Monday, 11 Sep 2023

Written Answers Nos. 1569-1589

Primary Care Centres

Questions (1569)

Patrick Costello

Question:

1569. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health for an update in relation to the current status and timeline for completion of the Drimnagh primary health centre. [37535/23]

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.

Healthcare Policy

Questions (1570)

Paul Murphy

Question:

1570. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that Australia has banned the importation of non-prescription vaping products (details supplied); if he will outline his Department's plans for the future of vaping in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37577/23]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I am aware of the recent developments in Australia regarding non-prescription vaping. 

The Upcoming Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill will introduce a suite of measures which aim to reduce the appeal and availability of nicotine inhaling products such as electronic cigarettes to young people. In particular the Bill will prohibit the sale of these products to minors and introduce a requirement for a licence for their sale.  It is expected that the Bill will be enacted in the next Oireachtas term. 

Further effective regulation of nicotine inhaling products is complex. Successful actions on public health issues require multiple evidence-based interventions in order to affect usage. Each aspect of the product, including pricing, advertising, packaging and sale needs to be addressed in order to have a successful impact. There are a range of options for how best to regulate these products while taking into consideration their relative harm compared to combustible tobacco products. In addition, there is already significant regulation of these products at EU level and a proposal for a revised Tobacco Products Directive is also expected in 2024.

In the context of all of these considerations, I am examining options for the development of further legislation on nicotine inhaling products.

Mental Health Services

Questions (1571)

Matt Shanahan

Question:

1571. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Health to outline the number of legal cases in progress, or pending, in relation to GDPR breaches with respect to the national CAMHS service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37579/23]

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 directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Mental Health Services

Questions (1572)

Matt Shanahan

Question:

1572. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Health to provide an outline of the degree of integration between CAMHS services and the other HSE interfaces that exist across the HSE network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37580/23]

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 directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Mental Health Services

Questions (1573)

Matt Shanahan

Question:

1573. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Health to outline his confidence in the ICT systems and networks that allow the national and satellite CAMHS units to carry out their patient communications and follow-up functions effectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37581/23]

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 directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Mental Health Services

Questions (1574)

Matt Shanahan

Question:

1574. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Health what robustness he has been advised of in terms of national CAMHS ICT systems and the ability of same to provide accurate data reporting, including the revision process of patient data in terms of age and domicile residence and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37582/23]

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 directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Nursing Homes

Questions (1575)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

1575. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will commit to financially helping private nursing homes (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37586/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I can confirm that I recently held a roundtable discussion with private nursing home provider representative groups and will continue to engage with them going forward.

Discussions on next year’s Estimates and Budget 2024 are ongoing and a wide range of initiatives are under consideration.

Budget 2023 saw over €40 million in additional funding for Fair Deal which is providing for an uplift in the maximum prices chargeable by private and voluntary nursing homes, as negotiated. 

Overall, nearly €1.5 billion of the total Health Budget for 2023 is allocated to support people under the Nursing Home Support Scheme (Fair Deal). 

It should also be noted that the Department of Health and I have regular interaction with the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) and have met them to discuss ways to support the sector, where necessary and appropriate, to complement the normal process of negotiating rate increases when contracts are renewed.  

Any nursing home which has had a scheduled renegotiation of their Deed of Agreement with the NTPF this year has seen a significant uplift. These new contracts have seen an average baseline increase in price per bed of between 6% and 7%. 

The Government is cognisant of private and voluntary nursing homes that are not scheduled to renegotiate their Deed of Agreement in 2023. One of the options under consideration is for nursing home providers to agree to a shorter contract duration with the NTPF. 

There is no other mechanism for funding from the public purse for nursing home residents outside the Nursing Home Support Scheme.  It is imperative that private and voluntary providers continue to engage in the process as set out in the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act 2009. 

A short-term extension to the Temporary Inflation Payment Scheme (TIPS), introduced last year to help with increased energy costs due to inflation, is currently under review.  

The Department of Health acknowledges that there are variations in the cost of care across public centres as well as across private nursing homes, with HSE Community Nursing Units generally having a higher cost of care. 

In December 2021, the Department published the independently chaired Value for Money review on nursing home costs. The review found that the cost differential is largely driven by variances in staff-to-resident ratios and the skill mix in public and private nursing homes.

The Value for Money Review made nine recommendations which the Department continues to take forward. It should be noted that many of the recommendations from the report were already in progress and overlap with existing reforms.

Nursing Homes

Questions (1576)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

1576. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37587/23]

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.

Dental Services

Questions (1577)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

1577. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the case of a person (details supplied) who is on the waiting list for wisdom teeth removal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37595/23]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Under 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.

Medical Aids and Appliances

Questions (1578, 1747)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

1578. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health to respond to concerns raised in correspondence (details supplied) in respect of the exorbitant prices being charged for hearing aids, which in many countries are reducing drastically; to outline his position on the matter; if the Government will review the overall situation with a view to reducing the price of hearing aids, notwithstanding the available supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37609/23]

Emer Higgins

Question:

1747. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health to extend audiology services to all adults on a needs basis. [38349/23]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1578 and 1747 together.

