Written Answers Nos. 1535-1556
1535. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 303 of 15 December 2022, the number of appeals received with regard to the pandemic recognition payment; the number of appeals upheld; the number of appeals dismissed; the number of appeals outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1645/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
1536. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Health if he will intervene in the case of a person (details supplied) and instruct the HSE’s environmental health section to take urgent attention to eradicate the rat infestation in this property. [1667/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1537. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if a cancer support centre (details supplied) in County Tipperary will be approved for section 39 funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1669/23]
View answerThe funding of voluntary organisations is administered by the HSE through Section 39 funding. As such, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1538. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to adding Kennedy’s disease to the list of medical conditions covered by the long-term illness scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1670/23]
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 medicines and medical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge.
While there are no plans currently to extend the list of illnesses covered by the LTI scheme, the 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.
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%.
1539. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive a date for their surgery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1671/23]
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.
1540. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to reports that the increase in the pension in budget 2023 is pushing some pensioners slightly over the threshold for a medical card, thereby leaving them worse off; if he will increase the threshold for medical cards proportionally with the increase in his Department’s budget to ensure that this does not happen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1683/23]
View answer1541. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to reports that the increase in the pension in budget 2023 is pushing some pensioners over the threshold for a medical card; if he will take steps to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1684/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1540 and 1541 together.
For people aged 70 or older, the medical card assessment 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. It should be noted that people aged over 70 can also be assessed under the general means tested scheme where there are particularly high costs, e.g., medication, nursing home fees.
Every effort is made by the HSE, within the framework of the legislation, to support applicants in applying for a medical card and, in particular, to take full account of the difficult circumstances in the case of applicants who may be in excess of the income guidelines. The HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, even though an applicant exceeds the income threshold where they face difficult financial circumstances, such as extra costs arising from an illness. In addition, the Deputy may be aware that, since 2015, every individual aged 70 and over has automatic eligibility for a GP visit card. It is also important to note that if a person's sole income is derived from a social welfare payment, even where this payment is in excess of the current income thresholds, these people will be awarded a medical card.
I can assure the Deputy that, in order to ensure the medical card system is responsive and sensitive to people's needs, my Department keeps medical card issues under review, including in relation to current medical card income thresholds. More generally, Government considered and agreed the range of measures announced as part of Budget 2023 taking account of the broader general economic and overall fiscal outlook.
1542. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health the status of each operational primary care centre per county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1685/23]
View answerAs the Health Service Executive (HSE) holds responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1543. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health if he will incentivise overtime work within the public health service; if he will consider making overtime pay for nurses tax free; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1686/23]
View answerI have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to this operational matter.
1544. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Health when front-line workers in private nursing homes in County Carlow will receive their €1,000 pandemic payment. [1690/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
1545. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health the supports that his Department will put in place to help parents and patients of a dental practice (details supplied) that has closed or have been left without a service and are unable to access another service; if he will request the Dental Council to provide assistance and advice on the way to claim back money paid for treatments that were not provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1693/23]
View answerI am concerned at the situation that has arisen for patients of the orthodontic practice in Oranmore and their families.
Since this situation first came to the attention of my Department, my officials have been working with stakeholders seeking assurances that everything possible is being done by relevant parties to resolve the concerns of patients affected. I met with patient representatives and local representatives last September to hear their specific concerns and consider what can support can be put in place for these patients.
In October, the Dental Council issued a communication to the patients of the practice detailing the undertakings that have now been given to the High Court by the registrant, a Specialist Orthodontist. These undertakings set out the process by which patients, who are not already in receipt of care, can be referred to an alternative specialist orthodontist/s, with patient consent. While the High Court process is continuing, this is a very positive development to facilitate the process to ensure continuity of care for patients. I am hopeful that this process will ensure that patients are referred so that their orthodontic treatment plans can continue.
The Orthodontic Society of Ireland (OSI) is also communicating with its members in an effort support the continuity of care.
Unfortunately, the issue of refunds for treatment not received is a private matter and can only be resolved between the patient and the dentist. Neither the Dental Council as the professional regulator, the Department of Health or the Minister for Health have the power to intervene in this matter regarding refunds.
I appreciate that presently parents feel that this process is taking time and are very concerned. In view of this, my officials will continue to work with stakeholders to support a transfer of care solution for patients.
