Catherine Murphy
Question:1683. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE paediatric otolaryngologist at CHI Crumlin in 2022 and 2023, in tabular form. [1353/24]
View answerHospital Staff
Questions (1683)
Written answers
As this is an operational matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
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.
Hospital Staff
Questions (1684)
Catherine Murphy
Question:1684. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE consultant physicians in stroke medicine at Naas General Hospital in 2022 and 2023, in tabular form. [1354/24]
View answerWritten answers
As 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
Hospital Charges
Questions (1685)
Steven Matthews
Question:1685. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the recommended cap on hospital parking charges; and the basis for any delays to date. [1360/24]
View answerWritten answers
I am aware that hospitals that charge parking fees are very cognisant of the financial implications of parking costs for patients and their families, particularly for those with long-term illnesses.
Consequently, many hospitals have introduced a maximum daily fixed parking charge and reduced rate parking for long-term patients and visitors for whom the payment of the full rate would cause hardship.
The Programme for Government - Our Shared Future, makes a commitment to introduce a maximum daily car parking charge for patients and visitors at all public hospitals, where possible, and to introduce flexible passes in all public hospitals for patients and their families. This is a reflection of the Government’s appreciation of the financial challenge that can be faced by people in meeting these expenses, in particular where they are frequent users of hospital services. Accordingly, the HSE has advised that a working group is to be established to develop clear national guidance, principles and recommendations for the implementation of maximum daily car parking rates in acute hospitals.
Mental Health Services
Questions (1686)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:1686. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the reason the SRU unit, Old Convent Road, Carndonagh, County Donegal has been closed; and how patients and their families will access mental health support and respite support for families dealing with members who are affected by mental health issues. [1363/24]
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 Services
Questions (1687)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:1687. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health where management for hospitals formerly in the Ireland East Group will come from; if Our Lady’s Hospital Navan will have a representative on the board of the RCSI while it is being managed by the RCSI; what effect management by the RCSI of Our Lady’s Hospital Navan will have on the future of the accident and emergency department at Navan Hospital; and if the accident and emergency department at Our Lady’s Hospital Navan will be fully functional for the next ten years. [1364/24]
View answerWritten answers
As 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.
Care of the Elderly
Questions (1688)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:1688. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the reason HSE-funded home care providers have stopped taking physically well older people for walks; and if a risk assessment has been undertaken by him in relation to the danger posed by HSE-funded home care providers allowing physically well older people with dementia leave their homes on their own without accompanying them for a walk. [1365/24]
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.
Health Service Executive
Questions (1689)
Róisín Shortall
Question:1689. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No.150 of 15 November 2023, whether the Health Service Executive pensions section in Manorhamilton is now fully staffed and in a position to process all pension matters for retired HSE workers in a swift and timely manner; if not, if he will outline the reason why and the steps being taken to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1366/24]
View answerWritten answers
As this Parliamentary Question relates to an administration 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.
Mental Health Services
Questions (1690)
Niamh Smyth
Question:1690. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) cannot get an appointment with CAHMS in Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1373/24]
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.
Health Services Waiting Lists
Questions (1691)
Jennifer Whitmore
Question:1691. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the waiting list times for access to MRI scans for children in the public health service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1379/24]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the deputy directly.
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.
Primary Care Services
Questions (1692)
Mark Ward
Question:1692. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the funding allocated to Traveller primary health care projects in each of the years 2019 to date; for breakdown of funding given to peer-led Traveller-specific mental health supports for the same time period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1400/24]
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.
Traveller Community
Questions (1693)
Mark Ward
Question:1693. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the funding allocated to examine the distinct needs of young members of the Traveller community who are vulnerable to suicide; if any initiatives to train peer support outreach workers within the community have been developed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1401/24]
View answerWritten answers
Particular demographic groups have consistently been shown by both national and international research evidence to have increased risk of suicidal behaviour. Travellers are noted as priority groups in both the mental health policy, Sharing the Vision and the suicide reduction strategy, Connecting for Life. Both recognise the vulnerability to and increased risk of mental health and suicidal behaviour of Travellers, and that these should be considered in the way mental health services are delivered to Travellers.
Connecting for Life, the national suicide reduction strategy, continues to provide the framework for suicide reduction in Ireland. In November 2020, Connecting for Life was extended by four years to enable its continued implementation. The operation of the strategy, across a range of departments, agencies and the voluntary sector, is essential in our fight to reduce incidents of suicide and self-harm.
The numbers of deaths by suicide, by ethnicity, or within the Traveller community, are not provided by the Central Statistics Office (CSO), however we know from studies such as the All Ireland Traveller Health Study that suicide rates are higher than in the settled community.
The Traveller community are a key focus for a number of specific actions across Connecting for Life, including actions on suicide prevention training within the community and amongst front line staff, awareness raising, protocols to assist organisations to work collaboratively on suicide prevention and managing critical incidents, and support for targeted services at primary care level.
€300,000 was allocated for Traveller mental health in 2023 and is recurring funding, enabling the employment of 7 community support workers within the Traveller projects to focus on engaging the community with existing mental health supports, identifying gaps and consulting on future service developments. These actions reflect the priority status of Travellers in the Government mental health policies Sharing the Vision and Connecting for Life. Progress will also be monitored under the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy.
In addition, as part of Budget 2024 I secured funding to include enhancements to suicide prevention and postvention services through the expansion of the Suicide Bereavement Liaison Service; and to further roll-out the Traveller Counselling Service, which will have national coverage for the first time.
