Tuesday, 4 Oct 2022

Written Answers Nos. 594-613

Hospital Appointments Status

Questions (594)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

594. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite a medical appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48004/22]

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.

Hospital Staff

Questions (595)

Jackie Cahill

Question:

595. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health the steps that are being taken to ensure that appropriate funding is to be provided towards the employment of additional nurse specialists in neurology across the country; and specifically in University Hospital Limerick and University Hospital Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48009/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

Budget 2023 provides funding for additional neurology nurses to increase capacity at neurology clinics around the country supporting adult and Pediatric neurology. These nurses will be dedicated to patients with MS, Parkinson, Huntington’s Disease, Epilepsy or Neuromuscular Disease. The positions are at advanced Nursing Practitioner level. The exact timelines, locations and allocation of resources is an operational matter for the HSE.

Hospital Appointments Status

Questions (596)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

596. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Donegal can expect to receive an appointment date from the Mater Private Hospital in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48011/22]

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.

Hospital Appointments Status

Questions (597)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

597. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) in County Donegal is on the urgent or routine waiting list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48012/22]

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.

Home Care Packages

Questions (598)

John Brady

Question:

598. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health the status of a homecare support package for a person (details supplied); when a carer will be provided for this person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48018/22]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Primary Care Centres

Questions (599)

John Brady

Question:

599. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a list of the services that are currently being provided in a primary care centre (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48019/22]

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.

Primary Care Centres

Questions (600)

John Brady

Question:

600. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a list of the services that are currently being provided in a primary care centre (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48020/22]

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.

Medical Cards

Questions (601)

Paul Kehoe

Question:

601. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health if he will consider the introduction of courses (details supplied) being covered by the medical card taking into account the benefits that they offer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48044/22]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The Irish Public Health System provides for two categories of eligibility for persons ordinarily resident in the country, i.e., full eligibility (medical cards) and limited eligibility.

Eligibility for a Medical Card is primarily based on a financial assessment which is conducted by the Health Service Executive (HSE) in accordance with the Health Act 1970 (as amended). Individuals with full medical card eligibility can access certain health services free of charge, including General Practitioner (GP) services, prescribed drugs and medicines, in-patient/out-patient public hospital services including consultant services, dental, ophthalmic, and aural services. In addition to the provision of clinically prescribed aids and appliances, they may also have access to community care services, such as occupational therapy and physiotherapy.

The HSE has statutory responsibility for medicine pricing and reimbursement decisions under the community drug schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. The criteria of that Act would not cover the introduction of the proposed courses under the community drug schemes.

The HSE may utilise another agency to provide health services. Sections 38 and 39 of the Health Act 2004 (as amended) provide for such arrangements between the HSE and other agencies to deliver health and social care services. Once a need has been identified, the establishment of such arrangements usually require a procurement process by the HSE to identify appropriate service providers to fill that need. The provision of the proposed courses would require further consideration in that regard.

Health Services Staff

Questions (602)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

602. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if he will review matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to the shortage of therapists; and his plans to resolve this issue. [48045/22]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is an operational matter, I've asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.

Health Services Staff

Questions (603)

David Cullinane

Question:

603. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if there are plans to address staff shortages of radiation therapists; if there are plans to review recruitment and retention policies regarding radiation therapists, including staffing levels and service capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48046/22]

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.

Hospital Appointments Status

Questions (604)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

604. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the status of a surgery appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48050/22]

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.

Medical Aids and Appliances

Questions (605)

Paul Kehoe

Question:

605. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health the grants or rebate schemes that are available to help persons diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with the cost of running oxygen machines and other electrical appliances required as part of their treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48053/22]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The Government is committed to providing accessible and affordable health care. There are also a range of schemes that assist individuals in meeting their medical costs.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) provides a wide range of medical and surgical aids and appliances, free of charge to eligible persons following assessment by a relevant health professional.

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.

The Drug Payment Scheme (DPS) ensures that no individual or family pays more than €80 a month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The DPS significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals with ongoing expenditure on medicines who are not eligible for a medical card. 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%.

The Department of Social Protection administer the Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) Scheme and the Fuel allowance, which may assist individuals with their energy costs. Further information on these can be found at:

www.gov.ie/en/collection/d5554-supplementary-welfare-allowance/

www.gov.ie/en/service/00aa38-fuel-allowance/

Finally, as announced in Budget 2023, every household in Ireland will receive three €200 energy credits, totalling €600, towards the costs of their electricity over the coming months.

Hospital Appointments Status

Questions (606)

Denis Naughten

Question:

606. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health when a child (details supplied) will receive an appointment; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48058/22]

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.

Disability Services

Questions (607)

Denis Naughten

Question:

607. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health when a child (details supplied) will receive a service; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48059/22]

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.

