Thursday, 9 Sep 2021

Hospital Services

Questions (1432)

Pa Daly

Question:

1432. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health the arrangements that prevail with respect to an MRI scanner within University Hospital Kerry operated by a company (details supplied). [43019/21]

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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.

Registration of Nurses

Questions (1433)

Denis Naughten

Question:

1433. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the current processing times for applications for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland by general nurses who trained in the UK; if delays are being experienced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43050/21]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) has processed 210 applications from UK trained nurses since 01/10/2020. Of these, 81% were processed in under 90 days.

NMBI have stated that they recognise that there are currently some delays in processing applications from nurses who trained in the UK, for which they apologise. This is being caused by a number of factors such as the fact that additional confirmation and verification is now required from some UK trained nurses, as the UK is no longer part of the EU.

NMBI recognises the urgency in processing and progressing all applications and intensive efforts are underway to speed up the processing timelines, including the allocation of additional resources to the process. NMBI note that recognition and registration processing times vary for each individual application.

Dental Services

Questions (1434)

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Question:

1434. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health the reason the medical card scheme does not cover the cost of dental care for 12 to 16-year-olds; and if he has plans to change same. [43053/21]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

The Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) provides dental care, free of charge to medical card holders aged 16 and over. Dental care for children under 16 is provided by the Public Dental Service of the HSE. Emergency care is provided for all children under 16. In addition, targeted screening and prevention is provided for school children at certain dental developmental milestones and for special needs groups.

Smile agus Sláinte, the National Oral Health Policy (2019), sets out Government policy regarding oral health services. Under the Policy, all children up to 16 years will have available to them eight oral healthcare packages consisting of examinations, assessments, advice, prevention interventions, emergency care and referral as appropriate. The packages will be provided in a primary care setting by oral healthcare practitioners contracted by the HSE and will be introduced incrementally.

Health Services

Questions (1435)

Neale Richmond

Question:

1435. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health if additional funding will be deployed in budget 2022 to address the unprecedented backlog in cancer service demands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43057/21]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

As part of Budget 2021, an extra €20m has been allocated for the continued implementation of the National Cancer Strategy this year. This funding is being used to facilitate developments across prevention, diagnosis, treatment and patient supports.

Additional funding of €12m has also been allocated this year for the restoration of cancer services. This funding is being used to support hospitals in addressing backlogs, extending clinic times, providing additional clinics, increasing diagnostic capacity and providing locum/temporary support.

Decisions on the funding of cancer services next year will be made in the context of the Estimates process for 2022.

Cybersecurity Policy

Questions (1436)

Neale Richmond

Question:

1436. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health the work he has undertaken to address cyber-security measures faced by the Health Service Executive to prevent further cyber-attacks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43058/21]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

Funding has been provided in 2021 to address the immediate risks to the HSE including the recovery of systems and data affected by the attack and the establishment of a Security Operations Centre (SOC) on an interim basis. The SOC will be established on a longer term basis once the necessary procurements process are complete. My officials are also ensuring funding for cyber for 2022 and beyond is be being incorporated into plans for next year.

As the actual response to cyber attack and technical and operational changes required to address it in 2021 and reduce the risk of further attack is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Hospital Charges

Questions (1437, 1438)

Neale Richmond

Question:

1437. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health if he will consider abolishing inpatient charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43059/21]

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Neale Richmond

Question:

1438. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health the work that is ongoing to alleviate the financial cost of inpatient charges on patients with long-term illnesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43060/21]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1437 and 1438 together.

The Health Act 1970 (as amended) provides that all persons ordinarily resident in the country are eligible, subject to the statutory in-patient charge, to public in-patient hospital services. The current public hospital statutory in-patient charge is €80 per night, subject to a maximum of €800 in any period of twelve consecutive months. All persons accessing public in-patient services in a public hospital are liable for the statutory public in-patient charge, subject to a number of limited exemptions which include;

- medical card holders;

- people receiving treatment for prescribed infectious diseases - including Coronavirus (Covid-19);

- people who are subject to 'long-stay' charges;

- children referred for treatment from child health clinics and school board examinations;

- people who are eligible for hospital services because of EU Regulations;

- women receiving maternity services;

- children up to 6 weeks of age;

- people with hepatitis C who have a Health Amendment Card;

- people who are part of the Redress Scheme for Women Resident in Certain Institutions.

Patient charges are a key element of the overall funding envelope of the Irish health system and are taken into account when agreeing the Annual Estimates and the subsequent preparation of the annual National Service Plan.

There are no immediate plans to review the list of exemptions to this statutory in-patient charge. However, in line with commitments made in the Department of Health Statement of Strategy and the Sláintecare Implementation Strategy and Action Plan 2021-2023, a review of the eligibility and charges system is planned.

The main objective of Sláintecare is to provide the right care, at the right place, at the right time. Eligibility and some charges have been highlighted as an obstacle to a patient’s access to swift high-quality healthcare. The Sláintecare program is committed to addressing any eligibility anomalies through investigating the current eligibility structure. Sláintecare’s aim is to shift the system to care for those who are in greatest need first.

Question No. 1438 answered with Question No. 1437.

Hospital Charges

Questions (1439)

Neale Richmond

Question:

1439. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health if plans are in place to introduce flexible car parking passes to all public hospitals to help alleviate the financial cost to those with long-term illnesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43061/21]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

The Programme for Government makes a commitment to introduce a cap on the maximum daily charge for patients and visitors at all public hospitals, where possible and to introduce flexible passes in all public hospitals for patients and their families. I am very aware of the financial burden this issue can cause some patients and families. Accordingly, my Department and the HSE are currently examining the issue.

