Wednesday, 28 Feb 2024

Written Answers Nos. 184-198

Primary Care Centres

Questions (184)

Paul McAuliffe

Question:

184. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Health for an update on the development of the Finglas primary care centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9642/24]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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. 

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (185)

Denis Naughten

Question:

185. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health if he will outline his plans to extend the special scheme of paid leave for healthcare workers suffering from long Covid; if he intends to extend or replace this scheme before it is due to end in March 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9644/24]

Written answers

Minister for Health

In the public health sector, a temporary Special Scheme has been in place since July 2022 to provide special leave with pay for eligible staff in respect of Long Covid.  This Special Scheme has been extended a number of times, however it will conclude as planned on 31st March 2024 and no further extensions will be granted.  Employees impacted by the conclusion of the Special Scheme will receive an individual notification of this from their employer this week.

Any employee of the public health sector remaining unwell after that date, may utilise the full provisions of the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme which will provide further support.

The sick leave scheme provides full pay for three months, followed by half pay for three months, and after that, Temporary Rehabilitative Remuneration may be applied for, which, if granted, provides up to a further 547 days of paid leave.  The Critical Illness Protocol that forms part of the sick leave scheme may also provide additional supports if granted.

Question No. 186 answered with Question No. 178.

Mental Health Policy

Questions (187)

Thomas Gould

Question:

187. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the reason the Understanding and Managing Adult ADHD Programme will not be funded in 2024. [9670/24]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Mary Butler)

ADHD has long been recognised as one of the most common psychiatric disorders in children and it is now known to persist into adulthood. Core symptoms include inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.

It can cause many issues in areas such as personal and social relations, education and occupation, managing money and organising life in general. There is also an increased risk of having other mental health difficulties with it such as anxiety and depression.

Children can access ADHD assessments through the National Educational Psychological Service. In addition to this, as per the CAMHS Operational Guidelines, CAMHS take referrals for children and adolescents up to age 18 with moderate to severe ADHD.

I am aware that prior to the inception of the National Clinical Programme for Adults with ADHD which I launched in 2021, there were no specific ADHD public services available for Adults in Ireland.

The National Clinical Programme for ADHD is delivered as part of the HSE’s mental health service provision to ensure an integrated, person-centred response to adults with ADHD. The programme includes both assessment and treatment of the disorder and works collaboratively with voluntary agencies. It envisages a national service of ADHD teams, with each Team comprised of Consultant Psychiatrist, Senior Psychologist, Senior Occupational Therapist, Clinical Nurse Specialist Mental Health, and an administrator.

Enhancement of specialist mental health services such as ADHD is a key priority for myself as Minister, the Government as a whole and the HSE. Since 2021, over €3 million has been made available for funding ADHD posts from Programme for Government funding. This has enabled the set-up of 5 ADHD Teams with recruitment of over 25 posts, and two more teams are currently in development with posts funded for them.

In addition, as part of the National Clinical Programme adults funding of €150,000 was allocated to facilitate a collaboration with ADHD Ireland and the UCD School of Psychology to develop an ADHD app and the UMAAP Programme (Understanding and Managing Adult ADHD Programme). Both the ADHD App and the UMAAP Programme have proven to be two very positive resources for people with ADHD.

The UMAAP Programme is delivered as a 5-week workshop, and its aim is to provide education and tools for adults on how to manage ADHD.

I am pleased to confirm that further to recent discussions between the Department of Health and the HSE to finalise 2024 mental health funding, ADHD Ireland will be provided with funding for provision of the UMAAP Programme in 2024 and beyond. I look forward to launching the UMAAP Programme in April as agreed with ADHD Ireland.

General Practitioner Services

Questions (188)

Thomas Gould

Question:

188. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the number of patients seen in SouthDoc, Blackpool in January 2024, January 2023 and January 2022, respectively, in tabular form. [9673/24]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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, the question asked by the Deputy may be delayed in receiving a response directly from the HSE.

Dental Services

Questions (189)

Colm Burke

Question:

189. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the action taken by his Department to assist in the delivery of a new dental hospital for Cork in view of the fact that the current facility does not have the capacity to deliver the services required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9689/24]

Awaiting reply from Department.

