Written Answers Nos. 1027-1046
1027. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health for an update on the expansion of the National Newborn Bloodspot Screening Programme; when the review is due to conclude and be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40611/23]
View answerI am fully committed to supporting our population screening programmes which are a valuable part of our health service, enabling early treatment and care for many people, and improving the overall health of our population. The expansion of the National Newborn Bloodspot (NBS) Programme is a priority for me, and the National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC) has been progressing with work to support this.
The NSAC is an independent expert group that considers and assesses evidence in a robust and transparent manner, and against internationally accepted criteria. It is important that we have rigorous processes in place to ensure our screening programmes are effective, quality assured and operating to safe standards, and that the benefits of screening outweigh the harms. As you will appreciate, these are lengthy and complex processes.
The Committee holds an Annual Call which invites all stakeholders, including members of the public, HSE and other medical professionals, to make proposals for the introduction of new population-based screening programmes or changes to existing programmes in Ireland. The Committee plans to launch its third Annual Call later this year, and information will be posted on the Committee's website nsaccommittee.ie with details on the submission process.
I am pleased to note that significant progress has been made on expansion of the newborn bloodsport screening programme over the past 18 months. Since May 2022, babies have been screened for nine conditions following a recommendation from the NSAC to add ADA-SCID to the Programme.
Building on this, in January 2023, I approved a further recommendation from the Committee for the addition of T-cell receptor excision circle (TREC)-based screening for all types of Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) to the NBS programme, which will increase the number of conditions screened as part of the screening programme to ten. The Committee made its recommendation to me based on their consideration of a comprehensive Health Technology Assessment (HTA) report from HIQA. HTAs collect and summarise detailed information about new technologies over a range of fields, including clinical effectiveness and safety, cost-effectiveness and budget impact, organisational and social aspects, and ethical and legal issues. The HSE is now undertaking an extensive body of work to prepare for implementation. Provision for this addition will be included in the relevant HSE service planning processes in line with HSE budgeting procedures.
Another HTA on the addition of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is currently underway by HIQA. It will provide evidence-based advice to NSAC and will inform a decision regarding the potential inclusion of SMA in the NBS programme. I am advised that the HTA is at an advanced stage, the NSAC expect HIQA to complete this process shortly and that the HTA will be presented to and considered by the Committee at a meeting before the end of this year.
I look forward to receiving a recommendation from the Committee following their consideration of the HTA once it is available.
1028. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health to confirm that a school bus escort (details supplied) who worked during the pandemic is entitled to a pandemic recognition payment; when the payment will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40623/23]
View answerLast year the Government announced a once-off, ex-gratia COVID-19 pandemic recognition payment for certain frontline public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. Eligibility criteria for the payment were set following significant consideration and consultation.While the Department does not comment on individual cases, I can confirm that in order to receive the recognition payment, staff must have:• Been in COVID vaccination cohorts 1 or 2, and• Worked ordinarily onsite in a COVID-19 exposed healthcare environment, and• Worked for at least 4 weeks in the 1/3/2020 – 30/6/2021 period, and• Worked in a HSE/Section 38 organisation, or one of the following:1. Private Sector Nursing Homes and Hospices (e.g. Private, Voluntary,Section 39 etc.);2. Section 39 long-term residential care facilities for people with disabilities, working on-site;3. Agency roles working in the HSE;4. Health Care Support Assistants (also known as home help / home care / home support) contracted to the HSE;5. Members of the Defence Forces redeployed to work in frontline Covid-19 exposed environments in the HSE;6. Paramedic staff employed by Dublin Fire Brigade to deliver services on behalf of the HSE.Only those staff who meet all of the above eligibility criteria are covered for this payment. I appreciate that many other workers, volunteers, and other citizens, provided important services during this most difficult time. While this is not questioned, it is important to recognise that this in itself is not sufficient to be considered eligible for this payment. The Government appreciates that those organisations and staff who are not encompassed for this particular payment may feel disappointed. It was tough to draw a line on this matter, but the Government based its decision on the risks which eligible frontline workers faced, following careful consideration. While undoubtedly immense efforts have been made by other healthcare staff since the onset of this pandemic, it is right that the Government pursue this course to recognise those at greatest risk in the performance of their duties throughout the pandemic, including those who worked in the very acutely affected environments above.In recognition of the efforts of all workers, volunteers, and the general public during the COVID-19 pandemic, and in remembrance of people who lost their lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government announced a public holiday which took place on 18 March 2022. As of February this year there is now also a new permanent public holiday established to mark Imbolc/St Brigid’s Day.Finally I want to again express my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during what has been a challenging period for our health services
1029. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will introduce, in context of Budget 2024, the automatic provision of medical cards to people with a spinal cord injury based on certified medical needs, rather than means. [40625/23]
View answerMedical Card provision is primarily based on financial assessment. In accordance with the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE, which assesses each application on a qualifying financial threshold.
