Holly Cairns
Question:1262. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the work that is being conducted in his Department to increase training for GPs in relation to trans healthcare provision. [11745/24]
View answerHealth Services
Questions (1262)
Written answers
As this is a service matter I have referred the Deputy's question to the HSE for response.
Health Services
Questions (1263)
Holly Cairns
Question:1263. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the total number of patients who received gender affirming care abroad and were then denied treatment by the National Gender Service on their return or arrival to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11746/24]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter I have referred the question to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
Mental Health Services
Questions (1264)
Duncan Smith
Question:1264. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health to reverse the decision for the withdrawal of funding for a programme that provides ADHD support to adults (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11748/24]
View answerWritten answers
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 NCP 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 a 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.
Health Services Staff
Questions (1265)
Frankie Feighan
Question:1265. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Health when a medical officer will be appointed to the Plunkett Home, Boyle, County Roscommon, given this position was advertised and approved at the end of 2023. [11754/24]
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 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 Services Staff
Questions (1266)
Richard Bruton
Question:1266. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that many US trained nurses are failing to get permits to practice in Ireland; whether he has received any report on this pattern; and if he plans initiatives that could facilitate such well trained nurses to find a pathway into practice. [11796/24]
View answerWritten answers
I can confirm that neither I nor my Department have received a report on the matter referred to by the Deputy. As the specific matter raised by the Deputy is the responsibility of the NMBI, I have asked the NMBI to respond directly to the Deputy.
Medical Cards
Questions (1267)
Sean Fleming
Question:1267. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the position regarding members of the public who are not eligible for medical cards but cannot find a general practice to take them on in their area (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11799/24]
View answerWritten answers
GPs are private practitioners, most of whom hold a GMS contract with the HSE for the provision of GP services without charge to medical card and GP visit card holders.
Where a person that holds a medical card or GP visit card, experiences difficulty in finding a GP to accept them as a patient, the person concerned having unsuccessfully applied to at least three GPs in the area (or fewer if there are fewer GPs in the area) can apply to the HSE National Medical Card Unit which has the power to assign a GMS patient to a GP's GMS patient list in accordance with the GMS contract.
People who do not hold a medical card or GP visit card access GP services on a private basis and can make enquiries directly to any GP practice they wish to register with. As private practitioners, it is a matter for each individual GP to decide whether to accept additional private patients. Where a GP practice has a full list of patients and cannot take on new patients, patients should contact other GP practices in the surrounding areas.
The Government is aware of the workforce issues currently facing general practice, including the limited access to GP services in certain areas, and is working to ensure that general practice is sustainable in all areas into the future.
Under the 2019 GP Agreement additional annual expenditure provided for general practice was increased by €211.6m. This provided for significant increases in capitation fees for participating GMS GPs, and new fees for additional services and increased practice supports. The GP Agreement 2023 further increased GP capitation fees, increased the existing subsidy rates for practice staff, and introduced a grant support for additional staff capacity as well a practice staff maternity leave support.
These measures help make general practice in Ireland a more attractive career choice for doctors and will see an increase in the number of GPs working in the State, improving access to GP services for patients throughout the country.
The number of doctors entering GP training has been increased significantly in recent years, with 286 new entrants in 2023 and 350 places planned for new entrants for this year. Annual intake to the GP training scheme has been increased by over 80% from 2015 to 2023, and the number of new entrant places to be available this year is a 22% increase on last year's intake.
Furthermore, GP recruitment is ongoing under the joint non-EU GP Training Programme between the HSE and Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP). 112 non-EU GPs were recruited last year under the training programme and it is planned to recruit up to 250 more non-EU GPs to Ireland this year. The placement of GPs under the programme is targeted to rural and underserviced areas.
Lastly, my Department and the HSE have commenced a Strategic Review of General Practice. The review, with input from key stakeholders, is examining the broad range of issues affecting general practice including issues related to GP capacity. When completed, the review will set out the measures necessary to deliver a more sustainable general practice into the future.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (1268)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Question:1268. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to extending the temporary scheme created to pay healthcare workers who were unfit to work after contracting long-Covid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11803/24]
View answerWritten answers
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 received an individual notification of this from their employer 2 weeks ago.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.
