Written Answers Nos. 564-585
564. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if the drugs taskforce for the south east is operating with a full complement of staff; the level of funding allocated to the project for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51883/23]
View answerAs this refers to a service matter, I have sent this PQ to the HSE for direct response. 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.
565. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health to expedite an appointment (details supplied) for a hip replacement in Cappagh Hospital as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51890/23]
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, 6 October. As a consequence of this industrial action, members in these grades are not engaging with political forums or processes. As a result, there may be a delay in the Deputy receiving a reply from the HSE.
566. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if respite can be offered in a case (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51891/23]
View answerAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
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.
567. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Health the number of IVF-related patients accessing care in a HSE-associated healthcare setting in each of the years 2018 to 2023. [51892/23]
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, 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.
568. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the number of attendances to the minor injury unit in Monaghan Hospital per month for 2022 and to date 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51898/23]
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.
569. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if a child in County Kerry (details supplied) will be reassessed by CAMHS for ADHD following the submission of an assessment confirming ADHD; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51905/23]
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.
570. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Health what plans and policies are in place to ensure the continuation of the dermatology services in Sligo University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51908/23]
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.
571. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Health what plans and policies are in place to ensure the continuation of the dermatology services in Letterkenny University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51909/23]
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.
572. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health the status of a surgery referral for a person (details supplied). [51919/23]
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, 6 October. As a consequence of this industrial action, members in these grades are not engaging with political forums or processes. As a result, there may be a delay in the Deputy receiving a reply from the HSE.
573. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the total number of people employed full time, part time and as contractors by the HSE in each year from establishment to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51924/23]
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.
574. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the ongoing works at Raheen Community Hospital, County Clare; the reason these works preclude the provision of palliative care at the facility; when the works commenced; when the works are scheduled to conclude; how many palliative beds will be operational in the facility at the conclusion of said works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51949/23]
View answerAs part of your question regarding palliative care and palliative beds are operational matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly on these matters, 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.
575. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the reasons behind the discontinuation of funding for a project (details supplied), facilitated by the HSE and the Clondalkin drugs and alcohol task force; what measures are being taken to ensure the continued support of the vulnerable community members previously served by this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51957/23]
View answerAs this refers to a service matter, I have sent this PQ to the HSE for direct response. 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.
576. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health he will engage with an organisation (details supplied) to find out the number of complaints made in the years 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023; the number of complaints the PPC advised of no further action; the number of complaints referred to mediation or inquiry, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51961/23]
View answerDeputy, to help inform the answer to the question, my officials have reached out the the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI) for clarity.
As the statutory regulator charged with protecting public health and safety by regulating pharmacists and pharmacies, the PSI takes action to address poor professional performance, professional misconduct and failings in legislative compliance. One of the ways they do this is by considering formal complaints made against pharmacists and pharmacies under the Pharmacy Act 2007.
Complaints are heard by the PSI's statutory Disciplinary Committees. The PSI share information and learnings from complaints and the outcomes of inquiries in the interest of maintaining and upholding professional standards, raising awareness around patient and public safety matters from a public safety perspective, and promoting compliance with pharmacy and medicines legislation. Dealing effectively with complaints is at the heart of the PSI's commitment to protecting patients and the public and maintaining public confidence in pharmacists and pharmacies.
Formal complaints
Formal complaints about pharmacists and pharmacies are generally made to the PSI in writing. They can relate to the conduct, practice, behaviour, health of a pharmacist or how a service is provided by a pharmacy. Formal complaints must be processed strictly in line with the provisions of the Pharmacy Act 2007.
Preliminary Proceedings Committee
Once the PSI has received and processed a complaint, it is referred to the Preliminary Proceedings Committee (PPC) for consideration in accordance with the process as set out in the Pharmacy Act 2007. The PPC, upon reviewing the complaint, advises the PSI Council whether there is sufficient cause to warrant further disciplinary action being taken in relation to either the pharmacist and/or pharmacy the subject of the complaint. The PPC can then refer the complaint to either mediation or for hearing before a statutory Committee of Inquiry.
Mediation
Mediation can only take place where the PPC has decided that further action is required and refers the matter to mediation. If mediation is unsuccessful, the complaint will then be referred to a committee of inquiry. The person making the complaint and the pharmacist or pharmacy owner must agree to the complaint being resolved using mediation. If either side does not agree to mediation, the PPC will refer the complaint to a Committee of Inquiry instead.
Withdrawal of complaints
It is possible that once a complaint process has started, a complainant may later choose to withdraw that complaint. This can happen at any time during the process. Once a complaint has been withdrawn, the relevant Committee will update the Council and may advise the Council to:
- take no further action or
- proceed as if the complaint had not been withdrawn.
The table below details the complaints received in 2021, 2022 and 2023 (to date), the complaints considered by the PPC, referred to inquiry or mediation, the complaints withdrawn and those where the PPC advised no further action was required.
|
Year |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 (to 23.11.2023) |
|
Complaints Received |
80 |
53 |
65 |
|
Complaints Considered by PPC |
59 |
58 |
71 |
|
Complaints withdrawn |
6 |
5 |
5 |
|
Complaints where the PPC advised no further action |
28 |
40 |
38 |
|
Complaints referred to mediation |
5 |
1 |
3 |
|
Complaints referred to inquiry |
20 |
12 |
25 |
As of 23/11/2023, thirty complaints have yet to be considered by the PPC. Eleven will be heard at an upcoming PPC meeting. Observations and information are being collated for the remaining nineteen.
I am satisfied with the complaints and procedures process as outlined above.
577. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the last time his Department engaged with an organisation (details supplied); to whom the organisation reports, as an agency of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51962/23]
View answerThe PSI is accountable to the Minister for Health and the Oireachtas in carrying out their role as the Pharmacy Regulator of Ireland.
The PSI have a Corporate Governance Framework, Codes of Conduct for their Council, Committees and staff, and related governance policies and procedures to support their compliance with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies. The PSI meet their statutory governance obligations as set out in the Pharmacy Act 2007, the Ethics in Public Office Act 1995, and the Standards in Public Office Act 2001.
The Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies aims to ensure commercial and non-commercial State bodies meet the highest standards of corporate governance. It provides a framework for the application of best practice and is intended to take account of developments in respect of oversight, reporting requirements and the appointment of Board members. The Code is based on the underlying principles of good governance: accountability, transparency, probity and a focus on the sustainable success of the organisation over the longer term.
For public accountability and reporting purposes, the PSI is an aegis body of the Department of Health. In keeping with this obligation, three governance meetings were/will be held with Department of Health officials in 2023. The Department met with PSI in March and September of this year and are due to meet again in December.
Within the Department of Health, Medicines, Controlled Drugs and Pharmacy Legislation Unit (MCDPLU) is the main point of contact for the PSI, though other units may engage with the PSI as required, dependent on business needs. MCDPLU also liaises with the PSI on a variety of issues relating to the Pharmacy sector; the PSI Registrar is a member of the Expert Taskforce to support the expansion of the role of pharmacists in Ireland, as established in July 2023.
578. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health whether a risk assessment was conducted prior to the decision to freeze recruitment in the HSE. [51963/23]
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.
579. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health to provide the current outstanding staffing need which has been identified in CHO4. [51964/23]
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.
580. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the total number of Freedom of Information requests submitted to his Department in 2022 and to date in 2023; the total number of such requests that were rejected in their entirety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51975/23]
View answerMy Department received a total of 419 FOI requests in 2022. Of those, 14 were rejected as they were not valid requests.
For the year to date, 307 FOI requests have been received. Of those, six have been rejected as they were not valid requests.
581. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health the reason the current HSE recruitment freeze was extended to all HSE staff except consultants, doctors in training and 2023 graduate nurses and midwives (details supplied); his plans to reverse the recruitment freeze; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51994/23]
View answerAwaiting reply from Department.
582. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Health the number of patients recorded on trolleys at each public hospital in the State in the period from January to September 2023 and for the same period in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52005/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
583. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if the provision of an osteoporosis medication (details supplied) for the Irish market will be examined and expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52008/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
584. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Health his plans to introduce a GP-led model of care for transgender people, based on informed consent; his views on the current practice by the National Gender Service which advises GPs not to administer blood tests to transgender patients who are self-medicating; his plans to reduce the waiting list for assessment at the National Gender Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52010/23]
View answerAwaiting reply from Department.
585. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the funding that was provided to the National Maternity Strategy in 2023; the level of funding sought by the HSE National Women and Infants Health Programme for the National Maternity Strategy in 2023; if he expects the €43.6 million required to implement the strategy by 2026 to be provided in full and the level provided to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52025/23]
View answerProgressing women's health continues to be a top priority for this Government. We have overseen unprecedented levels of investment in women's health. We have provided for significant funding for gynaecology, endometriosis services, for screening and menopause supports. We have invested in women's mental health services including perinatal mental health.
The National Maternity Strategy is moving into its 8th year. A total of €25.65m in new development funding has been invested from 2016-2022. This has enabled the total recruitment of 465 full-time staff across the country.
A revised implementation plan for the National Maternity Strategy was published in November 2021. The revised Plan set out all remaining activity in relation to the implementation of Strategy 2022-2026, provided timelines for each action and mapped out the Strategy’s full implementation within the remaining timeframe of the Strategy’s lifetime. At that time, the remainder of the Strategy’s implementation was fully costed at approximately €43.7m.
Significant investment of €16m in 2021 and 2022 provided renewed momentum to the National Maternity Strategy. This has enabled recruitment of over 146 full-time health professionals across maternity services. This investment is funding recruitment across a broad range of specialties of care. Over 70 midwives and nurses. 23 health and social care professionals. 7 consultants, and a range of supporting staff.
These staff, and this investment, improve women’s lives every day.
The implementation of the strategy's Model of Care is providing more choice for women. All 19 maternity services now offer the midwife-led supported care pathway. Each maternity service now has a lactation consultant and bereavement team.
Postnatal hubs have been established in Kerry, Cork, Portiuncula, and in Sligo. These hubs are providing postnatal care within the community; a priority identified by women in the National Maternity Experience Survey and in our Sláintecare objectives.
The Maternity and Newborn Clinical Management System, funded through the Strategy, is the only full Electronic Health Record in the public health system. It is currently live in 4 sites, covering 40% of births nationally.
This funding is providing for additional home-from-home birthing suites. It is also enabling upgrades to theatres and wards.
We are establishing a National Perinatal Genomics Service; evaluating, diagnosing, managing and treating anomalies before birth.
Furthermore, through Strategy funding, a maternity network has been set up within each Hospital Group to provide leadership and support. Training and education supports have been strengthened for maternity staff.
All these many new developments are supporting improved choice for women. They provide safe, high quality, nationally consistent, woman-centred maternity care. The significant funding provided in 2021 and 2022 will continue to enhance the experience of all women using our maternity services.
In 2023, funding was requested by the HSE National Women and Infants Health Programme for 2024 and incorporated into the estimates process of the department. I will issue a Letter of Determination to the HSE outlining my priorities and funding levels for 2024. The HSE will then draw up its National Service Plan. At that point, a detailed breakdown of expenditure will be available.
