Niamh Smyth
Question:396. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) is waiting a long time for occupational therapy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50021/19]
View answerOccupational Therapy Waiting Lists
Questions (396)
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.
Dental Services Provision
Questions (397)
Joe Carey
Question:397. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health if the case of a child (details supplied) in need of dental care will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50049/19]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
Services for People with Disabilities
Questions (398)
Catherine Martin
Question:398. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to a meeting by an association (details supplied) with the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health in which the CEO of the association stated the preference of members for an integrated hotel model of care and to continue a service; his plans to take action on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50078/19]
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 service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy
Services for People with Disabilities
Questions (399, 400)
Catherine Martin
Question:399. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that an association (details supplied) did not undertake a consultation with its members in relation to the closure of a centre in advance of the announcement of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50079/19]
View answerCatherine Martin
Question:400. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Health his views on a meeting by an association (details supplied) with the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health during which its CEO stated that it would not be closing a centre if it had been able to attain funding; his plans to secure the funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50080/19]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 399 and 400 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.
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 questions relate to service matters, I have arranged for the questions to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
Home Care Packages Provision
Questions (401)
Denis Naughten
Question:401. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health further to Topical Issue No. 3 of 21 November 2019, when the person will receive a home care package as per the request in the Topical Issue matter; the reason a reply was not furnished on 21 November 2019 or no reference made to the case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50090/19]
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.
Question No. 402 answered with Question No. 380.
National Children's Hospital Expenditure
Questions (403)
Barry Cowen
Question:403. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 314 of 26 November 2019, the difference between €1,433 million and the sum of the amounts quoted in the table for 2020, 2021 and 2022 equates to the amount that has been spent to date on the national children’s hospital; the amount of each of the figures quoted in the table that has already been allocated to his Department under the National Development Plan 2018-2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50119/19]
View answerWritten answers
The estimated capital cost to complete the new Children’s Hospital and the urgent care centres at Connolly and Tallaght hospitals, as advised to Government December 2018, is €1,433m. The Parliamentary Question referred in the Deputy's question specifically requested information relating to 2020, 2021 and 2022, with additional funds provided for in 2023. The estimated capital cost excludes any additional costs that might arise from items such as construction industry inflation at levels higher than included in the contract or successful contractor claims.
|
Year |
€ |
NCH Project Cashflow |
|
Previous years spend |
€235,554,145 |
|
|
2019 |
€200,781,622 |
|
|
2020 |
€327,203,776 |
|
|
2021 |
€359,651,055 |
|
|
2022 |
€249,168,409 |
|
|
2023 |
€60,640,993 |
|
|
Total |
€1,433,000,000 |
In Project Ireland 2040, the Government is committed to providing €10,900 million capital funding for the public health services over the period 2018-2027.
The capital funding available for the public health services from 2020 to 2022 has been allocated in the recent Budget.
|
Budget 2020 Capital Allocations |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
|
|
Health |
854 |
880 |
880 |
Capital funding for the new Children’s Hospital project has been and will be provided through the annual health capital programme.
The HSE is required to manage its capital expenditure within an agreed Capital Plan each year. The Department and the Health Service Executive maintain close contact regarding the capital funds available each year and the progress of major capital projects and programmes to achieve a balanced capital spend each year.
Medicinal Products
Questions (404)
John Brassil
Question:404. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No.129 of 14 November 2019, the status of the sodium valproate response report which was recently presented to him; the actions or outcomes anticipated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50159/19]
View answerWritten answers
The HSE's report on its Valproate Response Project has been considered within my Department. The report describes the HSE's work on sodium valproate issues since the Valproate Response team was established in May 2018. This work has included the provision of an expert support service for people with concerns about exposure to sodium valproate; developing a diagnostic pathway for foetal valproate syndrome; and improving the structures in place to support families affected by valproate syndrome. The HSE has also begun the development of a Programme for Women's Health in Epilepsy, which will coordinate the national response to issues relating to sodium valproate.
I understand that the HSE intends to publish its report in the near future. My office is in contact with the relevant patient advocacy group to arrange a meeting.
Services for People with Disabilities
Questions (405)
Brendan Smith
Question:405. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the widespread concerns about the proposal by an association (details supplied) to close a centre; if his attention has been further drawn to the views expressed at a recent meeting of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health regarding the need to retain the centre in view of the important services provided to many persons with a disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50160/19]
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 service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
Community Pharmacy Services
Questions (406)
Danny Healy-Rae
Question:406. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he has had oversight of the selection process for the pharmacy contract for the State-funded primary care centres; if not, if it is a local matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50161/19]
View answerWritten answers
The HSE has responsibility for the awarding of the Community Pharmacy Contractor Agreement, therefore I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this issue.
