Written Answers Nos. 377-401
377. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health the number of child psychologists working in the Kildare town primary care centre; his plans to increase the number of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41852/19]
View answerAs this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.
378. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health if the case of a person (details supplied) who needs access to a child psychologist will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41853/19]
View answerAs this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.
379. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health the procedure to ensure that each person has access to a general practitioner if the person does not have a medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41854/19]
View answerPeople who do not hold a medical card or GP visit card access GP services on a private basis and can make enquiries directly to any GP practice they wish to register with.
GPs are private contractors and it is a matter for each individual GP to decide whether to accept additional private patients. In some instances GP practices have a full list of patients and cannot take on new patients. If this happens, patients should contact other GP practices in their area. While I have no role in relation to such matters, I would expect clinicians to consider the importance of patients having access to a GP service close to home when deciding whether or not to accept private patients.
The Government is committed to increasing GP capacity to ensure that all patients, those that hold a medical or GP visit card as well as those that do not, continue to have access to GP services and that general practice is sustainable in all areas into the future.
Efforts undertaken in recent years to increase the number of practising GPs include changes to the entry provisions to the GMS scheme to accommodate more flexible/shared GMS GP contracts, and to the retirement provisions for GPs under the GMS scheme, allowing GPs to hold GMS contracts until their 72nd birthday. Enhanced supports for rural GP practices have also been introduced.
There has also been a significant expansion in the number of places on GP training programmes in recent years; up from 120 places in 2009 to 192 filled in 2019.
An agreement with the Irish Medical Organisation on contractual reform was concluded this year. In return for cooperation with a wide range of service developments and reforms, the Government will increase investment in general practice by approximately 40% (or €210 million) by 2023. This will see significant increases in capitation fees for GPs who participate in the reform programme and the introduction of new fees and subsidies for additional services such as the chronic disease management programme.
I am confident that these measures will make general practice more sustainable and a more attractive career option for doctors, thus increasing GP capacity and helping to ensure that all patients have access to GP services.
380. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health if there are buildings owned by the HSE that could be used by an association (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41855/19]
View answerAs the Health Service Executive is responsible for the management of the public healthcare property estate, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to you in relation to this matter.
381. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health the number of children waiting to see a community occupational therapist in County Kildare; the number waiting one, six, 12 and longer than 18 months, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41858/19]
View answerAs this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.
382. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health the number of children waiting to see a community physiotherapist in County Kildare; the number waiting one, six, 12 and longer than 18 months, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41859/19]
View answerAs this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.
383. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health the number of children waiting to see a psychologist in County Kildare; the number waiting one, six, 12 and longer than 18 months, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41860/19]
View answerAs this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.
384. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health the number of children waiting to see a speech and language therapist in County Kildare; the number waiting one, six, 12 and longer than 18 months, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41861/19]
View answerAs this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.
385. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of confirmed instances of cancer regarding breast implants (details supplied); the number of persons contacted and advised on this matter to date by the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41865/19]
View answerBreast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a rare type of non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, occurring in individuals who have previously had synthetic breast implants or tissue expanders.
BIA-ALCL is not breast cancer. It is a type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma – a cancer of the immune system.
The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) has been updating my Department on this matter as further research is published and as evidence continues to emerge at both a European and international level and while the risk of developing BIA-ALCL has been shown to be more common than first thought, it still remains a rare condition.
Breast implant devices and tissue expanders can have various types of surface texturing and the risk of developing BIA ALCL appears to be related to the degree of surface texturing on the breast implant or tissue expander. Other breast implants may have a different risk of developing BIA-ALCL. Implants with a lesser degree of surface texturing appear to have a less common association with BIA-ALCL. A range of breast implants with different degrees of surface texturing have been used in Ireland.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has decided to communicate publicly on this matter at this time in order to increase awareness of BIA ALCL, ensure that women in Ireland are fully informed on this issue and are given the appropriate advice. My Department has been working alongside the HSE in this regard.
On October 9 2019, the HSE published an information notice on their website in relation to this matter. This notice provides further background on BIA ALCL including its relationship with textured breast implants and tissue expanders, signs and symptoms to be aware of, when to seek medical attention and further advice to women who may be affected by this issue.
The HSE will issue letters to people who have received textured breast implants or tissue expanders during surgery in Ireland. These letters will have advice on what the individuals should do if they are concerned. The issuing of these letters by the HSE is due to commence in the coming weeks.