Home Care Packages
Questions (1269)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:1269. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the procedure for a new company providing home support to be placed on the approved providers list in CHO6; if the tendering process only occurs once per year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11805/24]
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 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.
Hospital Services
Questions (1270)
Bernard Durkan
Question:1270. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when surgery will be provided in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11811/24]
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.
Health Services
Questions (1271)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:1271. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of funding for care for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11820/24]
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 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 Services
Questions (1272)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:1272. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be called for an appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11821/24]
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.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (1273)
Alan Dillon
Question:1273. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Health how many people have been diagnosed with long-Covid since the start of Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11829/24]
View answerWritten answers
As the matter raised is a service delivery matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly as soon as possible.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (1274)
Alan Dillon
Question:1274. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Health if he plans to extend the special scheme of paid leave for healthcare workers suffering from long-Covid past March 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11830/24]
View answerWritten answers
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 received an individual notification of this from their employer 2 weeks ago.
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.
Primary Care Centres
Questions (1275)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Question:1275. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health for an update on the delivery of a primary care centre for Glanmire, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11839/24]
View answerWritten answers
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 directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Primary Care Centres
Questions (1276)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Question:1276. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health for an update on the delivery of a primary care centre for Mayfield, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11840/24]
View answerWritten answers
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 directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Primary Care Centres
Questions (1277)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Question:1277. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health for an update on the delivery of a primary care centre for Blarney, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11841/24]
View answerWritten answers
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 directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Health Services Staff
Questions (1278)
Neasa Hourigan
Question:1278. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health when Section 39 organisations will receive the additional funding for staff pay arising from the Workplace Relations Commission agreement in October 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11872/24]
View answerWritten answers
I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
Hospital Services
Questions (1279)
Jackie Cahill
Question:1279. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health the average wait times for an adult in north Tipperary to see both a speech therapist and physiotherapist after receiving a referral from their doctor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11873/24]
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.
Hospital Services
Questions (1280, 1281, 1337)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Question:1280. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the consideration that has been given by his Department for an interim solution to screen newborn babies for SMA and SCID in order to bridge the gap between year-end 2024, given his commitment to the implementation of SMA screening in the heelprick test, and the opening of the new National Children’s Hospital in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11874/24]
View answerPádraig O'Sullivan
Question:1281. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the steps his Department is taking to ensure newborn babies are screened for SMA in 2024 as committed to by him, considering the fact that the new lab, to be located in the new National Children’s Hospital, will not be ready until at least Q2 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11875/24]
View answer
Pauline Tully
Question:1337. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to ensure newborn babies are screened for SMA and SCID in 2024 as he previously committed, considering the fact that the new laboratory to be located in the new National Children’s Hospital, will not be ready until at least Q2 2025; if consideration has been given by his Department for an interim solution to screen newborn babies for SMA and SCID in order to bridge the gap between year-end 2024 and the opening of the new National Children’s Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12093/24]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1280, 1281 and 1337 together.
The 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. Its role is crucial in ensuring that Ireland has 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.
Significant progress has been made on the expansion of the NBS Programme since I became Minister for Health. As the Deputy will be aware, last year I approved a recommendation from the Committee for the addition of T-cell receptor excision circle (TREC)-based screening for all types of Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) and Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) to the NBS programme which 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 implemented. I would highlight that this will represent a 37% increase achieved under the lifetime of this Government.
Regarding implementation of testing for SCID and SMA, I have written to the HSE requesting that they commence implementation planning. The work has now commenced and officials in my Department will continue to be available to assist the HSE in this regard.
Furthermore, in Budget 2024, I was pleased to allocate €1.4m of new development funding for the expansion of the NBS programme. This funding will allow for the rollout of testing for both SCID and SMA in 2024 and represents a significant increase in a single year. The announcement further demonstrates my ongoing commitment to reducing the impact of these rare but serious diseases in children and infants.
In relation to query on the opening of the National Children’s Hospital, the main contractor has now set out its programme for the completion of the construction and fit-out of the hospital by Q4 2024.
The introduction of screening for SMA and SCID 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 this condition as soon as possible.