Maurice Quinlivan
Question:1235. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health the status of surgery for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55565/22]
View answerHospital Appointments Status
Questions (1235)
Written 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 (1236)
Brendan Griffin
Question:1236. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if GPs should be charging medical card holders for blood tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55569/22]
View answerWritten answers
Under the terms of the current GMS contract, GPs are required to provide eligible patients with ''all proper and necessary treatment of a kind usually undertaken by a general practitioner and not requiring special skill or experience of a degree or kind which general practitioners cannot reasonably be expected to possess". Persons who hold a medical card or a GP visit card are not subject to any co-payments or other charges in respect of such services including GP consultations.
The issue of GPs charging GMS patients for phlebotomy services (blood tests) is complex given the numerous reasons and circumstances under which blood tests are taken. Clinical determinations as to whether a blood test should be taken to either assist in the diagnosis of illness or the treatment of a condition are made by the GP concerned. There is no provision under the GMS GP contract for persons who hold a medical card or GP visit card to be charged for such blood tests. In addition, blood tests undertaken in the context of services provided under the GP Chronic Disease Management programme are covered by the fees paid to GPs by the HSE for this care.
Where a patient who holds a medical card or GP visit card believes he or she has been incorrectly charged for routine phlebotomy services by his or her GP, or has been charged for a blood test provided under the Chronic Disease Management programme, then that patient should report the matter to their HSE Local Health Office. The local management, upon being notified of potential inappropriate charging of GMS patients, carry out an investigation into each complaint and will, where appropriate, arrange for a refund of charges incorrectly applied by the GP.
Health Service Executive
Questions (1237)
Chris Andrews
Question:1237. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Health the action that is being taken to reverse the dereliction of a HSE-owned building (details supplied). [55570/22]
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.
Mental Health Policy
Questions (1238)
Mark Ward
Question:1238. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if the HSE can add ADHD to the long-term illness scheme if Statutory Instrument No. 277 (9) is not revoked; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55571/22]
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, including mental illness (in a person under 16). Under the LTI scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge. It is important to note that the LTI scheme already includes ADHD under this category of ‘mental illness’. There is a limitation on this category, as specified by Statutory Instrument No. 277 of 1971, namely: "Arrangements for the supply of drugs and medicines to persons suffering from mental illness in pursuance of section 59 (3) of the Act shall be made only in respect of persons under the age of 16 years." It is for this reason that the HSE must regard 16 years of age as the upper age limit in terms of eligibility under the LTI scheme for those with a diagnosis of mental illness. As noted previously, the LTI scheme will be included as part of 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. All possible options in relation to the operation of the LTI scheme will be considered as part of that review. However, it is not possible at this juncture to say what the outcome of that review will be.
Mortality Rates
Questions (1239)
Emer Higgins
Question:1239. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the plans in place to address Ireland's excess mortality rate of 16.8% as of August 2022; if his attention has been drawn to the actions that are being taken by the EU countries that recorded excess mortality rates below 5.5% in August 2022 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55580/22]
View answerWritten answers
As this is an operational matter, I have asked the HSE (HPSC) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible
Home Help Service
Questions (1240)
Matt Carthy
Question:1240. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 183 of 12 October 2022, the current timeframe for person (details supplied) to receive their full allocation of 15 hours per week home support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55595/22]
View answerWritten answers
As this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Health Strategies
Questions (1241)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:1241. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when the national cancer strategy implementation report 2021 will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55597/22]
View answerWritten answers
The implementation of the National Cancer Strategy is a Programme for Government commitment and is part of the implementation of Sláintecare. We have seen significant progress on the implementation of the Strategy over the past five years, with clear evidence-based policy direction from my Department and strong implementation by the HSE's National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP).
The National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026 Implementation Report 2021 is currently being finalised and it is hoped that this Report will be published in the coming weeks.
The annual Implementation Report will detail progress made to end 2021, including:
- Implementation of new GP e-referral system for symptomatic breast disease clinics introduced;
- 26 acute oncology nurses in place in the 26 SACT hospitals to assist with ED avoidance for cancer patients;
- Adult CAR-T services repatriated to St. James’s Hospital;
- New radiation oncology facility in CUH fully operational, and construction continuing for the new Galway facility;
- Development and dissemination of best practice guidelines for community cancer support centres; and
- Continuation of the Together 4 Cancer Concern psychological service.
Health Strategies
Questions (1242)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:1242. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health if he will adopt a policy of publishing the annual national cancer strategy implementation report by the end of quarter 1 each year for the duration of the national cancer strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55598/22]
View answerWritten answers
The implementation of the National Cancer Strategy is a Programme for Government commitment and is part of the implementation of Sláintecare. We have seen significant progress on the implementation of the Strategy over the past five years, with clear evidence-based policy direction from my Department and strong implementation by the HSE's National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP).
