Mattie McGrath
Question:771. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the current staff vacancy rate within CDNT 4 and 5; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51543/22]
View answerDisability Services
Questions (771)
Written answers
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 (772)
Mattie McGrath
Question:772. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if his Department have carried out a review of the reason staff are leaving the HSE; if not, if he will establish a review team to carry out such a review and carry out exit interviews to gather the reason staff are leaving the HSE particularly disability services in such numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51544/22]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy's question refers to a service issue, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Health Strategies
Questions (773)
Mattie McGrath
Question:773. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he has plans to introduce an independent complaints body to investigate complaints of failures by the HSE particularly in relation to disability services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51545/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Office of the Disability Appeals Officer provides a service for persons who wish to appeal:
- Against a finding or recommendation of a Complaints Officer of the Health Service Executive (HSE) made under the Disability Act 2005 (“The Act”) or
- Against the failure of the HSE or an Educational Service Provider (ESP) to implement a recommendation of a complaints officer.On receipt of an appeal the Disability Appeals Officer must determine that the appeal is valid and meets the statutory timeframes laid out in the Act. The Disability Appeals Officer must also consider and determine requests for an extension of time frames as provided for in the Act. Following this the Disability Appeals Officer must confirm the validity or otherwise of the appeal.Once an appeal is deemed valid, the Disability Appeals Officer then commences an investigation into the appeal. This will consist of writing to the relevant disability manager in any of the Community Healthcare Organisations and requesting whatever information is deemed necessary to consider the appeal. The Disability Appeals Officer is required to set specific timelines for the receipt of information.An appeal can also be dealt with by way of mediation if this is deemed appropriate.The Act also provides for the holding of an oral hearing in appropriate cases. The Disability Appeals Officer presides over such hearings.Once the Disability Appeals Officer has received the information and any relevant evidence and allowed all parties to respond to any information received a written determination is then issued to all parties. Determinations must be consistent with the provisions of the Act. The determinations of the Disability Appeals Officer can be appealed to the High Court on a point of law.
I have also asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy with regard to the complaints and appeals mechanisms which exist within their remit.
Medicinal Products
Questions (774)
Cathal Crowe
Question:774. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health if his Department will fund coaguchek meters and self-test strips for patients who require long-term oral anticoagulant therapy with warfarin in order to decongest warfarin clinics at public hospitals and also make self-management easier for patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51554/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for pricing and reimbursement decisions under the community schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. Therefore, this matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Healthcare Infrastructure Provision
Questions (775)
Brian Stanley
Question:775. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health the status of the building project at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Mountmellick, County Laois; and the projected timescale for it to be up to total planned capacity. [51555/22]
View answerWritten answers
As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
Disability Services
Questions (776)
Seán Canney
Question:776. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health the services that are available to a child (details supplied) with Down Syndrome and moderate or severe hearing loss; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51569/22]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy's question refers to a service issue, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Mental Health Services
Questions (777)
Mark Ward
Question:777. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if CAMHS provide treatment for young people experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51579/22]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Medical Inquiries
Questions (778)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:778. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health the steps he has taken to address the crisis in radiotherapy in Ireland’s hospitals with lengthening waiting lists due to a chronic shortage of radiation therapists (RTs); when the independent radiotherapy review will begin and be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51582/22]
View answerWritten answers
An independent review of the Radiation Therapist profession has been agreed under the auspices of the Workplace Relations Commission. Discussions are ongoing between the parties to finalise a Terms of Reference and appoint an independent chair.
As this is an ongoing Industrial Relations process it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.
Departmental Data
Questions (779)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:779. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of babies born with life-limiting conditions in each of the past ten years in Mayo University Hospital. [51584/22]
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.
Departmental Data
Questions (780)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:780. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of babies referred for end of life care services in each of the past ten years in Mayo University Hospital. [51585/22]
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.
Departmental Data
Questions (781)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:781. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of days in the past two years that a bereavement midwife has been available in Mayo University Hospital. [51586/22]
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.
Departmental Data
Questions (782)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:782. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of days in the past two years that a bereavement room has been available in Mayo University Hospital. [51587/22]
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.
Health Services
Questions (783)
Niamh Smyth
Question:783. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on a service (details supplied); what is being considered by his Department by way of extending the hours of this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51593/22]
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.
Health Strategies
Questions (784)
Gary Gannon
Question:784. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Health if he will remove any roadblocks by Government Departments to the setting-up of the independent radiation therapist review; and if he will commit to implement any recommendations which could emanate from the review dealing with the crisis in recruitment and retention of radiation therapists and or service improvements including advanced practice and safe and adequate staffing levels. [51692/22]
View answerWritten answers
An independent review of the Radiation Therapist profession has been agreed under the auspices of the Workplace Relations Commission. Discussions are ongoing between the parties to finalise a Terms of Reference and appoint an independent chair. Outcomes of the review will be given due consideration by the Department of Health.
As this is an ongoing Industrial Relations process it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Questions (785)
Maurice Quinlivan
Question:785. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied) who has been waiting 14 months for an operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51739/22]
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.
Mental Health Policy
Questions (786)
Brendan Griffin
Question:786. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter regarding funding inequity for trainee educational psychologists (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51751/22]
View answerWritten answers
The total allocation for mental health services in 2023 is over €1.2 billion, which is another record budget for mental health services. This significant investment will enable implementation of many of the short and medium-term measures in our national mental health policy, Sharing the Vision. It will enhance the provision of mental health supports across a broad continuum from mental health promotion, prevention and early intervention, to acute and specialist mental health service delivery. The funding will enable us to continue to deliver our vital services to as many people as possible, as we move into 2023.
