Cathal Crowe
Question:41. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health the future role that the HSE owned Inisghile facility in Parteen, County Clare will have; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61132/22]
View answerHealthcare Infrastructure Provision
Questions (41)
Written 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 Services
Questions (42)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:42. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health if the recommendations of rapid review by a person (details supplied) into the CervicalCheck Report 2019 have been implemented in full; the number of the 4,088 women affected by the IT issues in the diagnostic company, that have since been diagnosed with cancer, pre-cancer or other conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60795/22]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Health Services Staff
Questions (43)
Alan Dillon
Question:43. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Health the status of discussions in respect of section 39 workers and those who work with people with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61346/22]
View answerWritten answers
Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the important role that Section 39 organisations and staff play in our health sector. They have a key role in providing services to people with disabilities and older people.
While the Government does provide assistance, under Section 39 of the Health Act 2004, to organisations that provide services similar or ancillary to services that the HSE may provide, it must be acknowledged that these organisations are privately owned and run and that their terms and conditions of employment, once in line with employment legislation, are strictly between private sector employers and their employees. They were not and are not party to the Public Service Agreements and are therefore not covered by the pay restoration provided for in these Agreements, including Building Momentum.
An agreement was reached at the WRC in October 2018, in relation to a process of pay restoration for staff employed by 50 Section 39 agencies. Pay restoration commenced in April 2019 with an annual pay increase of up to €1,000. Any outstanding balance was paid in 2020 and 2021. A further WRC engagement followed in December 2020 in relation to a final phase of 250 organisations who were identified as part of the earlier agreement. A payment arrangement consisting of three phases was agreed with the first two payments to be made in 2021, and the third and final payment due to be made in 2023.
A process along these lines could play a useful role in providing solutions to the current pay related issues that Section 39 organisations have raised.
Disability Services
Questions (44)
Jennifer Carroll MacNeill
Question:44. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Health the number of HSE funded therapists that have been allocated to special schools to date in 2022; the further measures and investment that is being made in disability services in general; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60794/22]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy's question relates to a service issue, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Hospital Facilities
Questions (45)
James Lawless
Question:45. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health the status of the endoscopy unit in Naas Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61178/22]
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.
Hospital Procedures
Questions (46)
David Stanton
Question:46. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health the number of procedures performed under the treatment abroad scheme in 2021 and to date in 2022; the breakdown of the types of procedures performed and their respective costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61225/22]
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 Waiting Lists
Questions (47)
Jim O'Callaghan
Question:47. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the action that is being taken to reduce waiting lists for psychology services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61029/22]
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.
General Practitioner Services
Questions (48)
Pearse Doherty
Question:48. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the progress that has been made regarding finding a replacement GP to take over the general practice in Dunkineely, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61339/22]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly on this issue, as soon as possible.
Medical Cards
Questions (49)
Bríd Smith
Question:49. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that wheelchair users with lifelong conditions often have to re-apply for entitlements such as medical cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56936/22]
View answerWritten answers
In accordance with the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the Health Service Executive (HSE). Medical card provision is primarily based on financial assessment. It is for this reason that financial reassessments are carried out after a specified length of time. Separately, chronic long-term illnesses also require regular clinical reassessment by a medical professional.
The HSE assesses each medical card application on a qualifying financial threshold, which is the amount of money that an individual can earn in a week and still qualify for a card. It is also important to note that certain social welfare payments are not included in the means assessment for a medical card. Where income is from a mix of social welfare payments and other sources, only some of the social welfare payments are assessed. In situations where a person’s sole income is derived from a social welfare payment, even where this payment is in excess of the current income thresholds, the person will be awarded a medical card.
Persons aged 69 and under are assessed under the general means tested medical card thresholds which are based on an applicant’s household income after tax and the deduction of PRSI and the Universal Social Charge. The means assessment determines an applicant’s eligibility after taking account of allowable expenses. Examples of allowable expenses include rent, mortgage, insurance, childcare, maintenance, nursing home costs. Further detailed guidelines are available at: www2.hse.ie/file-library/medical-cards/medical-cards-national-assessment-guidelines.pdf.
