Michael Healy-Rae
Question:1482. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an application for an air mattress for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56418/23]
View answerMedical Aids and Appliances
Questions (1482)
Written answers
As this refers to an individual case, I have referred this matter to the HSE for their attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Departmental Correspondence
Questions (1483)
Sean Fleming
Question:1483. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health if a reply will issue to correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56439/23]
View answerWritten answers
As 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.
Mental Health Services
Questions (1484)
Alan Kelly
Question:1484. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the number of face-to-face clinical appointments offered by each senior clinical psychologist in the north Lee child and adolescent primary care psychology service at the end of each month in 2023; the number of staff reporting to each senior clinical psychologist at the end of each month of 2023; and the number of people on the waiting-list of the service at the end of each month of 2023, in tabular form. [56440/23]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
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.
Mental Health Services
Questions (1485)
Alan Kelly
Question:1485. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the number of face-to-face clinical appointments offered by each senior clinical psychologist in the south Lee child and adolescent primary care psychology service at the end of each month in 2023; the number of staff reporting to each senior clinical psychologist at the end of each month of 2023; and the number of people on the waiting-list of the service for each month of 2023, in tabular form. [56441/23]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
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.
Mental Health Services
Questions (1486)
Alan Kelly
Question:1486. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the number of face to face clinical appointments offered by each senior clinical psychologist in the north Lee child and adolescent mental health psychology service for each month in 2023; the number of staff reporting to each senior clinical psychologist at the end of each month of 2023; and the number of people on the waiting-list of the service for each month of 2023, in tabular form. [56442/23]
View answerWritten answers
As 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.
Mental Health Services
Questions (1487)
Alan Kelly
Question:1487. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the number of face-to-face clinical appointments offered by each senior clinical psychologist in the south Lee child and adolescent mental health psychology service for each month in 2023; the number of staff reporting to each senior clinical psychologist at the end of each month of 2023; and the number of people on the waiting-list of the service for each month of 2023, in tabular form. [56443/23]
View answerWritten answers
As 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.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (1488)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:1488. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health to expedite a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56449/23]
View answerWritten answers
I fully acknowledge the distress and inconvenience for patients and their families when elective procedures are cancelled, particularly for clinically urgent procedures. While every effort is made to avoid cancellation or postponement of planned procedures, the HSE has advised that planned procedures and operations can be postponed or cancelled for a variety of reasons including capacity issues due to increased scheduled and unscheduled care demand.
Patient safety remains at the centre of all hospital activity and elective care scheduling. To ensure services are provided in a safe, clinically-aligned and prioritised way, hospitals are following HSE clinical guidelines and protocols.
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.
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.
Health Services
Questions (1489)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Question:1489. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health when an increase to the fees payable to contractors for a standard eye examination under the community ophthalmic services scheme will be implemented, given a pilot scheme is in operation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56456/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Community Ophthalmic Services Medical Treatment Scheme (COSMTS) was established in 2004 as a pilot project in response to an identified need. The Scheme engages four practices across seven locations to provide medical and minor surgical care to patients outside of the acute care setting. This allows hospitals and eye clinics to focus on treating more complex conditions. The treatments and the current fees payable under the Scheme were agreed in 2013.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) have advised that a detailed evaluation of the current operation of the COSMTS will need to be carried out before it is extended further. This review remains a priority for my Department in 2024. To date, my officials have engaged with the HSE to determine how such an evaluative review would best be conducted. My Department continues to pursue this issue with the HSE.
Dental Services
Questions (1490)
Sean Fleming
Question:1490. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health when a school dental service (details supplied) will be approved for children in 2nd, 3rd and 4th class; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56461/23]
View answerWritten answers
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.
Nursing Homes
Questions (1491)
Bernard Durkan
Question:1491. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if all outstanding matters relating to the fair deal scheme affecting the estate of a person (details supplied) have now been finalised, given probate cannot be finalised until final decision issues from the HSE fair deal scheme section; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56472/23]
View answerWritten answers
As 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.
