Written Answers Nos. 1807-1822
1807. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of extending free optical and ophthalmic care to all children in Ireland; his plans to extend free optical and ophthalmic care to all children in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40556/22]
View answerOptometric and ophthalmic practitioners receive remuneration at a range of different pay scales from the HSE for a wide range of services provided. It is not possible to definitively calculate the cost of extending free optical and ophthalmic care for children given the wide range of payments and variables that must be accounted for.
Such a calculation would require a complex and detailed modelling exercise to account for a range of demographic changes, future projections of service demands and variation in the number of practitioners and the allowances that could be paid. The HSE has not examined extending free optical and ophthalmic care to all children and as such an estimate of the cost of doing so is not available.
1808. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of providing free contraceptives to all persons regardless of age or gender given the roll-out of free contraceptives to females aged under 25 years. [40560/22]
View answerThe Programme for Government, 2020 commits to providing free contraception for women, starting with the 17-25 age cohort. My Department has been working with partners, including the HSE, towards ensuring that the scheme will commence in late August or early September 2022. Funding of approximately €9m has been allocated for this in Budget 2022.
The scheme will be open to all 17-25 year-old women ordinarily resident in Ireland and will provide for:
- The cost of prescription contraception;
- The cost of necessary consultations with medical professionals to discuss suitable contraception for individual patients and to enable prescription of same;
- The cost of fitting and/or removal of various types of long-acting reversible contraception (LARCs) plus any necessary checks, by medical professionals certified to fit/remove same;
- The cost of training and certifying additional medical professionals to fit and remove LARCs;
- The cost of providing the wide range of contraceptive options currently available to GMS (medical) card holders, which will also be available through this scheme, including contraceptive injections, implants, IUS and IUDs (coils), the contraceptive patch and ring, and various forms of oral contraceptive pill, including emergency contraception.
The legal framework for the scheme will be provided by the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) (No. 2) Act, 2022, which was passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas on 12th July, 2022 and signed into law by the President of Ireland on 18th July, 2022. It is envisaged that the Act will be commenced, and the scheme launched, in late August or early September, 2022, once the final details of service provision have been agreed and implemented.
Formal consultations with medical representative bodies with regard to service provision under the scheme have commenced and are ongoing. The design of citizen engagement information and publicity campaigns to support and promote the roll out of the scheme will be finalised in the coming weeks by officials in the Department’s Press and Communications Team, the HSE’s Communications team and relevant subject matter experts.
In terms of considering the expansion of the scheme to wider age cohorts, it is recommended by the Public Expenditure Code that policy changes with significant Exchequer cost implications should be phased in and/or be subject to piloting and formal evaluation, before full roll out. This is particularly pertinent in the case of schemes, such as this one, which are demand-led.
Full year costings for 17-25 year-olds may be considered in the context of Estimates 2023, but no costings have been finalised to date; funding allocations for future years, including 2023, will be agreed as part of standard pre-Budget processes. The full year cost of provision for 17-25 year olds is estimated at €26m. Estimated costings for wider age ranges have been included in the Report of the Working Group on Access to Contraception, which is available on the Department’s website.
In relation to extending the age cohort specifically to girls under the age of 17, it is important to note that the Act provides that such an extension cannot be completed under regulations, meaning such an extension of the scheme would require a legislative amendment to be brought before the Oireachtas. I gave a commitment in both Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann that inclusion of younger age cohort would be considered by my Department, subject to Government approval, as soon as the Act has been commenced and the initial phase of the scheme launched.
The free contraception scheme for women aged 17-25 will remove cost barriers to prescription contraception, for women and other people for whom prescription contraception is deemed clinically suitable.
It should be noted that some access to free condoms is already separately enabled, through the National Condom Distribution Service (NCDS), which was established by the HSE Sexual Health and Crisis Pregnancy Programme (SHCPP) in October 2015. The NCDS functions as a central point for distributing free condoms and lubricant sachets to HSE services and other organisations working with individuals and groups at increased risk of negative sexual health outcomes. The service was extended to 3rd level institutions in late 2019. Third-level institutions can now order condom dispensers from the HSE, which enable the provision of free condoms and sexual health information to students on campuses nationwide.
Between Jan-Dec 2020 445,658 condoms were ordered from the NCDS. Numbers ordered in 2020 were lower than previous years due to COVID. Since being established in 2015, over 2 Million condoms have been ordered by services registered with the NCDS.
While prescription contraception can be more effective at preventing pregnancy, condoms provide protection against STIs that is not provided by non-barrier forms of contraception. It is envisaged that continued expansion of the NCDS will be facilitated in line with demand, in order to support the STI prevention and sexual health promotion needs of people living in Ireland.
1809. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of increasing the number of hours available in the migraine outpatients' clinic at Beaumont Hospital from three hours per week to six hours per week. [40562/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1810. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of whole-time equivalent vacancies currently being actively recruited to fill posts at the Kildare north children's disability network team; and the number of these vacancies that are new positions. [40563/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1811. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health if an illness (details supplied) will be added to the long-term illness scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40579/22]
View answerThe 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%.