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 efficient provision of medical cards in response to emergency situations i.e., where persons are in need of urgent ongoing medical care or when a patient is receiving end of life treatment. In these cases, a medical card is issued within 24 hours of receipt of the required patient details and completed medical report by a healthcare professional. 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.
1030. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health to extend the review cycle for medical card holders with a spinal cord injury to ten years. [40626/23]
View answerIn accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE. The Act obliges the HSE to assess whether a person is unable, without undue hardship, to arrange general practitioner services for himself or herself and his or her family, having regard to his or her overall financial position and reasonable expenditure.In that regard the HSE is also required to undertake periodic reviews of eligibility in order to ensure that a person continues to meet the qualifying criteria required to continue holding eligibility. Where any medical or GP visit card holder has a review process initiated, it should be noted that he/she will continue to retain their eligibility for the duration of the review process.Every effort is also made by the HSE, within the framework of the legislation, to provide an eligibility assessment process that is responsive and sensitive to people’s needs, in particular, to take full account of the difficult circumstances in the case of applicants who may be in excess of the income guidelines. Social and medical issues are also considered when determining whether undue hardship exists for an individual accessing general practitioner or other medical services and to that end, the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card where an applicant exceeds his or her income threshold.
1031. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health when the review of the long-term illness scheme will take place; if the age limit of 16 years old in the mental health category of the scheme will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40630/23]
View answerThe Long-Term Illness (LTI) Scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). Regulations were made in 1971, 1973 and 1975, prescribing 16 illnesses covered by the scheme.
These are: acute leukaemia; mental handicap; cerebral palsy; mental illness (in a person under 16); cystic fibrosis; multiple sclerosis; diabetes insipidus; muscular dystrophies; diabetes mellitus; parkinsonism; epilepsy; phenylketonuria; haemophilia; spina bifida; hydrocephalus; and conditions arising from the use of Thalidomide.
Under the LTI Scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge.
Statutory Instrument No. 277 of 1971, put a limitation on Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970, in respect of the provision of medicines to those suffering from mental illness:
"Arrangements for the supply of drugs and medicines to persons suffering from mental illness in pursuance of section 59 (3) of the Act shall be made only in respect of persons under the age of 16 years."
Therefore, the limitation on age currently applies to persons eligible for the LTI Scheme under the category of "mental illness"; the Scheme has operated on this basis since its inception.
However, it is important to remember that the LTI Scheme exists within a wider eligibility framework. This Government has put a significant focus on improving access to and the affordability of healthcare services, advancing substantial policy, legislation and investment to deliver expanded eligibility.
In 2022, a range of measures were delivered including the abolition of public inpatient charges for children, reductions in the Drug Payment Scheme threshold to €80 per month, and the introduction of free contraception for women aged 17-25.
The significant investment in Budget 2023 also facilitated better access to affordable, high-quality healthcare, including an expansion of GP care without charges to children aged under 8 and to people earning no more than the median household income, the abolition of all public in-patient hospital charges for adults, and the extension of the free contraception scheme to include women aged 26-30. These measures continue to create a health and social care service that offers affordable access to quality healthcare.
In addition, 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.
Under the Drug Payment Scheme (DPS), no individual or family pays more than €80 a month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The DPS is not means tested and is available to anyone ordinarily resident in Ireland. The DPS significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals with ongoing expenditure on medicines.
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%.
1032. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health to outline, in tabular form, how many referrals to CAMHS were made in the past five years; how many of those were refused; and the reasons given for refusal. [40640/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1033. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health to outline the approach that is to be taken by CAMHS in circumstances where an applicant has diagnosed autism and potentially has ADHD, whether CAMHS will assess for ADHD. [40641/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1034. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his views regarding funding for training staff members (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40663/23]
View answerAs the upskilling of staff of the public health sector is an operational matter, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy to advise him what processes are in place where public health sector employees are required to learn/be trained in new methods of work, and of any associated funding in place for same.