Medical Cards
Questions (1492)
Michael McNamara
Question:1492. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Health how many medical cards were provided to people in receipt of temporary protection; the total cost of medical care provided pursuant to the said medical cards to people in receipt of temporary protection since February 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56475/23]
View answerWritten answers
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.
Abortion Services
Questions (1493)
Carol Nolan
Question:1493. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health to provide, in tabular form, the number of GPs reimbursed under the primary care reimbursement service for the years 2019 and to date in 2023 for first and second consultations for terminations of pregnancy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56483/23]
View answerWritten answers
As 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.
Abortion Services
Questions (1494)
Carol Nolan
Question:1494. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 804 of 12 December 2023, to supply the number of and severity scale of all adverse events reported to the HSE related to remote consultations for termination of pregnancy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56484/23]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, we have referred it to the HSE for answer.
Vaccination Programme
Questions (1495)
Holly Cairns
Question:1495. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health if his Department will consider the roll-out of a RSV immunisation programme as has been done in Galicia, Spain; the projected costs for a roll-out of this nature; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56485/23]
View answerWritten answers
NIAC has submitted advice to my Department for consideration. It advises that RSV vaccines which have recently received EMA authorisation, for infants and persons over 65yrs, are safe and effective and should be considered for use in Ireland. In its advice NIAC also noted that further analysis of cost effectiveness and programmatic considerations is required to determine the most appropriate use of RSV vaccination in Ireland.
In line with this, my Department has asked HIQA to carry out a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) to determine firstly, whether infant or adult vaccination would provide the greatest benefit in reducing healthcare utilisation due to RSV infection, and secondly, what the most cost-effective RSV immunisation strategy for Ireland would be.
The outcome of this HTA will determine whether or not a change to the National Immunisation Programme will be required.
Health Service Executive
Questions (1496)
Robert Troy
Question:1496. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will urgently re-examine the boundary re-alignments of primary and disability services nationally, given it has caused serious issues in some parts of south Westmeath (details supplied). [56505/23]
View answerWritten answers
In 2024, the HSE will be reorganised into six operational Health Regions, which will act as the core units of care planning and delivery for the vast majority of health and social care, including primary and disability services. The regions were designed to be as self-contained as possible while minimising disruption to existing services. This reorganisation of the HSE is in line with the Sláintecare Report and Programme for Government commitments.
The geographies for the six Health Regions were approved by Government Decision in 2019. Research and analysis were undertaken by the Department of Health to identify the optimal boundaries for the new regions. This included a review of regional healthcare approaches taken internationally and in previous reforms in Ireland, a public consultation process, and a detailed analysis of service usage patterns.
South Westmeath, Athlone, and Longford town will all be part of the HSE Dublin and Midlands Health Region. The map of the six Health Regions can be found at: www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/266172/46f33ac2-0f6c-4a4b-bacf-7ec4b22d5daf.pdf#page=null
Local health services within each Region will be provided within Integrated Health Areas (IHAs). There will be approximately two to five IHAs per Region. These will provide integrated acute and community care for their populations. The building blocks of the IHAs will be the 96 Community Healthcare Networks (CHNs) already established via the Enhanced Community Care programme.
Lastly, as the Deputy will be aware, responsibility for specialist community-based disability services transferred from my Department to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) in March 2023. These services are still provided by the HSE. My Department has been engaging with DCEDIY officials on this forthcoming change to the HSE structure.
Dental Services
Questions (1497)
Marian Harkin
Question:1497. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Health the number of dentists in County Leitrim who are available to treat patients under the dental treatment services scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56510/23]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
The Public Dental Service of the HSE provides dental care for children up to 16 years of age. This includes screening and necessary treatment for children at ages corresponding to second class, sixth class, and, subject to capacity, fourth class. Emergency care is also provided for children up to 16 years of age. Medical card holders aged 16 and over are provided with dental care through the Dental Treatment Services Scheme.
