Tuesday, 17 Sep 2019

Written Answers Nos. 443-467

Hospital Appointments Status

Questions (443)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

443. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae 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. [37576/19]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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 (444)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

444. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be seen in Cork University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37578/19]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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 Services

Questions (445)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

445. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if he will request Cavan General Hospital to clarify if patients (details supplied) are being diverted from the hospital; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that certain directives from the HSE have been issued to ambulance personnel in relation to the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37579/19]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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 (446)

Barry Cowen

Question:

446. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive a hospital appointment. [37606/19]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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.

Physiotherapy Provision

Questions (447)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

447. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health when sanction will be given by the National Director of Community Operations in relation to the essential full-time physiotherapy post in Connemara in view of the large number of persons awaiting physiotherapy in Connemara and the islands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37611/19]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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 Staff Recruitment

Questions (448, 449, 450)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

448. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the number of posts in primary care for which interviews have been held, posts offered and accepted and awaiting sanction by the National Director of Community Operations in Galway city and county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37612/19]

Catherine Connolly

Question:

449. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the number of posts in primary care for which interviews have been held, posts offered and accepted and awaiting sanction by the National Director of Community Operations by post and county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37613/19]

Catherine Connolly

Question:

450. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the number of graduates that applied to Saolta for preregistration positions to date in 2019, by county; the number of preregistration nurses employed by Saolta by county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37614/19]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 448 to 450, inclusive, together.

I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on these matters.

Dental Services Waiting Lists

Questions (451)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

451. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the waiting time for braces for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37654/19]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.

Medical Aids and Appliances Provision

Questions (452)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

452. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of liners for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37655/19]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.

Hospital Appointments Status

Questions (453)

Maurice Quinlivan

Question:

453. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an appointment. [37670/19]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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.

Health Services Provision

Questions (454)

Brendan Smith

Question:

454. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health his plans to provide additional supports in respect of the provision of health services (details supplied) in counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37672/19]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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

Healthcare Infrastructure Provision

Questions (455)

Brendan Smith

Question:

455. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the capital funding committed in 2019 for a project (details supplied); the level of expenditure to date; the work undertaken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37673/19]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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

Hospital Groups

Questions (456)

Brendan Smith

Question:

456. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health when a project (details supplied) will proceed; the range of facilities to be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37674/19]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The establishment of Hospital Groups has enabled a better configuration of hospital services with benefits relating to safety, quality, access, cost and sustainable medical staffing. The structure ensures that Hospitals working together in a Group will be able to support each other, providing a stronger role for smaller hospitals in delivering less complex care, and ensuring that those who require emergency or complex planned care are managed safely in larger hospitals.

The Smaller Hospitals Framework focuses in particular on the future role of smaller hospitals and outlines the wide range of services that can be provided within these smaller hospitals.  The Department of Health is committed to securing and further developing the role of our smaller hospitals, including Model 3 hospitals such as Cavan Hospital, with the expansion of services delivered in these hospitals, especially in services such as day surgery; ambulatory care; medical services and diagnostics.

Future investment in Cavan General Hospital will be considered within the overall acute hospital infrastructure programme, the prioritised needs of the hospital groups and within the overall capital envelope available to the health service.

Project Ireland 2040 provides €10.9 billion for Health capital developments across the country, including both national programmes and individual projects, across acute, primary and social care. Health capital projects and programmes currently underway will continue. As to be expected with such a plan, many proposals are at an early stage and will require to progress through appraisal, planning design and tender before a firm timeline or funding required can be established.

The planning and management of future health expenditure is considered as part of the annual estimates and budgetary process which seeks to balance available funding across all service areas to achieve the best possible outcomes for the greatest number of service users and prioritise areas of greatest need.

As this is an operational matter, I have also asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly as soon as possible.

HSE Expenditure

Questions (457)

Stephen Donnelly

Question:

457. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the expenditure incurred on drugs, medicines and pharmaceutical products across hospitals and community schemes in each of the years 2012 to 2018 and to date in 2019, in tabular form. [37679/19]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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

Respite Care Services Data

Questions (458, 459)

Margaret Murphy O'Mahony

Question:

458. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the number of overnights with or without day respite accessed by persons with a disability in each of the years 2014 to 2018 and to date in 2019, for each local health office area in tabular form. [37680/19]

Margaret Murphy O'Mahony

Question:

459. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the number of day only respite sessions accessed by persons with a disability in each of the years 2014 to 2018 and to date in 2019, for each local health office area in tabular form. [37681/19]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 458 and 459 together.

