Tuesday, 12 Jul 2022

Written Answers Nos. 1040-1061

Ambulance Service

Questions (1041)

Johnny Mythen

Question:

1041. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Health the number of vacant emergency medical technician posts in County Wexford. [37970/22]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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

Ambulance Service

Questions (1042)

Johnny Mythen

Question:

1042. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Health the number of vacant paramedic posts in County Wexford. [37971/22]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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 (1043)

Johnny Mythen

Question:

1043. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Health the number of children waiting for speech and language therapy in County Wexford; the average waiting time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37972/22]

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. 1044 answered with Question No. 202.

Hospital Procedures

Questions (1045)

David Cullinane

Question:

1045. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of people with diabetes who required in-hospital treatment for foot complications and lower limb amputations in University Hospital Waterford over the past five years in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37981/22]

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.

Hospital Procedures

Questions (1046)

David Cullinane

Question:

1046. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of people with diabetes who required in-hospital treatment for foot complications and lower limb amputations in Wexford General Hospital over the past five years in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37982/22]

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.

Hospital Procedures

Questions (1047)

David Cullinane

Question:

1047. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of people with diabetes who required in-hospital treatment for foot complications and lower limb amputations in St Luke’s General Hospital over the past five years in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37983/22]

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.

Hospital Procedures

Questions (1048)

David Cullinane

Question:

1048. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of people with diabetes who required in-hospital treatment for foot complications and lower limb amputations in South Tipperary Hospital over the past five years in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37984/22]

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.

General Practitioner Services

Questions (1049)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

1049. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if he will address matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); the options that are open to the person and their family; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37986/22]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Where a GMS patient experiences difficulty in finding a GP to accept them as a patient, the person concerned having unsuccessfully applied to at least three GPs in the area (or fewer if there are fewer GPs in the area) can apply to the HSE National Medical Card Unit which has the power to assign that person to a GP's GMS patient list.

People who do not hold a medical card or GP visit card access GP services on a private basis in which the Minister has no role and can make enquiries directly to any GP practice they wish to register with. As private contractors, it is a matter for each individual GP to decide whether to accept additional private patients.

The Government is aware of the workforce issues currently facing general practice and is working to ensure patients across the country continue to have access to GP services and that general practice is sustainable in all areas into the future.

Under the 2019 GP Agreement additional annual expenditure provided for general practice has to date been increased by €206.6m and is set to increase to €211.6m per annum next year when the Agreement is fully rolled out. This provides for significant increases in capitation fees for participating GMS GPs, and new fees and subsidies for additional services. Improvements to GP’s maternity and paternity leave arrangements, increased rural practice supports and a support for GPs in disadvantaged urban areas, have also been provided for.

The number of GPs entering training has increased steadily over the past number of years, rising from 120 in 2009 to 233 in 2021. 258 places will be available this year. The transfer of GP training from the HSE to the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP) which was concluded in 2021 will allow for the introduction of a new service model for GP training in Ireland and the further expansion GP training capacity in the years ahead. The ICGP aims to have 350 training places available for new entrants per year by 2026.

These measures make general practice in Ireland a more attractive career choice and will see an increase in the number of GPs working in the State, improving access to GP services for patients throughout the country.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (1050)

Paul Murphy

Question:

1050. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health the additional funding that has been set aside from the temporary assistance payment scheme that were paid to nursing homes since January 2020, for example, the wage subsidy schemes. [37989/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The Department of Health has provided significant specific supports to the private and voluntary nursing home sector over the course of the pandemic. As the Deputy will be aware, the COVID-19 Temporary Assistance Payment Scheme, also known as TAPS, was established as part of a package of support measures for nursing homes at the start of the pandemic. According to the most recent available HSE data, from 5 July, 9,061 claims had been processed, with some €140.7 million euro of direct financial support provided to the sector. The outbreak assistance element of the scheme is still in payment. This element has been extended a number of times, most recently for 3 months, which will see the scheme operate until the end of September 2022. In addition to TAPS, direct support has been provided by the HSE to private nursing homes in many areas, including the provision of PPE, serial testing and support with staffing.

Medical Cards

Questions (1051)

Imelda Munster

Question:

1051. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Health if he will consider including Ozempic injection for the treatment of obesity under the general medical services medical card scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37990/22]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for medicine pricing and reimbursement decisions, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.

In line with the 2013 Health Act and the national framework agreed with industry, a company must submit an application to the HSE to have a new medicine added to the reimbursement list. Reimbursement is for licensed indications which have been granted market authorisation by the European Medicines Agency or the Health Products Regulatory Authority.

In making a relevant reimbursement decision, the HSE is required under the Act to have regard to a number of criteria including efficacy, the health needs of the public, cost effectiveness and potential or actual budget impact. HSE decisions on which medicines are reimbursed by the taxpayer are made on objective, scientific and economic grounds, on the advice of the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE). The Minister for Health has no role in these decisions.

