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Thursday, 5 Mar 2020

Written Answers Nos 544-562

Medical Card Eligibility

Questions (544)

Seán Haughey

Question:

544. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Health if legislation will be brought forward to ensure that the new income eligibility guidelines to qualify for the medical card as announced in budget 2020 are given legal effect; if the funding is in place to finance this measure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2713/20]

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Written answers

As 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 my intention that this measure will be introduced from July 2020 and primary legislation is being drafted by my Department to provide the necessary legislative basis to give effect to the increased thresholds. 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.

Assisted Human Reproduction Legislation

Questions (545)

Seán Haughey

Question:

545. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Health if he has considered the introduction of legislation to deal with surrogacy and guardianship rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2716/20]

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Written answers

As the Deputy will be aware, the Government approved the drafting of a bill on assisted human reproduction (AHR) and associated areas of research, based on the published General Scheme of the Assisted Human Reproduction Bill.  This comprehensive piece of legislation encompasses the regulation of a range of practices for the first time, including domestic surrogacy.

The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health published the report of its review of the General Scheme on 11 July 2019, as part of the pre-legislative scrutiny process, which began in January 2018. 

The Joint Committee’s report and its recommendations will be considered as part of the ongoing process of drafting the bill in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General.

The specific provisions relating to surrogacy are outlined in Part 6 of the General Scheme.  These provisions outline the specific conditions under which surrogacy in Ireland will be permitted, including a requirement for all surrogacy agreements to be pre-authorised by the AHR Regulatory Authority, the establishment of which the Bill will provide for.  The General Scheme also sets out a court-based mechanism through which the parentage of a child born through surrogacy may be transferred from the surrogate (and her husband, if applicable) to the intending parent(s).

In addition, under the surrogacy provisions at least one of the intending parents will have to be genetically related to the child.  Surrogacy will be permitted on an altruistic basis where the payment of defined and receiptable reasonable expenses will be allowed.  However, commercial surrogacy in Ireland will be prohibited as it raises a number of concerns relating to the welfare and commodification of the children involved as well as the potential risks of coercion and exploitation of financially vulnerable women to act as surrogates.

It should be noted that the General Scheme does not regulate Irish citizens being involved in international commercial surrogacy agreements in other countries.  However, the Department of Justice and Equality published a guidance document in 2012 on citizenship, parentage, guardianship and travel document issues in relation to children born as a result of surrogacy arrangements entered into outside the State.  The purpose of this document is to provide information to prospective intending parents on the steps necessary to ensure that a child born abroad through a surrogacy arrangement may enter and reside in the State and to secure the best interests of the child.  This guidance document is available on the website of the Department of Justice and Equality.

Issues relating to guardianship rights generally are the responsibility of the Minister for Justice and Equality.

Disability Support Services Funding

Questions (546)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

546. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter regarding funding for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2719/20]

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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.

Audiology Services Provision

Questions (547)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

547. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health when a hearing test will take place for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2722/20]

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Written answers

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

Dental Services Provision

Questions (548)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Question:

548. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health when pupils in third class in a school (details supplied) will be called to avail of the dental services provided to primary school children. [2723/20]

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Written answers

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

Health Services Provision

Questions (549)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

549. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health when results will be issued to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2728/20]

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Written answers

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 (550)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

550. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if an appointment will be expedited for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2729/20]

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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.

General Practitioner Services Provision

Questions (551)

Jackie Cahill

Question:

551. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health his plans for the Shannondoc service in north County Tipperary; if it is planned to maintain the locations of Thurles, Nenagh and Roscrea as hubs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2733/20]

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Written answers

As this question relates to a service matter, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Medical Aids and Appliances Provision

Questions (552)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

552. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a hearing aid for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2736/20]

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Written answers

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

Ambulance Service

Questions (553)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

553. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding ambulance services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2738/20]

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Written answers

As this is a service matter I have asked the HSE to reply to you directly. 

Disability Support Services

Questions (554)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

554. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an assessment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2739/20]

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Written answers

As the Deputy's question relates to a service issue it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Hospital Appointments Status

Questions (555)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

555. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if an appointment will be expedited for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2740/20]

View answer

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.

Medical Aids and Appliances Provision

Questions (556)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

556. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of medical supplies for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2742/20]

View answer

Written answers

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

Health and Social Care Professionals

Questions (557)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

557. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if an independent health and social care professions advisory unit will be established in his Department for the introduction of minimum safe staffing levels for health and social care professional services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2747/20]

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Written answers

The process for the establishment of a health and social care advisory function and the role it will undertake is under consideration at the present time, in the context of overall staffing priorities within the Department of Health. The Department values the significant contribution of all health and social care professionals and wishes to ensure this contribution is fully utilised in the interests of the wellbeing of the public.

Hospital Appointments Status

Questions (558)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

558. 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. [2754/20]

View answer

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.

Hospital Appointments Status

Questions (559)

Robert Troy

Question:

559. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an appointment will be expedited for a person (details supplied). [2760/20]

View answer

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.

Home Help Service Eligibility

Questions (560)

Robert Troy

Question:

560. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the reason home help hours have not been provided to a person (details supplied). [2763/20]

View answer

Written answers

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

Health Screening Programmes

Questions (561, 856)

Robert Troy

Question:

561. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if the case of a person (details supplied) will be examined, in which the person received the incorrect mammogram results which belonged to another patient; and the investigations which have been carried out in regard to this case to ascertain the way in which this very serious error was made. [2765/20]

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Robert Troy

Question:

856. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if the case of a person (details supplied) will be examined. [3671/20]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 561 and 856 together.

As this is a service delivery matter, I have referred the question to the HSE for direct reply.

Physiotherapy Provision

Questions (562)

Robert Troy

Question:

562. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if physiotherapy services will be put in place as a matter of urgency for a person (details supplied). [2766/20]

View answer

Written answers

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

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