Tuesday, 15 Sep 2020

Written Answers Nos. 623-645

Medical Cards

Questions (623)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

623. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health when the legislation to increase the income limit on medical cards will commence (details supplied). [23538/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The Health (General Practitioner Service and Alteration of Criteria for Eligibility) Bill 2020, enacted on 2nd August 2020, provided for an increase to the gross medical card income limits for those aged 70 and over to €550 per week for a single person and to €1,050 per week for a couple.

Although it had been originally intended that this measure would be implemented from July this year, it was not possible to legislate for the necessary amendments to the 1970 Health Act to provide for this measure until there was a fully constituted Dáil and Seanad.

While the relevant section providing for the increased limits has not yet been commenced, I can assure the Deputy that the associated funding requirements and potential implementation date are being actively considered.

Mental Health Services

Questions (624)

Carol Nolan

Question:

624. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if his Department provides supports or services for families or individuals experiencing parental alienation syndrome; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23803/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

Opinions on the validity of parental alienation are divided in the international community. It is not recognised as a clinical entity by the American Psychiatric Association in its 2013 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders. Nor is it currently recognised by the WHO in its International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems. The Department is awaiting a response from the WHO to confirm whether or not parental alienation will be included in its updated classification, due in 2022.

At present, the Department of Health has no specific health-based supports or services for parental alienation. Mental health services can be accessed by anyone in the State, who, following clinical assessment, will be treated on a needs-based basis. I note that the Deputy has separately asked whether there are any supports or services for parental alienation in the HSE, which will be responded to by direct reply from the HSE.

The Department is led by international best practice in this area, and will continue to monitor any developments in this area.

Home Help Service

Questions (625)

Michael Lowry

Question:

625. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health the number of home help hours funded across County Tipperary and nationwide; the specific care packages that are receiving funding; the number of hours allocated to each care recipient and each care worker; the way in which the figure compares to the number of hours funded in 2019; if his attention has been drawn to the chronic shortage of home help hours available and the impact on persons and their families; and his planned incentives to encourage more persons to work in the home care sector. [24046/20]

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 to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Question No. 626 answered with Question No. 89.

Covid-19 Tests

Questions (627)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

627. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the Covid-19 test centres in counties Cavan, Monaghan and Meath; his plans to open additional centres; his further plans to relocate existing centres; if so, the details of same; the days on which existing centres operate in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23272/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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

Question No. 628 answered with Question No. 76.

National Maternity Hospital

Questions (629)

Neale Richmond

Question:

629. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health the status of the transfer of the National Maternity Hospital from Holles Street to St. Vincent’s hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23287/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The National Maternity Hospital (NMH) project is inherently complex as we are relocating one voluntary hospital to the campus of another voluntary hospital, and into a hospital building owned by the State. A legal framework is being developed to protect the State's investment in the new NMH and to ensure that the hospital remains in State ownership. This legal framework will also provide assurances that the new hospital will be operated without religious or other distinction. The new hospital will be built on a site leased from the St Vincent’s Healthcare Group (SVHG). The State will provide an Operating Licence to the NMH DAC and the SVHG to facilitate the provision of health services in the new building.

While the development of the legal framework has proved to be more difficult and more protracted than originally anticipated, I understand that there has been good engagement in recent weeks between my officials and the key stakeholders involved, namely the HSE, the NMH, and SVHG, and the drafting of the key documents is progressing well. It should be noted that, once finalised, the legal framework will be brought to Government for approval.

Finally, I am very conscious that the buildings at Holles Street are no longer fit for purpose. I believe that we must move forward with the new NMH and provide the necessary infrastructure to enable the delivery of a modern, safe quality maternity service for women and infants.

Medical Cards

Questions (630, 728, 741, 747, 855)

Neale Richmond

Question:

630. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health the status of the increase in income threshold for those over 70 years of age to access medical cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23288/20]

Richard Bruton

Question:

728. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health if the increased means test for those over 70 years of age has been implemented. [23711/20]

David Stanton

Question:

741. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health when the proposed increase in the medical card income limits for those aged 70 and over will come into effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23772/20]

Willie O'Dea

Question:

747. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Health when the order will be signed to allow the proposed increase in the weekly gross medical card income limits for those over 70 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23809/20]

Seán Sherlock

Question:

855. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if he has signed the commencement order of higher thresholds for medical cards for persons over 70 years of age. [24144/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 630, 728, 741, 747 and 855 together.

