Written Answers Nos. 607-628
607. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health the number of respite beds available in the Inishowen peninsula, County Donegal for adults with disabilities; and if the HSE plans to increase the bed numbers. [55925/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
608. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health if he will examine the funding for treatment of eating disorders; if intervention can be provided in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55926/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
609. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the reason fibromyalgia is not included in the long-term illness scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55933/21]
View answerFibromyalgia is a condition characterized by severe pain, fatigue and stiffness, among many other symptoms. Fibromyalgia can be a difficult condition to diagnose because there is no specific test and the symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions. Treatment often requires interventions from various medical specialists for management of symptoms as they arise. The Long Term Illness Scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). The conditions covered by the scheme are: acute leukaemia; mental handicap; cerebral palsy; mental illness (in a person under 16); cystic fibrosis; multiple sclerosis; diabetes insipidus; muscular dystrophies; diabetes mellitus; parkinsonism; epilepsy; phenylketonuria; haemophilia; spina bifida; hydrocephalus; and conditions arising from the use of Thalidomide. Under the Scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge. There are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the Scheme at this time. However, a review of the current eligibility framework, including the basis for existing hospital and medication charges, will be carried out under commitments given in the Sláintecare Implementation Strategy. In the meantime, for people who are not eligible for the Long Term Illness Scheme, there are other arrangements which protect them from excessive medicine costs. Under the Drugs Payment Scheme, no individual or family pays more than €114 a month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The Scheme significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals with ongoing expenditure on medicines. People who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be eligible for a medical card. In accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE.
In certain circumstances the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, even though an applicant exceeds the income guidelines, where he or she faces difficult financial circumstances, such as extra costs arising from illness. The HSE afford applicants the opportunity to furnish supporting documentation to determine whether undue hardship exists and to fully take account of all relevant circumstances that may benefit them in assessment, including medical evidence of costs and certain expenses. In circumstances where an applicant is still over the income limit for a medical card, they are then assessed for a GP visit card, which entitles the applicant to GP visits without charge. Further information is available at www2.hse.ie/costs-schemes-allowances/
610. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Health when he expects to publish the report prepared by the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board which outlined the progress of the national paediatric hospital project to date including the analysis of the final cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55936/21]
View answerThe National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB) has statutory responsibility for planning, designing, building and equipping the new children's hospital (NCH). The NPHDB has, at my request, undertaken an assessment of the project to determine the implications of any delay(s), and to determine the most effective pathway to ensure the timely completion of this critical project.
Since the analysis relates to a live contract, it is commercially sensitive and must remain confidential to ensure that the contractual relationships and the project are not adversely affected. As such, definitive publication and updates on outturn costs cannot be provided. However, updates on progress have been shared with key, relevant stakeholders, as appropriate, noting among other things that: ‘Topping out’ at the main hospital building at Rialto was achieved last March, the stone and glazed facade is well advanced and the hospital is expected to be largely weathertight before the end of the year, and the main mechanical and electrical plant at basement level is nearing completion, with the primary distribution under construction up the building. The fit out of the south fingers comprising Outpatients, Cardiology Wards, and Therapies is progressing well, and the fit out of the ‘Hot Block’ comprising Emergency Department, Critical Care and Theatres is well underway.
Construction work at the paediatric outpatient and urgent care centre at Tallaght University Hospital was also recently substantially completed in line with the contractor's schedule and the facility was open on 15 November 2021, following a period of operational commissioning.
Building on this progress, the NPHDB and the main contractor are working to do everything they can in order to complete the project as quickly and efficiently as possible. However, this contract is operating in a very dynamic construction environment, one where Brexit and the global COVID-19 pandemic have severely impacted supply chains and material lead times. The NCH project is not immune to these external risks. However, every effort is being taken to mitigate risks, wherever possible. Notwithstanding commercial sensitivities, external risks make speculation and definitive forecasting unwise.
611. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the locations in County Cork that will administer booster shots for persons aged 60 to 69 years; and the way in which persons will be contacted. [55951/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
613. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to fulfil the Programme for Government commitment to promote an increase in the number of new mothers breastfeeding by increasing support in maternity hospitals and primary care centres through access to lactation specialists and public health nurses. [55961/21]
View answerIn May 2021 I announced funding of €1,580,000 to provide for an additional 24 Lactation Consultants across hospital and community settings, that are required to ensure timely skilled assistance for mothers who wish to breastfeed. The funding will also support enhanced training, skills and knowledge to frontline staff.
614. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the number of requests by both adults and children for transport to hospitals outside the State that were not facilitated in 2018, 2019, 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form. [55965/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
615. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of instances of fraud which have been reported, found or otherwise that have come to the attention of his Department relating to the dental treatment services scheme, GMS and other such contracts in tabular form; the number of investigations into such; the number of repayments made following such investigations; the value of same; the number of prosecutions sought following such investigations or allegations; the number of cases which his Department decided not to pursue legal action; the reason for each instance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55973/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
616. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of hospitals which have yet to institute the agreed overtime rate increase for NCHDs from 1 July 2021 and the agreed salary increase from 1 October 2021; the date on which each of these hospitals will implement these new rates; if delayed payments will be back paid; the reason for continued delays on these rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55975/21]
View answerI have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this operational matter. I am aware that there have been issues in relation to payment at time and a half from 1 July, the agreed rate, in some hospitals and understand that these have now been resolved.
617. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health if he has received a copy of a report (details supplied); if he is giving consideration to the findings of the research; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55976/21]
View answerThe report commissioned by the Tallaght Drugs and Alcohol Task Force highlights the problems relating to crack cocaine use in Tallaght.
The report finds that crack cocaine is a multi-dimensional problem that reflects the social determinants of drug use in disadvantaged communities, linked to unemployment, poverty and social exclusion. It is also an inter-generational issue, as some families and children are caught in a cycle of parental drug use, addiction, trauma and hidden harm.
The Department of Health will shortly announce funding of €1m to increase access to and the provision of community-based drug and alcohol services. This funding will support the work of drug and alcohol task forces. A proportion of this funding will be allocated to CHO 7 (which includes Tallaght and south west Dublin).
In Budget 2022, I secured an additional €6m for new measures to support the implementation of the national drugs strategy and strengthen the health-led approach to drug and alcohol use, as set out in the Programme for Government.
This includes €0.5m to address high risk drug use, such as crack cocaine and other drugs, to expand harm reduction responses both in local communities and as a response to the use of stimulant drugs in the night-time economy. A further €0.5m is being provided for measures to improve access to community-based services for women and minority groups.
The cocaine harm reduction campaign is a collaboration between the HSE and the Ana Liffey Drugs Project. It is important to get the message out to the public about the risks associated with drugs like crack cocaine and highlight how these risks are hugely increased when combined with alcohol. Complementing this, the HSE raises awareness of the dangers associated with cocaine and crack cocaine through the Drugs.ie website
I believe that problem of drug use in Tallaght requires an inter-agency response, involving An Garda Síochána, the education and youth services, the HSE, local development agencies and community organisations. I am providing dedicated funding in 2022 to the HSE to expand harm reduction responses to high risk drug use, such as crack cocaine, at national level and in local communities. I would encourage the Tallaght Drugs and Alcohol Task Force to engage with the HSE on this initiative.
618. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the standard HSE protocol on advice for persons who have been provided with a second PCR test after the first is deemed inconclusive, if the second test shows not detected; if precautions such as self-isolating or an additional test applies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55977/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
619. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 742 of 19 October 2021, when the referred response will issue from the HSE. [55978/21]
View answerThe HSE has advised that Parliamentary Question No. 742 of 19 October 2021 was assigned to CHO 1 in order for the individual case raised to be examined and for a direct reply to issue to the Deputy. The HSE has further advised that this reply will issue as soon as possible.
I have referred this Parliamentary Question to the HSE for their attention.
620. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health when phase III cardiac rehabilitation services will be restored in Portiuncula University Hospital, Ballinasloe; the reason for the delay in restoring the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55979/21]
View answerSaolta Hospital Group advise it is planned that the Phase III Cardiac Rehabilitation service at Portiuncula University Hospital will re-commence in January 2022. The delay in restoring the service is due to on-going development works on-site and the associated risks.
621. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health if consideration has been given to reopening a full-time Covid-19 test centre in Galway city given the inability for those without a car to access the testing centre in Galway airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55996/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
622. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the number of therapies carried out on children with special needs to date in 2021; if a sufficient number of therapy posts have been filled to allow for the needs of children with special needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55997/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
623. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of phone calls received by the HSE drug and alcohol helpline in each of the past ten years and to date in 2021. [55998/21]
View answerThe HSE Drugs and Alcohol Helpline provides a free confidential place where people can talk through their concerns about drugs or alcohol, get information about services and consider the options available to improve their situation. The freephone helpline is accessible Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5.30pm and can be accessed by calling Freephone 1800 459 459 or emailing helpline@hse.ie. The figures in the following table represent calls and emails to the HSE Drugs and Alcohol Helpline from 2011 to September 2021. They show a doubling in the number of call and emails from 2,712 in 2011 to 5,874 in 2020.
In 2021, I provided an additional €127,500 to employed an three more addiction counsellors. It is estimated that these additional staff resources will enable the the Helpline to deal with 672 more contacts per month, a 140 per cent increase in capacity. The additional staff will also allow the opening hours of the service to expand in line with need. This will allow for opening later in the evenings and consideration of providing a level of weekend cover.
|
Year |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2020*Q1-Q3 |
|
Total contacts |
2712 |
2573 |
2810 |
2479 |
2706 |
2634 |
2870 |
4304 |
5549 |
5874 |
3834 |
*The figures given for 2021 are for Q1 to Q3 only. It is anticipated that the total number of contacts for 2021 is likely to be reduced when compared to previous years as the service was impacted by the cyber attack in May 2021, resulting in a reduced capacity to take calls at that time, and no capacity to take emails for several weeks.
624. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health if further visas can be provided to non-EU care workers who provide care support to persons in their homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56000/21]
View answerThe State operates a managed employment permits system maximising the benefits of economic migration and minimising the risk of disrupting Ireland’s labour market. The system is intended to act as a conduit for key skills which are required to develop enterprise in the State for the benefit of our economy, while simultaneously protecting the balance of the labour market.
The system is managed through the operation of the Critical Skills and Ineligible Occupations Lists which determine employments that are either in high demand or are ineligible for an employment permit where there is a surplus of those skills in the domestic and EEA labour market.
In order to maintain the relevance of these lists of occupations to the needs of the economy and to ensure the employment permits system is aligned with current labour market intelligence, these lists undergo twice-yearly evidence-based reviews which are guided by research undertaken by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN), the Skills and the Labour Market Research Unit (SLMRU), SOLAS and involves public/stakeholder consultation. Account is taken of education outputs, sectoral upskilling and training initiatives and known contextual factors such as Brexit and, in the current context, COVID-19 and their impact on the labour market. Consideration is also taken of the views of the Economic Migration Interdepartmental Group, chaired by the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment and of the relevant policy Departments, in this case the Department of Health.
The results of the most recently concluded review were announced on 28th October 2021. The review did not recommend removal of the occupation of care worker/home carers from the Ineligible Occupations List as the evidence suggested that the contracts of employment on offer and employment terms and conditions being offered are significant factors in the recruitment challenges faced by the sector, rather than a demonstrable labour market shortage. The sector has also previously been advised that a more systematic and structured engagement with the Department of Social Protection needs to be demonstrated.
The next Occupational Lists Review will open in the coming months and submissions from sectors will be invited through a public consultation by the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment.
625. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health if he will examine a situation in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56001/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
626. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health when funding will be allocated to staff the new cath lab in University Hospital Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56002/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
627. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite an appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56012/21]
View answerUnder 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.
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.
628. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health the progress towards delivering on the commitment in the programme for Government to establish a national genetics and genomics medicine network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56018/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