Healthcare Infrastructure Provision
Questions (407)
Catherine Murphy
Question:407. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if funding will be provided for renovation work to commence at a dental clinic (details supplied) in County Kildare in view of the fact that the clinic was not allocated capital funding for 2020 and will remain closed; if an interim solution will be provided in view of the fact that persons in the area are without dental health services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50185/19]
View answerWritten answers
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.
Home Help Service Provision
Questions (408)
Robert Troy
Question:408. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if suitable home help hours will be expedited for a person (details supplied). [50186/19]
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 (409)
Stephen Donnelly
Question:409. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the reason for the limited number of persons with disabilities in receipt of personal assistance hours in CHO6 with just nine persons in receipt of same at the end of June 2019 compared to CHO5 in which 422 persons were receiving personal assistance hours on the same date; and the number of persons in County Wicklow in receipt of personal assistance hours. [50187/19]
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 Services
Questions (410)
Martin Kenny
Question:410. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Health the status of the gynaecological services at Our Lady's Hospital, Manorhamilton, County Leitrim; if no reduction in gynaecological services at the hospital will be guaranteed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50188/19]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service issue, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Home Care Packages Funding
Questions (411, 412)
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:411. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the breakdown of the homecare budget; the areas receiving funding in the allocation, for example, the provision of hours, administration and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50189/19]
View answerThomas P. Broughan
Question:412. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the future of homecare under the Sláintecare model; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50190/19]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 411 and 412 together.
Home supports enable older people to remain in their own homes and communities, as well as facilitating timely discharge from hospital. In line with Programme for Government commitments we have made improved access to home support services a priority. We have committed to an additional investment of €52 million in Budget 2020 for home supports and next year the HSE aims to deliver over 19.2 million hours of home support. This represents 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 reducing the current waiting lists for the service being experienced in almost all areas. As appropriate, provision of hours will also be targeted at times of peak demand in Winter 2019-2020, at the beginning and end of the year, to ensure more timely egress from hospital for our older citizens.
The HSE National Service Plan 2020 has been submitted and is under consideration in my Department. The allocation of hours and targets to Community Healthcare Organisations is currently underway and I have been advised that this will be finalised in the coming weeks.
The Sláintecare Implementation Strategy commits to the introduction of a statutory homecare scheme by the end of 2021. As part of this, work is on-going to determine the optimal approach to the development of the scheme within the broader context of the Sláintecare reforms and in 2019 and 2020 work is focusing on the design of the scheme, the options for regulation, financing and a review of existing services, which is ongoing. Stakeholder consultation and engagement will continue throughout the development of the new scheme.
Of the additional €52m allocated in Budget 2020 for home support services, a proportion of this funding will be used to test a reformed model of service delivery in 2020 at pilot sites. My Department is currently working with the HSE to identify the pilot sites and to agree the approach to testing.
Assisted Human Reproduction Services Expenditure
Questions (413)
Seán Haughey
Question:413. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Health the funding and services available to couples seeking IVF; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50201/19]
View answerWritten answers
In parallel with the ongoing drafting of assisted human reproduction (AHR) legislation, officials in my Department, in conjunction with the HSE, have been developing a model of care for infertility, which incorporates a public funding element.
Accordingly, options in relation to the parameters of such a model are being finalised and I expect to be in a position to make an announcement in the coming weeks.
It should be noted that while AHR treatment is not currently funded by the Irish Public Health Service, a defined list of fertility medicines needed for fertility treatment is covered under the High Tech Arrangements administered by the HSE. Medicines covered by the High Tech Arrangements must be prescribed by a consultant/specialist and authorised for supply to the client’s nominated community pharmacy by the High Tech Hub managed by the Primary Care Reimbursement Service. The cost of the medicines is then covered, as appropriate, under the client’s eligibility, i.e., Medical Card or Drugs Payment Scheme. I understand that the impact on the total cost of AHR treatment for individuals who avail of these schemes is not insignificant.
In addition, there is other support available in that patients who access IVF treatment privately may claim tax relief on the costs involved under the tax relief for medical expenses scheme.
Overall, the development of a model of care will help to ensure the provision of safe, effective and accessible infertility services at all levels of the public health system as part of the full range of services available in obstetrics and gynaecology.
Patient Transport Data
Questions (414)
Stephen Donnelly
Question:414. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of child patients who have been transferred by taxi from Temple Street Children's University Hospital to Children's Health Ireland at Connolly Hospital since 31 July 2019. [50210/19]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Children's Health Ireland to respond to you directly, as soon as possible.
Hospitals Data
Questions (415)
Stephen Donnelly
Question:415. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of blood samples that have been transferred by taxi from the Children's Health Ireland at Connolly Hospital to Temple Street Children's University Hospital since 31 July 2019 to date in 2019 in the presence of a hospital employee during transfer; the number of taxi journeys involved; and if the blood samples were at all times in the presence of a hospital employee during their transfer. [50211/19]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Children's Health Ireland to respond to you directly, as soon as possible.