The Health (General Practitioner Service and Alteration of Criteria for Eligibility) Bill 2020, enacted on 2nd August 2020, provided for an increase to the gross medical card income limits for those aged 70 and over to €550 per week for a single person and to €1,050 per week for a couple.

Although it had been originally intended that this measure would be implemented from July this year, it was not possible to legislate for the necessary amendments to the 1970 Health Act to provide for this measure until there was a fully constituted Dáil and Seanad.

While the relevant section providing for the increased limits has not yet been commenced, I can assure the Deputy that the associated funding requirements and potential implementation date are being actively considered.

Mental Health Services

Questions (631)

Neale Richmond

Question:

631. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health the supports that will be implemented to support those whose mental health has suffered as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23289/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The outbreak of Covid-19 throughout the world is a source of significant stress, anxiety, worry and fear for many people. This arises from the disease itself, as well as from impacts such as increased social isolation, disruption to daily life and uncertainty about employment and financial security.

Acute inpatient and community residential facilities have remained open and services provided throughout the pandemic, although numbers have been reduced in some settings.

The advent of Covid-19 has led to a rapid acceleration in the delivery of online mental health services, with the Department of Health launching various initiatives to promote mental health and wellbeing.

€2.2m has been provided for a mental health promotion and well-being campaign, through enhanced online supports, and to support the HSE psychosocial strategy. This will enable the Irish healthcare system to implement integrated telehealth solutions and to augment existing online interventions funded to date.

The HSE supports a wide array of mental health services nationwide, including support services for children, young people and their families, all of which are listed on YourMentalHealth.ie and Gov.ie. Working with the HSE, numerous state funded agencies have innovated, and adapted services to continue engaging with people during Covid-19, through online counselling, additional 24/7 telephone support, online training and tele-peer support.

Digital initiatives that have been recently introduced include:

- Free access to counselling online or by telephone for those affected by COVID-19.

- a national 24/7 Crisis Text-Line, a voluntary, clinically supported texting service targeting teenagers and young adults; and

- the new CAMHS Connect telepsychiatry service for HSE West which expected to be rolled out nationally and which will pave the way for enhanced care provision for children and young people, ranging from presentations in Emergency Departments to more regular monitoring after crisis episodes. CAMHS Connect will improve access, reduce waiting times and address some staff recruitment and retention issues.

To plan for the ongoing and increasing need for mental health services, and the demand for more holistic person-centred responses across the whole community, the refreshed national mental health policy, Sharing the Vision – A Mental Health Policy for Everyone, was published in June 2020.

This policy sets out a 10-year plan for our services that that addresses the needs of population though a focus on the requirements of the individual.

The key outcomes identified are:

- promotion, prevention and early intervention;

- service access, coordination and continuity of care;

- social inclusion; and

- accountability and continuous improvement.

Sharing the Vision will further promote the significant recent developments in online mental health service provision expedited by the advent of Covid-19.

There will be a national implementation monitoring committee (NIMC) to ensure the policy is driven nationally over the next ten years.

Planning for the establishment of the NIMC and associated implementation structures is underway and will be subject to ministerial approval in due course. It is anticipated that it will be established by October 2020.

Health Screening Programmes

Questions (632)

Neale Richmond

Question:

632. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health the plans in place to clear the backlog of cancer screening checks that have built up due to the Covid-19 crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23290/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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

HSE Data

Questions (633)

Michael Moynihan

Question:

633. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in each LHO area waiting for a podiatry appointment in primary care as of 31 August 2020 or the latest date available; and the number waiting zero to 12,12 to 26, 26 to 52 and more than 52 weeks, respectively. [23306/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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

HSE Data

Questions (634)

Michael Moynihan

Question:

634. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in each LHO area waiting for an ophthalmology appointment in primary care as of 31 August 2020 or the latest date available; and the number waiting zero to 12, 12 to 26, 26 to 52 and more than 52 weeks, respectively. [23307/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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

