Tuesday, 25 Apr 2023

Written Answers Nos. 528-552

Hospital Facilities

Questions (528)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

528. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health how much income was generated from the car parks of public hospitals in the years 2021 and 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19038/23]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Hospital Facilities

Questions (529)

David Cullinane

Question:

529. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health to provide a cost on replacing 10% of acute hospital beds in multi-bed wards with single isolation room units; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19051/23]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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 Facilities

Questions (530)

David Cullinane

Question:

530. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the replacement of multi-bed wards with single isolation rooms over the coming years, in tabular form; the number of single isolation units; the number of beds in multi-unit wards; the cost of and budget for the replacement programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19052/23]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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.

Health Services Staff

Questions (531)

Sean Fleming

Question:

531. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the update on the status of employing a person as a consultant (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19053/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (532)

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

532. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the number of people currently availing of the services in each long-Covid clinic; the total funding available for long-Covid clinics; the breakdown of the funding allocated to each clinic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19063/23]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to reply to the Deputy directly.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (533)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

533. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health the measures that are being taken to ensure that all employees who are entitled to the €1,000 payment are paid out, particularly a person (details supplied); if they are entitled to the payment; when it will be paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19069/23]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As 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.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (534)

Michael McNamara

Question:

534. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 158 of 25 January 2023, the reason for the delay in issuing Covid-19 recognition payments; when he expects outstanding payments to be made to front-line workers in private nursing homes, hospices and agency healthcare assistants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19071/23]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.

Medical Cards

Questions (535)

Seán Canney

Question:

535. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health the reason an emergency medical card is not issued to the spouse of a self-employed person even through the spouse is employed on a PAYE basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19072/23]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Eligibility for a Medical Card is primarily based on a financial assessment which is conducted by the HSE in accordance with the Health Act 1970 (as amended). The HSE assesses each medical card application on a qualifying financial threshold. This is the amount of money that an individual can earn a week and still qualify for a card. It is specific to the individual’s own financial circumstances.

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.

The HSE also has a compassionate system in place for the provision of medical cards where persons are in need of urgent ongoing medical care or when a patient is receiving end of life treatment – that is when patients’ unfortunately have a prognosis of less than 12 months. In addition, since March 2021, persons who have been certified by their treating Consultant as having a prognosis of 24 months or less are now also awarded a medical card on an administrative basis. This measure delivered the Programme for Government commitment to extend eligibility for medical cards to persons with a terminal illness and work is continuing to develop a legislative framework to underpin this administrative scheme. Medical cards awarded on end of life grounds are never re-assessed by the HSE thereby providing reassurance and comfort to patients and their families.

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.

Health Services

Questions (536)

Neasa Hourigan

Question:

536. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health his views on the In Sickness and in Debt Report relating to the administration of the treatment abroad scheme, the EU cross-Border directive scheme and the Northern Ireland planned healthcare scheme; his plans to implement its recommendations; his plans to promote and advertise the use of these schemes to help alleviate waiting lists for medical procedures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19073/23]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I acknowledge the publication of a Report by the Ombudsman on 18th April which provides findings and recommendations in relation to treatment abroad schemes administered by the HSE. It is important to acknowledge the important role these schemes play in facilitating patients in Ireland to access necessary medical treatment abroad. Uptake by patients in Ireland of care under the Cross Border Directive has increased significantly over recent years. As acknowledged in the Ombudsman’s report, in the main these schemes work well.

However, some issues have been raised by individual patients with the Ombudsman. The HSE accepts the recommendations of the report and has mandated senior HSE staff to put in place a process to systematically address the issues raised by the Ombudsman and to implement any required changes. In this context, I welcome the HSE’s commitment to implementing the recommendations in the report and to ensuring that all patients accessing medical treatment abroad under these schemes receive the highest standard of public service.

Officials in my Department are currently undertaking a detailed examination of the findings of the Ombudsman’s Report and will further engage with the HSE, to ensure that recommendations made are fully considered and that the administration of these schemes is reviewed appropriately, for the benefit ultimately of patients requiring access to necessary medical treatment abroad.

The HSE, in fulfilling its role as the National Contact Point (NCP) in Ireland, provides information for patients on an on-going basis on the operation of the CBD, including on its website.

