Written Answers Nos. 509-530
509. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Health the number of children awaiting an assessment with CAMHS; including the number of children waiting longer than six months in each county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49474/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
As the Deputy may be aware, management and administrative grade staff in the Fórsa union in the HSE commenced industrial action on Friday 6 October. As a consequence of this industrial action, members in these grades are not engaging with political forums or processes. As a result, the question asked by the Deputy may be delayed in receiving a response directly from the HSE.
510. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Health if he will extend CAMHS services to include children who have ADS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49475/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
As the Deputy may be aware, management and administrative grade staff in the Fórsa union in the HSE commenced industrial action on Friday 6 October. As a consequence of this industrial action, members in these grades are not engaging with political forums or processes. As a result, the question asked by the Deputy may be delayed in receiving a response directly from the HSE.
511. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health to outline in detail what new resources have been allocated to Traveller health, including resources to support implementation of the National Traveller Health Action Plan, in Budget 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49493/23]
View answerTravellers have the right to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health as is the norm in Irish society. Regrettably, this is not the case as the Traveller community continue to experience severe health inequalities, reflected in a shorter life and a poorer quality of health. To achieve health equity, we have to bring Traveller health to the same standard as for the settled population.
A factsheet outlining the Budget 2024 allocation for the National Drugs Strategy and Inclusion Health, which can be found here - https://assets.gov.ie/273589/d7b2c043-f672-4098-b55b-18f5fc0f6f0d.pdf All of the new measures will benefit Travellers, especially given the higher incidence of drug use and homelessness among this vulnerable group.
The national Traveller health action plan sets out to improve the health experiences and outcomes for Travellers. The plan involves the Department, the HSE and healthcare providers, working together with Traveller healthcare projects and organisations. This partnership approach is a cornerstone of the development of the action plan and its implementation.
The action plan recognises that the root cause of health inequalities for Travellers lies in the social determinants of health, most of which are outside the health system. These are the conditions that Travellers live, work and raise their families. The social determinants are more important that healthcare or lifestyle choices in influencing health status. A joined-up approach across government and local authorities is required to address the social determinants of Traveller health.
In 2023, the Department provided €1.3m to the HSE to support the implementation of the Traveller health action plan. This is in addition to the €10m that is already ring-fenced for specific healthcare services for Travellers. The HSE has allocated this additional funding to expand primary healthcare Traveller projects (PHCTP) in 2023 and 2024. A further €300,000 is being allocated to enhance mental health services for Travellers, again in 2023 and 2024.
In addition, Budget 2024 allocated additional non-core funding to expand the Traveller Counselling Service, in line with action 27 in the THAP and action 2.3.3 in Connecting for Life.
Outside of the Budget, the Dept has secured significant additional resources for Traveller health. Recently, the Dept received approval from the Dept of Rural and Community Development to proceed with an initiative to address the social determinants of Traveller health in conjunction with the Slaintecare healthy communities programme. Total funding of €710,000 from Dormant Accounts will be provided for this initiative in 2024 & 2025.
The Dept has allocated €500,000 for projects working with Traveller women at risk of homelessness from the Women’s Health Fund. The Dept looks forward to working with the three selected projects to improve the health of Traveller women at risk of homelessness.
I, along with my colleagues Minister Donnelly and Minister Butler, are fully committed to providing the leadership and resources to improve Traveller health, including the implementation of the action plan.
512. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Health to provide a clear and updated timeline on when the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Bill 2022, inclusive of the surrogacy provisions, will be presented before the Oireachtas Health Committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49499/23]
View answer513. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Health to explain the causes of the current delays with the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Bill 2022, inclusive of the surrogacy provisions; what steps are being taken to expedite the process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49500/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 512 and 513 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Bill 2022 was introduced to, and passed Second Stage in, the Dáil in March 2022.
The focus of this Bill is on the regulation, for the first time in this country, of a wide range of assisted human reproduction (AHR) practices undertaken within the jurisdiction.
The Bill as published provided for domestic altruistic surrogacy but does not contain provisions to regulate surrogacy arrangements undertaken in other jurisdictions. However, on foot of Government approval of a proposal from Minister McEntee, Minister O’Gorman and myself, the Special Oireachtas Joint Committee on International Surrogacy was formally established in February 2022, of which the Deputy was a member.
Following the publication of the Committee’s Final Report in July 2022, through a structured and collaborative engagement process, the three relevant Departments (Departments of Health, Justice, and Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth) reviewed the Report’s recommendations along with other relevant matters. This project culminated with the approval by Cabinet in mid-December 2022 of a policy approach in respect of both the regulation of international surrogacy and the recognition of certain past surrogacy arrangements (domestic and international) as well as outline draft legislative proposals.
