Written Answers Nos. 630-654
630. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 222 of 20 November 2019, when the HSE and the EPA collaborative report to examine the relationship between short-term changes in ambient air quality and hospital admissions due to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases in Dublin city and county between 2014 and 2018 will be finalised and published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4624/20]
View answerThis is a matter for the HSE therefore I have referred the question to the HSE for attention and direct reply.
631. 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. [4625/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
632. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health if, between 2019 and 2020, 153 posts will be supressed in CHO2 the primary care unit that has responsibility for primary care in counties Galway, Mayo and Roscommon; the steps he plans to take to reverse same in view of the vital services being withdrawn in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4628/20]
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.
633. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health his plans to ensure adequate care for persons with an intellectual disability who may be impacted by Covid-19 either directly or indirectly in view of their vulnerability to change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4629/20]
View answerThe 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.
634. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Sláinte cén fáth nach bhfuil ach conradh bliana á thairiscint maidir le post an dochtúra ar Inis Oírr; cé na socruithe atá i bhfeidhm chun locum a chur ar fáil don dochtúir atá ag obair ar an oileán; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [4650/20]
View answerToisc go mbaineann an cheist seo le hábhar seirbhíse, tá socrú déanta agam go ndéanfar í a tharchur chuig Feidhmeannach na Seirbhíse Sláinte, le haghaidh freagra díreach a sheoladh don Teachta.
635. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the progress made to date in implementing the special island health policy published in the past year; the health services that have been or are proposed to be withdrawn from the islands since the publication of this policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4652/20]
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.
636. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health his plans to reverse the cuts of €20 million announced for the intellectual disability sector in January 2020; his further plans to provide extra funding to service unmet needs in this sector (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4653/20]
View answerThe Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives and provide them with greater independence in accessing and choosing the services and supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. Reflecting this commitment, the 2020 budget for disability services of €2,054.5 million represents an increase of more than 7.2 % over the original 2019 provision
The HSE’s National Service Plan 2020 provides for general efficiencies to support new and existing service costs. The HSE and all of the providers it funds are expected to continually review their cost structures to ensure the best use of resources and a focus on the use of these resources for client care to the greatest extent possible. These efficiencies are to be achieved through the application of a 1% efficiency target to existing budgets across all service areas.
The very significant additional financial resources provided to disability services over the last year, together with the achievement of relatively modest efficiency savings, form part of the financing of the increased service levels set out in the National Service Plan 2020. Against this background, the HSE is required to ensure that the efficiency targets are achieved in a manner that does not impact on the activity levels set out in the National Service Plan.
The unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 impact for health and social care services is recognised by my Department and the HSE. As Minister for Health, I wish to commend health and social care providers in the disability sector for what has and continues to be a tremendous effort in supporting our most vulnerable members of society, In relation to disability supports and services, I have been informed that the HSE has confirmed that the budget allocated to each provider funded under Section 38 and Section 39 of the Health Act 2004 by the relevant Community Health Care Organisation (CHO) will remain in place to year end. This is subject to the provisions within the relevant service arrangement and ongoing cooperation regarding the utilisation and deployment of resources to meet priority need within each CHO.
637. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the reviews carried out over the past nine years into the use of fluoride in water to ascertain the advantages and possible risk from same; the discussions that have taken place at EU level on the issue; the number of other EU countries that have the same policy as Ireland in relation to this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4654/20]
View answerWater fluoridation is the adjustment of the natural concentration of fluoride in drinking water to the optimal recommended level for the prevention of dental decay.
In 2011 a review by the European Union Scientific Committee on Health and Environmental Risk (SCHER) concluded that there are no known negative health implications from fluoridating water at levels used in the EU. More recently the Department of Health asked the Health Research Board (HRB) to assess the existing evidence base to determine the impact on the systemic health of the population for those exposed to artificially fluoridated water. The HRB sought to answer this question using a systematic review process to analyse the evidence available in the peer reviewed literature. The review, published in 2015, found no definitive evidence that community water fluoridation is associated with negative health effects.
A research project Fluoride and Caring for Children's Teeth (FACCT), conducted by UCC (2013 – 2017) and supported by the HSE, indicates that fluoridated communities continue to have lower levels of tooth decay than non-fluoridated communities.
The Irish Expert Body on Fluorides and Health, established in 2004, monitors new and emerging issues on fluoride and its effects on health and related matters.
Many countries have water fluoridation schemes, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Spain, Australia and New Zealand. Water fluoridation is less common in Europe. However, fluoride is an essential part of oral health policy in all countries in Europe. In countries which do not fluoridate water this can mean fluoridation of salt or provision of community fluoridation through other means.
European Council Directive 98/83 allows for a maximum permitted concentration of fluoride in drinking water up to 1.5mg/litre (or parts per million), almost twice the maximum level permitted in Ireland, which is set at between 0.6-0.8 parts per million.
