Monday, 11 Sep 2023

Written Answers Nos. 1632-1652

Hospital Admissions

Questions (1632)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

1632. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a hospital bed for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37799/23]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The Deputy's request will be referred to the HSE as this is a Service/Operational matter.

Legislative Measures

Questions (1633)

Michael Lowry

Question:

1633. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health for an update on the patient safety (licensing) Bill; if this Bill will introduce a licensing requirement for individuals practising aesthetic medicine in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37800/23]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The Department of Health continues to work on the Patient Safety (Licensing) Bill which will, for the first time, introduce a licensing requirement for all acute hospitals, public and private, and certain designated high-risk activities in the community. The general scheme of the Bill was approved by Government, underwent Pre-Legislative Scrutiny at the Oireachtas Joint Committee of Health and is currently with the Attorney General’s Office for drafting. 

Preliminary scoping work has seen consideration given to the kinds of activities that may be designated under this aspect of the legislation. It could include, for example, medical, surgical or dental procedures carried out under anaesthesia.

These "high-risk" activities provided outside of the hospital setting are referred to in the Bill as “designated activities”. Designated activities will be provided for by regulation and are likely to initially include some cosmetic surgery services, . Research has been carried out and is ongoing in this area to ensure that an appropriate list of high risk designated activities are identified for inclusion within this licensing scheme.

Anyone practising medicine, including Aesthetic Medicine, in Ireland must be registered with the Medical Council in accordance with the Medical Practitioners Act 2007. Members of the public can verify the registration of a medical practitioner on the Council’s website.

Medical Aids and Appliances

Questions (1634)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

1634. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the position regarding grants and funding for people who have purchased a mobility scooter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37804/23]

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 (1635)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

1635. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) is waiting on their operation in Cavan General Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37806/23]

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 (1636, 1638)

Matt Shanahan

Question:

1636. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Health if his Department is currently considering including Saxenda (which is now recognised as a valuable medication in the treatment of obesity) to the drugs payment scheme for non-diabetic patients; if there are currently any plans to widen the prescription basis of Saxenda to medical card holders with a BMI over 35 as a preventative medicine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37811/23]

Marc Ó Cathasaigh

Question:

1638. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Health the consideration his Department is giving to the inclusion of the drug Saxenda in the treatment of obesity in the drugs payment scheme for non-diabetic patients; if he plans to widen the prescription of Saxenda to medical card holders with a BMI of greater than 35 as a preventative medicine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37840/23]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1636 and 1638 together.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for medicine pricing and reimbursement decisions, in accordance with the provisions of 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 efficacy, the health needs of the public, cost effectiveness and potential or actual budget impact.  

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). I, as the Minister for Health, have no role in these decisions.  

Liraglutide (Saxenda®) has been made available for reimbursement support under the community drug schemes on a managed access basis since 1st January 2023.  

The HSE Medicines Management Programme (MMP) developed a Managed Access Protocol (MAP) for liraglutide (Saxenda®). This MAP outlines the criteria that must be satisfied in order for a patient to be recommended for reimbursement of liraglutide (Saxenda®).  

The relevant circular can be accessed at: www.hse.ie/eng/staff/pcrs/circulars/pharmacy/pharmacy-circular-002-23-saxenda.pdf  

Further information is available on the MMP website at: www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/cspd/medicines-management/managed-access-protocols/liraglutide-saxenda-/liraglutide-saxenda.html  

The HSE have advised that MAPs are used to identify patients or subgroups of patients who would most benefit from the specific treatment approved for reimbursement and for whom the clinical evidence of therapeutic benefit is strongest, and applications are reviewed by the MMP on a case-by-case basis.

Healthcare Policy

Questions (1637, 1805, 1937)

Mick Barry

Question:

1637. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Health given the complications and risks of aesthetic medicine, the steps he will take to establish a regulatory framework for aesthetic medicine practitioners that can establish licensing and qualification requirements, oversight of practitioners and promote public awareness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37812/23]

Brendan Smith

Question:

1805. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the measures he will implement to regulate aesthetic medicine and have proper regulatory controls in place, in view of the concerns by healthcare professionals outlined in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38697/23]

Róisín Shortall

Question:

1937. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health his views on matters raised by doctors practising aesthetic medicine (details supplied); the steps he is taking to establish a more robust regulatory environment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39248/23]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1637, 1805 and 1937 together.