The Government is committed to ensuring that those suffering from hearing loss have access to the services they require, including access to affordable hearing aids.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) provides hearing aids and associated maintenance free of charge to children under the age of 18 and to adults with a medical card. Further information regarding the HSE's audiology service can be found at: www2.hse.ie/services/audiology/ 

In accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE. 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. Further information can be found at: www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/medical-cards/

The Treatment Benefit Scheme, operated by the Department of Social Protection, provides for healthcare services to qualified people who have the required number of PRSI contributions. This includes up to €1,000 for a pair of hearing aids, and up to €100 toward repairs, within a 4-year calendar period. Further information can be found at: www.gov.ie/en/service/1fb655-treatment-benefit-scheme/

Individuals who do not possess a medical card or who are not eligible for the Treatment Benefit Scheme would have to purchase hearing aids privately from a commercial provider. If the individual has private health insurance, it may cover hearing aid costs. Hearing aids are exempt from VAT. People may also be entitled to claim tax relief at the standard rate of tax (20%) on the purchase of hearing aids where prescribed.

Question No. 1579 answered with Question No. 1568.

Mental Health Services

Questions (1580)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

1580. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health for a pathway for two children (details supplied) from separate families with intellectual disabilities who are self-injuring to access psychiatric services in County Mayo when there is currently no consultant child psychiatrist for intellectual disability services in the Mayo-Roscommon area. [37614/23]

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 directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Medical Aids and Appliances

Questions (1581, 1582, 1612)

Seán Haughey

Question:

1581. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Health if he has plans to provide funding for the provision of the freestyle libre flash glucose monitoring system to people with diabetes over 21 years of age based on clinical need; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37615/23]

Seán Haughey

Question:

1582. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Health if he will ring-fence some of the anticipated 2021 cost savings from the recent HSE medicines management programme (MMP) preferred blood glucose strips for adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes evaluation, to fund the provision of the Freestyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system to people with diabetes over 21 years of age based on clinical need; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37616/23]

Matt Shanahan

Question:

1612. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Health if he plans to provide funding in budget 2024 to fund the provision of the glucose monitoring device Dexcom G7 to persons with diabetes over 21 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37681/23]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1581, 1582 and 1612 together.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement under the community schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.

In making a relevant reimbursement decision, the HSE is required under the Act to have regard to a number of criteria including clinical efficacy, the health needs of the public, cost effectiveness and potential or actual budget impact. I, as the Minister for Health, have no role in these decisions.

The Health Information and Quality Authority have undertaken a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) in respect of the provision of glucose monitoring devices to adults with Type I diabetes. This HTA will inform the HSE decision-making process.

While preparations in respect of Budget 2024 are ongoing, any health measures introduced will be in the context of the implementation of the health commitments in the Programme for Government and the funding available to progress healthcare priorities.

Question No. 1582 answered with Question No. 1581.

Medical Aids and Appliances

Questions (1583)

Seán Haughey

Question:

1583. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Health how many applications for freestyle libre were submitted by individual hospitals for people with diabetes over 21 years of age; how many were approved; how many were refused in each of the years 2017-2021, in tabular form; if there are plans to remove the age restriction on freestyle libre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37617/23]

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 (1584)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

1584. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37621/23]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Under 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.

Medicinal Products

Questions (1585)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

1585. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the national protocols in place for the administration of psychotropic drugs to patients in nursing homes and other institutions in which persons are in care; the system of monitoring and inspection in place to ensure persons are not administered these drugs improperly or illegally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37634/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Mary Butler)

The Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2017 (SI 173/2017) contains the regulations for the possession, supply and administration of controlled drugs in a nursing homes and similar settings.  Oversight of the regulation is also provided for in the Regulation itself. Regulation 3 provides for nurse prescribing, Regulation 7 provides for the administration of Schedule 2,3 and 4 drugs. Regulation 9 provides for the supply of schedule 2,3,4 and 5 controlled drugs, Regulations 14 and 23 provides for documentation and record keeping, Regulation 15 provides for the form of prescription, Regulation 19 for the keeping of registers for drugs in Schedules 1 and 2, while Regulation 24 provides for furnishing of information with respect to controlled drugs.

The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) was established under the Health Act 2007, as amended, to promote safety and quality in the provision of health and personal social services for the benefit of the health and welfare of the public. HIQA’s regulatory role is to regulate designated centres for older people, people with a disability and special care units. Since 2009 all nursing homes - public, voluntary and private, have been registered and inspected by HIQA.  This responsibility is underpinned by a comprehensive quality framework comprising Regulations and National Standards.

Residents in nursing homes receive medication as prescribed by a general practitioner or physician and as dispensed by a pharmacist. Prescribing practices including the choice of drug is the prerogative of the medical profession and not subject to review by inspectors of social service.

Inspectors will review care records and medication administration records to ensure that residents receive their medication in line with the above prescriptions and any advice by the dispensing pharmacist. 

Health Services Staff

Questions (1586)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

1586. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health to provide clarification on the reason neurology services were not granted an allocation of ANP posts in 2022 and 2023, considering the pressing issue of waiting lists and its impact on patient care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37635/23]

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 Aids and Appliances

Questions (1587)

Maurice Quinlivan

Question:

1587. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health if he can intervene and get a single wipe-down medical bed due to incontinence issues for a boy (details supplied) who has severe autism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37636/23]

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.

Health Services Staff

Questions (1588)

Mark Ward

Question:

1588. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health to outline the reason no allocation of advanced nurse practitioners were allocated to neurology services in 2022 and 2023; if there are plans to allocate advanced nurse practitioners to neurology services going froward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37638/23]

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.

Question No. 1589 answered with Question No. 1508.