The medical card assessment for those aged 70 or older is based on gross income. The weekly gross income thresholds for eligibility to a medical card for those aged 70 and over were increased in November 2020 and are currently €550 per week for a single person and €1,050 for a couple. However, it should be noted that those aged over 70 can also be assessed under the general means tested scheme where there are particularly high costs, such as those arising from medication and/or nursing home fees. In addition, since 2015, every individual aged 70 and over has automatic eligibility for a GP visit card.
Health Services Staff
Questions (50)
Niamh Smyth
Question:50. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the incentives that he has considered to overcome the shortage of carers in the Carrickmacross area. [61269/22]
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.
Healthcare Infrastructure Provision
Questions (51)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:51. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the steps he intends taking to ensure a more speedy delivery of the major projects outlined for Galway University Hospital in view of the critical deficiencies of the buildings there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60526/22]
View answerWritten answers
I’d like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the very difficult and unacceptable conditions for patients, families and healthcare staff working in Galway University Hospital. I visited Galway in October and it is clear, that action is required there on multiple fronts.
Health capital investment decisions are informed by Programme for Government priorities, sectoral policies, strategies and reform initiatives as set out in Sláintecare. The delivery of capital projects is a dynamic process and is subject to the successful completion of the various approval stages, in line with the new lifecycle approach of the updated Public Spending Code (PSC).
The PSC is designed to ensure that investment decisions are underpinned by a clear policy rationale, and that costs are well understood. There are defined processes in which all Departments and agencies are subject to and must follow to ensure that Government, as the approving authority for all major projects, can be satisfied that a project is the best means to achieve a policy goal and that we achieve maximum value for money for the taxpayer.
The scale of the ambitions for University Hospital Galway (UHG) are significant, as are the costs forecast within a limited capital envelope. Project prioritisation is therefore a necessity and in the health sector is driven by healthcare needs. The HSE’s service directorate must determine the service need and the most appropriate model of care. The development of new /refurbished healthcare facilities in Galway, or anywhere in the country, cannot be seen in isolation or separate from the delivery of related health care services. Therefore, the determination of the specific model of care and how and where it interfaces with the wider health service is in the specification /project brief that determines the type and scale of facility to be provided. Work is ongoing in this regard in relation to the projects proposed for UHG.
To further enhance the capital investment process, my Department is currently developing a strategic health investment framework to ensure that capital investments are evidenced based, equitable, and Sláintecare reforms are achieved, with the overall objective of having better health outcomes. This will enhance the efficient delivery of capital projects in the health system across the State.
Disability Services
Questions (52)
Joe Flaherty
Question:52. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Health the plans that are in place to improve respite care in County Longford following the recent rejection of a planning application in Newtowncastle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61174/22]
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.
Community Care
Questions (53)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:53. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the steps he intends taking to ensure the HSE can deliver more rapidly on building projects, such as health centres, nursing homes and ambulance bases, for community care services under the various CHOs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60527/22]
View answerWritten answers
Health capital investment decisions are informed by Programme for Government priorities, sectoral policies, strategies and reform initiatives as set out in Sláintecare. The delivery of capital projects is a dynamic process and is subject to the successful completion of the various approval stages, in line with the lifecycle approach of the Public Spending Code (PSC).
My Department engages with the Health Services Executive (HSE) in planning for and delivery of capital projects in the Health Sector. Project prioritisation in the health sector is driven by healthcare needs. The HSE’s service directorate must determine the service need and the most appropriate model of care. The development of new /refurbished healthcare facilities anywhere in the country cannot be seen in isolation or separate from the delivery of related health care services. Therefore, the determination of the specific model of care and how where it interfaces with the wider health service is the critical element in the specification or project brief that determines the type of facility to be provided.
To strengthen the capital investment process, my Department is currently developing a Strategic Health Investment Framework to enhance the process of ensuring investments are evidenced based, equitable, and that Sláintecare reforms are achieved, with the overall objective of having better health outcomes. This will enhance the efficient delivery of capital projects in the health system across the State.
Home Care Packages
Questions (54)
Christopher O'Sullivan
Question:54. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the timeframe for putting home care on a statutory basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61354/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Department of Health is currently developing a regulatory framework for home-support providers with the aim of ensuring that all service-users are provided with high-quality care. This will comprise of primary legislation for the licensing of home support providers, regulations for home support which will set out the minimum requirements that a provider must meet to obtain a licence, and HIQA national standards.
