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Tuesday, 23 Jul 2019

Written Answers Nos. 1430-1454

Disability Services Funding

Questions (1430)

Danny Healy-Rae

Question:

1430. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if funding for the provision of additional social development services for persons with disabilities when they reach 18 years of age will be provided in County Kerry and nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32859/19]

View answer

Written 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 Deputy's office have confirmed that the question relates to both existing and additional services for people with disabilities such as Day Services and Rehabilitative Training. 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 (1431)

Robert Troy

Question:

1431. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an appointment will be expedited for a person (details supplied). [32870/19]

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Written 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.

Cannabis for Medicinal Use

Questions (1432)

Niall Collins

Question:

1432. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health his plans to licence persons to grow and cultivate medicinal cannabis; the process by which a person can obtain such a licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32883/19]

View answer

Written answers

It is an offence to cultivate, import, export, produce, supply and possess cannabis except in accordance with a Ministerial licence.

The Misuse of Drugs (Designation) Order 2017, limits the purposes for which such licences for cannabis can be issued, for example for forensic analysis or research - including research involving the cultivation of cannabis for use in approved clinical trials.

Policy to date has not permitted the cultivation of cannabis for medical purposes and no licences have been issued for this activity. However it is envisaged that recent developments on access to cannabis for medical use may prompt a review of this position in the future.

The Department's priority at this time is the sourcing of suitable quality approved, affordable, finished cannabis products for medical purposes, i.e. those products that have been made in a GMP certified facility or equivalent internationally recognised quality standards. Cultivation of cannabis for medical purposes will not be addressed until this critical goal is achieved in the shorter term as all available resources are focussed on this work.

Further information regarding the licensing process of cannabis cultivation for research purposes may be obtained from the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA).

Disability Support Services

Questions (1433)

Margaret Murphy O'Mahony

Question:

1433. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the number of children on the emergency residential placement list in disability services in CHO1. [32886/19]

View answer

Written 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.

Disability Services Data

Questions (1434)

Margaret Murphy O'Mahony

Question:

1434. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the number of children currently on the emergency residential placement list in disability services in CHO2. [32887/19]

View answer

Written 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.

Disability Services Data

Questions (1435)

Margaret Murphy O'Mahony

Question:

1435. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the number of children currently on the emergency residential placement list in disability services in CHO3. [32888/19]

View answer

Written 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.

Disability Services Data

Questions (1436)

Margaret Murphy O'Mahony

Question:

1436. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the number of children currently on the emergency residential placement list in disability services in CHO4. [32889/19]

View answer

Written 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.

Disability Services Data

Questions (1437)

Margaret Murphy O'Mahony

Question:

1437. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the number of children currently on the emergency residential placement list in disability services in CHO5. [32890/19]

View answer

Written 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.

Disability Services Data

Questions (1438)

Margaret Murphy O'Mahony

Question:

1438. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the number of children currently on the emergency residential placement list in disability services in CHO6. [32891/19]

View answer

Written 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.

Disability Services Data

Questions (1439)

Margaret Murphy O'Mahony

Question:

1439. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the number of children currently on the emergency residential placement list in disability services in CHO7. [32892/19]

View answer

Written 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.

Disability Services Data

Questions (1440)

Margaret Murphy O'Mahony

Question:

1440. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the number of children currently on the emergency residential placement list in disability services in CHO8. [32893/19]

View answer

Written 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.

Disability Services Data

Questions (1441)

Margaret Murphy O'Mahony

Question:

1441. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the number of children currently on the emergency residential placement list in disability services in CHO9. [32894/19]

View answer

Written 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 Card Drugs Availability

Questions (1442)

John McGuinness

Question:

1442. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the reason a drink can no longer be obtained on a medical card; the arrangements being put in place for patients such as a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32910/19]

View answer

Written answers

Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the pricing and reimbursement of the community drug schemes; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Medical Card Expenditure

Questions (1443)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

1443. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the estimated full year cost of removing the prescription charge for medical card holders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32927/19]

View answer

Written answers

The estimated full year cost of abolishing prescription charges is €82 m.

Healthcare Infrastructure Provision

Questions (1444)

John Lahart

Question:

1444. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health the status of the construction of the new 100-bed unit at Tymon North, County Dublin; if construction is now complete; and if so, when the unit will be operational and available to patients. [32930/19]

View answer

Written 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 (1445)

John Curran

Question:

1445. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health the status of the construction of the new 100-bed unit at Peamount, Newcastle, County Dublin; when construction will be complete; and when the unit will be operational and available to patients. [32933/19]

View answer

Written answers

As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of healthcare infrastructure projects and services, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.

