Written Answers Nos. 706-723
706. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if there are plans to reduce the maximum amount paid monthly on the drug payment scheme from €124 to €114 on 1 November 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31506/20]
View answerBudget 2020 provided for a reduction in the monthly threshold of the Drugs Payment Scheme from €124 to €114. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that this reduction will take effect from 1 November 2020.
707. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health when a respite service (details supplied) will be reinstated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31510/20]
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.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
708. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health the reason medical graduates from India are unable to register in Ireland as general practitioners even if they have completed the required registration exams; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31511/20]
View answerGeneral Practice is a recognised specialty on the Specialist Division of the Medical Council’s register. Specialist doctors who qualified outside of the EU do not benefit from automatic recognition of their qualifications and must be assessed under “The General system” of the Professional Qualifications Directive (Directive 2005/36/EC). This involves the applicant doctor demonstrating that they have the same level of training and experience as a graduate of an Irish Higher Specialist Training programme. This requires the provision of a portfolio of evidence so the Medical Council can be assured that the applicant has the same level of specialist expertise as would be expected of an Irish graduate awarded a Certificate of Satisfactory Completion of Specialist Training. As this is a highly specialised and time-consuming assessment process, the Medical Council have a Service Level Agreement in place with each of the Postgraduate Training Bodies to carry out these assessments. This process is needed to ensure patient safety.
Doctors who wish to pursue specialist training in Ireland, including in relation to General Practice, must hold registration on the Trainee Specialist Division of the Medical Council’s register. The Medical Practitioners Act 2007 provides that medical practitioners who hold qualifications from non-EEA countries are eligible to be registered in the Trainee Specialist Division if they have passed the Council’s Pre-Registration Examination System (PRES) or are exempt from the PRES in line with legislation, have an approved training post and have been granted in a third country a document which, in the opinion of the Council, is at least the equivalent of a certificate of experience (internship).
The Medical Council recognises internships in a number of countries as equivalent to Irish internships. These include Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sudan and Malaysia. However, internships from non-EEA countries outside of these countries are not currently recognised by the Council.
The Medical Practitioners Act is being amended by the Regulated Professions (Health and Social Care) (Amendment) Act 2020. The 2020 Act will remove the requirement to hold the equivalence of the certificate of experience for entry to the Trainee Specialist Division. This Act was passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas and signed into law by the President earlier this month. Once the relevant provision has been commenced, doctors wishing to pursue specialist training will be eligible to apply for registration on the Trainee Specialist Division without being required to hold the equivalence of the certificate of experience. It is important to state that registration on this division continues to require the applicant to hold a training post approved by the Medical Council for specialist training, as well as meeting all the other requirements for registration.
709. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the total number of recurring fully funded and staffed inpatient, adult critical care, acute medical unit and day case beds for each at year end in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 and estimated for 2020 and projected at year end 2021, in tabular form assuming full implementation of budget 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31523/20]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is very detailed and seeks an extensive level of data over a number of years and may take some time to compile, if available. As the information sought relates to operational matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
710. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of staffed and available, disaggregated by temporary and recurring funded, inpatient, adult critical care, acute medical unit and day case beds, for each at year end 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and estimated for 2020 and projected at year end 2021, in tabular form assuming full implementation of budget 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31524/20]
View answerThe Programme for Government, Our Shared Future, commits to continuing investment in our health care services in line with the recommendations of the Health Service Capacity Review and the commitments in Project Ireland 2040.
The Health Service Capacity Review 2018 found that the net requirement in combination with health system reform is for an additional 2,590 hospital beds by 2031 (2,100 inpatient, 300 day case and 190 critical care). The National Development Plan provides for the addition of the full 2,590 beds by 2027.
This winter is expected to be particularly challenging due to the presence of Covid-19 and the uncertainty around the level of Covid-19 and non-Covid-19 healthcare demands. The Department of Health is working with the HSE to increase acute capacity in hospitals throughout the country to meet this and other health demands. Government allocated €236 million revenue and €40 million capital expenditure as part of Budget 2021 to fund additional acute beds on a permanent basis. This funding will provide, by the end of 2021, an additional 1,146 acute beds.
A proportion of these beds will be funded as part of the HSE’s Winter Plan 2020/21. The Winter Plan aims to provide additional health service capacity across a range of services. Initiatives comprise additional acute and community beds to increase acute capacity, help reduce admissions and facilitate egress.
In addition, budget 2021 will allocate funding totalling €52m in 2021 to critical care. This will retain, on a permanent basis, the 42 critical care beds put in place on a temporary basis this year as well as adding significant new capacity. Funded adult critical care beds will increase to 321 by end 2021, an increase of 66 over the baseline number of 255 funded beds in 2020. Funding for 2021 will also include money to allow for the development of a workforce plan as well as education initiatives to grow the critical care workforce.
