Written Answers Nos. 1459-1478
1459. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Health when all Section 39 staff working in long-term residential facilities who worked throughout Covid with many still awaiting the payment will be paid the €1,000 bonus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13579/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
1460. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Health when healthcare staff working in nursing homes (details supplied) who worked throughout Covid will be paid the €1,000 bonus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13580/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
1461. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that a vacant psychology post on the CAMHS Team in Clonmel, County Tipperary remains vacant and that the recruitment drive received no applications; the urgent efforts that are being made to address the lack of interest in such posts and the recruitment difficulties; if he is concerned about the ongoing difficulties with recruitment that the HSE is experiencing, particularly in relation to disability and mental health services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13582/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1462. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health his views on matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13595/23]
View answerThe Health Service Executive is leading on the implementation framework in respect of the recommendations of the National Policy and Strategy for the provision of Neuro-Rehabilitation Services in Ireland 2011-2015.
The Neuro-Rehabilitation Strategy Implementation Framework (IF) was launched in February 2019. The overarching aim of the Strategy is the development of neuro-rehabilitation services to improve patient outcomes by providing safe, high quality, person-centred neuro-rehabilitation at the lowest appropriate level of complexity.
This must be integrated across the care pathway ,and provided as close to home as possible or in specialist centres where necessary. These services are to be configured into population based managed clinical rehabilitation networks (MCRNs).
The aim is the development of these networks around the country.
In order to test the feasibility of this new MCRN model in the Irish context, a decision was made by the Neuro-Rehab Steering Group to run two demonstrator projects within CHO6 and CHO7 to assess the feasibility of the model to inform national roll-out.
The two-community neuro-rehab teams within CHO6 and CHO7 are in the recruitment phase and the plan moving forward is to roll out these services on a national basis.
To that end, Budget 2023 provided funding for two additional teams, to be rolled out in CHO 2 and CHO 4 respectively.
1463. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health if both the hospice and the care centre of Milford Hospice, Limerick will both be re-designated as S.38 service providers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13598/23]
View answerA Government decision was made in October 2022 to approve the re-designation of four adult hospice organisations from section 39 status to section 38. The four hospices are: Galway Hospice, St. Francis Hospice Dublin, Milford Care Centre, and Marymount Hospice.
The re-designation of section 39 service level agreements with the HSE to section 38 agreements is a necessary policy change. This will ensure the continued sustainability and provision of specialist palliative care services across Ireland. It will result in all voluntary specialist palliative care providers for adults being aligned as section 38 organisations.
The re-designation will provide a sustainable model of care for adult specialist palliative care services in Ireland and ensure the provision of these core services into the future. It will provide financial and staffing sustainability to ensure that these providers of adult specialist palliative care services can continue their vital work.
Specialist adult in-patient palliative care services provided by voluntary hospices are unique within the broad range of Section 39 organisations due to the consultant led, complex clinical care they provide. These service providers are supporting people with life limiting illnesses to remain at home and in their communities while receiving specialist palliative care
A key recommendation of Sláintecare is the provision of universal access to palliative care. Specialist palliative care services provide care to approximately 12,000 patients a year. Approximately 70% of inpatient and 74% of community adult specialist palliative care services are provided by voluntary hospices. In 2022, the Palliative Care Budget increased to a total national service plan allocation of €121.9m from a national service plan allocation of €119m in 2021. The re-designation of these four hospice organisations will ensure that the right care is delivered in the right place and at the right time.
The Department of Health is working in collaboration with our HSE counterparts in progressing this significant piece of work.
1464. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the plans that are in place to deal with the shortage of GPs in Shannon town, County Clare and the surrounding areas especially in view of the pending retirement of some long-term GPs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13599/23]
View answer1475. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the plans that are in place to deal with the shortage of GPs in Shannon, County Clare, and the surrounding areas, especially in light of the pending retirement of some long-term GPs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13727/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1464 and 1475 together.
GPs are self-employed practitioners and therefore may establish practices at a place of their own choosing. There is no prescribed ratio of GPs to patients and the State does not regulate the number of GPs that can set up in a town or community.
Under the GMS scheme, the HSE contracts GPs to provide medical services without charge to medical card and GP visit card holders. Currently there are 2,532 GPs contracted to provide services under the GMS Scheme.
