Written Answers Nos. 189-212
189. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) has not got the scans needed for their upcoming appointment in Beaumont Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3117/24]
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.
190. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health to review the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will expedite a treatment for them [3119/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
191. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health to review the case of a person (details supplied); if he can provide an update on this case; and if a place will be expedited for them in a rehabilitation centre. [3121/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
192. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) can expect to receive an appointment with a consultant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3132/24]
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 2023. 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.
193. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if, in light of the worsening humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza, the alarming rate of conflict-related injury and illness affecting children there, the rate at which children are made orphans there, the destruction of Gazan hospitals, and the severe pressures on hospitals in the wider region, he is aware of calls to host Palestinian orphans in severe need of medical care in Ireland; if he is aware of pledges by the United Arab Emirates to evacuate up to 1,000 injured children from Gaza for treatment in hospitals in the UAE; if he is aware of the evacuation of dozens of displaced patients from Gaza to Turkey for treatment; if he is aware of any other medical evacuations of displaced Palestinians to other states; to look into undertaking a similar effort in Ireland; to outline what avenues humanitarians in the region could pursue to see sick and injured orphans from Gaza treated in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3152/24]
View answerI am appalled by the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the scale of civilian casualties. The Government continues to call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, for an increase in humanitarian access and for the protection of civilians.
Ireland’s response to the Gaza Crisis to date, includes the provision of in-kind assistance in addition to humanitarian funding. Ireland has provided €20 million in response to the Gaza crisis directed through a range of trusted partners (UN agencies, the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement and International NGOs) who have the experience and capacity to deliver assistance and we are satisfied that it is reaching the most vulnerable and hard to reach populations.
There are well established formal procedures at EU and National level to deal with requests for humanitarian assistance. These procedure have been successfully utilised on several occasions in relation to Ukraine. At this point, no formal request for assistance has been received in relation to Gaza on the DG ECHO's platform: the Common Emergency Communications and Information System (CECIS) that would initiate an EU response. If such a request is made, the Civil Protection Services operated by the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage will act as the point of contact for such requests.
194. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on plans to accelerate implementation of the HSE's integrated financial management system; the timeline he is working towards for full roll-out of the new system; the role of the newly established productivity and savings taskforce in respect of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3172/24]
View answerThe Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS) was developed to address acknowledged deficiencies in the HSE’s financial reporting capabilities. When fully complete, the IFMS will contribute to better financial controls through improved financial reporting and by enabling improved financial management, governance, compliance and transparency.
The IFMS will be rolled out to the HSE, Section 38 agencies and some of the larger Section 39 agencies. The initial rollout phase, Implementation Group 1 (IG1) comprising the Eastern region, capital and some national services, has been completed. Additional funding was made available in 2024 to accelerate the rollout, however, rollout of future phases is currently being impacted by ongoing industrial action in the HSE.
The implementation of a single standardised financial and procurement system will, for the first time, provide quality standardised financial and procurement information across both statutory and voluntary services. Because of its potential to provide quality information and useful insights, the IFMS is now included in the Savings and Productivity Taskforce’s remit.
195. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health if he will now introduce a nurse led minor injuries clinic in the Community Hospital, Donegal town (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3175/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the deputy directly.
196. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health for an update on the development of a recovery hub for individuals with substance misuse issues; when this is expected to be rolled out; the estimated cost of this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3176/24]
View answer198. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health for an update on €800,000 announced for dedicated recovery initiatives in Budget 2024 for the National Drugs Strategy; when the funding application will open; how the funding will be allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3178/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 196 and 198 together.
In Budget 2024 €800,000 in dedicated funding was secured to develop an initiative to support the recovery of people with drug dependency and their integration into everyday life, including family, housing, employment and education. The case for peer-based recovery support and coaching, and the development of recovery communities will also be considered in framing this initiative.
The Department is developing plans to consult with stakeholders and experts on Recovery. It is intended that the consultation will assist in identify the key elements and priorities of the Recovery Initiative. This process will also inform how we proceed with this funding.