The Heads of Bill and Regulatory Impact Analysis are currently being drafted by the Department with a view to bringing it through the Houses of the Oireachtas at the earliest opportunity. The Department is engaging with key stakeholders in relation to the legislation.
The draft regulations are at an advanced stage informed by a public consultation, which concluded on 4 August. The analysis of submissions has been carried out by the Institute of Public Health (IPH) which demonstrated strong agreement in relation to regulation of home support service provision. A report on the findings of the public consultation is being finalised with a view to publication in due course. Legal advice and engagement with key stakeholders (HIQA, HSE, Private and Voluntary Providers, and service-user representative groups) will assist with final revisions to regulations for providers of home support services in 2023.
In addition to this, HIQA are in the process of developing standards for home care and home support services which will be the focus of a public consultation early next year.
Testing of a reformed model of service delivery for home-support is in progress in four pilot sites. The evaluation phase has commenced, and a final report is expected by Q1 2023.
The HSE has begun the recruitment process for 128 interRAI Care Needs Facilitators to progress the national rollout of interRAI as the standard assessment tool for care-needs in the community. InterRAI standardised outputs will be used to determine prioritisation and levels of care required. This will facilitate effective, efficient, fair and transparent care needs assessment and planning and appropriate service delivery.
The HSE is undertaking a recruitment process for a number of key posts to support and enable the establishment of a National Home Support Office. Funding is provided for 15 full time jobs including 9 Community Healthcare Organisation home support manager/coordinator posts. A Head of Service has been appointed to the new National Home support Office.
Health Services
Questions (55)
Pearse Doherty
Question:55. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the reason that the nurse on Arranmore Island is no longer dedicated to the island on a full-time basis; the steps that are being taken to address the resulting decline in services on the island; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61342/22]
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.
Mental Health Services
Questions (56)
Holly Cairns
Question:56. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health his views on providing multi-annual funding for the mental health unit in Bantry General Hospital. [60993/22]
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.
Health Services Staff
Questions (57)
Verona Murphy
Question:57. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the current recruitment and retention crisis in the context of front-line specialist medical personnel across all healthcare services in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61247/22]
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 (58)
Alan Farrell
Question:58. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Health the steps that his Department is taking to build on the progress in reducing the mortality rate from cancer further given that there has been a 10% reduction over the period 2009 to 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60235/22]
View answerWritten answers
Successive National Cancer Strategies have delivered continuing improvements in outcomes for Irish cancer patients in terms of earlier diagnosis, better treatment, and improved rates of survival.
National Cancer Registry Ireland (NCRI) data shows substantial progress being made to control the four major cancers (prostate, breast, lung and colorectal), with mortality rates falling or stabilising for each. These comprise over half of all invasive tumours (not including rarely fatal nonmelanoma skin cancers).
Treatment in our medical oncology, radiation oncology and surgical oncology services also continues to improve, with an estimated 200,000 people in Ireland living with and beyond cancer.
The NCRI published its "2022 Annual Statistical Report: Cancer in Ireland 1994-2020" last week. This report on the status of cancer in Ireland includes updated statistics on cancer incidence, mortality and survival for patients diagnosed in Ireland 1994 – 2020.
Key findings include:
- Over 50% increase in numbers of cancer survivors compared with a decade ago as, for the first time, the number of patients living after an invasive cancer diagnosis has exceeded the 200,000-mark, equivalent to 1 in 24 people in Ireland. This reflects the ongoing improvement in cancer survival.
- More complete data on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer diagnoses indicates that the pandemic resulted in a 10% reduction in cancer diagnoses (based on all cancers) or 11% (based on microscopically verified cancers) in 2020, compared to what was expected that year.
- Median age at diagnosis for all cancer combined (excluding non-melanoma skin cancers) was 69 years in men and 67 years in women, with little change over time. The median age at death for all invasive cancers combined was 74 years in both men and women, an increase compared with the median of 72 years in both men and women during 1994-1998, consistent with improved cancer survival.
