Matt Shanahan
Question:153. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Health if there is an electroencephalographic machine in University Hospital Waterford. [4375/24]
View answerHospital Equipment
Questions (153)
Written answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Irish Blood Transfusion Service
Questions (154)
Matt Shanahan
Question:154. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Health if, due to the shortage of blood stocks in Irish hospitals, there are any plans within his Department to have full-time blood donation clinics in Ireland; if his Department is considering if the donation of blood could be incentivised in some way, perhaps in the form of vouchers and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4376/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) is the statutory body with responsibility for the national blood supply.
In terms of full-time blood donation clinics, the IBTS operates 3 fixed whole blood donation centres (2 in Dublin and 1 in Cork) and 2 platelet apheresis clinics (Dublin and Cork). The opening hours of these centres are spread across the working week, Monday to Friday generally between the hours 10am to 6pm (or later). The times vary to align with donor availability and preferences.
The IBTS also operate 6 mobile collection clinics that operate Monday to Thursday and frequently on Sundays (based on Public holidays etc.). These are based strategically around the country to facilitate local blood collection. The regional teams are based in Ardee, Tuam, Carlow, Limerick, Cork and Dublin.
The IBTS operate over 2000 clinics annually in over 260 venues, ensuring that the main population centres around the country are visited and facilitated.
The act of donating blood is an altruistic one and the IBTS does not offer any financial rewards to encourage donors to donate. It is not the intention of the IBTS to offer incentives either financial or in the form of vouchers to encourage people to donate blood or platelets. This policy of voluntary unpaid donation is very much in line with most other countries and governing bodies including the European Blood Alliance (EBA), which the IBTS is a member of.
To recognise the altruistic act of blood donation, the IBTS have a series of milestone acknowledgements of donor contributions, including special ceremonies throughout the year when the IBTS honours donors who have given 50 and 100 (and beyond) donations.
Mental Health Services
Questions (155)
Peter Fitzpatrick
Question:155. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an urgent referral; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4377/24]
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.
Dental Services
Questions (156)
Pearse Doherty
Question:156. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when orthodontic treatment will commence for a child (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4379/24]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service 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.
Further and Higher Education
Questions (157)
Patricia Ryan
Question:157. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health if his Department plans to put in place core funding for the provision of Level 6 (QQI) courses for healthcare assistants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4390/24]
View answerWritten answers
As per HSE eligibility criteria, the educational requirement for a Health Care Assistant is the relevant Health Skills Level 5 (QQI) qualification. The purpose of the Level 5 Major Health Service Skills Award (HSSA) is to enable the learner to acquire the knowledge, skills and competence to work under supervision in a variety of healthcare settings to enhance their role in service provision to service users or to progress to further and or higher education and training.
The Office of Nursing and Midwifery Services Director (ONMSD) within its scope of governance designs, develops and delivers continuous professional development and clinical leadership, with programmes of education ranging from level 5 to level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications. Training is provided to Health Care Assistants who support the nursing and midwifery function through the ONMSD Centres of Nursing and Midwifery Education with the achievement of Ireland QQI Level 5 Major award in Health Service Skills.
The total credit value required for this certificate is 120. The programme comprises of 8 modules – each module has a credit value of 15 European Credit Transfers’ (ECT’s). The Centres of Nursing and Midwifery Education have the capacity to deliver the diversity of the Module that constitutes the HSSA. The versatility of the HSSA supports workforce planning and skills transfer across care services, meeting the future needs of services. HSE does not intend currently to specify a requirement for Level 6 HealthCare Assistant training.
Healthcare Infrastructure Provision
Questions (158)
Patricia Ryan
Question:158. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide the most recent update on the timeline for commencement of the new build at St. Vincent's Hospital Athy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4392/24]
View answerWritten answers
As 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.
Parking Provision
Questions (159, 160)
Richard Bruton
Question:159. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health the annual revenue generated by public car parking at Beaumont Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4397/24]
View answerRichard Bruton
Question:160. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health to provide details of any contracts between private car park operators and Beaumont Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4398/24]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 159 and 160 together.
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
Question No. 160 answered with Question No. 159.
Medicinal Products
Questions (161)
Frankie Feighan
Question:161. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Health for an update on the development of Ireland's national position on the revision of the EU general pharmaceuticals legislation as proposed by the European Commission; when Ireland will be making its official response to the European Commission on the pharmaceutical review known; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4400/24]
View answerWritten answers
In November 2020, the Commission put forward a Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe which aims to create a future-proof and patient-centred pharmaceutical environment in which the EU industry can innovate, flourish, and continue to be a global leader. As a key part of the EU’s comprehensive response to these challenges, the Commission proposed an ambitious revision of the EU pharmaceutical legislation.On the 26 April 2023 the EU Commission published its proposal to revise the general pharmaceutical legislation - this is in the form of a Directive and a Regulation. This is the first full revision of the pharmaceutical legislation in over twenty years and is significant to all stakeholders involved in the medicines’ ecosystem.