Ozempic® (semaglutide) is licensed with the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) in Ireland, and is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Ozempic® (semaglutide) was approved by the HSE for addition to the Reimbursement List for the treatment of Diabetes in 2018. Semaglutide has not been approved for reimbursement for any other indication to date.

Controls are in place within the HSE management systems on claiming processes to ensure that only HSE approved indications are reimbursed across a range of medicines. Controls are currently in place in relation to Ozempic® (semaglutide) to restrict reimbursement support to the HSE approved indication of Diabetes.

Persons with Diabetes are entitled to be registered under the Long Term Illness (LTI) Scheme to enable them to obtain this product free of charge. The form can be downloaded at www2.hse.ie/file-library/long-term-illness/long-term-illness-schemeapplication-form.pdf.

The HSE advise that effective of 1st August 2020, reimbursement for Ozempic® (semaglutide) is confined to those persons with full GMS and LTI eligibility. Therefore reimbursement of Ozempic® is no longer available under the Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS).

Question No. 1052 answered with Question No. 202.

Official Engagements

Questions (1053)

John Lahart

Question:

1053. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health if he will accept a formal invitation issued to him by the Tallaght Drugs and Alcohol Task Force to formally meet with the members of the task force as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37998/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

On April 13th, I met representatives from two community drug projects in Tallaght – Jobstown Assisting Drug Dependency (JADD) and Community Action Response Programme (CARP). During this visit, I also met with HSE staff and with the chairperson and coordinator of the Tallaght Drug and Alcohol Task Force. I heard first-hand about the wide range of services provided for people who use drugs in the Tallaght area. I was informed about the challenges in providing community-based services for cocaine and crack cocaine users.

In January 2022, I announced €850,000 in recurring funding for a HSE-led initiative to reduce the health-related harms associated with the use of cocaine and ‘crack’ cocaine. This funding will support services in delivering evidence-based interventions and will increase training opportunities for staff in addiction services nationally. It will also improve the support provided to those affected by adverse health consequences of cocaine or ‘crack’ cocaine use.

Following a review of submissions from community healthcare organisations, the HSE has allocated funding of €200,000 to CHOs 3, 4, 7 & 9. In CHO 7, €140,000 is being allocated to establish a crack cocaine specific harm reduction service in JADD and a gender specific crack cocaine programme in CARP. These new services to be added to the already existing services of JADD and CARP.

I welcome the engagement of community-based services and CHOs in developing these initiatives. This partnership approach is at the heart of the national drugs strategy.

Disability Services

Questions (1054)

David Cullinane

Question:

1054. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health when he will publish an action plan for the disability capacity review; his annualised implementation plan along the timeframe outlined in the disability capacity review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38001/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The Department of Health published the Disability Capacity Review in July 2021. This report set out the capacity requirements for health-funded disability services for the period up to 2032. In order to drive the process of implementing the recommendations of the Capacity Review, a Working Group was set up to develop an Action Plan for Disability Services for the period 2022-2025. This Group, whose membership consisted of senior officials from the Departments of DCEDIY, Social Protection, Housing, Further and Higher Education, Health, and the Health Service Executive, has now completed its work and the draft Action Plan is currently being finalised.

Budget 2023

Questions (1055)

David Cullinane

Question:

1055. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure accessibility in the announcement Budget 2023 measures to enhance residential supports, day places and respite supports; if the measures will be presented in terms of existing and new units to provide clarity to observers and potential recipients of these services; if he will present these figures in relation to the needs outlined in the capacity review to provide transparency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38002/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The arrangements for announcements and communications pertaining to Budget 2023 are the responsibility of my colleague the Minister for Finance. It is of course hugely important to ensure that Government communications are made as accessible as possible for people with disabilities. I can confirm the Disability Action Plan 2022-2025 when published, will be available in a range of accessible formats, in the same way as the Disability Capacity Review to 2032.

Medical Cards

Questions (1056, 1057, 1086, 1087, 1088, 1089, 1090, 1091, 1092)

David Cullinane

Question:

1056. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of expanding medical card eligibility by increasing the weekly income limit by €25, €50, €75, €100, €125, €150, €175 and €200, by category in tabular form; the existing threshold and the new threshold for each; the estimated number of newly eligible persons and households for each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38003/22]

David Cullinane

Question:

1057. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of expanding medical card eligibility by increasing the weekly income limit by 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% and 50% by category in tabular form; the existing threshold and the new threshold for each; the estimated number of newly eligible individuals and households for each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38004/22]

David Cullinane

Question:

1086. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of increasing the weekly gross income limit for a single person or persons who are married, cohabiting or in a civil partnership for the over-70s medical card by €50 a week, by €100 a week and by €150 a week; the estimated number of additional cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38078/22]

David Cullinane

Question:

1087. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of increasing the weekly income limit for a single person aged under 66 years to qualify for a medical card by €25, by €50, by €75 and by €100 a week; the estimated number of additional cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38079/22]