- Further evidence of improvements in colorectal cancer control in men, as this cancer drops from 2nd to 3rd most common cause of cancer deaths in men.
In 2020 and 2021, cancer services continued to be provided in Ireland during a challenging time for health services globally. The National Action Plan on COVID-19 identified the continued delivery of cancer care as a priority. Cancer diagnostic and treatment services continued to operate, including breast, lung, and prostate Rapid Access Clinics (RACs) for cancer diagnosis.
Significant funding was allocated towards the restoration of cancer services in 2021 to address the disruption caused by COVID-19, amounting to €12m. This funding has been used to support hospitals in addressing backlogs, extending clinic times, providing additional clinics, increasing diagnostic capacity, and providing locum/temporary support. In 2021 and 2022 €20m additional funding was allocated to cancer services each year to drive improvements, particularly for RACs.
A recent study by the Lancet has shown that cancer survival rates in Ireland for lung, pancreas, rectal, and oesophageal cancers have improved in recent years. This study highlighted the importance of continued evaluation of national policies and the link to improved survival rates for patients.
The implementation of the National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026 is a Government priority and continued improvements in cancer services will be driven by both my Department and the National Cancer Control Programme within the HSE. Priorities for 2023 will include the further centralisation of cancer services which has a direct impact on positive outcomes for patients, and the implementation of models of care for areas such as medical oncology and psycho-oncology, which ensure continuity of care and support for cancer patients and their families.
Departmental Funding
Questions (59)
Thomas Gould
Question:59. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the funding that will be given to each of the drug and alcohol taskforces in 2023. [61282/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Department of Health provides €28 million in recurring funding for 280 community-based drug and alcohol services annually. In 2019, additional funding of €1m was provided for drug and alcohol task forces, including €240,000 on a recurring basis for core budgets.
It is a strategic priority under the national drugs strategy for 2021-2025 to enhance access to and delivery of drug and alcohol services in the community. This priority seeks to provide health and social care services at the community level to meet identified health needs for people who use drugs. In line with this priority, I established a €2 million fund to enhance community-based drug and alcohol services - the Community Services Enhancement Fund (CSEF), in 2022.
In Budget 2023, I secured an additional €10.5m for the national drugs strategy and inclusion health. The funding will be used to expand HSE healthcare services and to support community & voluntary organisations to improve access to health and social care services. It includes an allocation of €0.5 million for community-based drug and alcohol services to address new and emerging patterns of drug use. There is a further allocation of €3.5m to maintain existing levels of service for community and voluntary organisations providing drug and alcohol and inclusion health services including those under the ambit of Drug and Alcohol Task Forces. Details of the additional funding are outlined in the attached factsheet.
Drug and alcohol will shortly be informed of their individual allocation for 2023.
Medicinal Products
Questions (60)
Neale Richmond
Question:60. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health his plans to have Ozempic added to the drugs payment scheme for those with a medical need; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60613/22]
View answerWritten answers
The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drugs schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.
HSE decisions on which medicines are reimbursed by the taxpayer are made on objective, scientific and economic grounds, on the advice of the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE). There are formal processes which govern applications for the pricing and reimbursement of medicines, and new uses of existing medicines, to be funded and/or reimbursed.
Medicines can only be reimbursed by the HSE when prescribed for HSE-approved indications. Ozempic (Semaglutide) is licensed by the Health Products Regulatory Authority in Ireland and indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycaemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Ozempic was approved by the HSE for addition to the Reimbursement List for the treatment of diabetes in 2018. Diabetes is one of the Long Term Illness (LTI) conditions for which eligible LTI persons can access their medicines to treat their diabetes free of charge.
Controls are in place within the Primary Care Reimbursement Service scheme management systems (and are put in place and updated as required) on claiming processes to ensure that only HSE approved indications are reimbursed across a range of medicines. Controls are currently in place for Ozempic to restrict reimbursement support to the HSE approved indication of diabetes.
I would refer the Deputy to The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) website which has recently published communication to prescribers in Ireland with regard to the licencing and reimbursement of Ozempic: www.hpra.ie/docs/default-source/Shortages-Docs/novo-nordisk---glp-1-product-range.pdf?sfvrsn=2