The general pharmaceutical legislation encompasses the regulation of the authorisation, manufacturing distribution, marketing, and monitoring of medicines. It provides for cooperation, roles, and division of responsibilities between the Commission and EU Member States.
The aim of the pharmaceutical revision is described as ensuring access to affordable, available medicines, while maintaining the competitiveness of the EU pharma industry sector, combating antimicrobial resistance, and providing for compliance measures which reinforce environmental protections.
National Approach;
Department of Health Role
The Department of Health is the lead Government department in Ireland tasked with responding and engaging nationally and at EU level, as the proposal is negotiated by all EU-27 and progresses through the ordinary legislative process.
The Minister for Health established the Cross Government and Cross Agency Pharmaceutical Strategy Working Group (PSWG) to support the development of Ireland’s response to the proposal from a national perspective and facilitate this position to be informed by a whole of government view.
The PSWG continues to meet to discuss this package regularly and is actively involved in considering the detail of the proposed package of legislative measures, ensuring a well informed and balanced Irish position on the package.
Engagement activities
An initial structured stakeholder engagement exercise took place on 8th May 2023 at which key representative stakeholders were invited to share their perspectives to inform the Irish preliminary position on the Commission’s proposal.
The Belgian Presidency have commenced the detailed discussion of the proposed package at Council, and will focus on the policy topic of shortages / security of supply and incentives. In anticipation of this the Department conducted a consultation exercise with external stakeholders at the end of Dec 2023 to help to inform the national position on the policy topic of shortages / security of supply and to feed into the Irish negotiation mandate.
Next Steps
The Department of Health will conduct a consultation with Stakeholders on the policy topic incentives in the coming weeks and again this will help inform the national position and assist in the deliberations at an EU level. Information about this will be available on the Department's website shortly.
Ireland will continue to listen to the views of stakeholders in progressing the Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe. The Department is also encouraging stakeholders to submit their opinions on the legislative proposal and feedback can be submitted to the Department at EUpharmastrategy@health.gov.ie.
Health Services Staff
Questions (162)
Richard Bruton
Question:162. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health the number of physiotherapists catering to the needs of public patients; whether waiting lists are maintained to measure the extent to which demand is being met by the existing throughput of caseload of these practitioners: if he has considered extending the NTPF system to those waiting for physiotherapy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4402/24]
View answerWritten answers
In relation to the queries raised, about the number of physiotherapists catering to the needs of public patients and whether waiting lists are maintained to measure the extent to which demand is being met by the existing throughput of caseload of these practitioners, as these are service matters, 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.
As regards extending the role of the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF). The NTPF was established under the Health (Corporate Bodies) Act 1961, with the function of providing hospital treatment for citizens and the collection and validation of information in relation to waiting lists. Its role was extended in 2009 (via the Nursing Home Support Scheme Act, 2009) to provide for negotiations with private nursing homes in the context of fees payable for Fair Deal clients.
Notwithstanding the fact that Primary Legislation would be required to expand the NTPF’s role there are other core factors that may militate against a role for the NTPF in the areas identified by the Deputy in the short to medium term.
Firstly, there is the nature of private capacity in the context of hospitals versus community services. Currently, NTPF treatments are purchased from hospitals (institutions) through panel agreements with the relevant providers; community services are predominately provided via individual practitioners.
People using HSE primary care therapies are likely to have more complex needs and, therefore, require several services at the same time, provided through a multidisciplinary team. In essence, they have a longer-term relationship with health services rather than an episodic relationship such as that provided in a hospital, and as such it would be necessary to cost and profile ‘bundles’ of work that would be required to address service user needs and pathway requirements, as distinct from the once-off episodic treatment arrangements with hospitals.
In addition, careful consideration would need to be given to the impact of the purchasing of private capacity on long-term expansion of public capacity within primary care, and ensuring appropriate skill mix to meet the needs of people including children with more complex needs.
Any changes would need to be widely consulted upon, analysed, and planned prior to enactment. The NTPF could potentially play a role in the future. However, there are foundational issues as outlined above that need systematic reform and development to enable an NTPF style approach.
Mental Health Services
Questions (163)
Gino Kenny
Question:163. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the reason for the delay in approving funding for sustainability impact assessment with St. John of God Community Services (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4418/24]
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 Waiting Lists
Questions (164)
Pa Daly
Question:164. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) can expect to receive an appointment for a surgical procedure to remove cataracts (bilateral), as their sight is impaired and this is affecting their day-to-day quality of life; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4421/24]
View answerWritten answers
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 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.
Health Services
Questions (165, 166, 167, 168)
Duncan Smith
Question:165. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health how long someone referred to the National Gender Service today would be expected to wait for their first assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4422/24]
View answerDuncan Smith
Question:166. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health why the National Gender Service chose not to close its waiting list in 2023, as was discussed in late 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4423/24]
View answerDuncan Smith
Question:167. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health how many trans patient support and advocacy organisations such as (details supplied) the National Gender Service met with in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4424/24]
View answerDuncan Smith
Question:168. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health how the National Gender Service defines the term gender affirming care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4425/24]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 165 to 168, inclusive, together.
