Written Answers Nos. 700-721
700. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE dentists contracted to the school dental screening service for the years 2012 to date inclusive, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10291/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
701. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the allocated budget to the school dental screening service for the years 2012 to date inclusive, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10292/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
702. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the spend on the school dental screening service for the years 2012 to date inclusive, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10293/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
703. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the number of children seen by dentists on the school dental screening service for the years 2012 to date inclusive, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10294/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
704. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the number of dentists WTEs contracted to the school screening service per CHO area, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10295/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
705. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health his plans to increase the number of dentists or WTEs contracted to the public dental service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10296/24]
View answerAs this is an operational matter for the Health Service Executive, the HSE has been asked to respond directly to the Deputy.
706. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if he will supply data, in tabular form, for the ten fastest, and ten slowest approvals of orphan drugs by the HSE, by year (for the period 2014 to 2023), stating the date on which the applications for said drugs were received by the HSE and the data on which a reimbursement decision was subsequently made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10300/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
707. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if he can confirm if the HSE’s systems can extract spending on reimbursements in respect of orphan drugs; and if so, to provide in tabular form, the amount spent in this respect in each year 2014-2023 inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10301/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
708. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health in relation to the proposed change in the medical card hair loss grant, if he will reconsider this proposal, ensuring that a grant is provided for anyone in need; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10311/24]
View answerThe Health Service Executive (HSE) provide an extensive range of aids and appliances to individuals living with a wide variety of different medical conditions. These support individuals to continue living within their communities and to enjoy a greater quality of life than would otherwise be the case. The Community Funded Schemes (CFS) is the collective name for the provision of these products and services.
The Community Funded Scheme service improvement programme recently published two new national procedures for the provision of an allowance for cancer treatment in respect of hair loss and post mastectomy products. The HSE advise that the intention of the new procedures was to standardize provision across the country.
I instructed the HSE to ensure that no patient, either currently availing of the scheme or accessing it in the future, should be at any financial loss as a result of the proposed changes.
The HSE has since communicated to each CHO advising them to revert to the pre-existing level of contributions to patients in respect of hair loss and post mastectomy products until such time as the new procedures can be reviewed in terms of the proposed allowances to be provided. CHOs were also instructed to contact any member of the public who received an email/communication advising them of the new procedure to inform them it has been withdrawn. This communication also reiterated that no person should be disadvantaged in any way in the intervening period.
I want to ensure that the necessary supports are put in place so that every person has the same level of access to appropriate healthcare no matter where they live in Ireland.
709. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the status of the provision of a primary care facility in Tullow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10315/24]
View answerAs 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.
710. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health in relation to the special pay with leave long-Covid scheme for healthcare workers which is not to be extended beyond 31 March 2024 (details supplied) why have the Minister and the HSE reached this decision; if he is aware that these healthcare workers are still in the same situation and therefore still in need of the same support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10318/24]
View answerIn respect of the temporary Special Scheme that the Deputy is referring to, a final extension was granted by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP and Reform (DPENDPR), to permit the Scheme to run until 31st March 2024.
DPENDPR's sanction to extend the Scheme to that date was contingent on the sanction being the final sanction that would be provided, and as such the Special Scheme will conclude on 31st March.
Employees impacted by the conclusion of the Special Scheme received an individual notification of this from their employer this week, as well as notification that any impacted employee 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.
711. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 606 of 5 December 2023, the reasons for the delay between October and December; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10320/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
712. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health the plans in place to address the impact the removal of the private MRI scanner at Tipperary University Hospital will have on public waiting lists; to provide details of the number of people waiting for MRI scans at TUH and the length of time they have been waiting on a three-monthly basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10321/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
713. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 565 of 20 February 2024, if he can provide a timeline for when the operation is going to be in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10323/24]
View answerMy Department is actively addressing a number of complex issues with the HSE and other stakeholders in relation to uro-gynaecological mesh. I wish to assure you that my Department is also working closely with key stakeholders, both nationally and internationally, including patient advocacy groups, to understand and address the challenges associated with mesh surgery.
I understand the impact this has on women who wish to avail of this surgery. However, the pause on mesh was put in place pending confirmation of the implementation of specific recommendations in the CMO’s Report on 'The Use of Uro-Gynaecological Mesh in Surgical Procedures' (2018). My Department take a safety first approach in relation to such issues, and at this time, it is not possible to provide you with a specific timeline for when mesh insertion surgery will re-commence.
Additionally, it is important to note that the pause in mesh placement is also in place in neighbouring jurisdictions. It is important that my Department receive the necessary assurance on this complex issue to ensure that both current and future service provision aligns with the needs of patients along with the HSE’s implementation of the CMO’s recommendations in any future decision in relation to the current pause on mesh.
714. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Health the number of meetings he has held or attended which discussed termination of pregnancy, and to provide details on same, from 2023 to date, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10327/24]
View answerFrom available records, the below is a list of meetings which I have held or attended which discussed termination of pregnancy from 2023 to date.
|
Meeting held on the topic of Safe Access Zones for Termination of Pregnancy |
Date of Meeting |
|
Meeting with Marie O'Shea Re Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy |
4th April 2023 |
|
Lottery PMB (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) (Amendment) Bill 2023 |
25th May 2023 |
|
Pre-Brief on SAZ with DOH officials and attended by Minister |
3rd July 2023 |
|
Meeting with the Masters of Maternity Hospitals (Professor Sean Daly) |
30th August 2023 |
|
Meeting with National Women’s Council |
27th September 2023 |
|
Pre-brief on Safe Access Zones (Committee Stage 25 Oct) |
18th October 2023 |
|
Pre-Brief on SAZ |
23rd October 2023 |
|
Pre-brief on WHO Visit |
13th December 2023 |
715. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Health the number of healthcare professionals who have exercised conscientious objection with regard the provision of terminations of pregnancy at the end of each year from 2019 to 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10328/24]
View answerAs the Deputy's question relates to a service matter, I have referred it to the HSE for direct reply.
716. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health to respond to a media report (details supplied); if he intends to meet with residents and their families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10334/24]
View answerIn May 2023, a HIQA inspection identified concerns in relation to the flooring in both the Sycamore and Willow Units at Cherry Orchard Hospital. These presented a significant potential health and safety risk. A subsequent HSE review indicated that the flooring has underlying structural issues which require immediate remedial work.
The HSE has decided to close both Units and relocate the residents to Clondalkin Lodge, which is a private nursing home, on a temporary basis while the necessary structural works are completed. It is expected that the works will take a minimum of 1 year to complete.
I have been advised that there is no impact on other structures on the campus as the issues relate solely to the two modular buildings Willow and Sycamore units.
The safety and wellbeing of residents and staff is the primary concern. All appropriate options were considered before committing to this move.
The HSE is working in consultation with residents, their families and staff while giving full consideration to health and safety concerns and regulatory compliance. There is on-going monitoring and risk assessment to ensure that there is no immediate hazard to residents.
The HSE has reassured me that each care plan for this temporary move will include therapeutic input required and a review of charges to ensure that no one experiences adverse financial exposure. All additional charges will be covered by the HSE for the duration of the works.
There will be a medical social worker and an Assisted Decision Making lead available on site for the duration of this move. In addition, all residents have on site details for an independent advocate service should they wish to contact them.
The residents are being moved to more suitable accommodation on a phased basis. The phased move will have due regard to their needs, current proximity to each other and relationships within the unit.
As of 27 February, 40 residents have been currently transferred from Cherry Orchard Campus. 22 residents currently remain on-site.
As Minister for Mental Health and Older People, I take the health and safety of residents in long-term residential care facilities very seriously. I will not ignore a directive from HIQA stating that there is a fire and safety risk in any facility.
717. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health when SMA will be included in the heal prick test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10338/24]
View answerThe expansion of the National Newborn Bloodspot Screening (NBS) Programme continues to remain a key objective of mine as Minister for Health, and I am pleased to note that the National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC) has been actively progressing work in this regard.
NSAC is an independent expert group that considers and assesses evidence in a robust and transparent manner, and against internationally accepted criteria. It is important that we have rigorous processes in place to ensure our screening programmes are effective, quality assured, validated and operating to safe standards, and that the benefits of screening outweigh the harms.
Significant progress has been made on the expansion of the NBS Programme over the past 18 months. As the Deputy will be aware, in November 2023, I approved the recommendation from NSAC on the addition and Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) to the NBS programme. This will bring the number of conditions screened for as part of what is commonly known as the ‘heel prick’ test in Ireland to 11, once the implemented, representing a 37% increase over the lifetime of this Government.
I have written to the HSE requesting that they commence implementation planning for SMA and my officials in the Department of Health have already commenced discussions with the HSE National Children’s Screening Service regarding implementation planning. This is expected to result in an ambitious plan, setting out the key steps towards introducing screening for SMA. The plan will also outline ways to ensure an appropriate level of resources is in place to ensure the programme can be expanded in a safe and effective manner.
In this regard, I am pleased to allocate an additional €1.4m for newborn screening this year. This will allow for the rollout of testing for both SCID and SMA in 2024 and represents a significant increase in a single year. The action further demonstrates my ongoing commitment to reducing the impact of these rare but serious diseases in children and infants.
The introduction of screening for SMA will enable earlier identification and diagnosis, thereby facilitating earlier disease management and treatment. I am acutely aware of how difficult it is for parents, families and children who have received a diagnosis of a rare disease, and how challenging daily life can be for them. Screening will make a real difference to their lives, which is why I am determined to see testing introduced for SMA as soon as possible.
718. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide the details of any side agreements or commitments to enter into processes with trade unions or representative bodies in relation to various issues in the health service that were agreed during or on the margins of the recent public service pay agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10347/24]
View answerTalks in relation to the introduction of a new Public Service Agreement concluded on the 26th of January 2023 between the State and the Public Services Committee of ICTU. On this date, a proposed agreement, entitled Public Service Agreement 2024-2026, was published. This proposed agreement is available to view online.
All matters negotiated and agreed between the State and the Public Services Committee of ICTU are contained within this document.
719. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Health the timeline for lifting the HSE recruitment freeze; his plans to reinstate recruitment for nursing home care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10372/24]
View answerAs this is an operational matter for the Health Service Executive, the HSE has been asked to respond directly to the Deputy.
720. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health the ground rents payable by his Department or agencies under its remit, by named property, by name of landlord and by amount payable, in the years 2016 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10417/24]
View answerNo ground rent was payable by my Department in respect of the period outlined.
I have forwarded your question to the HSE for direct reply. Details for other bodies under the aegis of my Department are operational matters for the bodies concerned and the Deputy should contact the relevant Director/CEO/Registrar directly.
721. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Health if he will make a statement on progress to convert into use vacant properties under the ownership of his Department and the HSE; and if he will list the units in respect of which such work has commenced, in tabular form. [10432/24]
View answerAs the Health Service Executive is responsible for the management of the public healthcare property estate, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to you 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.