In relation to the HSE Mental Health care programme, €750,000 has been provided in Budget 2023 to support counselling psychology training places. This funding demonstrates the Government’s commitment to strengthen access to psychology training. Further detailed discussions will now take place between the Department and HSE to progress both this and wider commitments of the 2023 Budget in the context of preparing the HSE Service Plan 2023. In addition, the Department of Health has been advised by the Department of Education that the Minister for Education and her Department very much value the work of all educational psychologists across the education system. I understand they are working proactively and intensively to find a positive resolution for the issue of fees for trainee educational psychologists.
The Department of Health will continue to work collaboratively with the Department of Education and other Government Departments as required on the issue of workforce planning for health and social care professionals, including on future planning in terms of psychology education, training, and placement. This approach will support the implementation of Sharing the Vision.
Medical Cards
Questions (787)
Aindrias Moynihan
Question:787. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Health if the drug semaglutide will be made available to a person’s (details supplied) medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51752/22]
View answerWritten answers
As this refers to an individual case, I have referred this matter to the HSE for their attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Health Services Staff
Questions (788)
Thomas Pringle
Question:788. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health the progress to date of negotiations on a special scheme of paid leave for public health service employees with long-Covid; the expected timeline for the commencement of this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51753/22]
View answerWritten answers
In line with the response provided to the Deputy in respect of this question on 20th September, a scheme, specific to the public health service was introduced with effect from 1 July 2022 (retrospectively) to provide for Paid Leave for Public Health Service Employees unfit for work post Covid infection.
The HSE issued the full details of the Scheme to all public health service employers by circular, and eligible employees will have transferred to the new Scheme.
Medicinal Products
Questions (789)
Noel Grealish
Question:789. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health if the drugs pentoxyphylline and clasteon are available in Ireland; if so, if there is a shortage of these drugs; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that doctors are prescribing these drugs that are in short supply; if a person who has been prescribed these drugs from a doctor in an Irish hospital can seek a prescription to obtain these drugs from the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51756/22]
View answerWritten answers
Neither pentoxifylline nor clasteon are authorised as medicines in Ireland.
Irish legislation requires that medicines are authorised before being placed on the market in Ireland. However, the legislation permits registered healthcare practitioners with prescribing rights to prescribe unauthorised medicines for use by their patients under their direct personal responsibility (Medicinal Products (Control of Placing on the Market) Regulations, SI No 540/2007, as amended, Schedule 1).
The Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) Regulations, as amended provides for the system of control of supply of medicinal products to patients and identify those products which may only be supplied on medical prescription. In recognition of Ireland's position as part of the E.U. Internal Market, the term "supply" is defined in the broader context, so that the controls apply equally to supplies made to persons in the State and to persons who may at the time be in another Member State of the European Union
The original 2003 regulations were amended in 2020 by the Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) (Amendment) (No. 6) Regulations 2020 (S.I. No. 614 of 2020). The effect of this was to;
- amend the definition of “prescription”, following the departure of the United Kingdom from the European Union, to enable the recognition of prescriptions written by registered medical practitioners, registered dentists and registered nurse prescribers, including midwife prescribers, in the United Kingdom for dispensing in the State, as long as such prescriptions have not been issued by means of information society services or for the purpose of enabling the supply of a medicinal product by mail order; and
- enable a prescription issued in the State to be recognised in the United Kingdom.
EU Regulations
Questions (790)
Marian Harkin
Question:790. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Health the actions taken around the new medical device regulation, MDR, which came into effect on 26 May 2021 (details supplied); the specific actions which he is taking to address this urgent matter at both Irish and EU level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51757/22]
View answerWritten answers
Regulation (EU) 2017/745 on medical devices (‘MDR’) has been fully applicable as of 26 May 2021 and Regulation (EU) 2017/746 on in vitro diagnostic medical devices (‘IVDR’) became fully applicable as of 26 May 2022.
The overarching objectives of these new regulations is to significantly strengthen the regulatory system for medical devices and provide a framework that is robust and consistent and serves to enhance public health across the EU by ensuring that medical devices are safe, perform as intended and afford benefits to patients and healthcare systems.
Implementation of the new regulations has not been without challenge and I am aware that one of the key challenges in implementing these regulations relates to the capacity of the system in certifying devices under the new framework, which has been compounded by the Covid-19 pandemic and there are indeed other challenges associated with implementation of the new regulatory framework. My officials are kept in full brief on these issues through engagements with the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) and though EU fora. My officials continue to work with these key stakeholders in considering and addressing these challenges and working towards the effective implementation of the regulations, ensuring that healthcare systems and patients have access to safe medical devices. My Department is fully committed to continuing to work with key stakeholders in this regard, in identifying and reaching pragmatic and necessary solutions to these challenges.
It remains imperative that we continue to work collectively across the EU in identifying harmonised solutions to these challenges in order to ensure that the new regulatory system is effective in practice and delivers on its objectives.
The full and effective implementation of these important regulations remains a key priority for my Department and I. We will continue to work collaboratively with stakeholders to address and overcome the challenges faced with the overall objective of ensuring that the benefits of these regulations are ultimately achieved in practice.