Cathal Crowe
Question:1661. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health when staff in a health organisation (details supplied) will receive the pandemic bonus payment. [39735/22]
View answerCovid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (1661)
Written answers
Firstly I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.
On January 19th, the Government announced a COVID-19 pandemic recognition payment for front-line public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. Following extensive engagement with healthcare unions on the matter, on 19th April the HSE published eligibility guidelines and FAQs, as apply to the HSE and Section 38 agencies, which are available on its website: www.hse.ie/eng/staff/resources/hr-circulars/hr-circular-012-2022-pandemic-special-recognition-payment.html. Payment is currently receiving priority across all Hospital Groups and Community Services in the HSE.
The HSE and the Department are currently examining progressing the roll-out to the list of 6 non-HSE/non-Section 38 organisation types covered by the Government Decision. This measure will be ring fenced to staff working ordinarily onsite in COVID-19 exposed healthcare environments. It is hoped that information will be published shortly for those certain non-HSE/Section 38 healthcare employees that are covered by the Government Decision and the process available to their employers to implement this measure for their eligible staff. This shall cover eligible staff in:
1. Private Sector Nursing Homes and Hospices (e.g. Private, Voluntary, Section 39 etc.);
2. Eligible staff working on-site in Section 39 long-term residential care facilities for people with disabilities;
3. Agency roles working in the HSE;
4. Health Care Support Assistants (also known as home help / home care / home support) contracted to the HSE;
5. Members of the Defence Forces redeployed to work in front-line Covid-19 exposed environments in the HSE;
6. Paramedics employed by Dublin Fire Brigade to deliver services on behalf of the HSE.
The above 6 areas only are covered by this Government Decision and all eligible workers will be paid in accordance with the overarching eligibility criteria in place. At this point, the Department is not in a position to assess or comment on individual cases.
Nursing Homes
Questions (1662)
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:1662. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if he will request that with regard to older HIQA reports on long-term care residential facilities that have been removed from the database, that the older reports are put back on its website without delay (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39736/22]
View answerWritten answers
With regard to the question raised by Deputy O’Dowd’s , Officials of the Department of Health have made enquires to HIQA, and received the following information.In line with principles of information governance, data protection and the Health Act 2007, HIQA has systems in place to manage the information they collect, use and store. Information is only retained in line with the provisions of relevant legislation and HIQA's retention schedules. Inspection reports are available on www.hiqa.ie for three years and 1 day.
Hospital Services
Questions (1663)
Michael Lowry
Question:1663. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update concerning the provision of neurology services at Tipperary University Hospital (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39737/22]
View answerWritten answers
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 (1664)
Niamh Smyth
Question:1664. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if he will urgently review the case of a child (details supplied); if he will contact Children’s Health Ireland at Temple Street and urgently seek an appointment for this child; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39739/22]
View answerWritten answers
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.
Medical Cards
Questions (1665)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:1665. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) can expect to receive a decision on their medical card application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39740/22]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Care Services
Questions (1666)
Neale Richmond
Question:1666. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health the steps that he is taking to ensure that there is an adequate number of home carers in Ireland to meet demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39756/22]
View answerWritten answers
In response to the challenges facing the home-support sector, I have established a cross-departmental Strategic Workforce Advisory Group to examine the workforce challenges in front-line carer roles in home-support and nursing homes. The structure and membership of the Group was informed by submissions received by my Department from key stakeholders in January 2022 as well as by a short-life scoping exercise to gather initial data and evidence on the extent of the challenges in the sector.
The Group, which has met five times since March, provides a forum for agreement on strategic approaches to address sectoral workforce challenges. The Group is currently working with key stakeholders to further explore the issues and identify approaches to respond to these challenges. Areas being considered by the Group include the recruitment, retention, training, pay and conditions, and the career development of front-line carers in home-support and nursing homes. Ensuring the adequate supply of appropriately skilled home-support workers as well as healthcare assistants is a key objective of this initiative.
The Group will submit a report outlining key findings and recommendations for my consideration by September 2022.
Care Services
Questions (1667)
Neale Richmond
Question:1667. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health the steps that he is taking to ensure that home carers can access the necessary visas to ensure that they do not have to prematurely exit the labour market thereby contributing to the shortages of home carers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39757/22]
View answerWritten answers
In order to resolve the challenges the home-support sector faces, I have established a cross-departmental Strategic Workforce Advisory Group.