David Cullinane

Question:

1088. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of increasing the weekly income limit for a single person aged over 66 years to qualify for a medical card by €25, by €50, by €75 and by €100 a week; the estimated number of additional cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38080/22]

David Cullinane

Question:

1089. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of increasing the weekly income limit for a single person living with family aged under 66 years to qualify for a medical card by €25, by €50, by €75 and by €100 a week; the estimated number of additional cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38081/22]

David Cullinane

Question:

1090. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of increasing the weekly income limit for a single person living with family aged over 66 to qualify for a medical card by €25, by €50, by €75 and by €100 a week; the estimated number of additional cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38082/22]

David Cullinane

Question:

1091. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of increasing the weekly income limit for a couple, married, cohabiting, civil partners or single parent with dependent children for persons aged under 66 years to qualify for a medical card by €25, by €50, by €75 and by €100 a week; the estimated number of additional cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38083/22]

David Cullinane

Question:

1092. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of increasing the weekly income limit for a couple, married, cohabiting, civil partners or single parent with dependent children for persons aged over 66 years to qualify for a medical card by €25, by €50, by €75 and by €100 a week; the estimated number of additional cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38084/22]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1056, 1057 and 1086 to 1092, inclusive, together.

Eligibility for a Medical Card is primarily based on a financial assessment which is conducted by the HSE in accordance with the Health Act 1970 (as amended). The HSE assesses each medical card application on a qualifying financial threshold. This is the amount of money that an individual can earn a week and still qualify for a card. It is specific to the individual’s own financial circumstances.Persons aged 69 and under are assessed under the general means tested medical card thresholds which are based on an applicant’s household income after tax and the deduction of PRSI and the Universal Social Charge. Certain expenses are also taken into account, i.e. mortgage payments, which help to increase the amount a person can earn and still qualify for a medical card.Persons aged 70 or older are assessed under the over 70s medical card income thresholds which are based on gross income. It should be noted that in November 2020, the weekly gross medical card income thresholds for those aged 70 and over were increased to €550 per week for a single person and €1,050 for a couple. This increase ensures that a greater proportion of those aged 70 and over now qualify for a medical card.With regard to the estimated cost of the deputy's proposals, the data required to model these are not readily available and it is therefore not possible to provide an estimate of the associated cost, number of cards, or other requested figures.

However, I wish to assure the Deputy that, to ensure the medical card system is responsive and sensitive to people's needs, my Department keeps medical card issues, including the current medical card income thresholds under review and any changes are considered in the context of Government policy, the annual budgetary estimates process and other issues which may be relevant.

Question No. 1057 answered with Question No. 1056.

General Practitioner Services

Questions (1058, 1059)

David Cullinane

Question:

1058. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of expanding general practitioner visit card eligibility by increasing the weekly income limit by €25, €50, €75, €100, €125, €150, €175 and €200, by category in tabular form; the existing threshold and the new threshold for each; the estimated number of newly eligible individuals and households for each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38005/22]

David Cullinane

Question:

1059. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of expanding general practitioner visit card eligibility by increasing the weekly income limit by 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% and 50% by category in tabular form; the existing threshold and the new threshold for each; the estimated number of newly eligible individuals and households for each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38006/22]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1058 and 1059 together.

Eligibility for a Medical Card is primarily based on a financial assessment which is conducted by the HSE in accordance with the Health Act 1970 (as amended). The HSE assesses each medical card application on a qualifying financial threshold. This is the amount of money that an individual can earn a week and still qualify for a card. It is specific to the individual’s own financial circumstances.

Persons aged 69 and under are assessed under the general means tested medical card thresholds which are based on an applicant’s household income after tax and the deduction of PRSI and the Universal Social Charge. Certain expenses are also taken into account, i.e. mortgage payments, which help to increase the amount a person can earn and still qualify for a medical card.Persons aged 70 or older are assessed under the over 70s medical card income thresholds which are based on gross income. It should be noted that in November 2020, the weekly gross medical card income thresholds for those aged 70 and over were increased to €550 per week for a single person and €1,050 for a couple. This increase ensures that a greater proportion of those aged 70 and over now qualify for a medical card.

With regard to the estimated cost of the deputy's proposals, the data required to model these are not readily available and it is therefore not possible to provide an estimate of the associated cost, number of cards, or other requested figures.

However, I wish to assure the Deputy that, to ensure the medical card system is responsive and sensitive to people's needs, my Department keeps medical card issues, including the current medical card and GP visit card income thresholds under review and any changes are considered in the context of Government policy, the annual budgetary estimates process and other issues which may be relevant.

Question No. 1059 answered with Question No. 1058.

Disability Services

Questions (1060)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

1060. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the status of the adult respite facility being planned for a town (details supplied); the details and the timeline for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38008/22]

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.

Hospital Appointments Status

Questions (1061)

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Question:

1061. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health when a procedure will be scheduled in Beaumont Hospital in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38009/22]

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.