Health Services Staff
Questions (1498)
Cathal Crowe
Question:1498. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of a proposal for a vote of no confidence in the CHI executive (details supplied); if he still has confidence in the executive as a result of the same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56522/23]
View answerWritten answers
Firstly, I would like to acknowledge that recent concerns regarding the paediatric orthopaedic surgery service in Children’s Health Ireland is a cause of great anxiety for many patients and families attending these services.
A comprehensive patient safety review and assurance process has been commissioned into the paediatric orthopaedic surgery service. In addition, I have asked HIQA, the patient safety regulator, to carry out a review of the use of springs. Both the external review and the HIQA review are currently ongoing.
Secondly, I want to acknowledge that waiting lists for scoliosis and spina bifida services are unacceptably long. I am acutely conscious of the burden that this places on patients and their families.
I have committed €19 million under the 2022 and 2023 Waiting List Action Plans to tackle these waiting lists. This investment has supported an increase in the number of spinal procedures undertaken in both 2022 and 2023, 509 and 464 respectively, compared to 380 in 2019. So, while waiting lists remain far too long, it is fair to acknowledge that there is an increase in the number of patients being treated. My Department and the HSE are working hard to make progress in this area including improvements to the organisation, management, and delivery of the services.
Misuse of Drugs
Questions (1499)
Neasa Hourigan
Question:1499. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health if the HSE is aware of the presence of the semi-synthetic cannabinoid, HHC or hexahydrocannabinol, in Ireland; if so, when the HSE was first made aware of its presence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56526/23]
View answerWritten answers
The National Drugs Strategy, Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery, ‘A health-led response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland 2017-2025’, sets out a health-led approach to drug use. The strategy supports high quality monitoring, evaluation, and research to ensure evidence-informed policies and practice.
Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) was first identified in Europe in May 2022 and was put under intensive monitoring at the end of 2022 by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA). It is the first semi-synthetic cannabinoid reported in the EU and has been monitored as a New Psychoactive Substance by the EU Early Warning System since October 2022.
Early warning in Ireland is co-ordinated by the EMCDDA National Focal Point and the Early Warning, Emerging Trends (EWET) working group chaired by the Department of Health. EWET continues to monitor the emergence and use of this substance in Ireland.
HHC has been reported as a drug of concern by HSE and adolescent service providers. There is growing concern on the potential impact of using this substance on young people’s mental health including the possible link with psychosis. Young people report adverse effects such as loss of consciousness after use.
The HSE will add content about HHC to its website Drugs.ie. Evidence in relation to harms associated with HHC will be carefully monitored and appropriate responses will be considered. The HSE will continue to liaise with the EMCDDA, and the Early Warning and Emerging Trends (EWET) group for further direction on this substance. This is an area currently being monitored by the HSE and the EU Drug Agency as there is limited information on the health impact of this substance.
With regard to synthetic cannabinoids, the HSE has comprehensive harm reduction information about the substances available on drugs.ie, which is available here: scanner.topsec.com/?d=2120&r=show&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.drugs.ie%2Fsynthetic_cannabinoids_in_ireland_hse_update_october_2021%2F&t=c2661ed6de85c60318abb357e5fd30cf66edc96b. The HSE also issued an alert regarding cannabis edibles contaminated with synthetic cannabinoids earlier this year, which can be found here: scanner.topsec.com/?d=2120&r=show&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.drugs.ie%2Fnews%2Farticle%2Fhse_drug_trend_risk_communication_on_cannabis_jellies_adulterated_with_synt&t=8053e5801834a6e0dd89e445eb53ed006441d8cc.
It is vitally important that we remain vigilant to new developments and emerging trends with regard to substance use.
Hospital Staff
Questions (1500)
Michael Lowry
Question:1500. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health when a Parkinson's nurse specialist will be assigned to the south Tipperary area and Tipperary University Hospital; and if any submissions were made regarding recruitment for this specialised area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56529/23]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.