The Expert Body advises that the balance of scientific evidence worldwide confirms that water fluoridation, at the optimal level, is a safe and effective method of protecting the oral health of the population. The Department of Health keeps the policy of water fluoridation under constant review.
638. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when a person offered a job (details supplied) with the HSE in January 2019 will receive their work contract to commence work; the reason the person has not been employed to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4656/20]
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.
639. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of ensuring that all primary care teams have at least one mental health post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4663/20]
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.
640. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of increasing the number of medical detoxification and rehabilitation beds by 20; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4664/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
641. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of increasing respite care service provision by 20%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4674/20]
View answerThe 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.
642. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of clearing the home support waiting list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4675/20]
View answerAs this is an operational matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
643. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of abolishing the €100 charge for the use of emergency departments and the €75 per day charge for inpatient care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4676/20]
View answerIn 2019, €30 million was raised through the statutory inpatient charge in the Acute Hospitals, with a further €20 million was raised through the outpatient charge.
Therefore, it would cost approximately €50 million to abolish these charges.
644. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of pay restoration for section 39 organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4684/20]
View answerI have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
645. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the status of the home help provision for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4689/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
646. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the status of an application for home help by a person (details supplied); if the case will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4692/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
647. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost to the Vote of his Department if the rate of employer PRSI was increased to 15.75% for the portion of salaries over €100,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4704/20]
View answerThe rate of Employers PRSI for civil servants can vary based on the employee's start date. The estimated cost to the Department if the rate of PRSI (ER) was increased to 15.75% for the portion of salaries over €100,000 is €227,000. This has been established by applying a rate of 15.75% on all 2019 annual salaries over €100,000.
In relation to the cost relating to those employed in the HSE and S.38 agencies under their aegis, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
The cost in relation to those employed in the non-commercial state agencies will need to be collected and collated and will be provided by separate letter as soon as it is available.
648. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health the status of plans to introduce a new transport support scheme to replace the removal of the mobility allowance and motorised transport grant in 2013. [4713/20]
View answerTwo schemes, the Mobility Allowance and Motorised Transport Grant, were put in place in 1979 and 1968 respectively, for operation by the Health Service Executive (HSE) at a time when there was limited availability of accessible public transport.
The Government decided to close these administrative schemes in 2013, on foot of the reports of the Ombudsman in 2011 and 2012 regarding the legal status of both Schemes in the context of the Equal Status Acts. The HSE has continued to pay an equivalent monthly payment on an interim basis, to those who were in receipt of the Mobility Allowance at the time that the Scheme closed.
Of the 4,700 individuals in receipt of the Mobility Allowance (€9 million per annum) when the Scheme closed in 2013, there were 3,831 people in receipt of the interim payments at July 2019. Of these recipients, 2,030 are in receipt of the full allowance rate of €208.50 per month.
There are improvements in access to a range of transport supports available to persons with disabilities in the State, for example the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers scheme, operated by the Revenue Commissioners; the Free Travel Scheme operated by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection; and CLÁR funding, approved by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, to voluntary organisations providing transport for people with significant mobility issues.
Under the National Disability Inclusion Strategy 2017 - 2021, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has responsibility for the continued development of accessibility and availability of accessible public transport.
While consideration of the issues regarding the provision of transport supports for people with a disability continues within the Department of Health, recent developments which will impact on policy options include the following:
- The ongoing progress by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport in providing accessible public transport nationally and that Department's public consultation launched on 14 November last, to review active travel and public transport policy, including accessible public transport;
- The Cost of Disability Study currently underway which was commissioned by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection as part of Budget 2019. The research, when complete, will inform policy direction in relation to the provision of adequate supports to meet the needs of people with disabilities, including transport costs, from a whole of Government perspective; and
- The Working Group established by the Department of Justice and Equality under Action 104 of the National Disability Inclusion Strategy. Action 104 states that:- 'We will lead a review of transport supports encompassing all Government funded transport and mobility schemes for people with disabilities, to enhance the options for transport to work or employment supports for people with disabilities and will develop proposals for development of a coordinated plan for such provision. This plan will have regard to making the most efficient use of available transport resources.”
649. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 217 of 12 December 2019, the status of the issues to be addressed; if the funding has been approved for the additional supports and services urgently required by the person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4722/20]
View answerThe 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.
650. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of recruiting 2,500 additional nurses and midwives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4730/20]
View answerI have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy in relation to this matter.
651. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of hiring 1,000 additional consultants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4731/20]
View answerI have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.
652. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of restoring pay for new entrant consultants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4732/20]
View answerI have asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy on this matter.
653. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of converting agency staff into directly employed HSE staff. [4733/20]
View answerI have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
654. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Health the estimated annual full year cost of providing for full reimbursement of examination costs for all non-consultant hospital doctors. [4734/20]
View answerI have asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy on this matter.
