Written Answers Nos. 1372-1386
1372. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Donegal will get transferred from Letterkenny University Hospital, LUH, to Galway University Hospital, GUH; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16439/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1373. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if pain management patches can be supplied to a person (details supplied). [16440/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1374. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health when a public health nurse will be available for residents in Newcastle, County Dublin; the current and levels of public health nurses by area in Dublin mid-west; the plans for recruitment of public heath nurses in Dublin mid-west; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16443/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly as soon as possible.
1375. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the health and social care professions whose regulation is under the remit of CORU, in tabular form; the status of regulation or the development stage of regulation; and the timeframe for completion or year of completion for each profession. [16448/23]
View answerPlease find the requested information in tabular form below. The information is provided in chronological order of regulation status from the profession which was first statutorily regulated under CORU to those designated professions yet to be regulated.
|
Profession |
Status of regulation/Development stage of regulation |
Timeframe for completion/year of completion* |
|
Social Workers |
Fully regulated – title protected |
2010 (August – took over from NSWQB) |
|
Dispensing Opticians and Optometrists |
Fully regulated – title protected |
2015 (31st October, persons previously registered with The Opticians Board saw their registration transfer to the Optical Registration Board at CORU). |
|
Radiographers and Radiation Therapists |
Fully regulated – title protected |
2015 (31st October) |
|
Dietitians/Dieticians |
Fully regulated – title protected |
2016 (31st October) |
|
Speech and Language Therapists |
Fully regulated – title protected |
2016 (31st October) |
|
Occupational Therapists |
Fully regulated – title protected |
2017 (31st March) |
|
Physiotherapists and Physical Therapists |
Fully regulated – title protected |
2018 (30th September) |
|
Medical Scientists |
Fully regulated – title protected |
2021 (31st March) |
|
Podiatrists/Chiropodists |
Fully regulated – title protected |
2023 (31st March) |
|
Social Care Workers |
- Social Care Workers Registration Board (SCWRB) established 2015. - SCWRB is currently preparing for the registration of the profession. - The Social Care Workers Register will open in November this year. This will begin a 2-year transition period for existing practitioners to apply to register with CORU. On 30 November 2025, the title 'Social Care Worker' will become a legally protected title in Ireland. |
Register to open 30.11.2023 and title protected 2 years later. |
|
Psychologists |
- Psychologists Registration Board (PSRB) established in 2017. - Public consultation in 2020 revealed significant issues and a lack of consensus among the profession and other stakeholders on how to proceed with regulation. - CORU wrote to Minister for Health in 2021 on behalf of PSRB seeking guidance on how to proceed. - Minister wrote to CORU in 2022 requesting the PSRB consider a dual-stream and phased approach to regulating the profession, which would allow the PSRB to prioritise regulating the psychology specialisms which present the greatest risk to public safety, while simultaneously continuing to work towards the long-term objective of protecting the title of ‘psychologist’. - PSRB wrote to Minister in March 2023 with its recommendation to proceed with dual approach. - Minister currently reviewing these recommendations with a view to progressing this work as quickly as possible. |
Due to the complex work the PSRB must undertake it is not possible to say with any degree of accuracy when registers for specific psychology specialisms will open. It is anticipated the PSRB will take a number of years to complete its work. |
|
Counsellors and Psychotherapists |
Counsellors and Psychotherapists Registration Board (CPRB) established in 2019. Ongoing work of the CPRB for the professions includes: - consideration of the titles to be protected - the minimum qualifications to be required of existing practitioners - the qualifications that will be required for future graduates - drafting Standards of Proficiency and Criteria for Education and Training Programmes. |
The work of the CPRB is significantly more challenging than it is for registration boards of 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. Due to the complexity of the issues to be addressed, it is not possible to say with any accuracy when this profession will be fully regulated. |
|
Clinical Biochemists |
Regulation has not progressed yet. |
Not possible to provide a timeline at present. |
|
Orthoptists |
Regulation has not progressed yet. |
Not possible to provide a timeline at present. |
*title protected following the end of the two year transitional period allowed for grandfathering of currently practising professionals
1376. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on an application for reimbursement being considered by the HSE in relation to Voretigene Neparvovec (Luxturna); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16449/23]
View answerThe 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.
In terms of the specific details of the application for pricing and reimbursement of Voretigene Neparvovec (Luxturna®):
The HSE received an application for pricing / reimbursement of Voretigene Neparvovec (Luxturna®) on the 23rd of September 2019 from Novartis for the treatment of adult and paediatric patients with vision loss due to inherited retinal dystrophy caused by confirmed biallelic RPE65 mutations and who have sufficient viable retinal cells.
• The first step in the process is the submission of a Rapid Review dossier. The HSE commissioned the Rapid Review process on the 24th of September 2019. The NCPE Rapid Review assessment report was received by the HSE on the 23rd of October 2019. The NCPE advised the HSE that a full Health Technology Assessment (HTA) was required for this medicine.