The annual National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026 Implementation Report is an important document, detailing the progress made on the implementation of the Strategy in the relevant year. The Report is prepared following year end and requires detailed input across a number of bodies. The Report is then published, once finalised.
Health Services Staff
Questions (1243)
Bernard Durkan
Question:1243. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the up-to-date position regarding the regulation of psychotherapy and counselling under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55608/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 (the Act) provides for the protection of the public by promoting high standards of professional conduct and professional education, training & competence through the statutory registration of health and social care professions designated under the Act. As you are aware, regulations under SI No. 170 of 2018 were made by my predecessor in 2018. The effect of these regulations is to designate the professions of counsellor and psychotherapist under the Act and to establish one registration board for both professions. Members were appointed to the Counsellors and Psychotherapists Registration Board in February 2019 and they held their inaugural meeting in May 2019. The work of a registration board includes consideration of the titles to be protected and the minimum qualifications to be required of existing practitioners and the qualifications that will be required for future graduates. The work of the Counsellors and Psychotherapists Registration Board is significantly more challenging than it is for registration boards for some of the more established professions owing to the different and complex pathways into these professions, the variety of titles used, and the variety and number of courses and course providers. Owing to the significant body of preparatory work that the Registration Board is required to undertake; it is not possible to say with any degree of accuracy when the professions will be fully regulated. I would anticipate that the Registration Board will require a number of years to complete its work. I hope that this information is of assistance to you.
Question No. 1244 answered with Question No. 950.
Health Service Executive
Questions (1245)
Duncan Smith
Question:1245. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health if the HSE has completed transfer of its banking arrangements relating to employee payrolls at all locations from banks exiting the Republic of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55637/22]
View answerWritten answers
I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
Departmental Staff
Questions (1246)
Duncan Smith
Question:1246. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health if bringing additional expertise for health and social care professionals, HSCPs, to his Department equates to a chief HSCP role on par with the chief nursing officer; if he will outline the details of the reporting relationship for the envisaged role within his Department; the resources that are being allocated to support the role; the engagement that he and his Department have had with a union (details supplied) and the relevant professional bodies on drafting the job description for this role; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55638/22]
View answerWritten answers
Officials are currently finalising a job description to bring additional expertise from Health and Social Care Professionals to the Department. This job description once finalised will contain the reporting relationship and inform the resources being allocated to support the role.
Mortality Rates
Questions (1247)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:1247. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health if he is concerned with the elevated death rate that exists in 2022 in Ireland (details supplied); if he has investigated the reason for this; if so, if he will share the results of that investigation; and his plans to tackle this. [55643/22]
View answerWritten answers
As this is an operational matter, I have asked the HSE (HPSC) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible
Forestry Sector
Questions (1248)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:1248. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 292 of 19 October 2022, the specific date that his Department began discussions with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform regarding the next forestry programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54107/22]
View answerWritten answers
I am pleased to advise that I have secured a package of €1.318 billion for forestry which will support the biggest and best-funded Forestry Programme ever in Ireland. This is the outcome of detailed discussions with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform which are ongoing since earlier in the year and formally commenced in June.
This funding guarantees continued payments to those forest owners who planted under the current Afforestation Scheme and who are still in receipt of premiums and offers new and improved rates to those who undertake planting and sustainable forest management under the new Programme.
Increases in premiums for planting trees range from between 46% to 66% are proposed, along with a longer term of 20 years for farmers. Grant rates for forest establishment are also showing increases of around 20%. It is hoped that these substantial increases will incentivise behavioural change and re-engage landowners and farmers with forestry.
This Programme will also be subject to state aid approval from the European Commission and the Department is actively engaging with the Commission to progress toward approval.
Public Sector Pensions
Questions (1249)
Michael McNamara
Question:1249. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 800 of 11 October 2022, when a reply will issue to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54159/22]
View answerWritten answers
I can confirm that a letter on this matter was sent to this individual of my Department on 10th October 2022. This letter was re-issued by registered post on the 26th of October and confirmation of delivery has been received.
To facilitate payment of preserved pension entitlements to this person, my department requested details on the person's employment/service record from archived files. I understand that the relevant file has been retrieved and was sent to the National Shared Services Office on 3rd November 2022.
The National Shared Services Office will now calculate preserved pension entitlements for this person and will contact them directly with further information on this matter.