Thank you for raising this important issue, Deputy. The matters outlined in the letter received from healthcare professionals working in the field of aesthetics, are broad in nature and cross-cutting. In providing this response, I have outlined the current regulation of this sector, through professional and product regulation.

Regulation of botulinum toxin

Botulinum toxin (‘Botox’) products are prescription-only medicines and as such, their administration is regulated. The regulations concern, among other aspects, who can source and administer the medicine.

The authorised indications and conditions for use are specified in the marketing authorisations (MA) granted by the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA), or, European Medicines Agency (EMA), for each product. The relevant product information for each product is available from the HPRA website.

In Ireland, administration of prescription-only medicines is covered, inter alia, by the Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) Regulations 2003 to 2021. These provisions should be read in conjunction with the marketing authorisation for the product, which specifies who may administer it.

The HPRA has ongoing concerns about the illegal offering for supply or administration of medicines containing botulinum toxin by people who are not authorised/qualified to do so. The HPRA urges the public to report any suspicions in this regard to it at [e-mail], [e-mail] or by phone on [phone]. The HPRA monitors for illegal supply, both in the physical and digital sphere, including administration, of medicines containing botulinum toxin. The HPRA has taken action in a number of cases, including in some cases prosecutions in the District Court in relation to illegal supply/administration/advertising of botulinum toxin containing medicines and continues to engage in enforcement of the regulations.

Regulation of dermal fillers

Dermal fillers are classified as medical devices. The manufacture and placing on the market of medical devices is regulated by way of the EU Medical Devices Regulation, 2017/745 (MDR).

The MDR, which became fully applicable in May 2021, has an expanded scope, and specifically includes all dermal fillers, including those without a medical purpose. Under the previous framework, only dermal fillers which claimed a medical purpose were required to be ‘CE’ marked as a medical device, however, since the adoption of new technical requirements for these products, known as ‘common specifications’, by way of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/2346 of 1 December 2022, all dermal fillers must be certified as medical devices and undergo a premarket assessment by an independent conformity assessment body (a ‘Notified Body’) before they can be CE marked and placed on the market. This implementing regulation also includes additional requirements in the instructions for use to state that dermal fillers ‘are not to be used in persons who are less than 18 years old’ and that they should only be administered by appropriately trained healthcare professionals. This implementing regulation became applicable in June 2023 and is, along with the MDR in its entirety, subject to a transition period for existing products on the market.

The MDR relates to the regulation of the product itself and requirements for manufacturers of those products. It does not include provisions relating to the use of the product after it is placed on the market and does not explicitly regulate aspects relating to the use in practice or administration of the product. However, as per the provisions of the MDR, it is incumbent on the manufacturer of the medical device to ensure that their device can be used safely. A risk assessment relating to such matters, must be conducted as part of the manufacturer’s overall risk assessment for the device, with appropriate risk control measures adopted on foot of same, which may include measures relating to the use of the device in practice. A medical device should always be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions for use, which may include instructions on matters pertaining to the administration of the device.

The HPRA monitors the safety and compliance of medical devices in Ireland after they are placed on the market. The HPRA operates a national reporting system for medical devices and encourages users of devices to report incidents or problems associated with their use to the HPRA through its website or by contacting HPRA, or the manufacturer, directly. There are mandatory obligations for manufacturers to report incidents that occur with medical devices, in Ireland to the HPRA. While healthcare professionals and patients are not required by law to report incidents they experience, there is a voluntary reporting scheme in place at the HPRA. Individuals and healthcare professionals are actively encouraged to report any adverse incidents to the HPRA. Reports can be submitted to the HPRA through its online reporting system available here[1] .

The HPRA advises anyone who has health concerns relating to dermal fillers to contact their GP or consultant. The HPRA encourages anyone who has information about dermal fillers which do not bear the CE mark, or which do not appear to meet the requirements of the medical devices legislation to provide details of the device in question to the HPRA.

The Department of Health (DoH) is working with the HPRA in considering the current regulation of dermal fillers in Ireland and further consideration by the Department of Health may be required in relation to the regulation of dermal fillers in the future, on foot of this work with the HPRA.

Patient Safety (Licensing) Bill

DoH continues to work on the Patient Safety (Licensing) Bill which will, for the first time, introduce a licensing requirement for all hospitals, public and private, and certain designated high-risk activities in the community. The general scheme of the Bill was approved by Government on 12th December 2017. It underwent Pre-Legislative Scrutiny at the Oireachtas Joint Committee of Health on 13 June 2018, and it is currently with the Attorney General’s Office in order for drafting to be undertaken.