Following a call for submissions from relevant stakeholders, I opened the first meeting of the cross-departmental Strategic Workforce Advisory Group in March 2022. The remit of the Group is to identify—and formulate recommendations to address—strategic workforce challenges in the home-support and nursing home sectors. Accordingly, the Group is examining issues such as the recruitment, retention, training, career-development, and pay and conditions of front-line carers in these sectors so that solutions can be found. Recruitment issues related to employment of non-EEA citizens have been considered and a number of Departments consulted.
To date the Group has met five times and it’s deliberations have been informed by a structured programme of stakeholder-engagement consisting of a series of bilateral meetings and a facilitated workshop. Engagement with key stakeholders in the home-support and nursing home sectors continues to inform the Group’s exploration of the issues arising.
The Group will submit a report outlining key findings and recommendations for my consideration by end of September 2022.
Hospital Facilities
Questions (1668)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:1668. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health if he has read a report titled Recommended Location of a New Regional Acute Hospital in the North East which was produced for the HSE by an organisation (details supplied); and his views on its recommendation that Navan, County Meath should be the location for a new hospital. [39760/22]
View answerWritten answers
The report referred to by the Deputy was superseded by the Government's decision, in 2013, to re-organise acute hospitals into Hospital Groups.
The Smaller Hospitals Framework which was published and approved by Government in 2013 included a list of nine designated Model 2 Hospitals, including Our Lady’s Hospital Navan. Since then, many acute Hospitals have transitioned to Model 2 Hospital arrangements in line with the Smaller Hospital Framework. These transitions have been safe and effective with improved outcomes for acutely ill and critically ill patients presenting. Navan will be the last of those hospitals to transition to Model 2.
While the very real clinical concerns identified by the HSE are recognised, the Government is clear that several important issues, including additional capacity in other hospitals impacted and the continued ability of people in the Navan area to access emergency and urgent care, would need to be fully addressed before any proposed transition by the HSE.
I have asked the HSE to undertake a process to review, validate and stress test the reconfiguration planning. My Department is currently engaging with the HSE in relation to this process, with a view to it being completed within a matter of weeks.
Hospital Staff
Questions (1669)
Claire Kerrane
Question:1669. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health if he will advise on staffing levels in the radiology unit in University Hospital Galway; if there has been a reduction in staffing levels; if this is having any impact on availability of radiology appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39765/22]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly as soon as possible.
Medical Cards
Questions (1670)
Paul Kehoe
Question:1670. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health the status of the provision of a general practitioner only card for those in receipt of a long-term illness benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39767/22]
View answerWritten answers
I thank the Deputy for the clarification that he is referring to the Long Term Illness Scheme.
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 and is specific to the individual’s own financial circumstances. 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.
The issue of granting medical or GP visit cards based on having a particular disease or illness was previously examined in 2014 by the HSE Expert Panel on Medical Need and Medical Card Eligibility. The Group concluded that it was not feasible, desirable, nor ethically justifiable to list medical conditions in priority order for medical card eligibility. In following the Expert Group’s advice, a person’s means remains the main qualifier for a medical card.
If an applicant’s income is over the limit for a medical card or GP visit card, they may still qualify for a discretionary card. Every effort is made by the HSE, within the framework of the legislation, to support applicants to take full account of the difficult circumstances in the case of applicants who may be in excess of the income guidelines. The HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card/GP visit card, even though an applicant exceeds the income threshold where they face difficult financial circumstances, such as extra costs arising from an illness. Social and medical issues are also considered when determining whether undue hardship exists for an individual accessing general practitioner or other medical services.
I can advise the Deputy that there are no plans at present to provide a general practitioner visit card to those on the Long Term Illness scheme.
Primary Care Centres
Questions (1671)
Gerald Nash
Question:1671. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1043 of 2 November 2021, when the HSE plans to develop a primary care centre at the site referred to in Ratoath, County Meath; if the plans are contained in the HSE's current capital programme; the overall cost and timeline for completion of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39780/22]
View answerWritten answers
As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the management of the public healthcare property estate, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to you in relation to this matter.