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 Waiting Lists Action Plans

Questions (460)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

460. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the plans in place to help with the waiting lists in University Hospital Kerry for bone scans (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37682/19]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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 Expenditure

Questions (461)

John Brassil

Question:

461. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health the expenditure incurred in the GMS scheme on generic drugs, branded generics and proprietary drugs with an equivalent generic and on proprietary drugs without an equivalent generic in each of the years 2015 to 2018, in tabular form. [37705/19]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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

HSE Expenditure

Questions (462)

John Brassil

Question:

462. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health the expenditure incurred in the DPS scheme on generic drugs, branded generics and proprietary drugs with an equivalent generic and on proprietary drugs without an equivalent generic in each of the years 2015 to 2018, in tabular form. [37706/19]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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

HSE Expenditure

Questions (463)

John Brassil

Question:

463. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health the expenditure incurred in the LTI scheme on generic drugs, branded generics and proprietary drugs with an equivalent generic and on proprietary drugs without an equivalent generic in each of the years 2015 to 2018, in tabular form. [37707/19]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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

National Drugs Strategy

Questions (464)

John Curran

Question:

464. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health his plans to establish a national educational awareness campaign on the dangers of casual drug use here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37738/19]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

A core objective of the National Drug Strategy, 'Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery', is to promote and protect the health and well-being of our population by delaying the use of alcohol and other drugs among young people.

This is delivered through a number of evidence-based substance use education programmes which are designed to increase the understanding of the harmful effects of substance misuse on the health of the user and other people in the person’s life. It is crucial that young people are equipped to make informed choices about substance use.

There is limited evidence that mass media campaigns are effective at reducing the use of drugs and alcohol. Therefore, the HSE favours more targeted awareness campaigns. For example, it recently launched a resource for parents with practical advice called 'Alcohol and Drugs: A Parents Guide'. The HSE, in partnership with the Union of Students in Ireland have also launched a harm-reduction information campaign, called #SaferStudentNights. The HSE is also currently running a number of initiatives to counteract ecstasy and other drug taking, including a harm reduction campaign through drugs.ie aimed at university students and festival goers.

Together with the Minister for Health and the Minister for Justice, I recently announced a health diversion programme for people in possession of drugs for personal use. 

In progressing this work, we continue to communicate the important message that drug use is not acceptable and can seriously damage our health. The Department of Health will therefore launch a targeted awareness campaign about the dangers of drug use next year, aimed at high risk groups, such as festival goers and students.

National Drugs Strategy

Questions (465)

John Curran

Question:

465. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health the amount of funding allocated to public awareness campaigns on the dangers of casual drug use in each of the years 2015 to 2018 and to date in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37739/19]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Drug and Alcohol Task Forces

Questions (466)

John Curran

Question:

466. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health his plans to increase the funding that is currently allocated to local and regional drug task forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37740/19]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

Drug and alcohol task forces play a key role in assessing the extent and nature of substance misuse in their areas, and in supporting community responses, as part of a coordinated approach involving all sectors at local and regional levels. Task forces were allocated in the region of €28 million in funding for 2019. 

In March 2019, I announced additional funding of €1 million for the implementation of the National Drugs Strategy; Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery. The additional funding reflects the Government's commitment to implementing an integrated public health response to substance misuse. The funding will be provided on a recurring, multi-annual basis, and will support harm reduction responses to emerging trends in substance misuse, and improved services for at-risk groups.

Following consideration of the outcome of a consultation process with task forces and the HSE, I approved a three-strand funding model for this additional funding. Task forces were notified of this funding model on 18 May. 

Strand 1 involves the allocation of €20,000 to each task force in 2019, which includes €10,000 provided on a recurring annual basis. This additional funding can be used to enhance local drug and alcohol services. The funding has been transferred to the HSE for distribution to the task forces.

Strand 2 provides funding for 12  strategic health initiatives on a regional basis, for a total of €190,000 per initiative over three years.

Strand 3 will support a strategic initiative on drug-related violence and intimidation.

An assessment committee has recently concluded its work on reviewing the funding applications under strand 2. I have announced the results of this process today in a press release, which is available at the following link:

National Drugs Strategy

I look forward to working with task forces and community health organisations to achieve the maximum impact from these additional resources. 

National Drugs Strategy

Questions (467)

John Curran

Question:

467. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health the progress which has been made in organising a yearly national forum on evidence based and effective practice on drug and alcohol education (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37741/19]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The national drugs strategy 'Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery – A health-led response to Drug and Alcohol Use in Ireland 2017 – 2025' is underpinned by the values of equity and partnership and a commitment to an evidence-informed approach.

The Department Of Health  and the Health Research Board hosted the inaugural National Drugs Forum (NDF) in November 2018 as a means of engagement and shared learning between all the stakeholders involved in the national drugs strategy, including Government departments, community and voluntary organisations and drug and alcohol task forces. 

The preparations for this year’s Forum are underway and the working group tasked with organising the Forum has met several times over the last months. This year’s Forum will take place on November 5th .

I believe that the involvement of all stakeholders in the response to problem drug use is key to realising the strategy’s aims. I look forward to the deliberations of the Forum on improvements in service development and delivery.