Primary Care Centres

Questions (190)

Colm Burke

Question:

190. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the up-to-date position in respect of the delivery of a primary care centre for the Blarney area, in view of the fact that there has been a substantial increase in the population in the past 15 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9690/24]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As the Health Service Executive (HSE) holds responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Primary Care Centres

Questions (191)

Colm Burke

Question:

191. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the up-to-date position in respect of the delivery of a primary care centre for the Glanmire area in view of the fact that there has been a substantial increase in the population in the past 15 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9691/24]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As the Health Service Executive (HSE) holds responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Dental Services

Questions (192)

Colm Burke

Question:

192. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health when a child (details supplied) who was urgently referred to St. Finbarr's Dental Hospital, Cork by St. Mary's Orthopaedic in December 2023 will receive an appointment with this service in view of the fact that it was marked an urgent case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9694/24]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.

Please reply to the Deputy in this case.

Home Care Packages

Questions (193)

Aindrias Moynihan

Question:

193. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Health what measures are being taken to ensure that home supports can be put in place for people currently waitlisted for these services in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9703/24]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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 recently ended the industrial action which commenced on 6 October 2023. As a consequence, members in these grades were not engaging with political forums or processes. As a result of the accumulated backlog, the question asked by the Deputy may be delayed in receiving a response directly from the HSE. 

Health Service Executive

Questions (194, 195)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

194. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if HSE staff returning from career breaks are prevented from returning to work due to the recruitment freeze; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9705/24]

Róisín Shortall

Question:

195. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the number of HSE staff on a career break, by staff group. [9706/24]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 194 and 195 together.

As this is an operational matter for the Health Service Executive, the HSE has been asked to respond directly to the Deputy.

Question No. 195 answered with Question No. 194.

Mental Health Commission

Questions (196)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

196. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the status of the 49 recommendations from the Mental Health Commission’s final report on CAMHS; if he intends to implement the recommendations in full; if so, the timeline for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9707/24]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Mary Butler)

Of the 49 recommendations made by the Mental Health Commission in their CAMHS report, the HSE have reported to my Department that approximately 40 are in progress. A number of these recommendations relate to new service developments which are dependent on further investment.

Responsibility for 4 recommendations (Recs. 1, 2, 14 and 19) lie with the Department of Health. Broadly, these relate to:

Recommendation 1: The immediate and independent regulation of CAMHS by the Mental Health Commission must be put in place to ensure that all children have access to evidence-based and safe services, regardless of geographical location or ability to pay.

• The Government recognises the importance of ensuring all mental health services, both inpatient and community, and both adult and child and adolescent, are fully registered, regulated, and inspected by the Mental Health Commission in its role as the independent regulator of mental health services.

• Under the Mental Health Act 2001, the Mental Health Commission registers, inspects, and regulates all inpatient mental health services, including inpatient CAMHS. The current Mental Health Act 2001 does not include any provisions for the registration or regulation of community mental health services and therefore, it is not considered that the Act provides the necessary legal basis to expand the Commission’s regulatory remit.

• The expansion of the Mental Health Commission’s role into regulating all community mental health services, including community CAMHS, is being addressed in the forthcoming Mental Health Bill. This new Bill is a complex and lengthy piece of legislation. It will provide the necessary legal underpinning to ensure that the Mental Health Commission can regulate all community services. Additionally, the Bill will overhaul the involuntary admission and detention process, modernise provisions related to consent to treatment, provide enhanced safeguards for people accessing inpatient treatment, and provide a new, discrete Part that relates exclusively to the care and treatment of children and young people.

• Drafting of this Bill has been prioritised and it is now in its final months of drafting. It will be introduced to the Oireachtas in the summer legislative session, which begins in April.

Recommendation 2: The implementation of these recommendations must be monitored by the Mental Health Commission who must publish a yearly report on progress of implementation.

• The Mental Health Commission play a vital role in the independent monitoring of mental health services in Ireland. The Department welcomes the Commission’s focus on service improvement in CAMH services, particularly on foot of this report, however it is the role of the Department of Health to ensure that key performance metrics for HSE services are met, that investment is used for agreed service developments, and that policy recommendations are reviewed and enacted as appropriate. The functions of the Commission, as set out in section 33 of the Mental Health Act, do not include a function to oversee or monitor the performance of the HSE outside of services registered as approved centres nor do they grant an implementation function on the Commission. It is for the Minister and Department to either accept or not accept the recommendations arising from the Inspector’s report and for the Minister and Department to set any targets or goals for the implementation of any such recommendations, in consultation with the HSE and the Commission as appropriate.

• The Department of Health has a key role in policy development, service development, and performance management. Officials in the Department of Health meet with senior HSE executives every month in the context of performance monitoring. A standing item on the performance agenda is child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS), as well as progression and publication of the HSE audits arising from the Maskey Report. The Department have reviewed the 49 recommendations and in collaboration with the HSE continues to discuss the recommendations from this report at performance meetings as deemed appropriate.