The details referred to in the question relate to an article that appeared in the Irish Independent on October 5, headed “Probe over cancer link to breast implants”. The article wrongly referred to 14 reports of “potential breast cancer illness” related to breast implants having been reported to the Health Products Regulatory Authority. The paper in question subsequently issued a correction, clarifying that the Health Products Regulatory Authority had advised that it had received 14 complaints of breast implant illness. This condition is not related to cancer. Breast implant illness can include joint pain, rashes, memory loss, brain fog and other symptoms. The errors were initially corrected on the online version of the paper and a print correction was published on October 7.
Regarding the number of cases of BIA ALCL identified in Ireland, where there may be a small number of cases only and due to the possible risk of patient identification, I cannot confirm a specific number of cases.
386. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if the maintenance at a centre (details supplied) will be referred to the HSE; the status of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41867/19]
View answerAs this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.
387. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of persons that will benefit from the changes to the income thresholds for the over 70 years of age medical card; the cost in 2020 of this measure; and the four-year cost of same. [41897/19]
View answerAs announced in Budget 2020, medical card gross income limits for those over 70 will be increased to €550 per week for a single person aged over 70 (currently €500 per week) and to €1050 for a couple aged over 70 (currently €900 per week).
It is estimated that up to 56,000 persons aged over 70 may be eligible to benefit from the increased medical card income limits which will apply from July 2020.
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 deemed eligible. Funding in respect of the measure has been provided for within the Budget 2020 package of family friendly measures, which amounts to €45m in total.
388. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the cost in 2020 of the GMS prescription charges for over 70 years being reduced by 50 cent to €1; and the full-year cost of same. [41898/19]
View answerAs part of Budget 2020 I made a number of announcements in relation to reducing the cost of medicines for individuals and families. These measures are in line with commitments given in the Programme for Partnership government and under Sláintecare.
From the 1st July 2020 prescription charges will be reduced by 25% for all medical card holders.
The cost to reduce the charge to €1.00 with a monthly cap of €10, for over 70s is expected to cost €7m in 2020. The full year cost of this measure is estimated at €12m.
389. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the cost in 2020 of the GMS prescription charges being reduced by 50 cent to €1.50 per item for persons under 70 years of age; and the four-year cost of same. [41899/19]
View answerAs part of Budget 2020 I made a number of announcements in relation to reducing the cost of medicines for individuals and families. These measures are in line with commitments given in the Programme for Partnership government and under Sláintecare.
From the 1st July 2020 prescription charges will be reduced by 25% for all medical card holders.
The cost to reduce the charge to €1.50 with a monthly cap of €15, for under 70s is expected to cost €7m in 2020.
The full year cost, as clarified with the Deputy, of this measure is estimated at €12m.
390. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the cost in 2020 of expanding free general practitioner care to children aged six to eight years; and the full-year cost of same. [41900/19]
View answerThe Government is committed to delivering free access to GP care for children aged up to 12 years old on a phased basis. Following the earlier introduction of free GP care for children aged under 6, Budget 2020 will allow for the beginning of the phased introduction of free GP care for children aged from 6 to 12, with the introduction of free GP care for children aged 6 and 7 from autumn 2020.
Introduction of this measure will be the subject of negotiation with the IMO, representing general practitioners, and the exact cost will depend on the outcome of those negotiations.
391. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the cost in 2020 of providing free dental care for children under six years of age including preventative oral health and promotion packages; and the full-year cost of same. [41902/19]
View answerThe Government is committed to providing packages of oral healthcare for children aged up to 16 years old on a phased basis, as set out in Smile agus Sláinte, the National Oral Health Policy. Budget 2020 allows for the introduction of free oral healthcare packages for children aged under 6. Introduction of this measure including the associated costs will be the subject of consultation with dentists.
392. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the cost in 2020 of reducing the monthly threshold for the drug payment scheme by €10 to €114; and the full-year cost of same. [41903/19]
View answerAs part of Budget 2020 I made a number of announcements in relation to reducing the cost of medicines for individuals and families. These measures are in line with commitments given in the Programme for Partnership government and under Sláintecare.
From the 1st September 2020 the Drugs Payment Scheme monthly threshold will be reduced by €10 from €124 to €114, the cost of this measure in 2020 is expected to be €3m. The full year cost of this measure is estimated at €11.6m.
393. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the details of the 1,000 therapists, nurses and other professionals in community health services whose recruitment was announced in budget 2020; the number to be recruited in 2010; and when the positions will be operational in 2020. [41904/19]
View answerThe recent Budget included an additional 2020 provision of €10 million (€60 million in a full year) for the enhancement of community and primary care. I particularly welcome the advance commitment to €60 million in 2021 as it will enable the recruitment of up to 1,000 therapists, nurses and other professionals in the community on a phased basis during the course of next year. This will allow for these funded posts to be in place by the end of next year and throughout 2021 in order to address the needs identified in the Health Service Capacity Review recommendations. This funding will also facilitate the recruitment of dementia advisers. The planning for these posts will be in conjunction with the development of the new regional health areas so as to reflect the specific needs of the region.
394. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the additional funding to be provided for the nursing home support scheme in 2020; the full-year cost of same; and the number of additional places to be provided by this funding. [41905/19]
View answerThe Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS), commonly referred to as Fair Deal, is a system of financial support for people who require long-term residential care. Participants contribute to the cost of their care according to their means while the State pays the balance of the cost.
In Budget 2020 the Government has provided an additional €45m investment in the NHSS, increasing its budget to about €1.03bn in 2020. Compared to the 2019 National Service Plan target, this increased investment is projected to support an additional 500 people on average at any one time in long-term residential care in 2020.
395. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the details of the €97 million for older people services in 2020; and the full-year cost of such initiatives. [41906/19]
View answerThe Government has made improved access to home support services a priority. We have committed to an additional investment of €52 million in Budget 2020 to bring the total funding for home supports to €487 million in 2020. In 2020 the HSE will deliver over 19.2 million hours of home support, representing a substantial increase of 1 million hours more than this year’s target.
This investment is focused on enabling older people to remain at home and, as appropriate, provision of hours will also be targeted at times of peak demand in Winter 2020, at the beginning and end of the year, to ensure more timely egress from hospital for our older citizens.
While the existing home support service is delivering crucial support to many people across the country, it needs to be improved to better meet the changing needs of our citizens. Dedicated funding has been included within the €52m for the testing of the new statutory home-support scheme in 2020.
In Budget 2020 the Government has also provided an additional €45m investment in the NHSS, increasing its budget to about €1.03bn in 2020. Compared to the 2019 National Service Plan target, this increased investment is projected to support an additional 500 people on average at any one time in long-term residential care in 2020.
396. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health his plans to ensure that the €25 million unspent from budget 2018 is used to develop new services for mental health in 2019. [41907/19]
View answer397. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a rationale for the failure to spend €25 million allocated for mental health in 2019. [41908/19]
View answer401. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health the steps he will take to ensure that funding allocated to mental health will be spent on mental health services within the timeframe provided for by the budget in which it was allotted. [41912/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 396, 397 and 401 together.
Budget 2019 made allowance for an additional €55 million for Mental Health Services to build on existing services. This is made up of the €20 million continuing cost in 2019 of developments initiated in 2018, combined with €35 million for further new developments. Since 2012, the Mental Health HSE Budget has been increased by almost 40%.
This investment has enabled the HSE Mental Health Services to progress initiatives outlined in the National Service Plan 2019. Initiatives such as e-mental health pilot programmes and Clinical Programmes in areas such as Eating Disorders and ADHD continue to be developed and implemented with this funding. Funding is also provided in 2019 to plan for the opening of the new National Forensic Mental Hospital.
To date, the HSE has drawn down €30 million of the foregoing funding, and an application for a further €10 million is currently being processed. In addition, €3 million has been paid to Pobal for the Community Mental Health Fund.
I will be meeting the HSE in the next few days to agree the management of the remaining €12m funding for 2019.
Mental health continues to be a priority area for the Government. We recognise that mental health service users are often among the most vulnerable in society and for this reason Budget 2020 saw the Government continue its commitment to mental health with an allocation of over €1 billion.
398. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health if he will provide assurances that the funding announced for mental health in budget 2020 does not include the overrun of funding already announced in budget 2019 or subsequent budgets. [41909/19]
View answerHSE Mental Health services will receive €1.026 billion in funding in 2020, an increase of €234m since 2016, and an increase of €39m over 2019.
The additional €39m euro announced for mental health services in budget 2020 is additional funding and does not rely on any carry-over funding from 2019.
399. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health the details of all new funding provided for mental health in budget 2020, excluding money that had been announced in budget that which will not be spent by the end of 2019. [41910/19]
View answerHSE Mental Health services will receive €1.026 billion in funding in 2020, an increase of €234m since 2016, and an increase of €39m over 2019.
The additional €39m euro announced for mental health services in budget 2020 is additional funding and does not rely on any carry-over funding from 2019.
400. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health if any of the €39 million of additional funding for mental health in 2020 includes funding that had been previously announced in 2019 but had gone unspent. [41911/19]
View answerHSE Mental Health services will receive €1.026 billion in funding in 2020, an increase of €234m since 2016, and €39m over 2019.
The €39 additional million euro announced for mental health services in budget 2020 is additional funding and does not rely on any carry over funding from 2019.