1546. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 591 of 6 December 2022, the number of trainee peer support workers per CHO each year since 2017; the plans for trainee peer support workers for each CHO in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1694/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1547. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Donegal can expect to receive an appointment in Beaumont Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1695/23]
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.
1548. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 725 of 4 October 2022, if he will publish the report into the abandoned secondment of a person (details supplied); the reason for the delay in doing so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1704/23]
View answerI received Ms Quinn’s report last year. I expect to be in a position to publish the report in the coming weeks in accordance with due process and fair procedures.
1549. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Health the progress that his Department has made in the recruitment and or appointment of a dedicated official in his Department with responsibility for coordinating rare disease policy; if he will provide an update on the current plans to fill this position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1711/23]
View answerMy Department has a vacancy in this unit and is seeking to fill through the usual recruitment channels.
1550. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Health the status of an updated national rare disease plan as committed to in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1712/23]
View answerMany of the recommendations of the National Rare Disease Plan for Ireland (2014 – 2018) have already been implemented including the establishment of a National Rare Disease Office (NRDO) and HSE National Clinical Programme for Rare Diseases which has now been operationalised and incorporated into the NRDO which is the main contact point and driver for National HSE rare disease projects and initiatives.
The National Rare Disease Plan elaborates on Ireland’s participation in European Reference Networks (ERN). ERNs are virtual networks involving healthcare providers across Europe where the networking of knowledge and expertise through reference centres and teams of experts takes place. These links are emphasized in the Plan to address the care of patients with rare diseases at both National and European levels. Significant progress has been made with regard to participation in ERNs with Ireland’s 15 applications for entry to ERNs recently being approved from 5 academic hospitals. Entry to these networks commenced on 1 January 2022 and represents a significant achievement for the Irish Health Service which will drive innovation, training and clinical research for highly specialised care. It is also a very positive development for individuals and families affected with rare diseases.
The National Rare Disease Office (NRDO) under the governance of HSE Acute Operations is currently leading out on the development of 30 of the more common rare diseases across 18 European Reference Networks. A primary objective of this project is to develop an optimal process (methodology and care pathway model) for the introduction of national rare disease care pathways into the Irish healthcare system in the absence of a commonly recognised best practice methodology. The NRDO is working in collaboration with ERN Clinical Leads, patient organisations, and a wider multi-disciplinary stakeholder group to develop a template model and content of each care pathway.
My Department is seeking to appoint, through the usual recruitment channels, an official to progress the commitment in the Programme for Government to bring forward a new National Rare Disease Plan.
1551. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 195 of 23 November 2022, when senior mental health management in Cork CHO 4 were offered their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine relative to when long-stay residents aged over-65 years in St. Stephen's Hospital, Glanmire, and the Owenacurra Centre, Midleton, were offered their first-dose vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1716/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1552. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health if the decision-making regarding vaccine sequencing to staff and patient cohorts by HSE managers will form part of the State's inquiry into its handling of the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1717/23]
View answerGovernment has acknowledged the importance of reviewing the response to the pandemic. There has been a clear national commitment to continue to learn from the pandemic as the national and international understanding of the virus evolves, and where necessary to ensure that the public health-led approach evolves, as evidence and learning materialises. The establishment of an inquiry or review into the State's response to the COVID-19 pandemic would be a matter for Government.
1553. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 638 of 5 October 2021 and 691 of 29 November 2022, the reason that the HSE is not yet clear if a property that it is purchasing in Midleton, County Cork, for the purpose of residential mental health placements will accommodate three or four residents even at the 'sale agreed' stage of the purchase; the way in which the HSE can reconcile its contention that the Owenacurra Centre had to close partly due the fact that its premises fell "significantly short of Government's Climate Action Plan requirements" with reports that it is now investing in a property in a part of Midleton that is at significant risk of flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1718/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1554. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the current average wait time for the emergency department at Mayo University Hospital and University Hospital Galway. [1723/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1555. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the current bed capacity at Mayo University Hospital and University Hospital Galway. [1724/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1556. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the last time the Saolta Hospital Group conducted a bed capacity analysis for University Hospital Galway and Mayo University Hospital; the findings of that analysis; the recommendations of that analysis; if he will provide details of any capacity targets that were identified in the process; if the analysis generated a report or document; and if he will provide a copy of the report or document. [1725/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
