Wednesday, 19 Jan 2022

Written Answers Nos. 1882-1902

Health Service Executive

Questions (1882)

Martin Browne

Question:

1882. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health when student nurses will be paid their pandemic placement grant for 2021 (details supplied). [2241/22]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As the Deputy will be aware, a key Government priority is to protect and support the education of all students, including student nurses and midwives, especially during these times as we continue to deal with the challenges posed by COVID-19.

I requested a review on student nurse and midwife pay and allowances be undertaken and this was completed by Mr. Sean McHugh.  On 4 November 2021, I announced that the Government had approved my proposal to provide significant additional supports, worth €12m, for student nurses and midwives while attending their clinical placements.  These temporary measures will assist these students while work is being undertaken by my Department to progress the recommendations arising from the review.

Among these temporary measures, I extended the Pandemic Placement Grant of €100 per week to all eligible nursing and midwifery students on supernumerary placement, backdating it to September 2021.  Arrangements regarding payments for the period from September to end of December 2021 are currently being progressed and will be completed shortly. Following this payments will begin, with the process expected to be completed in the coming weeks.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Questions (1883)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

1883. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health the action that is being taken to alleviate current waiting time of 10 to 12 weeks for patients waiting on urgent referrals to the BreastCheck clinic at Galway University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2252/22]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Question No. 1884 answered with Question No. 1750.

Question No. 1885 answered with Question No. 1750.

Home Care Packages

Questions (1886)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

1886. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if additional homecare support will be provided to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2284/22]

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. 1887 answered with Question No. 1592.

Question No. 1888 answered with Question No. 1596.

Health Services Staff

Questions (1889)

Mark Ward

Question:

1889. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the number of public health nurses in Clondalkin, Dublin 22 in each of the years 2016 to 2020, in tabular forms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2305/22]

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 Staff

Questions (1890)

Mark Ward

Question:

1890. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the number of public health nurses in the CHO7 area; the breakdown of the areas in which they are based in CHO7 in each of the years 2016 to 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2306/22]

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 (1891)

Ruairí Ó Murchú

Question:

1891. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health the operational status of the home support pilot commenced in CHO2 (details supplied); the levels of staff retention from commencement; the difficulties the pilot scheme has experienced to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2312/22]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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

Home Care Packages

Questions (1892)

Ruairí Ó Murchú

Question:

1892. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health the status of the four CHO areas selected to test the reformed model of homecare support; when these sites will be fully operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2313/22]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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

Home Care Packages

Questions (1893)

Ruairí Ó Murchú

Question:

1893. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health the status of the homecare pilot project in CHO8; the staff recruited to date; and the number of staff that remain to be recruited. [2314/22]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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

Health Services

Questions (1894, 1895)

Ruairí Ó Murchú

Question:

1894. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health when the cross-Departmental workforce advisory committee considering a reformed model of homecare support will meet; the scheduled meetings of the committee; the agenda of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2315/22]

Ruairí Ó Murchú

Question:

1895. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health the details of the engagements with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform regarding the workforce challenges in home support and nursing homes; the options considered; the progress to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2316/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1894 and 1895 together.

I am engaged with stakeholders in home support and nursing homes on issues of recruitment and retention, with multiple meetings held with such groups in recent months.

Work is also ongoing within the Department to progress the establishment of a Cross Departmental Strategic Workforce Advisory Group which will be set up as a priority in early 2022.

The Department is completing a short-life scoping exercise which is currently underway. A ‘call for submissions’ issued to relevant national stakeholders in early December, with a closing date for receipt of submissions on 7th January 2022. 

This is a critical first step to set out current challenges and to gather initial data and evidence to support the scoping, nature, and extent of the challenges, in advance of the Department bringing relevant stakeholders together in a structured process.  

The role of the group will be to facilitate the views of stakeholders and examine any strategic workforce challenges in front-line carer roles in home support and nursing homes. Potential areas to be considered include recruitment, retention, training, and the career development of front-line carers in home support and nursing homes into the future. Subject to the scoping exercise, it is expected that the pay and conditions for these workers, will also likely be considered.

