenue costs of new Inpatient Units and hospices, with the remainder for eliminating existing staffing deficits and to enable 50% statutory funding of Night Nursing Services, currently provided through charitable funding.
The Sláintecare Report recommends an investment of €50million to cover the above, of which €8.8m was identified for the development of palliative care services for children.
Departmental Expenditure
Questions (408)
Catherine Murphy
Question:408. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the costs paid for projects to companies (details supplied) engaged by his Department in each of the years 2015 to 2018 and to date in 2019, in tabular form; the reason each was engaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29445/19]
View answerWritten answers
The information requested by the Deputy is as set out in the following tables.
KPMG
|
Date |
Company |
Amount |
|
12/07/16 |
Working Better Together Consultation |
€14,145.00 |
Mazars
|
Date |
Company |
Amount |
|
17/04/19 |
Protected Disclosure Investigation |
2,398.50 |
|
17/04/19 |
GDPR Compliance Services |
37,914.75 |
|
10/04/19 |
Protected Disclosure Investigation |
€9,274.20 |
|
20/02/19 |
GDPR Compliance Services |
€30,688.50 |
|
12/12/18 |
GDPR Compliance Services |
€41,820.00 |
|
12/12/18 |
Protected Disclosure Investigation |
€13,990.70 |
|
09/10/18 |
Review of All Ireland Congenital Heart Disease Network |
€9,908.01 |
|
03/10/17 |
Revised Tobacco Products Directive |
€14,406.01 |
|
24/05/17 |
Consulting Services New Tobacco Directive |
€24,563.79 |
|
07/10/15 |
Activity and Resource Review HSE Home Care |
€20,000.00 |
Arthur Cox
|
Date |
Company |
Amount |
|
21/09/16 |
Tribunal Costs |
61,012.02 |
No payments were made to PWC, A & L Goodbody or Davy Group during the timeframe specified by the Deputy.