Recommendation 14: The budget allocated to CAMHS must be increased to develop adequately resourced teams and appropriate facilities within CAMHS.

• The HSE in their response to the Commission indicated that this was a matter for the Department of Health. It should be noted that the operational prioritisation and financial allocation of the HSE’s Budget is a matter for the HSE, which is reviewed and sanctioned by the Department as part of the annual estimates and National Service Plan processes.

• Year-on-year funding for mental health services increased from €1.221 billion in Budget 2023 to nearly €1.3 billion in 2024, and with a strong focus on investing in child and youth mental health. This is the fourth consecutive year of an increase for mental health services, and highlights in real terms the importance this Government places on the mental health of those living in Ireland.

• CAMHS receives €146.5 million in dedicated funding annually. In addition to this, approximately €110 million in funding is provided by the Government to community-based mental health organisations and NGOs each year to deliver supports and services. A significant proportion of this is dedicated to supporting young people. I recently announced a further €10 million in funding for mental health to support the delivery of clinical programmes and youth mental health. This again highlights the Government’s recognition of mental health as a central component to overall health, and to reform youth mental health care in line with the policies Sharing the Vision and Connecting for Life.

• Examples of service initiatives under Budget 2024 for Mental Health include:

- Additional staffing for CAMHS teams to improve access to services and reduce waiting lists.

- Expansion of multi-disciplinary CAMHS Hubs Teams to complement traditional service models.

- Further development of specialist mental health teams providing essential services.

- A new Youth Mental Health app.

Recommendation 19: The Draft Overarching National Standards for the Care and Support of Children using Health and Social Care Services, jointly produced by MHC and HIQA should be finalised at Ministerial level and implemented in practice.

• Separate to the MHC Report process, HIQA and the Mental Health Commission developed the Draft Overarching National Standards for the Care and Support of Children using Health and Social Care Services standards and submitted them for Ministerial approval in July 2022. These high-level draft standards relate to all children using the health service (i.e., Acutes, Disability, Primary Care, Mental Health etc.) and are designed to complement any current standards or guidelines.

• I have met with officials in the Department in relation to the standards to consider the impacts around legislation, monitoring, future resource provision, and draft standards that are wider than just mental health.

Further detailed consideration of these recommendations will continue.

Mental Health Commission

Questions (197)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

197. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if he will act on the first recommendation of the Mental Health Commission’s final report on CAMHS which calls for the immediate and independent regulation of CAMHS by the Mental Health Commission; if he intends to provide for this regulation in the new Mental Health Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9708/24]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Mary Butler)

Recommendation 1 of the Mental Health Commission report, referenced by the Deputy, relates to the immediate and independent regulation of CAMHS by the Mental Health Commission. The intention of this recommendation is to ensure that all children have access to evidence-based and safe services, regardless of geographical location or ability to pay.

I support the regulation of all mental health services, including community CAMHS, and I am progressing legislation to underpin this regulation.

The Government recognises the importance of ensuring all mental health services, both inpatient and community, and both adult and child and adolescent, are fully registered, regulated, and inspected by the Mental Health Commission in its role as the independent regulator of mental health services.

Under the Mental Health Act 2001, the Mental Health Commission registers, inspects, and regulates all inpatient mental health services, including inpatient CAMHS. The current Mental Health Act 2001 does not include any provisions for the registration or regulation of community mental health services and therefore, it is not considered that the Act provides the necessary legal basis to expand the Commission’s regulatory remit.

The expansion of the Mental Health Commission’s role into regulating all community mental health services, including community CAMHS, is being addressed in the forthcoming Mental Health Bill. This new Bill is a complex and lengthy piece of legislation. It will provide the necessary legal underpinning to ensure that the Mental Health Commission can regulate all community services. Additionally, the Bill will overhaul the involuntary admission and detention process, modernise provisions related to consent to treatment, provide enhanced safeguards for people accessing inpatient treatment, and provide a new, discrete Part that relates exclusively to the care and treatment of children and young people.

Drafting of this Bill has been prioritised and it is now in its final months of drafting. It will be introduced to the Oireachtas in the summer legislative session, which begins in April.

Institutes of Technology

Questions (198)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

198. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he can comment or advise on the best route for intellectual disability students in Dundalk Institute of Technology under St John of God Hospital (details supplied) who have been faced with serious placement obstacles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9546/24]

Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (Deputy Simon Harris)

The matter referred to by the Deputy is not under my remit. This is a matter for the HSE to advise on.