As this is a service matter I have referred the question to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
Question No. 166 answered with Question No. 165.
Question No. 167 answered with Question No. 165.
Question No. 168 answered with Question No. 165.
Health Services
Questions (169)
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:169. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if any consideration has been given to providing a national screening programme for coeliac disease, similar to that of the Italian system where they included a screening programme for one- to 17 year-olds for coeliac disease into their national legislation in late 2023 (details supplied), with consideration that Ireland has one of the highest incidence rates of coeliac disease in the world [4426/24]
View answerWritten answers
I am fully committed to supporting our population screening programmes which are a valuable part of our health service, enabling early treatment and care for many people, and improving the overall health of our population.
In response to the Deputy's question, I will highlight that any decisions about further changes in screening, including introducing new programmes, will be made on the advice of the National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC). This independent expert group considers and assesses evidence in a robust and transparent manner, and against internationally accepted criteria. It is important we have rigorous processes in place to ensure our screening programmes are effective, quality assured and operating to safe standards, and that the benefits of screening outweigh the harms.
Careful consideration must be given to any proposed expansion of Ireland’s screening programmes and this process must be afforded the necessary amount of time to complete. This includes ensuring that decisions are made based on internationally accepted criteria and scientific rigour.
The Committee holds Calls for Submissions, which invite all stakeholders, including members of the public, HSE and other medical professionals, to make proposals for the introduction of new population-based screening programmes or changes to existing programmes in Ireland. NSAC has not previously received nor considered proposals regarding screening for Coeliac Disease. The Committee’s third Call for Submissions is currently open until 1 March 2024. Further information is available on the Committee's website at www.nsacommittee.ie
It is important to note that population health screening measures are not individual diagnostic tests. Screening is for people who do not have symptoms. Anyone who is worried about symptoms at any time is advised not to wait for screening but to contact their GP immediately, for appropriate follow-up care.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (170)
Róisín Shortall
Question:170. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the reason the HSE website no longer has a facility for the public to record Covid-19 infections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4435/24]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
Healthcare Infrastructure Provision
Questions (171)
Thomas Gould
Question:171. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health when the Westfield Integrated Care Centre in Ballincollig County Cork will be operational. [4461/24]
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.
Health Services
Questions (172)
Steven Matthews
Question:172. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 218 of 24 January 2024, the steps he will take to ensure that the review of Community Ophthalmic Services Medical Treatment Scheme is prioritised this year; the detail regarding any meetings carried out by his officials in the last 12 months regarding parameters of this planned review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4487/24]
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 needs to be carried out before it is extended further. This review remains a priority for my Department in 2024. The requirements of this review have been regularly discussed in meetings between officials from my Department and their HSE counterparts as well as internally within my Department. This process is continuing in tandem with the pursuit of other priorities in the provision of appropriate eye care.
Health Services
Questions (173)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:173. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health for an overview of how his Department incorporates culture and arts into life in hospitals, care homes, assisted living institutions and healthcare settings, and what work has been done to examine the use of art as therapy. [4503/24]
View answerWritten answers
There is now a strong international evidence base for the benefits of arts and creativity for health and wellbeing, with the World Health Organisation (WHO) recognising the robust impact of the arts and creativity on both mental and physical health. The WHO has also found that the arts facilitate a more holistic approach to complex health problems, giving parity of esteem to mental health and helping to situate health problems in their social and community context. Furthermore, the WHO has also found that cultural and creative interventions can provide multiple health-promoting benefits and in this way can show equivalent or greater cost-effectiveness than possible health interventions.
The Department of Health (Healthy Ireland Programme) and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media (Creative Ireland Programme), HSE and the Arts Council work together to develop creative programming to deliver national health and wellbeing policies and strategies and a shared commitment to supporting positive health and wellbeing outcomes in community and healthcare settings for the public, health service staff, patients, their families and carers, as well as the development of creativity and the arts more broadly.
Working with the Creative Ireland Programme, the HSE and the Arts Council, a range of initiatives have been funded to date to support the use of creative engagement as a tool for the promotion of health and wellbeing at all stages of life at local level for:
• Older people
• Traveller Communities
• Children with long term health conditions
• End of life and bereavement
• Social Prescribing
In addition, my Department’s funding in this area has included the provision of an Artist in Residence for 7 acute hospitals and an expansion of lunchtime music sessions in public areas in 14 acute hospitals for the benefit of both patients and staff, together with the development of a live music performance initiative for older people living in community and/or residential healthcare facilities in partnership with the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport & Media.
General Practitioner Services
Questions (174)
Carol Nolan
Question:174. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health to provide, in tabular form, the number of GPs reimbursed (PCRS) for the years 2019 to date for first and second consultations for terminations of pregnancy; the number of payments issued for all termination of pregnancy consultations by all other providers for the years 2019 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4511/24]
View answerWritten answers
As this question relates to a service matter, I have referred to the HSE for direct response.