1035. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE consultant cardiothoracic surgeons based at Cork University Hospital in the years of 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [40673/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1036. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the number of health recruitment fairs in the UK that officials from University Hospital Limerick were in attendance, either in-person or virtually in the years of 2022 and to date in 2023, to seek to recruit additional nurses, doctors, physiotherapist, dentists, and so on, to work in UHL; if so, the number of jobs offered, per recruitment fair; the number of jobs offered that were accepted, per recruitment fair; and if any officials from UHL plan to be present at any additional health recruitment fairs before the end of the year in the UK. [40674/23]
View answerAs this is a matter for the Health Service Executive, the HSE has been asked to respond directly to the Deputy.
1037. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health for an update on perinatal services in CHO areas 3+5. [40675/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1038. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE dietitians, speech and language therapists and occupational therapists working in South Tipperary General Hospital in the years of 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [40676/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1039. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health his plans to reform the Dental Act 1985; if he will provide a timeline for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40695/23]
View answer1040. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health his plans to empower the Dental Council to inspect dental practices, to be given authority to regulate dental practices which are not owned by dentists, and to investigate allegations of dental care being provided by persons who are not registered dental practitioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40696/23]
View answer1041. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he will set out a schedule of engagements that his Department has with the Dental Council on the matter outlined in the RTÉ Primetime investigates programme of 7 September 2023 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40697/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1039, 1040 and 1041 together.
The practice of dentistry is underpinned by a range of legislation, of which the Dentists Act 1985 is only one. Currently five separate state and regulatory agencies (Health Information and Quality Authority, Health Service Executive, Health and Safety Authority, Environmental Protection Agency and Local Authorities) have a regulatory interest and oversight of dental practices, primarily for the protection of the public.
While I am aware that the Dentists Act 1985 needs to be updated to align with other healthcare profession regulatory legislation, the Act was amended by the Regulated Professions (Health and Social Care) (Amendment) Act 2020, which was signed into law in October 2020.
In the context of the wider need to update dental legislation, the Department of Health is committed to reviewing the Dentists Act 1985. The protection of the public and ensuring high oral healthcare standards will continue to be the central focus of this work. The review and updating of the legislation also, necessarily, is directly related to the wider implementation of the National Oral Health Policy, which envisages a fundamental reform of oral health services. As such, any new legislation will also be informed by this work.
Additional resources have been allocated to commence this work to further strengthen the regulation of dentists in Ireland. The Department is currently undertaking preparatory scoping and planning work to support the review. As part of this preparatory scoping work, the Department is considering the necessary timelines required to deliver a robust, evidence based modern regulatory framework with due consideration to the policy alignment referenced above.
The Department meets with the Dental Council on a regular basis in order to discuss strategic and governance issues including the regulatory framework, the operation of the regulatory system and legislative reform. The Department will be engaging closely with the Dental Council as part of our work to reform The Dentists Act.
1042. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1154 of 21 March 2023, 597 of 25 April 2023 and 703 of 27 June 2023, if he will provide an update on the formation of the development team, announced by Cork HSE management in May 2022, tasked with conducting an options appraisal for the construction of a new ten-bed mental health rehabilitation/continuing care residential service in Midleton, County Cork; the names of HSE management staff who have been appointed to the team; the dates of any development team meetings held to date or engagements with the local authority; the details on the progress the development team has made on identifying a site for the service over the past fifteen months and on the acquisition of capital funding; to provide an update on the timeframe for the commencement and completion of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40721/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1043. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 719 of 17 May 2023, the length of time that the HSE plans to continue its use of a facility (details supplied) as a mental health facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40722/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1044. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1155 of 21 March 2023, the total cost of the HSE's use of a facility (details supplied) as a mental health facility since the property was first rented in April 2020 to 14 September 2023, in tabular form; and the cost of rent, cleaning fees, investment in the kitchen, insurance and any other costs covered by the HSE in respect of this property. [40723/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
1045. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health the exact requirements for the advertising of local recruitment competitions for HSE staff grade and senior grade psychology posts, such that they are compliant with the Commission for Public Service Appointments and the HSE's own recruitment protocols; the way these differ from other forms of psychology recruitment competitions run by the HSE for psychology posts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40724/23]
View answerAs recruitment is a matter for the Health Service Executive, the HSE has been asked to respond directly to the Deputy.
1046. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1375 of 25 July 2023, the status of the development of a primary care centre on Inisbofin; the status of the land transfer and acquisition of the site; if a design team has been appointed to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40734/23]
View answerAs 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.