The Government is aware of the workforce issues currently facing general practice and is working to ensure patients across the country continue to have access to GP services and that general practice is sustainable in all areas into the future.
Under the 2019 GP Agreement additional annual expenditure provided for general practice has been increased now by €211.6m. This provides for significant increases in capitation fees for participating GMS GPs, and new fees and subsidies for additional services. Improvements to GP’s maternity and paternity leave arrangements and a support for GPs in disadvantaged urban areas, have also been provided for.
An enhanced supports package for rural GP practices was introduced previously to support rural GPs, these supports have been increased by 10% under the 2019 GP Agreement. In addition, practices in receipt of rural practice supports attract the maximum allowable rates for practice staff support subsidies and locum contributions for leave taking. Specific fees are also in place for dispensing doctors (who operate in rural areas), these have been increased by 28% under the Agreement.
The number of doctors entering GP training has increased approximately ten percent year on year from 2019, rising from 193 in 2019 to 258 in 2022, and a further large increase is planned for this year. Following the transfer of responsibility for GP training from the HSE to the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP), it is aimed to have 350 training places available for new entrants per year by 2026.
These measures will make general practice in Ireland a more attractive career choice and will see an increase in the number of GPs working in the State, improving access to GP services for patients throughout the country.
Furthermore, a strategic review of GP services is to commence shortly and will be completed this year. The review, with input from key stakeholders, will examine the broad range of issues affecting general practice in general and in rural areas specifically, and will set out the measures necessary to deliver a better general practice.
1465. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health in response to the Programme for Government commitment to supporting the genetics service at CHI, Crumlin; if he will allocate additional funding and supports to the department of clinical (medical) genetics at CHI, Crumlin to halve the waiting list for genetic services for people living with rare diseases in the next one to two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13607/23]
View answerThe Government and I are fully committed to improving genetics services in Ireland, including at Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) at Crumlin. One of the key ambitions the National Strategy for Accelerating Genetics and Genomics Medicine in Ireland, launched in December 2022, is to build a strong national genetics service. This will be a patient and family-centred service that can be accessed equitably across the country and across the lifespan of patients. The Strategy outlines a plan to achieve this ambition by improving the evidence-base and infrastructure supporting genetic testing in Ireland. In 2023, the HSE will begin developing a National Testing Directory for genetics and genomics, which will map the current genetic tests conducted across Ireland and provide a more transparent process to referrals. This development, therefore, will be a key steppingstone to improving national genetic testing and ultimately help reduce wait time. The Strategy also outlines a plan to build a strong genetic workforce for the future. This will be achieved by not only recruiting new staff, but training and development for a future workforce, and professional development for current staff within the health service. To start implementing the Strategy in 2023 I approved €2.7 million including the appointment of key staff. These appointments included a National Director for Genetics and Genomics, a Bioinformatics Lab Director, two clinical genetic consultants and six genetic counsellors.
In addition to expanding a broad genetics and genomics service, I have also supported several key measures in rare diseases. My Department has worked with the National Rare Disease Office to facilitate Irish entry into 18 European Reference Networks (ERNs) for rare diseases and support an EU Joint Action for the integration of ERNs into the national system. These ERNs include representation from five academic hospitals and three universities. This represents a significant achievement by the health service, to drive innovation, training and clinical research for highly specialised care. The Department has also progressed Irish entry into Horizon Europe Partnerships on Rare Disease and Personalised Medicine. Participation in ERNs and Horizon Europe Partnerships ensure greater coordination and sharing of best practices in key areas such as genetic testing with European partners. Finally, I have recently announced a plan to develop a revised National Rare Disease Plan. This Plan will be a key step in progressing an improved overall service for individuals living with a rare disease.