HSE Data

Questions (635)

Michael Moynihan

Question:

635. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in each LHO area waiting for an audiology appointment in primary care as of 31 August 2020 or the latest date available; and the number waiting zero to 12, 12 to 26, 26 to 52 and more than 52 weeks, respectively. [23308/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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

HSE Data

Questions (636)

Michael Moynihan

Question:

636. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in each LHO area waiting for a dietetics appointment in primary care as of 31 August 2020 or the latest date available; and the number waiting zero to 12, 12 to 26, 26 to 52 and more than 52 weeks, respectively. [23309/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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

HSE Data

Questions (637)

Michael Moynihan

Question:

637. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the number of persons with disabilities in receipt of home support hours in each LHO area as of 31 August 2020 or latest date available; the number on the waiting list for same in each LHO area; and the number waiting zero to 12, 12 to 26, 26 to 52 and more than 52 weeks, respectively in tabular form. [23310/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The HSE provides a range of assisted living services including Personal Assistant and Home Support Services to support individuals to maximise their capacity to live full and independent lives.

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

HSE Data

Questions (638)

Michael Moynihan

Question:

638. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the number of persons with disabilities in receipt of personal assistance hours in each LHO area as of 31 August 2020 or latest date available; the number of persons currently on the waiting list for same in each LHO area; and the number waiting zero to 3, 3 to 6, 6 to 12 and more than 12 months, respectively in tabular form. [23311/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The HSE provides a range of assisted living services including Personal Assistant and Home Support Services to support individuals to maximise their capacity to live full and independent lives.

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

Disability Services Data

Questions (639)

Michael Moynihan

Question:

639. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the number of residential places for persons with a disability currently being provided as of 31 August 2020 or latest date available by CHO area in tabular form. [23312/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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.

As the Deputy's question relates to HSE service provision, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.

Disability Services Data

Questions (640)

Michael Moynihan

Question:

640. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the number of new emergency places provided to persons with a disability as of 31 August 2020, by LHO in tabular form. [23313/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The Programme for Government, Our Shared Future, recognises the need to improve services for both children and adults with disabilities through better implementation and by working together across Government in a better way.

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly.

Disabilities Assessments

Questions (641, 643, 644, 645)

Michael Moynihan

Question:

641. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the number of children as of 31 August 2020 or the latest date available that were awaiting a first assessment from the HSE under the Disability Act 2005, by LHO area in tabular form. [23314/20]

Michael Moynihan

Question:

643. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the speech and language therapy assessment waiting list by each LHO area as of 31 August 2020 or the latest date available; the number waiting less than four, four to 12 and more than 12 months, respectively; and the number waiting aged zero to 17 and more than 18 years of age by category in tabular form. [23316/20]

Michael Moynihan

Question:

644. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the speech and language therapy initial treatment waiting list by each LHO area as of 31 August 2020 or the latest date available; the number waiting less than four, four to 12 and more than 12 months, respectively; and the number waiting aged zero to 17 years and more than 18 years of age by category in tabular form. [23317/20]

Michael Moynihan

Question:

645. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the speech and language therapy further treatment waiting list by each LHO area as of 31 August 2020 or the latest date available; the number waiting less than four, four to 12 and more than 12 months, respectively; and the number waiting aged zero to 17 and more than 18 years of age by category in tabular form. [23318/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 641 and 643 to 645, inclusive, together.

The Programme for Government, Our Shared Future, recognises the need to improve services for both children and adults with disabilities through better implementation and by working together across Government in a better way.

The Government commits to prioritising early diagnosis and access to services for children and ensuring that the most effective interventions are provided for each child, to guarantee the best outcomes.

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

HSE Data

Questions (642)

Michael Moynihan

Question:

642. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the physiotherapy waiting list waiting less than four, four to 12 and more than 12 months, respectively by each LHO area as of 31 August 2020 or the latest date available; the number waiting aged zero to 4, 5 to 17, 18 to 64 and more than 65 years of age, respectively by category in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23315/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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

Questions Nos. 643 to 645, inclusive, answered with Question No. 641.