In advance of the Patient Safety (Licensing) Bill, the Patient Safety (Notifiable Incidents and Open Disclosure) Act 2023 will provide the legislative framework for the extension of the Health Information Quality Authority’s (HIQA) regulatory remit to private hospitals.

The DoH advises any member of the public considering treatments such as these to ensure that they are being performed and administered by an appropriately trained and qualified professional and that the products used comply with the requirements of the relevant legislation. In addition, the DoH would refer anyone seeking surgical or non-surgical procedures to the published guidance of the e Chief Medical Officer, accessible here. [2]

Irish Medical Council

The Irish Medical Council is the independent statutory body which regulates medical practitioners in Ireland. Its primary purpose is to protect the public by promoting high standards of professional conduct, education, training, and competence among doctors. One of the Council’s functions is to investigate complaints against registered medical practitioners. Any person or organisation may make a complaint to the Medical Council about a medical practitioner.

If an individual has information relating to a doctor, or doctors, and wishes to make a complaint to the Medical Council this will be investigated in line with Council procedures and legislation as per the Medical Practitioners Act 2007.

It is important to note that the Minister does not have a role in relation to individual complaints received by the Medical Council. Under the Medical Practitioners Act 2007, the Council has sole responsibility in arriving at its decisions in relation to complaints and under section 9 of the Act the Minister is specifically precluded from giving policy directions to the Council relating to its complaints function.

The Medical Council handles complaints relating to a doctor's fitness to practise medicine. Anyone can make a complaint about a doctor who is registered in Ireland. This includes members of the public, employers, and other healthcare professionals. For further information please see the Medical Council’s website Medical Council - Making a Complaint[3] .

Under the Medical Practitioners Act 2007 medical practitioners who practise medicine in the State must be registered with the Medical Council. The Medical Council is empowered to investigate cases where an individual who is not a registered medical practitioner is suspected of claiming to be a registered medical practitioner or of practising medicine in contravention of the 2007 Act. The Council can take action arising from such an investigation, including seeking an injunction from the High Court requiring the person to cease the illegal activities.

Irish Dental Council

The Irish Dental Council, established under the Dentists Act 1985, is the regulatory body for the dental profession. Its general concern is to promote high standards of professional education and conduct among dentists in Ireland.

One of the Council’s functions is to investigate complaints against registered dentists under its Fitness to Practice procedures. Any person may apply to the Fitness to Practice Committee for an inquiry into the fitness of a registered dentist to practice dentistry.

By law, the Dental Council must guide the dental profession on all aspects of ethical conduct and behaviour (Section 66 of the Dentists Act 1985). In May 2023 the Dental Council published a revised Code of Practice regarding Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures on its website (dentalcouncil.ie) setting out the obligations on registered dentists in relation to administering anti-wrinkle (botulinum toxins) or dermal fillers as cosmetic treatments. Failure to comply with this guidance may result in Fitness to Practice proceedings under The Dentists Act 1985.

Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland

The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) is the independent, statutory organisation which regulates the nursing and midwifery professions in Ireland. Their mission is to protect the public and the integrity of the professions of nursing and midwifery through the promotion of high standards of education, training, and professional conduct.

As part of its aim of protecting the public, NMBI is legally responsible for considering complaints against nurses and midwives who practise in Ireland. If an individual is aware of an incident or incidents involving a nurse or midwife that may have compromised a patient’s safety or the protection of the public, they can make a complaint to NMBI. NMBI’s Fitness to Practise department handles all complaints fully, fairly and in accordance with the legislation. Further information is available on the NMBI website.

The Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply (Amendment) Regulations 2003 -2021 (S.I no 540 of 2003, as amended) outlines the conditions for registered nurse or midwifery prescribers to prescribe and registered nurses or midwives to administer Botulinum Toxins based on a prescription. Any administration must to be in accordance with the relevant conditions regarding prescription control medication.

[1] www.hpra.ie/homepage/about-us/report-an-issue/mdiur

[2] assets.gov.ie/11438/432380d40dbf4e0ea063ccb1485e30ef.pdf

[3] www.medicalcouncil.ie/public-information/making-a-complaint-/

Question No. 1638 answered with Question No. 1636.

