Tuesday, 17 Oct 2023

Regulatory Bodies

Questions (515, 516)

Mark Ward

Question:

515. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health for an update on psychotherapy registration through CORU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44745/23]

View answer

Mark Ward

Question:

516. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if an organisation (details supplied) can be included in the next round of discussion for registration of psychotherapy through CORU; to outline the consultation process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44746/23]

View answer

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 515 and 516 together.

As the Deputy may be aware, the Health and Social Care Professionals Council and Registration Boards, collectively known as CORU, are responsible for protecting the public by promoting high standards of professional conduct, education, training, and competence amongst the professions designated under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act (2005). The Act is being implemented on a phased basis as registration boards and their registers are being established.

Regulations under SI No. 170 of 2018 were made by my predecessor in 2018 to designate the professions of counsellor and psychotherapist under the 2005 Act and to establish one registration board for both professions. Members were appointed to the Counsellors and Psychotherapists Registration Board in February 2019 and they held their inaugural meeting in May 2019.

The work of the Counsellors and Psychotherapists Registration Board (CPRB) includes consideration of the titles to be protected and the minimum qualifications to be required of existing practitioners and the qualifications that will be required for future graduates. The work of the CPRB is significantly more challenging than it is for registration boards for some of the more established professions owing to the different and complex pathways into these professions, the variety of titles used, and the variety and number of courses and course providers.

To date, the following progress has been made by the CPRB:

• Identification, verification and comprehensive assessment of legacy/historical qualifications to determine if they are appropriate for transitioning existing practitioners onto the respective registers (when open);

• Scoping and research on the regulation of counsellors and psychotherapists internationally has been conducted;

• Drafting of separate and distinct Standards of Proficiency for counsellors and psychotherapists and Criteria for Education and Training Programmes has been finalised.

A public consultation on the draft Standards of Proficiency and Criteria for Education and Training Programmes has been launched and will run until 5pm on Friday 1st December 2023. As part of this consultation, the CPRB welcomes feedback from stakeholders, including members of the professions, education providers, employers, professional and representative bodies, as well as members of the public.

Further information on the consultation process is available on the CORU website here: www.coru.ie/public-protection/public-consultations/current-consultations/public-consultation-psychotherapists-standards-of-proficiency-and-criteria-for-education-and-training-programmes-for-psychotherapists.html.

Question No. 516 answered with Question No. 515.

Hospital Appointments Status

Questions (517)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

517. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44751/23]

View answer

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.

Departmental Funding

Questions (518)

Cathal Crowe

Question:

518. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health if he will consult with the relevant departments to introduce a scheme to partially reimburse those with a formal coeliac disease diagnosis for the purchase of gluten-free foods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44762/23]

View answer

Written answers

Minister for Health

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

In line with the 2013 Act and the national framework agreed with industry, a company must submit an application to the HSE to have a new medicine added to the formal Reimbursement list. 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.

Gluten-free products were removed from the list of reimbursable items under the General Medical Services (GMS) scheme, with several other products, in September 2012. The marketplace has evolved whereby such products are widely available in supermarkets at a more reasonable price than was historically costed to the State when they were available in pharmacies through the statutory schemes, and without incurring the further extra costs of a dispensing fee. There are currently no plans to reinstate these products on the list of reimbursable items under the GMS and other community drug schemes.

However, possession of a medical card may assist with other medical services. 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. Social and medical issues are also considered when determining whether undue hardship exists for an individual accessing general practitioner or other medical services.

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.

A person can claim tax relief for certain food products if they have specific dietary requirements due to a medical condition. This applies to persons with coeliac disease where they require gluten free foods specifically manufactured to be gluten free. Details of this scheme are available at www.revenue.ie/en/personal-tax-credits-reliefs-and-exemptions/health-and-age/health-expenses/additional-diet-expenses-for-coeliacs-and-diabetics.aspx.