This represents a significant step towards achieving the recommendations in the 2018 Health Service Capacity Review which found that an additional 2,100 inpatient acute beds were required, in a reform scenario, by 2031.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
711. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of staffed and available inpatient, adult critical care, acute medical unit and day case beds in the public system on the first day of the month for each month in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 and for each month up to September 2020, by month in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31525/20]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is very detailed and seeks an extensive level of data over a five year period and may take some time to compile, if available. As the information sought relates to operational matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
712. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of recurring funded and temporary inpatient, adult critical care, acute medical unit and day case beds in the public system on the first day of the month, disaggregated by type and funding, for each month in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 and for each month up to September 2020, by month in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31526/20]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is very detailed and seeks an extensive level of data over a four year period and may take some time to compile, if available. As the information sought relates to operational matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
713. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the classifications and typologies of beds in acute hospitals and their interchangeable terms ,such as acute, inpatient, sub-acute and day case, which may be used from time to time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31527/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
714. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when a hospital appointment will be facilitated in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31529/20]
View answerIt is recognised that waiting times for scheduled appointments and procedures have been impacted as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to defer most scheduled care activity in March, April, and May of this year. This was to ensure patient safety and that all appropriate resources were made available for Covid-19 related activity and time-critical essential work. This decision was in line with the advice issued by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) in accordance with the advice of the World Health Organisation.
The resumption of services from June onwards has allowed for increased activity, with the HSE utilising innovative methods including telemedicine to facilitate patient appointments. Patient safety remains at the forefront of service resumption. To ensure services are re-introduced in a safe, clinically-aligned and prioritised way, hospitals are following HSE clinical guidelines and protocols which has resulted in reduced capacity and activity
The HSE continues to optimise productivity through alternative work practices such the use of alternative settings including private hospitals, community facilities and alternative outpatient settings.
The National Treatment Purchase Fund has also recommenced arranging treatment in both private and public hospitals for clinically suitable patients who have been waiting for long periods on public hospital waiting lists.
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 is a standardised approach used by the HSE to manage scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures. It sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists and was developed in 2014 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.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
715. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health when the FreeStyle Libre device will be available to adult diabetics to assist in the management and control of their illness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31532/20]
View answerUnder the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community drug schemes; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
716. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Health the number of audiologists working in University Hospital Limerick in 2019 and to date in 2020; if this number will be further increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31536/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
717. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health the number of patients on the orthodontic assessment waiting list in County Galway; the current waiting time for assessment; the number of patients on the orthodontic treatment waiting list; the current waiting time for orthodontic treatment; if there are unfilled clinical positions; the plans in place to reduce the treatment waiting time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31541/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
718. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the status of the under-8s general practitioner card that was to be rolled out after budget 2020; and if he will extend it to those under 12 years of age. [31545/20]
View answerThe Government is committed to increasing access to GP care without charges for children, an important healthcare measure that will remove a potentially prohibitive cost barrier to accessing GP care and will help to improve children’s health as they develop.
The Health (General Practitioner Service and Alteration of Criteria for Eligibility) Act 2020 was signed into law in August. This Act provides, amongst other things, for the phased expansion of GP care without fees to all children aged 12 years and under. The initial stage of this phased expansion will be the provision of GP care without fees to all children aged between 6 and 8.
The appropriate date for commencing the expansion remains under consideration in light of COVID-19 and the additional pressures the expansion might place on general practice in that context and in anticipation of the usual increase in demand for healthcare services over the winter period. This date will be determined in consultation with the IMO. It is important to ensure that any additional pressures placed on general practice will not limit its capacity to meet the needs of all patients in the community.
719. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the status of an organisation (details supplied). [31546/20]
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 will be aware, specialist disability services are provided by a range of organisations. In some cases the HSE itself delivers these services directly and in other circumstances, the HSE relies upon funded providers to deliver these services on its behalf. Organisations such as St Joseph's Foundation provide services for people with a disability on a contract for services basis with the HSE, underpinned by Section 39 of the Health Act 2004. Service Level Agreements are set out between the HSE and these organisations.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
720. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health if the reference to the €1 million for task forces in budget 2021 is funding allocated from the three-year strategic health initiatives that are already under way or if this is a new and separate allocation. [31549/20]
View answerBudget 2021 allocated €10m in new developments for drug and alcohol services and inclusion health. This includes €1m for targeted drug and alcohol initiatives through the network of drug and alcohol task forces. This new funding is separate to that previously allocated in 2019.
It is my intention that the new resources should be directed towards new and emerging needs, informed by the mid-term review of actions in the national drugs strategy. I will announce details of the new funding in due course.
721. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if he will provide additional advice on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31562/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
722. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if there are plans for Covid-19 care at Citywest, County Dublin. [31563/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
723. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the amount of funding from the mental health budget that has been withheld from the HSE by his Department in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31564/20]
View answer725. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health when the 2020 mental health budget was released to his Department; the amount that has not been released; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31566/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 723 and 725 together.
Budget 2020 allocated an additional €39 million to HSE Mental Health Services for the year, bringing the annual budget to €1.026 billion. This was an increase of €315m, or around 45%, since 2012.
€13 million of the €39 million was for new developments, including the opening of the new Portrane Forensic Hospital. €26 million is for other costs, including pay.
Of the €13 million, €7.5 million has been drawn down to date, in two lots in quarter 2 and quarter 3. The remaining €5.5 million is expected to be drawn down by the HSE before year end.
An additional €2.2 million has been allocated for the joint Department of Health and HSE psychosocial campaign. This funding has enhanced digital technologies and online counselling supports via NGO partners, to address mild to moderate mental health issues experienced by some people as a result of Covid-19. This funding will be released to the HSE as part of the additional health funding announced by the Government in June for Covid-19 costs.