1812. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the progress in respect of establishing a stem cell blood bank in the State; and if he and or his officials have engaged with any of the teaching universities on same. [40580/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1813. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health further to parliamentary question Nos. 484 of 16 November 2021, 1715 of 19 January 2022, 169 of 9 February 2022, 186 of 23 March 2022, 720 of 17 May 2022 and 1903 of 14 June 2022, the dates on which any such agreements may have been made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40584/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1814. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health further to parliamentary question No. 781 of 14 July 2022, the engagements that he has had with the statutory members of the North Inner City Drugs and Alcohol Task Force. [40588/22]
View answerThe Department is continuing to work with stakeholders in the north inner city to establish effective, inclusive, and transparent governance of the task force and of the funding that it allocates. It is currently engaged in a consultation process with members of the task force and other stakeholders on the next steps. As part of this process, officials have met with the statutory members of the North Inner City Drug and Alcohol Taskforce.
I look forward to getting a report on the consultation process and to identify the next steps to establish effective, inclusive, and transparent governance of the task force in the north inner city.
1815. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the number of orphan medicinal drugs approved for reimbursement for the years 2016 to 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40607/22]
View answerUnder 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.
1816. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide details on the appointments process to the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics; the number of employees; the nature of their tenure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40612/22]
View answerThe National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE) has been located on the St James’ Hospital campus since its inception in 1998. The appointments process for the NCPE is conducted by the Human Resources (HR) department of St James’ Hospital, who are responsible for all aspects of the process. Its remit is to advise the HSE and the Department of Health in relation to the cost-effectiveness of medicines, through the carrying out of health technology assessments (HTAs).
Following an independent review of the NCPE's work in 2017, an additional €750,000 was allocated by the Minister for Health in 2018 to support the working of the NCPE, increasing its staffing from 10.5 to 20.5 WTEs in permanent positions. The number of assessments completed each year has increased from 58 in 2020 to 95 in 2021. To date (21/7/2022) this year 65 assessments have already been undertaken, with over 100 further assessments expected to be completed by the end of this year.
1817. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the number of children's disability network teams per CHO; the number of posts in each; the number of vacancies in each; the number of posts advertised for the years 2019, 2020 and 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40613/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1818. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the amount spent per CHO on disability services per annum for the years, 2019, 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022; the amount spent in CHO4 on disability services per provider; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40614/22]
View answerMy officials have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly on this matter.
1819. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40618/22]
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.
1820. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health the funding provided to individual communities' (details supplied) under the healthy communities' programme. [40622/22]
View answerThe Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme is led by Healthy Ireland in the Department of Health, in partnership with cross-sectoral, national and local stakeholders. The primary drivers of the programme are the HSE and the relevant Local Authorities.
SHCP identified specific areas in which high risk factors to the health and well-being of the population are particularly prevalent due to deprivation, with a view to implementing targeted initiatives to tackle these challenges from within these communities. This is being achieved through partnership with a range of stakeholders and through the provision of dedicated services to build sustainable improvements in the health and well-being of those of all ages living in these communities through focusing on the wider determinants of health.
The criteria for the selection of areas for inclusion in the programme is based on the following:
- The Pobal Haase-Pratschke deprivation index relative score applied to Electoral District and on a Small Area basis with scores above -10; and
- Alignment with existing Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme (SICAP) Lot areas
Recurring funding of €11m is being provided to the HSE to support health and well-being interventions using an area-based approach to target health inequalities in the selected areas. These health-specific interventions are targeting smoking, social prescribing, parenting, the “healthy food made easy programme” and the"making every contact count" programme. Recruitment is also underway for 19 Community Food and Nutrition Officers who will work with families within each community to empower and educate them around healthy eating and nutrition.
In terms of funding of the programme via the Local Authorities, there are 14 Local Authorities in which the 19 communities are situated. The figures in the table below outline the funding from the Department to each of the 19 areas to date. To note the figures in the table do not include the funding to the HSE mentioned above.
Sláintecare Healthy Communities Funding to 19 SHC areas to date 20.07.22
|
SHC Area |
Enhancement Fund |
Core Funding |
Total |
|
DCC-Ballymun |
250,000 |
123,219 |
373,219 |
|
DCC-Kilmore and Priorswood |
250,000 |
110,348 |
360,348 |
|
DCC-Cherry Orchard |
250,000 |
129,479 |
379,479 |
|
DCC-Finglas and Cabra |
250,000 |
129,479 |
379,479 |
|
Westmeath-Athlone and Mullingar |
250,000 |
152,517 |
402,517 |
|
Longford Town |
250,000 |
124,612 |
374,612 |
|
Donegal Gaeltacht and Inishowen |
500,000 |
252,177 |
752,177 |
|
Cavan Town and County |
250,000 |
114,957 |
364,957 |
|
Tipperary-Clonmel |
250,000 |
131,546 |
381,546 |
|
South Dublin-Clondalkin |
250,000 |
105,000 |
355,000 |
|
South Dublin-Tallaght |
250,000 |
118,449 |
368,449 |
|
Wexford town and Enniscorthy |
250,000 |
111,785 |
361,785 |
|
Waterford City |
250,000 |
135,610 |
385,610 |
|
Wicklow-Bray |
250,000 |
105,000 |
355,000 |
|
Cork-North Cork City |
250,000 |
142,955 |
392,955 |
|
Mayo -West Mayo |
250,000 |
120,351 |
370,351 |
|
Limerick City |
250,000 |
140,955 |
390,955 |
|
Kildare-Athy |
250,000 |
130,864 |
380,864 |
|
Total |
4,750,000 |
2,379,303 |
7,129,303 |
1821. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health if he will examine a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40623/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1822. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an urgent update on the appeal for inclusion on the treatment abroad scheme for a person (details supplied). [40624/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