Nursing Homes

Questions (537)

Holly Cairns

Question:

537. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking in response to a HIQA report (details supplied). [19077/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As the Deputy is aware, the Chief Inspector of Social Care and the Health Information Quality Authority (HIQA) is the national independent regulator of Nursing Homes and operates under the Health Act 2007. All facilities for older people are subject to registration and inspection by HIQA, which is underpinned by a comprehensive quality framework comprising Registration Regulations, Care and Welfare Regulations and National Quality Standards.

As the independent regulator of nursing homes, the Chief Inspector determines the appropriate approach and interventions required to monitor and ensure compliance with the regulatory framework. Monitoring compliance is a continual process that checks that providers continue to be fit persons and continue to deliver an appropriate standard of service. These activities inform ongoing decision-making and the subsequent actions of the regulator, including in respect of regulatory escalation.

The Chief Inspector adopts a risk-based approach to regulation, prioritising monitoring, inspection, and enforcement, based on the assessment of the risk, including the type of inspection undertaken. The approach to inspections typically includes a mix of announced and unannounced, as required and all inspection reports are publicly available on HIQA's website.

www.hiqa.ie/reports-and-publications/inspection-reports

In addition to the current regulations, work is currently underway concerning regulatory reform, including drafting legislation to enhance the oversight and regulation of nursing homes, which will include provision for a broader suite of enforcement tools for the Chief Inspector of Social Services.

Hospital Procedures

Questions (538)

Holly Cairns

Question:

538. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health if he will provide details of the number of people on waiting lists for eye treatments, including the length of time spent waiting broken down on a quarterly basis, in tabular form. [19078/23]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Medical Cards

Questions (539)

Holly Cairns

Question:

539. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to ensure that private opticians will accept medical cards to cover eye tests and eye-related healthcare. [19079/23]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The Community Ophthalmic Services Scheme (COSS) is a national fee-per-item scheme which was introduced in 1979. Under the COSS, medical card holders aged over 16 years can be seen by ophthalmologists, community ophthalmic physicians, optometrists or dispensing opticians.

Eligible patients can receive an eye examination and be provided with prescribed optical appliances in accordance with a national schedule of approved optical appliances.

The Health Professionals (Reduction of Payments to Ophthalmologists, Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians) Regulations 2013 (SI 274 of 2013) sets the fees for optometrists and dispensing opticians under the Community Optometric Services, Community Spectacle Dispensing Services and Health Amendment Act Card Schemes.

I am committed to increasing the fees payable to contractors for a standard eye examination under the COSS. This is a priority for my Department, and work with stakeholders is ongoing to implement this change in 2023.

Health Services Staff

Questions (540, 560)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

540. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if he will respond to points of concerns raised by a trainee psychologist (details supplied) in respect of the proposed changes in funding for trainee educational psychologists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19083/23]

Holly Cairns

Question:

560. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to ensure that current trainee educational psychologists in a third-level institution (details supplied) will receive the same renumeration and funding supports as incoming first years. [19183/23]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 540 and 560 together.

The National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) of the Department of Education provides a school-based psychological service to all recognised primary and post-primary schools through the application of psychological theory and practice to support the well-being, and the academic, social and emotional development of all learners. This approach allows psychologists to give early attention to urgent individual cases and, through supporting school staff, to benefit many more children than could be seen individually.

A working group is examining the matter of how NEPS can continue to recruit adequate numbers of suitably qualified staff and continue to respond to the educational psychological needs of children in recognised primary and post-primary schools across the country. To address supply issues in the medium to long term a workforce plan for educational psychologists is being developed within the Department of Education and work has begun with other Government Departments to advance this.

As an immediate short-term measure, the Department of Education introduced a bursary to support Trainee Educational Psychologists currently in their third year (or third year equivalent) of professional training in University College Dublin (UCD) and Mary Immaculate College (MIC), who expect to graduate in 2023.

The HSE employs psychology trainees who are paid according to the approved Health Sector salary scale. The HSE pays 60% of fees in exchange for the type of contract wherein a psychologist student is required to work in the health service on completion of their PhD, covering a period of three years following qualification.

The selection processes for the trainee psychologist grade are highly competitive and oversubscribed, and recruitment is 100% successful. Trainees complete training places in their sponsoring area, carry a caseload, contribute to KPIs, increase capacity and complete doctoral research to raise standards of care.