Medicinal Products

Questions (519, 534, 552)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

519. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health his assistance and clarification with a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44766/23]

View answer

Pa Daly

Question:

534. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health to investigate a gap in supply for a drug (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44873/23]

View answer

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

552. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health If he will address a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44970/23]

View answer

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 519, 534 and 552 together.

Amdipharm Limited (also known as Advanz Pharma), the company responsible for supplying levothyroxine oral solution, has advised that new stock of levothyroxine oral solution was expected to arrive in Ireland on 13th October 2023. The company has also advised that it expects a further delivery of additional stock on 6th November 2023.

The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) has also advised my Department that the wholesaler involved in providing the medicine is arranging for expedited delivery of the medicine to the patient’s pharmacy.

Amdipharm Limited has provided the contact details below which can be used by pharmacies in the event that they are unable to obtain the product from wholesalers.

• 01 5294230 (Irish customer care)

• Email : customercareireland@advanzpharma.com

In addition, during this shortage, an alternative levothyroxine oral solution has been regularly available from authorised exempt medicine wholesalers.

Schedule 1 of the Medicinal Products (Control of Placing on the Market) Regulations includes an exemption which enables practitioners to prescribe a medicine as an exempt medicinal product (EMP) under that practitioners direct responsibility, in order to fulfil the special needs of that specific patient. If a valid prescription is issued for an EMP in line with the above Regulations, an appropriately authorised wholesaler can source that product from another market for supply to the patient via their pharmacy in line with that prescription.

As EMPs have not been granted a marketing authorisation in Ireland by the HPRA, they would not be assessed by the HPRA for quality, safety or efficacy. If sourced in response to a bona fide unsolicited order as a licensed product from another market these medicines will have undergone an evaluation of their safety, quality, and efficacy for the granting of their marketing authorisation in that country carried out by the respective competent authority for medicines in that state.

Medicine shortages are a feature of modern health systems worldwide and a global health problem, not unique to Ireland. Unfortunately, there are a multitude of reasons why a medicine may not be available including: shortages of raw materials; manufacturing difficulties; sudden unexpected increase in demand; or product recalls due to potential quality issues. Ireland has a multi-stakeholder medicine shortage framework in place, coordinated by the HPRA, to prevent, wherever possible, and to manage medicine shortages when they occur.

My Department maintains regular contact with the HPRA regarding medicines shortages.

Vaccination Programme

Questions (520)

Joe Flaherty

Question:

520. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Health if there are plans to introduce the shingles vaccine to the national immunisation programme similar to what is in place for people over 65 years of age, with no charge, in Northern Ireland. [44802/23]

View answer

Written answers

Minister for Health

The immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). The committee's recommendations are based on the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland and international best practice in relation to immunisation.

NIAC continues to revise recommendations to allow for the introduction of new vaccines in Ireland and to keep abreast of changes in the patterns of disease. Therefore, the immunisation schedule will continue to be amended over time.

Shingles vaccination is not currently provided as part of the national immunisation programme. Further information is available here:

www2.hse.ie/conditions/shingles/

It may be of interest to note that the Health Information and Quality Authority are currently carrying out a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) on the herpes zoster vaccine which protects against shingles. A HTA is a multidisciplinary research process that collects and summarises information about a health technology. The information can cover a range of fields, including clinical effectiveness and safety, cost-effectiveness and budget impact, organisational and social aspects, and ethical and legal issues. The information is collected and presented in a systematic, unbiased and transparent manner.

The outcome of the HTA, once it is complete, will inform future decision making on this matter in relation to whether or not any amendments are required to the National Immunisation Programme.

