Written Answers Nos. 253-267
253. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of spinal fusion and other paediatric orthopaedic procedures carried out by Children’s Health Ireland in each year 2017-2023 by month at each location in tabular form; the number which have been outsourced; and the location at which they were conducted. [20904/23]
View answerIn 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.
In their direct response to similar parliamentary questions you have asked, I note that Children’s Health Ireland have advised they are unable to complete your requests given the level of work involved, and that they have offered to meet with you in regard to the matter.
254. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of children removed from paediatric orthopaedic waiting lists in November and December 2022 and January and February 2023, by reason for removal; and the number removed without having a procedure and the reason why. [20905/23]
View answerIn 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.
In their direct response to similar parliamentary questions you have asked, I note that Children’s Health Ireland have advised they are unable to complete your requests given the level of work involved, and that they have offered to meet with you in regard to the matter.
255. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of claims before the CervicalCheck Tribunal; the number of claims resolved by the Tribunal; the timeframe for completion of the Tribunal’s work; the cost of the Tribunal to date, by cost type; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20906/23]
View answerSince the issuing of the first claim in March 2021, a total of twenty-six (26) cases have been processed by the Tribunal of which two (2) were consolidated after they had issued. Nine (9) claims issued in 2021, all of which have concluded. Of the seventeen (17) claims that issued in 2022, thirteen (13) have concluded. There are now currently four (4) claims in process before the Tribunal.
Subject to the parties' compliance with the procedural time limits as directed by the Tribunal in accordance with its Rules of Procedure, it is anticipated that the remaining claims will have concluded in or about the third quarter of 2023.
With regard to the costings of the Tribunal, I understand from my officials that this information was provided previously to the Deputy directly.
256. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of dentists on the dental treatment services scheme at the end of quarter 1 of each year 2019-2023 by LHO in tabular form; the number of dentists who submitted claims, the total number of claims in quarter 1 of each year and each full year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20907/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
257. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of adults and children on HSE dental and orthodontic waiting lists at the end of quarter 1 of each year 2019-2023, broken down by standard waiting times and by area, in tabular form. [20908/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
258. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health when community facilities which are currently being used as vaccination centres will be discontinued; if he agrees that such vaccination hubs are no longer necessary and the cost of renting such facilities no longer constitute value for money; and the continued use of some vaccination hubs is interfering with community use of buildings. [20921/23]
View answerAs we enter the fourth year of the pandemic it is necessary that the Vaccination Programme continues to transition towards a more sustainable model of vaccine delivery. The CMO has therefore requested that the HSE take appropriate steps to ensure that the programme's capacity corresponds to the scale of vaccination recommended by the NIAC
As this question relates to an operational matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
259. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the funding spent on tobacco cessation measures in each of the past ten years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20922/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy, as soon as possible.
260. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will clarify the reason that the community neuro-rehabilitation team in CHO7 has not progressed, despite funding being made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20937/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
261. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the progress to date in having an appointment made (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20952/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
262. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that a trend has been developing whereby cigarettes are being sold in larger packs than the standard 20 pack, and that this allows a lower unit price be charged, and encourages more consumption; and if he has considered any restrictions on this, or a requirement to have the same unit price regardless of the pack size. [20978/23]
View answerI am aware of this trend, which has been highlighted by the Department of Finance in their annual Tax Strategy Group papers. While pricing matters generally are a matter for my colleague the Minister for Finance, we continue to work together to ensure that public health impacts are central to considerations in relation to tobacco pricing.
In relation to the sale of cigarette packets containing more than 20 cigarettes, there is currently a lack of sufficient evidence that such packets impact on consumption or prevalence and therefore on public health. We will continue to monitor the emerging evidence and will take action if it becomes clear that it will have a public health benefit.
263. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 175 of 1 March 2023, the progress that is being made in developing an evidence base for service models or formal treatments for avoidant restrictive food intake disorder; if a standard approach is being taken across the acute hospital sector and HSE community healthcare divisions to treat ARFID; if not, to specify if one is being developed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20983/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
264. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health the measures he is taking to ensure that children diagnosed with ARFID are being treated for the condition they are diagnosed with rather than being treated for a different condition such as anorexia nervosa or similar conditions; the measures he is taking to develop a specific model of care for people with ARFID; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20984/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
265. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health if any supports are offered by energy companies to assist customers with an illness (details supplied) with more expensive energy bills; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20986/23]
View answerThe Government is committed to providing accessible and affordable health care.
The Department of Social Protection administer the Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) Scheme and the Fuel Allowance, which may assist individuals in meeting the costs associated with operating medical devices. Further information on these can be found, respectively, at:
www.gov.ie/en/collection/d5554-supplementary-welfare-allowance/.
www.gov.ie/en/service/00aa38-fuel-allowance/.
In addition, energy suppliers are required to establish, maintain and regularly update a register of vulnerable customers. Vulnerable customers include:
• Those who are critically dependent on electrically powered equipment. This includes (but is not limited to) life protecting devices, assistive technologies to support independent living and medical equipment, or
• Those who are particularly vulnerable to disconnection during winter months for reasons of advanced age or physical, sensory, intellectual or mental health.
There are a range of additional protection measures in place for registered vulnerable customers. Energy suppliers are required to provide customers with a free and easy way to register as a vulnerable customer. Further information regarding this can be found at:
www.cru.ie/need-assistance/vulnerable-customers/.
As announced in Budget 2023, every household in Ireland has received three €200 energy credits, totalling €600. These payments were made between November 2022 and April 2023.
There are also a range of Health Service Executive (HSE) administered schemes that assist individuals in meeting their medical costs.
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.
The Drug Payment Scheme (DPS) ensures that no individual or family pays more than €80 a month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The DPS significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals with ongoing expenditure on medicines who are not eligible for a medical card. The DPS provides reimbursement support for the costs associated with the rental of a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine for individuals suffering from sleep apnoea.
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%.
266. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if he will carry-out an independent review of radiation therapy to deal with recruitment and retention in the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20990/23]
View answer267. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the measures that his Department and the HSE are taking to address recruitment and retention in the radiation therapy sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20991/23]
View answer268. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if his Department will develop a long-term strategy which will assist in the radiation therapy sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20992/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 266 to 268, inclusive, together.
Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the important work carried out by Radiation Therapists and the incredibly valuable role they play in the provision of cancer services across the country.
An independent Radiation Therapist review was agreed between the HSE, Department of Health and SIPTU, under the auspices of the Workplace Relations Commission. This strategic review of Radiation Therapy will support the objectives of the National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026 and help address the increasing and more complex demand for radiation oncology. Cancer cases are increasing in line with our ageing and growing population, and the NCCP estimates that up to 60% of patients will require radiation oncology for primary treatment and palliative care in coming years.
Radiation Therapists are highly skilled professionals regulated by CORU. The Review will align with the National Cancer Strategy, taking account of the increasing demand for radiation oncology, the advances in technology, increased specialisation and more targeted treatment. The review will consider issues such as organisation structure, career development in line with Health and Social Care Professional Frameworks, strategic workforce planning and recruitment and retention strategies.
The review process commenced in December 2022 and is currently underway. All outcomes of the review will be given due consideration by the Department of Health. Implementation of any recommendations from the review are subject to approval from the Departments of Health and Public Expenditure and Reform in line with public service pay policy.
It is important to note that the HSE is focused on making all posts, including Radiation Therapist posts, as attractive as possible. In the past number of years it has been developing its ability to attract and retain essential talent to meet the needs of our health service now and in the future.