Healthcare Policy

Questions (608)

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

608. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the governance or regulations that exist in Ireland for those wishing to practice telehealth medicine by way of remote consultations with patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48070/22]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As the Deputy is aware, the Medical Council is the independent statutory body which regulates medical practitioners in Ireland. It is the Medical Council's duty is to maintain the highest ethical standards and professional competence amongst registered doctors in the Republic of Ireland.

The Council gives guidance on all matters related to professional conduct and ethics for registered doctors in its “Guide to Professional Conduct and Ethics for Registered Medical Professionals (Amended) 8th Edition” (available on the Medical Council’s website). This Guide is regularly updated and provides guidance to doctors on matters including professional conduct, responsibilities to patients, medical records and confidentiality, consent to medical treatment and professional practice.

Section 43 of the Guide relates to telemedicine and outlines that doctors providing telemedicine services to patients within the State should be registered with the Medical Council and that this is to maintain public confidence in telemedicine. The Guide advises that doctors should:

- make sure that patients have given their consent to conduct the consultation through telemedicine and consent to any treatment provided

- follow guidance in relation to advertising on websites or similar media

- protect the privacy of patient information through effective security measures

- protect patients’ privacy by following the guidance on confidentiality and medical records

- comply with data protection principles if transferring any personal patient information to other jurisdictions

- inform the patient’s general practitioner of the consultation

- be satisfied that the services provided through telemedicine are safe and suitable for patients.

Under Directive 2011/24/EU on the application of patients’ rights in cross-border healthcare, doctors providing telemedicine services are considered to be providing services in the EU Member State in which they are established. Such doctors are required to comply with the legislation, including the regulatory requirements, of that Member State only. If a doctor based in Ireland is providing telemedicine services in Ireland or in any Member State they must be registered with the Medical Council in Ireland.

Mental Health Services

Questions (609)

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

609. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health when CH07 will have a clinic for adults with ADHD; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48071/22]

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 directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Mental Health Services

Questions (610)

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

610. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the services that are available in the Dublin 6 area for adults diagnosed with ADHD; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48072/22]

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 directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Healthcare Policy

Questions (611)

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

611. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the obligations that exist upon a telehealth provider that closes down their service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48073/22]

Written answers

Minister for Health

GPs are private practitioners, most of whom hold a GMS contract for the provision of services without charge on behalf of the HSE for patients who hold a medical card or GP visit card.

When a patient on a GP's GMS panel is transferred to the GMS panel of another GP, the patient's former GP, subject to the written consent of the patient, transfers the patient's medical records (or a summary thereof) to their new GP. Similarly, following the retirement or resignation of a participating GP from the GMS scheme, the transfer of those GMS patients' medical cards to their new doctor is arranged, subject to the consent of each patient concerned.

Patients who do not hold a medical or GP visit card attend their GP on a private basis. Likewise, patients that avail of online only GP service providers do so on a private basis. Neither I, as Minister, nor the HSE has a remit over allocating private patients to a new GP as the HSE has no contract for the care of non-GMS patients. Private patients are free to choose another practice in the area to meet their health care requirements.

The GP, the GP practice, or another legal entity providing a GP service, is the data controller for their patient's medical records. Under Article 15 of the GDPR, patients have a right to access their medical records directly from the GP or GP service provider concerned.

Health Strategies

Questions (612)

Holly Cairns

Question:

612. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health if he will provide details on the progress made in meeting each of the objectives of Breastfeeding in a Healthy Ireland Health Service Breastfeeding Action Plan 2016 to 2021 as of 25 January 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48087/22]

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 directly to the Deputy.

Health Strategies

Questions (613)

Holly Cairns

Question:

613. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the actions that he has taken since taking office to ensure progress in reaching the objectives of the Breastfeeding in a Healthy Ireland Health Service Breastfeeding Action Plan 2016 to 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48088/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As part of Sláintecare’s Healthy Living pillar, “A Healthy Weight for Ireland: Obesity Policy and Action Plan 2016-2025 Healthy Ireland has committed to implement the Ten Steps Forward. These Steps engage and co-ordinate multi-sectoral action to help reduce obesity and commit to investment in additional resources in acute and primary care settings together with enhanced training, provision of supports to mothers and social marketing.

Ireland has a culture of bottle feeding and, in order to improve child and maternal health, as well as reductions in childhood obesity and chronic diseases, we need to improve our breastfeeding rates. To support this goal, I announced funding of €1.54m in 2021 to provide the additional 23.5 lactation consultants across hospital and community settings, that are required to ensure timely skilled assistance for mothers who wish to breastfeed and support enhanced training, skills and knowledge to frontline staff.

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