• The HSE commissioned a full Health Technology Assessment (HTA) on the 29th of October 2019 as per agreed processes.
• The NCPE Health Technology Assessment report (www.ncpe.ie/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Technical-Summary-document-voretigene-neparvovec-Luxturna.pdf) was received by the HSE on the 18th of September 2020. The NCPE recommended that Voretigene Neparvovec (Luxturna®) not be considered for reimbursement unless cost-effectiveness can be improved relative to existing treatments.
• The HSE Corporate Pharmaceutical Unit (CPU) is the interface between the HSE and the Pharmaceutical Industry in relation to medicine pricing and reimbursement applications. CPU engaged in commercial negotiations with Novartis in November 2020 and June 2022 regarding their application for Voretigene Neparvovec (Luxturna®).
• The Drugs Group is the national committee which the HSE has in place to make recommendations on the pricing and reimbursement of medicines. The membership of the HSE Drugs Group includes public interest members. In February 2021 the Drugs Group requested Patient and Clinician Engagement input via the Rare Diseases Technology Review Committee (RDTRC) to assist the group in making its recommendation to the HSE Executive Management Team regarding reimbursement of Voretigene Neparvovec (Luxturna®). The Drugs Group specifically requested a prescribing guideline for Voretigene Neparvovec (Luxturna®) to inform their deliberations. The prescribing guideline was received on the 19th May 2022. The totality of clinical and economic evidence for Voretigene Neparvovec was then comprehensively and extensively reviewed by the Drugs Group at the July 2022 meeting. The Group unanimously recommended in favour of hospital pricing approval of Voretigene Neparvovec subject to the establishment of a HSE Medicines Management Programme-led managed access programme. www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/cpu/drugs-group-minutes/hse-drugs-group-minutes-july-2022.pdf
• The decision making authority in the HSE is the HSE Executive Management Team. The HSE Executive Management Team decides on the basis of all the demands it is faced with (across all services) whether it can fund a new medicine, or new uses of an existing medicine, from the resources that have been provided to it in line with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. The HSE EMT supported hospital pricing approval of Voretigene Neparvovec (Luxturna®) for the treatment of adult and paediatric patients with vision loss due to inherited retinal dystrophy caused by confirmed biallellic RPE65 mutations and who have sufficient viable retinal cells, subject to a managed access programme being implemented.
• As a condition of reimbursement, an individual patient approval system will be put in place by the HSE, to enable reimbursement for patients who meet the predefined criteria as per a Medicines Management Programme (MMP) devised managed access programme. The processes necessary to implement this required managed access programme (MAP) are currently being developed by the HSE MMP.
The HSE cannot comment on the specific timeline for the HSE approval to be formalised while the processes required to implement the managed access programme are ongoing.
1377. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a list of all Delta calls received by the DFB Dispatch (ERCC) and the National Ambulance Service in Dublin that were responded to beyond the 19-minute target for 2022 (details supplied). [16462/23]
View answer1378. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Health if he will provide the call length concerning Echo and Delta cases from calls received by the Dublin Fire Brigade ERCC and the National Ambulance Service in Dublin in all of 2022 (details supplied). [16463/23]
View answer1379. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Health the current mechanism that Dublin Fire Brigade and the National Ambulance service have in place to record patient impact of response times greater than 19 minutes for Echo (Purple) and Delta (Red) calls. [16464/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1377 to 1379, inclusive, together.
As the Deputy may be aware, Dublin Fire Brigade (DFB) are the primary emergency ambulance service provider in the Dublin region. Queries in relation to DFB calls in the level of detail requested should be directed to the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage in the first instance.
The HSE National Ambulance Service (NAS) does provide some emergency capacity within the greater Dublin area. Where required, the NAS also provides additional resources from neighbouring counties to address demand in Dublin, and in line with the practice of dynamic deployment ambulances from other parts of the country, which may be travelling to or from a Dublin hospital, may be available to respond to emergency calls in the Dublin area where they are the nearest resource to a patient.
As NAS performance is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly with any further information that it might have in regard to ambulance services provided by the NAS in the Dublin area.
1380. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Health the number of court cases pending against the Dublin Fire Brigade and the National Ambulance Service relating to the ambulance service it provides; and if he will provide any details as to the nature of the incidents they relate to. [16465/23]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, Dublin Fire Brigade (DFB) provides ambulance services in the Dublin region under statutory powers exercised by Dublin City Council (DCC) under authority of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
In the first instance, all queries pertaining to court cases pending against DFB or DCC are a matter for these organisations.
In regard to court cases pending against the National Ambulance Service (NAS), I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly with any pertinent information that it might have on this matter.
1381. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health when an individual (details supplied) will receive their Covid bonus. [16474/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
I would also like to remind the Deputy that it is against Department policy to comment on individual cases.