The Department’s project team will consider the submissions received which will inform the next steps, including membership of the Group, consultation with Government Departments and arrangements for meetings. 

Question No. 1895 answered with Question No. 1894.

National Maternity Hospital

Questions (1896)

John Lahart

Question:

1896. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the situation with regard to the building and ownership of the proposed new national maternity hospital at St. Vincent's University Hospital. [2317/22]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The Government is committed to the development of the new National Maternity Hospital (NMH) planned for the St Vincent’s University Hospital Campus at Elm Park, as set out in the Programme for Government.

As the Deputy will be aware, the proposed corporate and clinical governance arrangements for the new National Maternity Hospital were set out in the Mulvey Agreement, which provides for the establishment of a new company - National Maternity Hospital at Elm Park DAC - which will have clinical and operational, as well as financial and budgetary independence in the provision of maternity, gynaecology and neonatal services.

The draft legal framework that has been developed is designed to copperfasten these arrangements and to ensure protection of the State’s investment. Work is ongoing towards the finalisation of the legal arrangements.

I have been clear that I will not bring any proposal to Government unless it affirms that the State’s investment in the new hospital is safeguarded, as well as providing assurances around all legally permissible services being provided in the new NMH. However, as I have stated previously, I will not be making any further comment in relation to this matter until the process has concluded.

Hospital Appointments Status

Questions (1897)

Michael McNamara

Question:

1897. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be facilitated for medical surgery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2323/22]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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.

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.

Health Services

Questions (1898)

Willie O'Dea

Question:

1898. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Health his plans to provide hormone replacement therapy free to all women who wish to avail of this therapy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2330/22]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The Government recognises that menopause is a key health issue for women in Ireland today, and work is underway to drive progress in this area which is being driven by the Women’s Health Taskforce. The Taskforce was convened in September 2019, to improve health outcomes and health experiences for women and girls.

Significant activity is currently underway to enhance the supports available to women through the menopause. Minister Donnelly announced his commitment to establish dedicated specialist menopause clinics across Ireland on the 10th of September 2021. These clinics will form a core part of a new approach to menopause care for women in Ireland and will be supported by enhanced community and primary care supports as well as the publication of targeted and trusted sources of information for women experiencing menopause

The first phase of change included the development of a dedicated specialist menopause clinic, in the National Maternity Hospital, Holles Street in 2021. The clinic is multidisciplinary supported by GPs with a certified special interest in the area of menopause and clinical nurse/midwife specialists. In addition to seeing women who meet the clinical criteria for referral to the service, the clinical team also provides advice and guidance to GPs in the community to support the effective management of menopausal symptoms for women closer to home within primary care. Further details on this announcement can be found here:

www.gov.ie/en/press-release/bf7d4-minister-for-health-announces-a-new-approach-to-menopause-care-for-women-in-ireland/

Funding for a further three specialist menopause clinics were announced within Budget 2022.

Additional activity underway and planned in the area of menopause includes:

- GP training is a key aspect of women receiving the best care through menopause. The Irish College of GPs are active members of the Women's Health Taskforce and continue to be engaged on how women's health can be better considered within the primary care setting. Relevant activity includes the collaboration between ICGP and the British Menopause Society to develop training in menopause management, which is currently in place; a ICGP Women’s Health Webinar on menopause and endometriosis which was held in June 2021 and had 1567 attendees; and a GP Education course which was established in September 2021 in the area of Community Gynaecology Course which includes menopause as a topic. Funding has been provided through the Women's Health Fund to develop a 'quick reference guide' for GPs on the menopause, to support primary care provision in this area. The Minister has outlined his support for a new ICGP post of Clinical Lead for Women’s Health in General Practice, the first such post in Ireland. This is currently being progressed and will enable the development of a comprehensive life-course approach to women’s health in General Practice.

- A number of health topics relating to women's health, including menopause, have recently been updated and are now live on the HSE A-Z. This information is an important first step towards delivering enhanced information and education on menopause. A public information webinar on the menopause was held on November 29th 2021.