Medical Aids and Appliances
Questions (1672)
David Cullinane
Question:1672. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the position in relation to the reimbursement of internationalised normalised ratio test strips and machines for persons who require long-term oral anticoagulant therapy with warfarin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39783/22]
View answerWritten answers
As the Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Medicinal Products
Questions (1673)
Paul Murphy
Question:1673. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health the reason that 35 children were not covered in the original deal made with a drug company (details supplied) in relation to the drug kaftrio and an issue which arose between the company and the HSE; and if the HSE will prioritise negotiations with the company to find a solution to ensure that these 35 children and any others in the same situation have the access that they need to this potentially life-changing medication as soon as possible. [39794/22]
View answerWritten answers
Under 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.
Health Services
Questions (1674)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:1674. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health if Addison’s disease will be included in the list of illnesses under the long-term illness scheme given that it is a lifelong condition requiring ongoing treatment with steroids; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39796/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Long-Term Illness (LTI) scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). Regulations were made in 1971, 1973 and 1975, prescribing 16 illnesses covered by the scheme. These 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 LTI scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge.
While there are no current plans to extend the list of illnesses covered, the LTI scheme will be included in a review of the current eligibility framework, including the basis for existing hospital and medication charges, to be carried out under commitments given in the Sláintecare Implementation Strategy. It is not possible to say at this juncture what the results of this review will be.
In the meantime, for people who are not eligible for the LTI scheme, there are other arrangements which protect them from excessive medicine costs.
Under the Drug Payment Scheme, no individual or family pays more than €80 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. Medical card eligibility is primarily based on an assessment of means and is not granted on the basis of any particular condition.
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.
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.
Individuals may also be entitled to claim tax relief on the cost of their medical expenses, including medicines prescribed by a doctor, dentist, or consultant. Relief is at the standard tax rate of 20%.
Departmental Legal Cases
Questions (1675, 1681)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Question:1675. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the cost of legal fees following legal proceedings being taken against his Department (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39808/22]
View answer
Emer Higgins
Question:1681. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the cost of litigation involving the victims of thalidomide to date; the anticipated future costs; the expected completion of this litigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39868/22]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1675 and 1681 together.
The litigation between the parties is being case-managed by a judge of the High Court and there are two other defendants in addition to the Minister for Health.
The State Claims Agency (SCA) has advised that it has paid €2,015,961 in relation to Thalidomide mass action claims against the Department of Health. This figure is as of 30th June 2022.
The sum of €2,015,961 relates to all payments made to the plaintiffs and their solicitor firm; payments made to experts; and payments made in respect of the plaintiffs' and the Department's legal costs, to include the costs of documentary counsel.
It is not possible to estimate the future costs nor the expected completion date of the litigation.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (1676)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:1676. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if the special pandemic payment is to be given to a company (details supplied) who provide cleaning services in many hospitals around the country including St. Luke's Hospital, Rathgar; and if so, when they will receive it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39816/22]
View answerWritten answers
Firstly I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.
As the deputy is aware, on January 19th, the Government announced a COVID-19 pandemic recognition payment for front-line public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. Following extensive engagement with healthcare unions on the matter, on 19th April the HSE published eligibility guidelines and FAQs, as apply to the HSE and Section 38 agencies, which are available on its website: www.hse.ie/eng/staff/resources/hr-circulars/hr-circular-012-2022-pandemic-special-recognition-payment.html. Payment is currently receiving priority across all Hospital Groups and Community Services in the HSE.
The HSE and the Department are currently examining progressing the roll-out to the list of 6 non-HSE/non-Section 38 organisation types covered by the Government Decision. It is hoped that information will be published shortly for those certain non-HSE/Section 38 healthcare employees that are covered by the Government Decision and the process available to their employers to implement this measure for their eligible staff. This shall cover eligible staff in:
1. Private Sector Nursing Homes and Hospices (e.g. Private, Voluntary, Section 39 etc.);
2. Eligible staff working on-site in Section 39 long-term residential care facilities for people with disabilities;
3. Agency roles working in the HSE;
4. Health Care Support Assistants (also known as home help / home care / home support) contracted to the HSE;
5. Members of the Defence Forces redeployed to work in front-line Covid-19 exposed environments in the HSE;
6. Paramedics employed by Dublin Fire Brigade to deliver services on behalf of the HSE.
Rolling out the payment to eligible employees of those specific non-HSE/Section 38 organisations covered by the government decision is a complex task, particularly as these employees are not normally paid by the public health service, duplicate payments need to be avoided, and there are many organisations to be covered, but this work is being given priority attention.