Departmental Projects

Questions (1446)

Anne Rabbitte

Question:

1446. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health the number of feasibility studies conducted by his Department in County Galway in each of the years 2016 to 2018 and to date in 2019, in tabular form; the names of each project being studied; the amount allocated and drawn down for each study; the person or body that sought each study; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32944/19]

View answer

Written answers

The information requested by the Deputy is not immediately available. I will survey the Department and the collated replies will be prepared into a full response to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Information and Communications Technology

Questions (1447)

Stephen Donnelly

Question:

1447. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the action being taken to replace information and communications technology systems in CHO7 which are not fit for purpose from clinical, financial and human resource perspectives according to the CHO7 2019 operation plan. [32959/19]

View answer

Written answers

The Deputy is referring to the wording contained in the 2019 CHO7 Operational Plan which identifies the "Non-integration of ICT systems which are not fit for purpose from Clinical, Financial and HR perspectives" as a structural risk to the delivery of the operation plan for Dublin South, Kildare West and Wicklow.

The risk and the mitigating actions are owned by CHO7 and the HSE.  As this is an operational matter, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy.

Operational and delivery plan

Health Services Provision

Questions (1448)

Stephen Donnelly

Question:

1448. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken to put in place the organisational capacity required in CHO7 to develop the required primary care networks and primary care teams; and the associated scaling of models and pathways of care required to deliver high quality services. [32960/19]

View answer

Written 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.

Health and Safety

Questions (1449)

Stephen Donnelly

Question:

1449. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken to address the lack of health and safety resources in CHO7 which in the context of its obligations under health and safety legislation amount to a serious structural risk in CHO7. [32961/19]

View answer

Written answers

As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy.

HSE Governance

Questions (1450)

Stephen Donnelly

Question:

1450. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health if 14 community healthcare networks have now been established across southern areas of County Dublin, County Kildare and west County Wicklow; and if not, the numbers now in place. [32962/19]

View answer

Written 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.

HSE Funding

Questions (1451)

Stephen Donnelly

Question:

1451. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the reason for the reduction in the primary care budget in CHO7 in 2019. [32963/19]

View answer

Written 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.

HSE Funding

Questions (1452)

Stephen Donnelly

Question:

1452. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the reason for the reduction in the social inclusion budget in CHO7 in 2019. [32964/19]

View answer

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.

Occupational Therapy Staff

Questions (1453)

Stephen Donnelly

Question:

1453. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of additional occupational therapists in whole-time equivalent terms appointed in CHO7 to date in 2019; and the net increase in the number of occupational therapists in whole-time equivalent terms in CHO7 resulting from such recruitment. [32965/19]

View answer

Written answers

I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.

HSE Funding

Questions (1454, 1484)

Stephen Donnelly

Question:

1454. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health his views on the assertion in the CHO7 2019 operation plan that in view of the rising demand for more complex services to support persons, there is insufficient funding for pay cost pressures and non-pay inflation and that sufficient funding has not been provided in CHO7 in 2019 to maintain 2018 levels of service. [32966/19]

View answer

Stephen Donnelly

Question:

1484. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken to address the under provision of accounting and financial management capacity in CHO6 which remains a significant challenge according to the CHO6 2019 operational plan. [33171/19]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1454 and 1484 together.

After the approval of the National Service Plan, the next step in the HSE’s planning process is the preparation of the more detailed Operational Plans for each Division/CHO/Hospital Group. For 2019 each area’s operational plan is required to incorporate measures to achieve both an affordable level of staffing and the saving measures required to deliver a break-even position. Patient safety is prioritised, and consistent with the Sláintecare programme, the HSE must deliver on the activity, access, improvement and other targets set out in the National Service Plan, albeit this must be done within the affordable staffing level and without exceeding the overall budget.

The operational plans are prepared at a point in time and must be viewed in this manner; they will be consistently evolving based on experience during the year.

Delivering the national service plan priorities will require a significantly enhanced focus on financial management and the HSE has committed to supporting its senior managers who will be held to account in this regard.

The HSE Chief Executive, following his appointment in May, completed a comprehensive review of the HSE financial position with senior managers. He has acknowledged the clear message from Government that the HSE is required to deliver effective and safe services within the 2019 funding allocation in the National Service Plan. He has persistently articulated this position and he has been fully supported by the Secretary General and the Chair of the HSE Board.

My Department is working with the HSE to limit the overrun to the greatest extent possible, while ensuring commitment to the agreed deliverables. This is within the context that health funding is a major policy challenge internationally, with larger and older populations, with more acute health and social care requirements, increased demand for new and existing drugs and the rising costs of health technology.

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