It is anticipated that proposals for distributing the funding will be finalised in the coming weeks.
197. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health for an update on the implementation of the dual diagnosis pilot sites and cross-national training for mental health practitioners as mentioned in the model of care; for an update on recruitment for these services; when they will be rolled out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3177/24]
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.
199. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Health the number of public defibrillators in each county. [3192/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
200. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Health if he has undertaken an assessment of the cost of providing the flu vaccine free of charge to all people over 18 years of age. [3193/24]
View answerThe 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.
During the 2023/2024 flu season, the flu vaccine has been available free of charge to adults over 65 years, individuals in specified at-risk groups and children aged from 2 to 17 years of age. This programme ensures that those most vulnerable to the effects of influenza will have access to the flu vaccination without a charge. Full detail on the eligible groups is available on the HSE website.
201. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health to detail the planned upgrades to Naas General Hospital, to include costings, timeframes for commencement of works and completion dates for works, working currently underway and timeframes for completion; the overall budget allocated for the planned works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3194/24]
View answerAs the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly 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.
202. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Health the number of vacancies and the level of developmental assessment needs within services (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3196/24]
View answerAs 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.
203. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Health the average weekly appointments seen for services (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3197/24]
View answerAs 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.
204. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health the number of rapid reviews and health technology applications received in 2023; the number completed in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3198/24]
View answerNumber of Rapid Reviews submitted in 2023: 80
Number of Rapid Reviews completed in 2023: 76
Number of HTA submitted (and accepted following initial check process) in 2023: 30
Number of HTAs completed: 28
205. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health the number of meetings of the HSE drugs group that took place in 2023; the number of medicines considered for recommendation at each meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3199/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
206. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Health to provide figures for the number of staff directly employed in his Department who work from home/remotely as part of their working week; the percentage of staff on an overall basis who work from home at least one day a week; the number of working hours on average per week that staff in his Department work from home; the gender breakdown of those who avail of the opportunity to work from home/remotely; if they will provide the figures for 2022 and 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3240/24]
View answerMy Department’s Blended Working policy was launched on the 30th of June 2022 and allows staff members to request a maximum of 3 days per week working remotely. The application process is ongoing as new members of staff join the Department and to date no application has been declined. The breakdown of applications in 2022 and 2023 is provided below in tabular form.
|
Gender |
2022 (31/12/2022) |
2023 (31/12/2023) |
|
Male |
266 (41% of Employee Headcount) |
253 (38% of Employee Headcount) |
|
Female |
358 (55% of Employee Headcount) |
326 (49% of Employee Headcount) |
|
Total |
624 (96% of Employee Headcount) |
579 (88% of Employee Headcount) |
207. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Health to provide figures for the number of staff directly employed in agencies and bodies directly under his aegis who work from home/remotely as part of their working week; the percentage of staff on an overall basis who work from home at least one day a week; the number of working hours on average per week that staff in relevant agencies and bodies work from home; the gender breakdown of those who avail of the opportunity to work from home/remotely; if he will provide the figures for 2022 and 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3258/24]
View answerThe HSE have been asked to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter in respect of staff of the health service, however due to ongoing industrial action, it may take some time for the HSE to be in a position to respond to the Deputy.
The information in respect of the Non-Commercial State Agencies has been requested, and on collection and collation, a separate response will issue to the Deputy by way of letter.
208. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if he can outline the funding that is available for non-acute patient supports for heart and stroke patients, by CHO; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3277/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
209. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health what practical, social and emotional supports services are available for heart and stroke patients currently; if he can provide this information on an acute and community basis and by CHO; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3278/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
210. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the funding provided to an organisation (details supplied) to date and annually; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3279/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
211. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health what practical, social and emotional supports services are available for patients currently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3280/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
212. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if a hospital appointment will be expedited for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3285/24]
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 2023. 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.