Hospital Charges

Questions (1440)

Neale Richmond

Question:

1440. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the financial burden faced by those undergoing long-term cancer treatment; if he has taken steps to address the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43062/21]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

Patient charges are an important element of the overall funding of health services in Ireland. These include out-patient charges, Emergency Department charges, daily in-patient charges and long-term stay charges.As is the case for all patients, cancer patients can apply for a range of supports, including medical cards, and are assessed under the criteria applying to all applicants.

In accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE. Every effort is made by the HSE, within the framework of the legislation, to support applicants in applying for a medical card and, in particular, to take full account of the difficult circumstances in the case of applicants who may be in excess of the income guidelines. It should be noted that, in certain circumstances, the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card even though an applicant exceeds his or her income threshold, where he or she faces difficult financial circumstances, such as extra costs arising from an illness.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (1441)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

1441. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health the guidance that has been given for visiting of care homes and other residential homes for the elderly and disabled in the new plan for lifting of restrictions; if there is a plan in place to cover all care homes throughout the country for limits of which family and friends, limits on numbers of visitors at one time and restrictions in place in the event of a Covid-19 case being present in the home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43063/21]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) has recently published updated guidance on visiting in long-term residential care: COVID-19: Normalising Visiting in Long Term Residential Care Facilities (LTRCFs). This guidance came into effect on 19 July 2021 and is available on the HPSC website at www.hpsc.ie

The public health advice is to restore visiting to near normal in terms of frequency of visits in those settings, with a high level of vaccination of residents as quickly as possible, while also recognising the need to remain cautious as we continue to deal with the evolving risks associated with COVID-19.

The new guidance provides that:

- Providers should put in place the necessary measures to progress to more normalised visiting and visiting frequency as quickly as possible in line with public health guidance with no more than two visitors at any one time.

- Routine visiting will no longer need to be scheduled in advance.

- There is no requirement to have a list of nominated visitors.

- The duration of the visit should not be limited.

- Fewer restrictions will apply to residents going on outings or visits outside of the nursing home.

Notwithstanding the current positive epidemiological outlook and the cautious reopening of society, risks continue to remain and emergent risks such as variants of concern present ongoing challenges and the need for vigilance. Visiting arrangements should continue to take account of general public health advice and the necessary infection prevention and control measures, to reduce the risk of introduction and spread of COVID-19 and protect those living in our communities. This is particularly important in the context of the increasing prevalence of the more transmissible Delta variant. This new variant poses a significant risk, in particular to those who are not yet fully protected though vaccination.

Visitors are reminded of their responsibilities with regard to self-checks for COVID-19 in advance of visits, infection and prevention control and social interaction with all individuals, while in the nursing home.

I have recently communicated with all nursing homes in Ireland, advising them of the current guidelines.

The guidance will be kept under continuing review as new evidence and data emerges

Government Communications

Questions (1442)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

1442. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he and or his special advisers and or officials use or have used services (details supplied) to communicate in the past 18 months. [43074/21]

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Written answers

Minister for Health (Deputy Stephen Donnelly)

As Minister for Health, I am fully aware of obligations under Freedom of Information legislation and at all times act in accordance with that legislation. Neither Government nor Department of Health business is conducted using the applications mentioned by the Deputy.

Health Services

Questions (1443, 1444, 1445)

David Cullinane

Question:

1443. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of new early intervention teams that have been established since February 2020 in view of the programme for Government commitment to fully implement the access and inclusion model; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43084/21]

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David Cullinane

Question:

1444. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of HSE school age teams currently operating across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43085/21]

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David Cullinane

Question:

1445. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the cost to fund a school age team in its entirety, including a clinical psychologist, occupational therapist and speech and language therapist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43086/21]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1443 to 1445, inclusive, together.

As the issues raised by the Deputy are service related, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to him directly, as soon as possible.

Question No. 1445 answered with Question No. 1443.

Question No. 1444 answered with Question No. 1443.

Health Services Staff

Questions (1446)

David Cullinane

Question:

1446. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of service providers by type of provider contracted by the HSE to provide rehabilitation services by community health organisation, CHO; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43087/21]

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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.

Health Services

Questions (1447)

David Cullinane

Question:

1447. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of reducing the drugs payment scheme threshold to €100; the estimated cost of reducing same in increments of €15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43088/21]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

The cost of reducing the Drug Payment Scheme (DPS) threshold to €100 per month, and thereafter in increments of €15, is as outlined in the following table.

Proposed DPS Threshold	Cost of Reduction*
€100	€11,462,801
€85	€24,114,546
€70	€37,106,525
€55	€50,408,593
€40	€64,065,244
€25	€78,154,780
€10	€92,778,718

*This data is subject to the following assumptions:

- The source data used for determining costs is the claiming month March 2021, and is annualised to determine cost (i.e., multiplied by 12).

- The costings exclude the increase for any individuals who are below the current threshold level of €114 per month.

- The costing excludes any impact resulting from an aging demographic.

Dental Services

Questions (1448)

David Cullinane

Question:

1448. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the annual spend on the dental treatment services scheme in each of the years 2000 to 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43089/21]

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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.

Health Services

Questions (1449, 1450)

David Cullinane

Question:

1449. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of community rehabilitation teams currently in operation for each community healthcare organisation, CHO; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43090/21]

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David Cullinane

Question:

1450. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated first year and full-year cost of setting up a new community rehabilitation team; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43091/21]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1449 and 1450 together.

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. 1450 answered with Question No. 1449.

Ambulance Service

Questions (1451, 1452)

David Cullinane

Question:

1451. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the reason the National Ambulance Service does not recognise intermediate care operatives as ambulance personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43092/21]

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David Cullinane

Question:

1452. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the reason the National Ambulance Service is asking intermediate care operatives to work on emergency ambulances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43093/21]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1451 and 1452 together.

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. 1452 answered with Question No. 1451.