Transport Policy

Questions (521)

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

521. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the transport options that are available for older people in Dublin Bay North who wish to attend events specifically organised for older people in the area where they are unable to use public transport; whether she will address the lack of transport options available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44804/23]

View answer

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As these are operational matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (522)

Dara Calleary

Question:

522. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health for details on non-payment of the pandemic payment to a company (details supplied). [44805/23]

View answer

Written answers

Minister for Health

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

Hospital Staff

General Practitioner Services

Questions (528)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

528. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health the steps a person (details supplied) should take where all local GPs have refused to accept them as a medical card patient and the HSE is no longer able to assign persons to a GP practice without GP acceptance under the GP agreement 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44843/23]

View answer

Written answers

Minister for Health

Patient choice of doctor is a bedrock principle of the GMS Scheme for medical card and GP visit card holders. For the vast majority of individuals concerned their choice of doctor is accommodated and they are registered with their GMS GP of choice. In 2022 (last full year data available) out of a total of about 348,000 individuals who were approved for either a GP Visit Card or Medical Card, 3,927 individuals were unable to secure placement with their doctor of choice, or 1.1% of the total. In addition, 3,701 existing GMS patients were reassigned following a change in their place of residence.

For the small number of individuals unable to locate a GP themselves, the long standing process whereby the HSE may assign an eligible person to a GP’s GMS panel remains in place, in accordance with the GMS contract. Where a patient who holds a medical card or GP visit card experiences difficulty in finding a GP to accept them as a patient, the person concerned having unsuccessfully applied to at least three GPs in the area (or fewer if there are fewer GPs in the area) can apply to the HSE National Medical Card Unit which has the power to assign that person to a GP's GMS patient list.

The GP Agreement 2023, which provides for the expansion of GP care without charges to all children under 8 years and to those who earn up to the median household income, does contain arrangements in relation to the assignment of card holders/applicants to GP GMS panels. However, these arrangements do not prevent the assignment of patients and rather are in place to help the equitable distribution of assigned patients across the panels of participating GPs.

In addition, as per the Agreement, a joint HSE and Irish Medical Organisation working group is being established to review the operation of the patient assignment protocol with a view to ensuring that it is framed and operating in a fair, patient- and GP-centred manner.

Medical Aids and Appliances

Defibrillators Provision

Questions (532)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

532. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health to review (details supplied); the funding that is in place for defibrillators and local voluntary groups of Red Cross; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44858/23]

View answer

Written answers

Minister for Health

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are available in many locations across society under the management of various organisations. AEDs are among the various items eligible for funding under the Sports Capital & Equipment Programme (SCEP).

The SCEP is operated by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and provides grants to assist in the development of refurbishment of sports facilities and the provision of sports equipment. Grants are available to voluntary, not-for profit sports clubs, community groups, national governing bodies (NGB), and local authorities. Third level colleges, Education and Training Boards (ETB), and schools may only apply for funding jointly with sports clubs or organisations. The SCEP aims to assist voluntary and community organisations, NGBs of sport, local authorities and ETB and schools to develop high quality, accessible, safe, well-designed, sustainable facilities in appropriate locations and to provide appropriate equipment to help maximise participation in sport and physical recreation.

In addition, funding is also available through the HSE’s national lottery grants schemes and other community grants schemes. At a local level, the network of local sports partnerships throughout the country delivers education and training opportunities across a broad range of areas to local sports clubs and community groups. This includes first aid workshops, which typically cover CPR and-or defibrillator training as part of the content.

From the 1st of January 2023, my Department through the Department of Finance removed VAT from AEDs to make the cost more feasible for groups, organisations or individuals looking to purchase an AED.

Dental Services

Questions (533)

Michael Collins

Question:

533. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Health when the school dentist (details supplied) in the Mizen Medical Centre will be replaced; if this position has been advertised; when the service is likely to resume; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44871/23]

View answer

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. 534 answered with Question No. 519.

Medical Waste

Questions (535)

Alan Kelly

Question:

535. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health what plans the HSE have to ensure that medical laboratory waste is most efficiently dealt with and recycled as part of their plans to decarbonise the treatment of such waste. [44877/23]

View answer

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Hildegarde Naughton)

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

Health Service Executive

Questions (536)

Alan Kelly

Question:

536. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the number of contracts the HSE has with a company (details supplied); the nature of such contracts; and the of each, in tabular form. [44878/23]

View answer

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.