1466. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the response of both his Department and the HSE to address and prevent issues of foetal misdiagnosis occurring within the maternity and termination of pregnancy services; if he will specifically address as part of his response any policy or regulatory changes occurring in this space following an incident of fatal misdiagnosis that occurred in a case (details supplied); if an independent review is taking place; if so, the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13608/23]
View answerPerinatal genetics is a clinical service that focuses on the evaluation, diagnosis, management and treatment of anomalies before birth. The HSE’s National Women & Infants Health Programme (NWIHP) is developing a Framework for the establishment of a National Perinatal Genomics Service. This Framework will effectively form part of the HSE’s Genetics & Genomics Strategy and will provide the road map for the development of structured perinatal genetics services in Ireland and the investment underpinning it. Funding of €1.34m was provided through Budget 2022 for the initial establishment of a perinatal genetics services.
Establishing this specialist service is in keeping with broader objectives set out in the National Maternity Strategy, to provide maternity services that are woman-centred, that provide integrated, team-based care, that increase choice to women whilst ensuring that services are safe. As such, NWIHP sees the development of the perinatal genetics service as an important part of a comprehensive prenatal diagnostic service, in addition to the established provision of the anomaly scan across all 19 maternity units and the existence of a national foetal MRI service.
In addition, a Review of the operation and management of termination of pregnancy services, as provided under Section 11 of the Health (Regulation of Termination Pregnancy) Act 2018, was commissioned by the Chief Clinical Officer of the HSE. Work is nearing completion and it is expected that the recommendations from the Review will be made and submitted to the Commissioner and the HSE Oversight Group by the end of April.
This Review examines areas such as screening and diagnostics services in the context of fatal foetal anomalies and life limiting conditions, access to multidisciplinary expertise including clinical genetics and other specialities, counselling services, including genetic counselling and follow-up care including bereavement and other service user supports.
Finally, in the context of termination of pregnancy more broadly, as the Deputy will be aware, in December 2021 I commenced the Review of the operation of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 in line with statutory and Government commitments. I can now confirm that I have received the Report of that Review. The Report assesses whether services mandated under the Act are being delivered and makes certain recommendations in relation to service improvement. I will review this comprehensive Report and make the necessary arrangements to submit it for the consideration of the Government.
1467. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13609/23]
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.
1468. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Health the current status of a national treatment centre for suffers of Lyme disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13627/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1470. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the progress made to date in providing a new 40-bed community nursing unit in Clifden to replace Clifden Hospital and St. Annes nursing home; when it was originally decided to progress this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13662/23]
View answerAs 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.
1471. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health the status of discussions regarding pay increases and full pay restoration for section 39 workers and those who work in day care centres for the elderly and disabled; if he will consider communication from (details supplied); when funding will be provided to cover this organisation's annual wage increase of 5%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13693/23]
View answerFirstly, 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.
A process of engagement to examine the pay of workers in Community and Voluntary organisations was committed to by the Government in October 2022.
While the Government has committed to a process, it is worth noting that Section 39 organisations are privately owned and run, and the terms and conditions of employment of staff in these organisations are ultimately between the employer and the employee.
The Department notes that this is a cross-sectoral issue and cannot be taken in isolation.
1472. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health if the Covid pandemic payment for healthcare professionals has been transferred to a private agency (details supplied) to distribute among their staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13708/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
1473. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health if he will clarify what the qualifying criteria are for an individual with T1 Diabetics accessing the GP Card. [13709/23]
View answerMedical Card provision is primarily based on financial assessment. In accordance with the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE, which assesses each application on a qualifying financial threshold.
The issue of granting medical or GP visit cards based on having a particular disease or illness was previously examined in 2014 by the HSE Expert Panel on Medical Need and Medical Card Eligibility. The Group concluded that it was not feasible, desirable, nor ethically justifiable to list medical conditions in priority order for medical card eligibility. In following the Expert Group’s advice, a person’s means remains the main qualifier for a medical card.
However, 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. Social and medical issues are also considered when determining whether undue hardship exists for an individual accessing general practitioner or other medical services.
I can assure the Deputy that, to ensure the medical card system is responsive and sensitive to people's needs, my Department keeps medical card issues under review and any changes are considered in the context of Government policy and other issues which may be relevant.
1474. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking in response to synthetic cannabinoids use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13710/23]
View answerThe National Drugs Strategy, Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery, A health-led response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland 2017-2025, sets out a health-led approach to drug use. It promotes a more compassionate and humane approach to people who use drugs, with drug use treated first and foremost as a public health issue. The Programme for Government endorses this health-led approach.