Health Strategies

Questions (1639)

Mark Ward

Question:

1639. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health for an update on the development of an implementation plan to deliver on the objectives of tackling loneliness and isolation; when this will be published; if funding will be provided for same in budget 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37842/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

Evidence shows loneliness is a significant issue for population health and a number of different studies have linked loneliness to multiple chronic health conditions. The pandemic was a major contributory factor to increases in social isolation and the 2021 Healthy Ireland Survey, carried out while significant restrictions were still in place, found a significant increase in isolation and a decrease in the proportion of the population reporting positive mental health. Some 81% reported lower levels of social connectedness and 30% reported worsening mental health since the pandemic started.

Given the detrimental impacts of loneliness, a significant body of work has been undertaken, across diverse areas of the Department of Health and the HSE, to address this.

Reconnecting with others has numerous physical and mental health benefits. In response to the increase in loneliness which particularly impacts older people, the Ministers for Health and the Chief Medical Officer, supported by Healthy Ireland, developed a nationwide campaign, aimed at older people, to encourage them to rebuild their social connections and re-integrate into their communities. Post-pandemic, with vaccines and sensible precautions, it is safe for older people to reconnect with the world, to say “Hello Again World”, make up for lost time and re-establish important connections with their community.

Social prescribing recognises that health is heavily determined by social factors such as poverty, isolation and loneliness, offering GPs and other health professionals a means of referring people to a range of non-clinical community supports which can have significant benefits for their overall health and wellbeing. HSE-funded Social Prescribing services are now available in 44 locations across the country. These services are delivered in partnership with community and voluntary organisations such as Family Resource Centres and Local Development Companies, and as part of the Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme.

Mental health of older people is a priority in Sharing the Vision, Ireland's national mental health policy, with actions including improving access to Mental Health Services for Older People, promoting evidence-based digital mental health interventions in the general population and with older persons, and linking recommendations with the National Positive Ageing Strategy.

To this end, the Age Friendly Homes Programme began in 2021 as a two-year pilot project, with the overall objectives to prevent early or premature admission to long-term residential care; enable older people to continue living in their homes or in a home more suited to their needs; help older people to live with a sense of independence and autonomy and support older people to be and feel part of their communities. Funding of €5.2 million has been allocated in Budget 2023 to roll-out the Healthy Age Friendly Homes Programme nationally in 2023.

The HSE, in conjunction with ALONE, is also continuing the roll out of a Support Coordination Service across the country. This service will support older people to live well at home independently, and for as long as possible, through support coordination and access to services such as, but not limited to; practical supports, befriending, social prescribing, assistive technology, and coordinated linkages to local community groups in their area. This service is being led out under the Enhanced Community Care (ECC) Programme, a strategic reform programme in line with Sláintecare proposals and priorities which seeks to deliver new and enhanced services and support the move toward a more community-centric model of healthcare.

As part of the ECC programme, the Integrated Care Programme for Older Persons (ICPOP) model aims to shift the delivery of care for older people away from acute hospitals towards a community based, planned and coordinated care model which is closely aligned to Primary Care and Acute sector partners. The objective of the programme is to improve the quality of life for older people by providing access to integrated care and support that is planned around their needs and choices. This supports them to live well in their own homes and communities without the need to access acute care settings. As of Q2 2023, 23 ICPOP teams have been established across Ireland, with 30 expected to be established in total by year end.

The Government is committed to ensuring that those living with dementia have access to the right services and supports to help them to live well in their communities, and has prioritised much-needed investment in dementia over the past three budgets.  

We have invested €12.16 in dementia services and supports in 2023: €4.86 million has been provided for the National Dementia Strategy and €2.1 million for the full resumption of dementia-specific day care services. We have also prioritized investment valued at €5.2 million to allocate a minimum of 15% of 5 million new home support hours to people with dementia, up from 5% in 2021 and 11% in 2022. This investment is in addition to €5.9 million provided for the implementation of the National Dementia Strategy in 2021, and a further €7.3 million in 2022.  

Acknowledging the disproportionately negative impact of the pandemic on older persons, the Programme for Government (2020) commits to the establishment of a commission on care that will ‘assess how we care for older people and examine alternatives to meet the diverse needs of our older citizens’, learning the lessons from COVID 19. In 2022 preliminary research was undertaken within the Department of Health in preparation for the establishment of the commission on care, the scoping and planning for which are being further advanced as a priority in 2023.

At a local level, Mental Health Day Services provided by the HSE are available to those who may require them, which provide mental health and medication supports, as well as wider assistances associated with daily living. In addition, in May this year I announced an additional €5.25 million funding for meals on wheels and day centres for older people to organisations across the country.