The formal drafting process of these new surrogacy provisions by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel (OPC), in conjunction with the three relevant Departments, as appropriate, is at an advanced stage. This is notwithstanding the fact that drafting by the OPC on the AHR Bill had to be paused over the summer due to a diversion of OPC personnel to work on highly-prioritised, non-Department of Health legislation.
The new provisions will then need to be approved by Government following the completion of the formal drafting process. It is intended that the finalised approved legislative provisions will then in effect be added to the AHR Bill at Committee Stage, in tandem with the bringing of substantial proposed amendments to the 11 Parts and 134 pages of the published Bill.
It is important to note that there is no international consensus on or any agreed legal instrument addressing the issue of international surrogacy and no other jurisdiction has legislated for a similar type of bespoke process to that which we propose to be set up here. It is imperative that we get this complex legislation right, including ensuring alignment with provisions in existing related legislation on the Irish Statute Book.
I want to reassure the Deputy that myself and Department officials are absolutely prioritising this work. Officials are engaging on a daily basis with all relevant Departments including the Office of the Attorney General and we are making significant progress. I wish to progress this much-needed and long-awaited legislation as quickly as possible to ensure both that the goal of providing for a route to formal recognition by the State of past surrogacy arrangements or surrogacy arrangements in other jurisdictions is achieved and that a robust regulatory framework for AHR more broadly is put in place.
While it is not possible to provide details prior to agreement by Cabinet, the legislative proposals related to international surrogacy being pursued are closely aligned and consistent with the provisions related to domestic surrogacy outlined in the published AHR Bill.
Key principles underpinning any new legislative measures on international surrogacy include the protection of the rights of all children born as a result of cross-border surrogacy arrangements and the safeguarding of the welfare of surrogate mothers.
I am not in a position at this juncture to give a definitive timeline as to when these new Parts and other proposed amendments will be brought to Committee Stage and the subsequent passage of the AHR legislation through the Houses of the Oireachtas to enactment and, subsequently, commencement.
514. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health how much the HSE has allocated for the refurbishment of Keltoi; if it has gone to tender; when it will be reopened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49530/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
As the Deputy may be aware, management and administrative grade staff in the Fórsa union in the HSE commenced industrial action on Friday 6th October. As a consequence of this industrial action, members in these grades are not engaging with political forums or processes. As a result, the question asked by the Deputy may be delayed in receiving a response directly from the HSE.
515. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the reason for a delay in the pension processing for some healthcare assistants (details supplied); his plans to resolve this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49532/23]
View answerAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently not in a position to answer PQs due to industrial action. It is hoped that normal services will resume soon. In the meantime, this Department will continue to refer PQs to HSE for their direct reply as soon as possible.
516. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health to examine the delay in providing a pension for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49534/23]
View answerAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an administrative issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently not in a position to answer PQs due to industrial action. It is hoped that normal services will resume soon. In the meantime, this Department will continue to refer PQs to HSE for their direct reply as soon as possible.
517. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the plans to upgrade facilities at St Dympna’s Hospital, Carlow; if a contractor has been appointed; the expected start date for refurbishment; the impact on services for service users; to provide a timescale for delivery on these plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49574/23]
View answerThe Health Service Executive is responsible for the management of the public healthcare property estate, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to you in relation to this matter
As the Deputy may be aware, management and administrative grade staff in the Fórsa union in the HSE commenced industrial action on Friday 6th October. As a consequence of this industrial action, members in these grades are not engaging with political forums or processes. As a result, the question asked by the Deputy may be delayed in receiving a response directly from the HSE.
518. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health if there are any plans for an expanded Caredoc operated service developing an injury clinic for Carlow; if he has had any engagement with stakeholders willing to provide this service; if his Department has undertaken a public service need survey of this in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49575/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
519. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health if his Department plans to reopen the x-ray clinic and dental clinic in St Dympna’s Hospital in Carlow, which have been closed for remodelling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49576/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
As the Deputy may be aware, management and administrative grade staff in the Fórsa union in the HSE commenced industrial action on Friday, 6 October. As a consequence of this industrial action, members in these grades are not engaging with political forums or processes. As a result, the question asked by the Deputy may be delayed in receiving a response directly from the HSE.
520. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE consultant orthopaedic surgeons and WTE orthopaedic registrars based at University Hospital Waterford in the years of 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [49587/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
521. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE clinical nurse specialists in cardiovascular disease employed by the HSE, by location, in the years of 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [49588/23]
View answerThe operational detail of this question is a matter for the HSE and I have asked them to respond to you directly in relation to that detail.
522. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the total number of current vacancies within the HSE orthodontic services in County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49589/23]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, management and administrative grade staff in the Fórsa union in the HSE commenced industrial action on Friday 6th October. As a consequence of this industrial action, members in these grades are not engaging with political forums or processes. As a result, the question asked by the Deputy may be delayed in receiving a response directly from the HSE.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
523. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the number of intensive homecare packages delivered to persons in CHO5 to date in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49590/23]
View answerAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
524. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE consultant paediatric rheumatologists at CHI Temple Street in 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [49591/23]
View answerAs this is an operational matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
525. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health what plans his Department has to increase GP capacity in Tipperary, as many people are unable to get a GP to take them on in Tipperary due to a lack of capacity. [49659/23]
View answerGPs are self-employed practitioners and therefore may establish practices at a place of their own choosing. There is no prescribed ratio of GPs to patients and the State does not regulate the number of GPs that can set up in a town or community.
Under the GMS scheme, the HSE contracts GPs to provide medical services without charge to medical card and GP visit card holders. Currently, there are 2,533 GPs contracted to provide services under the GMS Scheme. Where a vacancy arises in a practice with a GMS contract, the HSE becomes actively involved in the recruitment process to find a replacement GP. There is currently one GMS GP vacancy in County Tipperary, in Cahir.
For GMS patients unable to locate a GP themselves, the Health Service Executive may assign an eligible person to be included on a medical practitioner's GMS list, in accordance with the GMS contract.
The Government is aware of the workforce issues currently facing general practice, including the limited access to GP services in certain areas, and is working to ensure that general practice is sustainable in all areas into the future.
Under the 2019 GP Agreement additional annual expenditure provided for general practice has been increased now by €211.6m. This provides for significant increases in capitation fees for participating GMS GPs, and new fees and subsidies for additional services. Improvements to GP’s maternity and paternity leave arrangements and a support for GPs in disadvantaged urban areas, have also been provided for. In addition, the enhanced supports package for rural GP practices was increased by 10%.
The recent GP Agreement 2023 announced in July, which provides for the expansions of GP care without charges to those who earn up to the median household income and to children aged 6 & 7, includes additional capacity supports to enable the expansion and retention of staffing within general practice. It includes additional supports for GP Out of Hours services also.
These measures help make general practice in Ireland a more attractive career choice for doctors and will see an increase in the number of GPs working in the State, improving access to GP services for patients throughout the country. Figures recently released by the ICGP show that 1,311 medical graduates have applied for GP training in 2024, a notable increase on last year and higher than any previous years.
The number of doctors entering GP training has been increased in recent years, with 286 new entrants for this year and 350 places for new entrants planned for next year. Annual intake to the GP training scheme has been increased by over 80% since 2015. Furthermore, the joint HSE and ICGP programme underway to bring up to 100 non-EU GPs to Ireland in 2023 will help to quickly improve access to GP services, particularly in areas with limited access. It is planned to bring to Ireland up to 250 more non-EU GPs by the end of 2024.
Lastly, my Department and the HSE have commenced a Strategic Review of General Practice. The review, with input from key stakeholders, will examine the broad range of issues affecting general practice, including issues related to GP capacity, and will set out the measures necessary to deliver a more sustainable general practice into the future.
526. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health if his Department currently measures the number of people unable to access GP services in their area; and if so, if he will provide the figures, in tabular form. [49660/23]
View answerGPs are private practitioners, most of whom hold a contract with the HSE for the provision of health services. Under the GMS scheme, the HSE contracts GPs to provide medical services without charge to medical card and GP visit card holders. People who do not hold a medical card or GP visit card access GP services on a private basis and can make enquiries directly to any GP practice they wish to register with.
As GPs are private practitioners, and as people who do not hold a medical card or GP visit card access GPs service on a private basis, neither the Department of Health nor the HSE hold the information requested. For GMS patients unable to locate a GP themselves, the Health Service Executive may assign an eligible person to be included on a medical practitioner's GMS list, in accordance with the GMS contract.
527. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health when a person in County Cork (details supplied) will receive an urgent appointment to attend an assessment with ophthalmology services in respect of cataract surgery. [49663/23]
View answerUnder 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.
As the Deputy may be aware, management and administrative grade staff in the Fórsa union in the HSE commenced industrial action on Friday 6th October. As a consequence of this industrial action, members in these grades are not engaging with political forums or processes. As a result, the question asked by the Deputy may be delayed in receiving a response directly from the HSE.
528. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be called for hip surgery in the Regional Hospital, Tullamore. [49705/23]
View answerUnder 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.
As the Deputy may be aware, management and administrative grade staff in the Fórsa union in the HSE commenced industrial action on Friday 6th October. As a consequence of this industrial action, members in these grades are not engaging with political forums or processes. As a result, the question asked by the Deputy may be delayed in receiving a response directly from the HSE.
529. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a breakdown of the number of in-patients in each acute hospital over the years 2012-2022 that have been admitted for more than one year, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49707/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
530. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 272 of 18 October 2023, when a substantive reply will issue from the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49710/23]
View answerI understand a reply has since issued to the Deputy advising that this is a matter for the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.