1382. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the number of workers who have not received their bonus payment for work done during Covid. [16475/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
1383. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health the way that his Department is supporting the medical genetics service in Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin, as committed to in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16486/23]
View answer1397. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health his plans to allocate additional funding and resources to genetics services at Children’s Health Ireland, Crumlin, in order to reduce waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16536/23]
View answer1437. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he will provide adequate resources for genetic services in Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin, in view of the fact that, currently, people living with a rare disease wait over two years for a diagnosis after a referral for genetic testing and can be treated for the wrong condition while they wait (details supplied); if he will ensure that waiting lists are dramatically reduced given that other health systems have a turnaround time of 12 weeks; his view that Ireland should set the same ambition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16714/23]
View answer1441. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health if he will provide additional resources for genetic services in Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16737/23]
View answer1458. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health the progress that has been made on the Programme for Government commitment to support the medical genetics service in Our Lady’s Children Hospital, Crumlin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16793/23]
View answer1576. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an overview of the Government's commitment to support genetic services in Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin, to further enhance the Irish public health system's capacity to detect and diagnose rare diseases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17296/23]
View answer1581. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Health his plans to increase the capacity of the department of clinical genetics of Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin, given that at present people living with a rare disease wait over two years for a diagnosis after a referral for genetic testing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17320/23]
View answer1582. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health his plans to increase accessible and timely access to genetic testing, and specifically to increase capacity and decrease wait times at the Department of Clinical Genetics of Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin. [17322/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1383, 1397, 1437, 1441, 1458, 1576, 1581 and 1582 together.
Improving and expanding the care and treatment of patients with rare diseases is a priority for Government. The government has substantially increased funding for new innovative medicines for rare diseases, investing €100 million over the last three Budgets. The Government is also fully committed to improving genetics services in Ireland, including at Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) at Crumlin.
One of the key ambitions of 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. In line with the principles of Sláintecare, we will continue to support the enhancement of genetic services across the Regional Health Areas (RHAs). This service will be supported by a National Office for Genetics and Genomics, who will work with RHAs to ensure the effective delivery of a national service at a local level.
The Strategy also 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. The government has substantially increased funding for new innovative medicines for rare diseases, investing €100 million over the last three Budgets. 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.
1384. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the vacant position of public health nurse in the Newcastle area has not been filled for some time, which is impacting significantly on the population in that area, including the lack of check-ups for new-born babies; when this position will be filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16487/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly as soon as possible.
1385. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health if he will consider paying trainee psychologists whilst they are on placement in order to ensure that the number of psychologists increases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16496/23]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, €750,000 has been provided in Budget 2023 to support counselling psychology training places. This funding demonstrates the Government’s commitment to strengthen access to psychology training.
I am focussed on supporting counselling psychology students in an equitable way and that delivers value for money. The structure of this funding is currently being finalised by officials in the Department. The approach will be based on best practice and knowledge gained from other health and social care funded training models.
Further detailed discussions are now taking place between the Department and HSE to progress this. I hope to be in a position to announce the details shortly for academic year 2023-2024.
1386. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he will clarify whether private security staff that worked at public hospitals during the first waves of Covid-19 are eligible for the Covid recognition payment; and if he will further clarify the way in which a person that is eligible for the payment, but has since moved jobs, may claim the payment from their former employer. [16498/23]
View answerLast year the Government announced a once-off, ex-gratia COVID-19 pandemic recognition payment for certain front-line public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. Eligibility criteria for the payment were set following significant consideration and consultation.
While the Department does not comment on individual cases, I can confirm that in order to receive the recognition payment, staff must have:
• Been in COVID vaccination cohorts 1 or 2, and
• Worked ordinarily onsite in a COVID-19 exposed healthcare environment, and
• Worked for at least 4 weeks in the 1/3/2020 – 30/6/2021 period, and
• Worked in a HSE/Section 38 organisation, or one of the following:
1. Private Sector Nursing Homes and Hospices (e.g. Private, Voluntary,Section 39 etc.);
2. Section 39 long-term residential care facilities for people with disabilities, working on-site;
3. Agency roles working in the HSE;
4. Health Care Support Assistants (also known as home help / home care / home support) contracted to the HSE;
5. Members of the Defence Forces redeployed to work in front-line Covid-19 exposed environments in the HSE;
6. Paramedic staff employed by Dublin Fire Brigade to deliver services on behalf of the HSE.
Subject at all times to all other eligibility criteria, agency/contract staff working in eligible organisations are entitled to the Pandemic Recognition Payment. Agency/contract staff in the above covered organisations, subject at all times to all other eligibility criteria, are in scope. This may include, for example, eligible security/cleaning staff.
The HSE is working on rolling out the payment as a priority, with assistance from KOSI Corporation, and as such they would be best placed to answer operational queries about expected timeframe.