Decisions on the provision for this issue in Budget 2024 is a matter for the Estimates process preceding the Budget each year.

Mental Health Services

Questions (1640)

Mark Ward

Question:

1640. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the number of dedicated acute mental health beds for older people per CHO; the staffing levels of mental health services for older people for the previous from 2018 to date per CHO; if there will be an increase in funding for both in budget 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37843/23]

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.

Departmental Data

Questions (1641)

David Stanton

Question:

1641. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health the number of women who were estimated to have developed gestational diabetes during pregnancy each year from 2018 to 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37851/23]

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 Records

Questions (1642)

Paul Murphy

Question:

1642. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health the steps that can be taken to help two persons (details supplied) obtain their medical records. [37857/23]

Written answers

Minister for Health

GPs are private practitioners and the medical records of private patients are a matter of private contract between the patient and the GP.

Notwithstanding this, and due to the exceptional circumstances involved with respect to the particular GP practice referred to by the Deputy, my Department has liaised with relevant stakeholders in the matter, including The Medical Council. The Medical Council is party to the relevant enforcement orders in this matter in relation to patient records with a view to the effective implementation of the orders of the Court.  Efforts to this end are continuing.

Hospital Appointments Status

Questions (1643)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

1643. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) is waiting for an appointment in the Mater hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37858/23]

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.

Cannabis for Medicinal Use

Questions (1644)

Bríd Smith

Question:

1644. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will clarify following the roll-out of the pilot medical cannabis access programme the number of patients who have gained access to medical cannabis through the programme; the number who have been reimbursed; the number who have been prescribed Epidyolex; the number who have gained access to medical cannabis during the same period via the ministerial licence route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37885/23]

Written answers

Minister for Health

There are a total of 49 patients on the MCAP register who have been issued with a Cannabis for Medical Use Registration (CMUR) number. To date, 37 patients have accessed product under this programme based on community pharmacy reported claims data to the Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS).

Separately, Epidyolex® (cannabidiol) which is a licensed product in Ireland was added to the Reimbursement List on 1st January 2022 following formal pricing and reimbursement assessment under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. Epidyolex® is restricted to approved prescribers under the High Tech Arrangements through the online Hub infrastructure.  Since 1st January 2022, there have been 256 patients prescribed Epidyolex under the High Tech Arrangements. 

Since the commencement of the MCAP in November 2021, under the Ministerial Licence programme licences have issued to clinicians for the treatment of 43 separate patients.

Public Procurement Contracts

Questions (1645)

David Stanton

Question:

1645. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health the policy of his Department to ensure Irish-based businesses, and SMEs in particular, are not prevented from tendering for Government and State business; the measures he has put in place to ensure Irish businesses are supported in tendering for Government or State business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37898/23]

Written answers

Minister for Health (Deputy Stephen Donnelly)

Public Procurement is governed by EU and National rules.  The aim of these rules is to promote an open, competitive and non-discriminatory public procurement regime which ultimately delivers the best value for money.  My Department is fully committed to ensuring that it meets its obligations under the National Public Procurement Policy Framework including all national and EU procurement laws, guidelines and Government circulars.  This includes measures to support and encourage participation by Irish based businesses and SMEs in the tendering process contained in the Department of Public Expenditure NDP Delivery and Reform's circular 05/2023 (Initiatives to assist SMEs in Public Procurement). This sets out positive measures that contracting authorities should take to promote the involvement of smaller enterprises and highlights practices that are to be avoided which may hinder small businesses in competing for public contracts.

To ensure that my Department remains compliant with all obligations under procurement circular 05/2023 , its requirements have been incorporated into the Department's Procurement Policy and officials who undertake procurement processes are required to:

• Where possible, utilise Office of Government Procurement (OGP) framework agreements.

• If no framework agreement is applicable, open procedures should be utilised and the use of restricted tendering should be limited to exceptional circumstances.

• When planning large procurement exercises consideration must be given to breaking the requirements into lots.  This can be divided by type of good /service, geographic or value.

• Insurance and turnover requirements must be relevant and proportionate to the circumstances of the contract and the associated risk assessment.

• All procurements for supplies and services in excess of €50,000 must be advertised on eTenders platform.

• Increased use of the Request for Quote process following the rise in the threshold for RFQ’s from €25,000 (ex VAT) to €50,000 (ex VAT).

• Provision should be made for self-certification by Tenderers for selection criteria, with only the identified preferred Tenderer being required to furnish the requisite supporting and evidentiary documentation at the end of the evaluation process.