€750,000 was provided in Budget 2023 to support counselling psychology training places. Minister Butler is focussed on supporting counselling psychology students in an equitable way that delivers value for money. This funding will be used to support strategic workforce planning for the years ahead in order that the counselling needs of the health service are better met.

The structure of this funding is currently being finalised by the Department of Health. The approach will reflect best practice and knowledge gained from other health and social care funded training models. Minister Butler hopes to be able to announce the details shortly for academic year 2023-2024.

Health Services Staff

Questions (541)

Michael Moynihan

Question:

541. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health if the concerns raised by the family of a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19087/23]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Hospital Appointments Status

Questions (542)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

542. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if an appointment for a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19089/23]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Coroners Service

Questions (543)

Michael Ring

Question:

543. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health if recommendations (details supplied) have been put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19114/23]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Healthcare Policy

Questions (544)

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

544. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health for an update on the commitment in the Programme for Government to review and improve the national policy document entitled Safeguarding Vulnerable Persons at Risks of Abuses: National Policy and Procedures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19115/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Coroners Service

Questions (545)

Michael Ring

Question:

545. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health if minutes of a meeting (details supplied) can be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19116/23]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Healthcare Policy

Questions (546, 547, 548)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

546. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health his Department's plans for providing the public with access to information about alcohol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19120/23]

Bernard Durkan

Question:

547. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the number of people visiting askaboutalcohol.ie in search of information regarding alcohol in each year since 2018 to date, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19121/23]

Bernard Durkan

Question:

548. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if information regarding alcohol is now deemed less important given the discontinuation of the 'Ask About Alcohol' website; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19122/23]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 546 to 548, inclusive, together.

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy, as soon as possible.

Question No. 547 answered with Question No. 546.

Question No. 548 answered with Question No. 546.

Medicinal Products

Questions (549)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

549. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 123 of 4 April 2019, the measures being taken to assist a person (details supplied) who urgently needs the drug sativex; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19127/23]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this refers to an individual case, I have referred this matter to the HSE for their attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Healthcare Policy

Questions (550)

Carol Nolan

Question:

550. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if the proposed new national maternity hospital at St. Vincent's will be offering gender-affirming care; if this will include the provision of sex-reassignment surgery; if so, which age groups this service will be extended to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19131/23]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Healthcare Policy

Questions (551)

Carol Nolan

Question:

551. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if the new national children's hospital will be offering gender-affirming care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19132/23]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service issue I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy, as soon as possible.

Healthcare Policy

Questions (552)

Carol Nolan

Question:

552. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the work of his Department with respect to the WHO International Treaty on Pandemic Preparedness, Response and Recovery (Pandemic Treaty); if his Department supports the treaty; if his Department has made any submissions to the deliberative process of the international treaty; if so, if he will publish same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19152/23]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Ireland strongly supports a multilateral approach to global health issues with the WHO in a central leadership role. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that the global status quo in terms of pandemic preparedness and response is not acceptable and needs revision.

In December 2021, a special session of the World Health Assembly established an intergovernmental negotiating body (INB) to draft and negotiate a convention, agreement or other international instrument under the Constitution of the World Health Organisation to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness and response.

To date the INB has met five times, most recently from 3-6 April where an initial discussion of the “zero draft” of the Pandemic Agreement was completed and next steps were discussed. A progress report on the negotiations will be delivered to the 76th World Health Assembly at end May 2023. The text of this progress report is currently being prepared by the bureau of the INB.

The EU is a leading proponent of this process and Ireland, along with a majority of EU Member States, is part of the Group of Friends of the Treaty. It should be noted that while certain health matters are within the competency of EU Member States, other health matters are within the competency of the EU itself.

Officials in my Department, working with Ireland's Permanent Representation to the UN in Geneva, are engaging, and will continue to engage with, other Government Departments, the EU negotiator, and the INB bureau in this process. The Department has not made any formal submissions to the INB on behalf of Ireland but has commented on the text suggestions and amendments proposed by the EU negotiator as part of the EU coordination process run by the EU delegation in Geneva. As these inputs are part of the ongoing deliberative process it is not considered appropriate to publish them.