The Suicide Bereavement Liaison Officer (SBLO) service is delivered on behalf of the National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP). SBLOs meet with the bereaved in the aftermath of a death by suicide, offering guidance, practical and emotional support and assistance in accessing therapeutic services. SBLOs provide essential supports in the aftermath of a suicide, providing both immediate support to the bereaved family, and also serving as a suicide prevention measure during a time at which there is heightened suicide risk.
The Traveller Counselling Service support Mental Health Services to provide a culturally inclusive counselling service to members of the Traveller community in line with National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy, National Traveller Health Action Plan, Connecting for Life and Sharing the Vision strategic objectives. The funding delivered under Budget 2024 will allow this service to be expanded to a larger swathe of the country.
The HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) coordinates the implementation of Connecting for Life, and funds partner NGOs to deliver essential training and services including bereavement services and therapeutic interventions.
One such agency is Exchange House National Travellers Service. With the support of the HSE NOSP, Exchange House provides a range of Traveller-specific mental health and suicide prevention services to the community. Their aim is to improve the overall wellbeing of Travellers and reduce the likelihood of suicide or self-harm within the community.
Budget 2024 also provided new funding to enhance Suicide Prevention and Postvention Services through the expansion of Suicide Bereavement Liaison Service; and for the Traveller Counselling Service, which will have national coverage for the first time. The details of this are the subject of on-going discussions in the context of agreeing the the HSE National Service Plan overall for next year.
I welcome the increased focus in the area of Traveller mental health and I look forward to the progression of this workstream.
Traveller Community
Questions (1694)
Mark Ward
Question:1694. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health for an update on the reinstatement of the Traveller Health Advisory Committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1402/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Traveller Health Advisory Committee (THAC) was disbanded in 2013 following a review of its operation. The creation of the HSE in 2006 resulted in significant changes to the functioning of THAC, especially in the area of funding and project allocation, which were transferred to the HSE.
The approach of the Department of Health with regards to Traveller health is to ensure that Travellers are mainstreamed in department policies and strategies. In 2023, the Department and the HSE published the national Traveller Health Action Plan.
The Department sits on the implementation group for the National Traveller Health Action Plan, which meets quarterly. The Department also hosts quarterly engagement meetings with to monitor progress of the plan’s implementation.
The Department sits on the steering committee for the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy (NTRIS). It is responsible for reporting on health actions in NTRIS, and is currently contributing to the drafting the new NTRIS.
Traveller Community
Questions (1695)
Mark Ward
Question:1695. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if a Department lead on Traveller health and mental health will be appointed to monitor and progress actions across Departments and initiatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1403/24]
View answerWritten answers
The principal officer in the Drugs Policy and Social Inclusion Unit in the Department of Health is responsible for Traveller health. The Mental Health Unit in the Department is responsible for Traveller mental health.
The HSE is responsible for the provision of healthcare services for Travellers. This is overseen by the National Social Inclusion Office. The HSE has established the implementation group for the National Traveller Health Action Plan, which meets quarterly, at least. The Department of Health is represented on this group. It also hosts quarterly engagement meetings with the HSE to monitor progress of the plan.
The Drugs Policy and Social Unit works across the Department to ensure that health needs of Travellers are represented in relevant departmental policies, including Healthy Ireland, Positive Ageing Strategy, Sharing the Vision/Connecting for Life, Reducing Harm Supporting Recovery, Sláintecare and Creating a Better Future Together.
Traveller Community
Questions (1696)
Mark Ward
Question:1696. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the funding for Traveller health in each of the years from 2019 to date; the funding allocated to Traveller mental health for the same period; if there is an increase in this funding in Budget 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1404/24]
View answerWritten answers
The HSE has a ring-fenced budget of €10 million for the provision of Traveller-specific health services. This is separate from the funding provided for general healthcare services that are availed of by the Traveller community, eg GMS, public health, acute hospitals, etc.
In Budget 2021, €270,000 was allocated to expand Traveller health units, as a first phase of the Traveller health action plan
In 2022, the Department allocated an additional €365,000 for Traveller mental health engagement, a further €55,000 was awarded for a peer-led research project to develop a Traveller mental wellness continuum framework. Funding of €500,000 was provided to increase access and provision of community drug and alcohol services, with a focus on services Travellers, women and LGBTI+.
In Budget 2023, the Dept of Health allocated an additional €1.3 million to the HSE to commence the implementation of the National Traveller Health Action Plan, with €300k of this being specifically allocated for Traveller mental health.
The Dept provided €500,000 for projects working with Traveller women at risk of homelessness from the Women’s Health Fund for the period 2023-2024. The Department proposes to commence an initiative to address the social determinants of Traveller health in conjunction with the Sláintecare healthy communities programme. Total funding of €710,000 from Dormant Accounts will be provided for this initiative in 2024 & 2025.
With regards to Budget 2024, Minister Butler 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. This targeted measure demonstrates the joined-up approach to Traveller health between mental health and inclusion health policy units in the Dept.
I and Minister Butler are fully committed to providing the leadership and resources to support the implementation of the national Traveller health action plan.
Traveller Community
Questions (1697)
Mark Ward
Question:1697. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health for an update on Traveller counselling services; if they operate on a national basis; the funding that is allocated to the service on a yearly basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1405/24]
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.