• All users are encouraged to register for the eTenders portal where they can access all of the tools provided by the OGP.

My Department recognises the importance of Irish based businesses and SMEs and supports the delivery of policy measures already developed by the OGP aimed at assisting these sectors.

Health Service Executive

Questions (1646)

David Stanton

Question:

1646. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health to outline Government policy with respect to the management and-or disposal of HSE property that is surplus to requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37907/23]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The Governance environment for the Health Service Executive’s acquisition and disposal of property interests is carried out in line with statutory obligations, regulatory frameworks, Departmental Circulars, Codes of Governance, requirements of the HSE Board and best practice procedures in the management of property transactions.

When a HSE property has been vacated by a service it is necessary to establish if it is surplus to requirements.  This involves engagement with other HSE services to establish if they have a need for the property in question. This may involve notifying the CEO of the relevant hospital and the Chief Officer of the Community Healthcare Organisation or through an accommodation group if established.

If the property is not required by another service, Capital & Estates must decide if it will be disposed of or retained in the healthcare estate. If the property is to be retained, a business case submission to the HSE Property Review Group (PRG) will be required (in line with DPER circular 17/2016).

If the property is to be disposed of, the sequence of procedures in line with requirements, is as follows:

• Engage with the LDA through written notification.

• Engage with other State stakeholders (State Property Register under DPER Circulars 11/2015 & 17/2016)

• Put the property on the open market.

With regard to property that is surplus to HSE requirements, in 2022 a list of some 300 HSE properties across the State, surplus to health sector requirements and potentially suitable for use in providing accommodation under Housing for All, and also in the provision of accommodation for Ukraine refugees, was provided to the Department of Housing and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. 

My Department and the HSE continue to engage in the management of the health estate including identification of any property surplus to health requirements and in the whole-of-government approach to Housing for All and the provision of Ukrainian refugee accommodation.

Hospital Appointments Status

Questions (1647)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

1647. 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. [37910/23]

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.

Healthcare Policy

Questions (1648)

David Stanton

Question:

1648. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health the current situation with respect to the regulation of the athletic therapy profession in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37919/23]

Written answers

Minister for Health

A number of representative bodies for unregulated professions have approached the Department seeking to be regulated. The issues to be considered regarding the proportionate degree of regulatory force required to protect the public are complex. In light of the various issues to be considered, and in line with ongoing work in the Department of Health, the Health Research Board (HRB) was requested to carry out research on behalf of the Department to assist in policy development in this area. The report, “National Approaches to Regulating Health and Social Care Professions”, examines the approaches to the regulation of health and social care professionals internationally and is publicly available on the Department’s website (www.gov.ie/en/publication/ea62b-national-approaches-to-regulating-health-and-social-care-professions/). 

Officials in the Department of Health are in the process of drawing from this report and other relevant sources to develop a framework to guide policy on the regulation of health and social care professionals into the future. This framework will also be informed by an evidence and risk-based approach to regulation in line with requirements set out in the EU Proportionality Test Directive, which was transposed into Irish law on 19 August 2022 (S.I. No. 413/2022). Further information on the Proportionality Test Directive can be found here: single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/news/services-directive-handbookproportionality-test-directive-guidance-2022-12-22_en

There are no plans in place to progress regulation of individual professions until appropriate risk-assessment and evaluation tools are in place in compliance with best practice, international evidence, and the Proportionality Test Directive. 

My officials will be preparing a report on progress made in developing a framework to guide future decision-making on the regulation of health and social care professions, which will be laid before each House of the Oireachtas within six months of commencement of the Regulated Professions (Health and Social Care) Act 2023.

Primary Care Centres

Questions (1649)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

1649. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health if the primary care centre at Boot Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 is still on course for delivery in quarter 3 of 2023; and if he will indicate a date for the commencement of services at the centre. [37921/23]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As the Health Service Executive (HSE) holds responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Hospital Procedures

Questions (1650)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

1650. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of orthopantomography X-rays carried out in the maxillofacial unit in St. James's Hospital in the years of 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [37935/23]

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.

Emergency Departments

Questions (1651)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

1651. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of treatment bays in the accident and emergency department in both CHI Temple Street and CHI Crumlin. [37936/23]

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

Questions (1652)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

1652. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the current state of feeding eating-drinking-swallowing impairments pathways for assessment and treatment in CHO 7 and CHO 9. [37937/23]

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.