Animal Welfare
Questions (1250)
Patricia Ryan
Question:1250. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to address the cruel practice of cropping dogs' ears; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54189/22]
View answerWritten answers
Under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, It is illegal to crop the ears of a puppy or dog of any age. Ear-cropping is a cruel and unnecessary mutilation, causing the dog pain and suffering at the time the ears are cropped, and often leads to lifelong discomfort and recurrent infections.
We are currently undertaking legal consultation with the intention of adding additional legislative prohibitions in relation to this issue with a view to further protecting dogs and ending this practice.
Animal Welfare
Questions (1251)
Patricia Ryan
Question:1251. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to standardise the information recorded on dog microchip databases and to provide a centralised portal to quickly access information on all four microchipping databases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54190/22]
View answerWritten answers
Every dog must be microchipped in accordance with the Microchipping of Dogs Regulations 2015. To ensure standardisation of information, Section 5 of the Act sets out the required data that is to be entered on a dog identification database.
My Department has regular engagement with the four authorised operators to remind them of their obligations under the Act.
Currently database operators do not provide data directly to my Department and no central database is maintained within my Department. All of these companies however provide details of the chips they hold to Europetnet, an umbrella group of national and local associations based across Europe which register owner information about pets that have been uniquely identified. This directs Dog Wardens or other such persons who have scanned a dog to the appropriate database to identify the dog owner.
My Department continues to keep both policy and legislation under constant review including the Microchipping of Dogs Regulations 2015 with a view to further improving practices and procedures.
Trade Promotion
Questions (1252)
Paul Murphy
Question:1252. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the city of Haarlem being set to become the first city in the world to ban most meat advertisements due to its negative impact on the environment; his views on the Bord Bia announcement that there will be €1 million investment in beef marketing across key UK and EU markets this autumn, given this information; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54206/22]
View answerWritten answers
The promotional activities of Bord Bia, as an agency operating under the aegis of my Department, are operational matters for Bord Bia reflecting the objectives of my Department and consistent with Government policy.
However, I can advise the Deputy that Bord Bia’s autumn promotional activities this year spotlight Irish quality assured steak in the UK, Germany, Italy and Belgium, and stewing cuts in the Netherlands.
More than 80,000 family farms,in Ireland are involved in the production of beef. Food Vision 2030, our strategy for the sustainable development of the agri-food sector over the next decade, includes a number of actions to help to communicate credible, market relevant environmental and social sustainability credentials of our food, including beef, to trade customers and consumers in both national and international markets, and to develop market opportunities both home and abroad.
I am satisfied that Bord Bia’s promotional activities, based on the Origin Green sustainability programme, are fully in line with this ambition.
Trade Sanctions
Questions (1253)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:1253. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if Irish companies are allowed to import fertiliser from an organisation (details supplied). [54207/22]
View answerWritten answers
In response to the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, the EU introduced a wide range of restrictive measures (sanctions) against Russian individuals and entities in order to impede Russia's ability to finance the war.
In addition to individual asset freezes, travel bans and visa restrictions, these restrictive measures comprise far-reaching trade restrictions in a number of economic sectors, as well as restrictions for activities in the financial sector. There have been eight Packages of sanctions introduced to date.
Under Regulation (EU) 833/2014 (as amended by Council Regulation (EU) 2022/576), the importation of fertilisers falling under CN codes 310520, 310560 and 310590) originating from Russia is permitted, subject to the following quotas not being exceeded:
- 837,570 metric tonnes of potassium chloride of CN 3104 20 between 10 July 2022 and 9 July 2023
- 1,577,807 metric tonnes combined of the other products listed in Annex XXI under CN 3105 20, 3105 60 and 3105 90 between 10 July 2022 and 9 July 2023
Such imports are without prejudice to other measures in the Regulation, such as those pertaining to Russian-flagged vessels and the listing of certain individuals. However, there remains a clear legal obligation on importers to ensure that they remain in full compliance with all sanctions measures. This includes the requirements under Regulation (EU) No 269/2014 (as amended) which prohibits funds being made available, directly or indirectly to sanctioned individuals. It is essential that any importer carries out rigorous screening and due diligence on all parties to the transaction.
Accordingly, there is no prohibition on the import of Russian fertiliser into the EU as long as these requirements have been complied with.
Departmental Properties
Questions (1254)
Catherine Murphy
Question:1254. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department and all bodies under his Department's aegis have reviewed their estates portfolio in the context of identifying unoccupied buildings that may be suitable for use in the context of meeting the accommodation needs of persons arriving in Ireland from Ukraine. [54210/22]
View answerWritten answers
I advise the Deputy that earlier this year my Department reviewed its estate portfolio to identify land and buildings that may be suitable for use in the context of meeting the accommodation needs of persons arriving in Ireland from Ukraine.
This information has been provided to the relevant authorities.