- A civil service webinar on 'Menopause at work' was held on October 18th, and further HR training to better understand the challenges and solutions for supporting women in their menopause journey within the civil service was held on November 30th.  The Healthy Workplace Framework is due to be published in the coming months. Following publication, an Implementation Group will be established with responsibility for developing an action plan. A representative from Women’s Health will be included on the Implementation Group to ensure the needs of women in the workplace are incorporated. This has particular reference to increased awareness of menopause within the workplace.

In addition to the activity outlined above, menopause will continue to be a priority for the Women's Health Taskforce for 2022. Hormone replacement therapy, and in particular the cost of hormone replacement therapy, has been highlighted by women as an area they would like further attention on. 

At present, GPs provide consultations without charge to women who have a medical card or GP visit card. Approved prescribed drugs and medicines, including HRT, are available free to medical card holders, subject to the statutory prescription charge. In addition, under the Drug Payment Scheme (DPS), no individual or family pays more than €100 a month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines.

Further research is required to understand the cost and benefit of such a development. This will be considered when planning for further menopause activity to take place in 2022.

Departmental Funding

Questions (1899)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

1899. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if funding for the provision and installation of a defibrillator will be considered for the area of Clonagh, County Kildare; the correct procedure to be followed to apply for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2336/22]

Written answers

Minister for Health

AEDs (defibrillators) are available in many locations across society under the management of various organisations.

Funding is available through the Sports Capital & Equipment Programme for Sports Clubs and Organisations in relation to procuring Defibrillators.

The Irish Heart Foundation (IHF) promotes and advocates for the development of Community First Responder Schemes and can provide Heartsaver AED Training.

Public Sector Staff

Questions (1900, 1901, 1906)

Cathal Crowe

Question:

1900. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health the number of public sector workers under his remit by sectors (details supplied) in each of the local electoral areas in County Clare in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2350/22]

Violet-Anne Wynne

Question:

1901. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health the number of public sector workers under his remit in each of the local electoral areas in County Clare in each of the years 2016 to 2021, in tabular form under headings (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2369/22]

Michael McNamara

Question:

1906. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Health the number of public sector workers under his remit in each of the local electoral areas in County Clare in each of the years 2016 to 2021, in tabular form under headings (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2388/22]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1900, 1901 and 1906 together.

Health service numbers are not collated by local electoral areas. However, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy with a formal reply with further information.

Question No. 1901 answered with Question No. 1900.

Dental Services

Questions (1902)

James Lawless

Question:

1902. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health his plans to assist persons who cannot afford dental treatments due to the withdrawal of dental services from those on the medical card scheme as in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2362/22]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTTS), which dates from the 1990s is available to medical card holders aged 16 and over. The dental care is provided by independent dental practitioners who have a contract with the HSE. Patients may choose to have their treatment undertaken by any dentist who participates in the scheme. The Scheme covers a dental examination, two fillings in each calendar year, prescriptions, denture repairs and extractions as necessary. Other more complex treatments such as the provision of dentures require the approval of the HSE before the dentist can proceed and in this case the dentist applies directly to the HSE.

There is a need to align the DTSS with best international evidence and practice, and legislation, as outlined in Smile agus Sláinte, the National Oral Health Policy. Regretfully, the COVID-19 pandemic caused the roll-out of the Policy to be delayed and the proposed review of the DTSS contract to be deferred.

It is regrettable that a significant number of dentists chose to leave the DTSS that provides care for medical card patients during the pandemic, which has led to difficulties for medical card patients in accessing dental care in some parts of the country. In such circumstances, I have been assured that the HSE Public Dental Service is seeking to provide emergency cover for any medical card patients who are experiencing such problems.

I have given a commitment to a substantive review of the DTSS, which will include fees paid to dentists. I have also acknowledged the immediate issues of concern with current arrangements under the Scheme.

My officials met with the Irish Dental Association in December to address both of these issues. It is the intention of my officials to hold further talks in Q1 of this year.

I would also wish to point out that I secured additional funding of €10 million in Budget 2022 to address immediate issues with the DTSS, which is on top of the annual allocation of €56 million for 2022.

As this is service matter, I would refer the second part of the question to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy, as soon as possible.