The Department of Health and HSE monitor and review the emergence of new and emerging drug trends including synthetic cannabinoids nationally with relevant stakeholders such as An Garda Síochána, Forensic Science Ireland, the National Poisons Information Centre and local hospitals.
Synthetic cannabinoids are man-made chemicals produced to mimic the effects of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, which will produce more potent effects. Synthetic cannabinoids greatly increase the risks of a drug emergency occurring as they produce more intense adverse effects. Their use has caused many serious poisonings, mass poisonings and deaths internationally in recent years. By 31st December 2021, the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) was monitoring 224 of these substances which have appeared on the EU drug market since 2008, including 15 that were notified in 2021.
There has been increased concern throughout Europe including Ireland regarding the emergence of synthetic cannabinoids contained within products sold as cannabis or THC edibles and a number of warnings have been issued to raise awareness among the general public, including warnings from the Public Health Agency in Northern Ireland. The HSE has previously expressed concern in relation to the risk of synthetic cannabinoids appearing in herbal (plant material), vape liquid/oil, edible and other THC products in Ireland through their website Drugs.ie and affiliated social media channels. On-going social media posts and ads are issued to remind the public of this current risk.
In January 2023, the HSE issued a drug trend risk communication regarding products sold as cannabis jellies which had been adulterated with synthetic cannabinoids, a link to which can be found here. Further information is available on Drugs.ie, and the public are encouraged to follow HSE social media channels for updates on the latest drug trends.
For concerned parents, the HSE has created a detailed practical advice guide to help parents communicate with their children about alcohol and other drugs, which can be found here. A factsheet specific to cannabis edibles is also available for parents here.
The HSE also recently launched a webinar series in March 2023 to support parents on the topic of drugs and more information is available at drugs.ie/parents. Information on drug trends and how to reduce harms is available for people who use drugs on Drugs.ie. This content is kept up to date in line with potential drug market shifts.
People who use cannabis are reminded of the risk of synthetic cannabinoid exposure and are encouraged not to be afraid or hesitate to get medical help if someone has an unexpected reaction or becomes physically or mentally unwell following use.
We cannot be complacent about the risk to health posed by illicit drugs. It is always safer not to use drugs and all drug use has risks. I am committed to a public health approach to drug use, that will lead to better outcomes for individuals and society.
1476. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health the civil registration offices that remained operational during the Covid pandemic restrictive periods; the centres in which staff were awarded the pandemic special recognition payment, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13736/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
1477. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health the reason staff at the civil registration office north east that were not awarded the pandemic special recognition payment, considering that staff at other similar centres were awarded the payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13737/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
1478. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if he will ringfence dedicated funding for young carers to access counselling or psychological support from professionals with specific expertise in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13742/23]
View answerAll aspects of mental health services continue to be developed through the implementation of the national mental health policy Sharing the Vision (StV), and the annual HSE Service Plans. Sharing the Vision aims to enhance the provision of mental health services and supports across a broad continuum, from mental health promotion, prevention and early intervention, to acute and specialist mental health services. A core value of both Slaintecare, and Sharing the Vision, is that of equity, particularly in terms of access to services, characterised by inclusiveness, fairness and non-discrimination. Sharing The Vision focuses on developing a whole system mental health policy for everyone, and is underpinned by a population-based planning approach which helps to guide the distribution and development of mental health services and supports.
It is important to recognise the valuable contribution of those who care for family members, relatives, and friends, including young carers. Family Carers Ireland, a not-for-profit organisation, supports family carers and young carers through the provision of free emergency care planning, counselling, specialised training and education programmes. They also provide wellbeing support, crisis management, emergency respite, advocacy, peer support, and information on rights and entitlements along with many other worthwhile initiatives.
The HSE and its many partner agencies provides a wide range of mental health supports. Telehealth services are provided as part of a blended service delivery, the majority of which are available seven days per week, with some providing 24-hour support. 7-day telehealth services include YourMentalHealth.ie, the information line 1800 111 888, the crisis textline 50808 and various NGO partner’ online supports (details of these can be found on yourmentalhealth.ie).
In the context of the above policy implementation and on-going service developments by the HSE, there are no plans to progress the specific proposal suggested by the Deputy.
