Written Answers Nos. 1281-1303
1282. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health for an update on the reimbursement of pegvaliase, considering the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics, NCPE. finished its appraisal in September 2022; when a final decision will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11876/24]
View answerUnder the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on the pricing and reimbursement of medicines; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
1283. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an assessment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11878/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1284. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the up-to-date position with the construction of a new hospital (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11884/24]
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.
1285. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the up-to-date position with the provision of a new day care centre (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11885/24]
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 of 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.
1286. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health to outline plans for the use of the HSE-owned lands on the Heywood Road, Clonmel, County Tipperary; if these lands are being considered for the provision of modular homes by the Department of Children, Equality, Disabilities, Integration and youth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11891/24]
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 of 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.
1287. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Health if the case of healthcare workers suffering long Covid whose pay will cease on 31 March (details supplied) will be examined and discussed further; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11895/24]
View answerIn 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. Sanction to extend the Special Scheme has been granted a number of times by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP and Reform (DPENDPR), however it will conclude as planned on 31st March 2024 and DPENDPR have been clear that no further extensions will be granted.
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.
Employees impacted by the conclusion of the Special Scheme will have received an individual notification of this from their employer.
1288. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the number of child psychiatrists employed by the HSE in the child and adolescent mental health services, CAMHS, in the CHO 5 area; the number of children waiting for an appointment with a child psychiatrist in each county within the CHO 5 area; the number of referrals that have been refused an appointment for this service; and the number referred awaiting a decision in the CHO 5 area in each county. [11899/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1289. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken to ensure that all public information made available by his Department and the HSE is in a format that is easily read, with particular regard to assisting people with intellectual disabilities. [11901/24]
View answerAwaiting reply from Department.
1290. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health if there are clear guidelines for treating the symptoms of Paediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome, PANS, and Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections, PANDAS, in paediatric hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11906/24]
View answerAs 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.
1291. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a review of the community ophthalmic services medical treatment scheme; if he will request this process to be expedited, given ongoing concerns related to reimbursement from medical professionals in this sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11915/24]
View answerThe 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, and I have asked the HSE to pursue it in tandem with the pursuit of other priorities in the provision of appropriate eye care.
1292. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Health if he will retain GP services in the Swanlinbar primary care centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11916/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
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.
1293. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the recruitment of staff for the new primary care centre in Clondalkin on the Boot Road; the status of staff vacancies (details supplied); how they have progressed since then; if they will be in place for the opening of the centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11919/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1294. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if the Draft Overarching National Standards for the Care and Support of Children using Health and Social Care Services standards developed by HIQA and the Mental Health Commission, and submitted for Ministerial approval in July 2022, were approved; if there is a delay in their approval; if so, the reason; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11921/24]
View answerThe draft Overarching National Standards for the Care and Support of Children using Health and Social Care Services were submitted by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) and the Mental Health Commission (MHC) in July 2022. These standards will cover all health and social care services working with children including hospital services, disability services, mental health services, children’s social services, and GP and primary care services. In parallel HIQA have also developed National Standards for Children’s Social Services which are more specific in focus and are aligned and will sit underneath the overarching standards.
As per section 10(2) of the Health Act 2007, these standards require approval from the Minister for Health, with the consent of the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. My Department is working with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) on progressing these standards to approval. Currently the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth are liaising closely with HIQA in relation to assessment judgement frameworks, methodology and associated guidance documents and support tools for these standards.
1295. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health if in the coming weeks he will meet mid-west Oireachtas members and mid-west Health Forum members to discuss the crisis in the UHL hospital group. [11931/24]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is not immediately available. A reply will issue directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1296. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive their next appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11933/24]
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.
1297. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) will get another appointment with any peritoneum consultant within the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11934/24]
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.
1298. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Health his views on recent legislation passed in Westminster to create an optional bereavement certificate for pregnancy loss before 24 weeks' gestation; and his plans to introduce a similar initiative here. [11946/24]
View answerI thank the Deputy for her question, and would like to acknowledge the devastating impact that pregnancy loss at any stage can have on families.
I note the recent legislation passed in Westminster to create an optional bereavement certificate for families, and will follow progress on this matter.
In our own jurisdiction, the Civil Registration (Electronic Registration) Bill will drive forward a number of important reforms to the Civil Registration System. Through this legislation, there are proposals to expand access to the stillbirth register, and expand eligibility to those who request a stillbirth certificate.
There has also been significant work undertaken by this Government to improve supports for families experiencing pregnancy loss. Since the commencement of the National Maternity Strategy, specialist bereavement teams have been established in all 19 maternity services, each with a Clinical Midwife Specialist in Bereavements. In line with the National Standards for Bereavement Care Following Pregnancy Loss and Perinatal Death, this ensures that families who have experienced bereavement receive compassionate care in an appropriate setting. My Department has been assured that all maternity services are continuing to implement these Standards, and this is closely monitored by the Bereavement Standards Implementation Advisory Group.
1299. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health when a neurologist will be appointed to a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11954/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1300. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of reports that Covid testing laboratory staff employed by private providers were excluded from the Covid-19 recognition payment, although they carried out Covid testing on behalf of the HSE; if it was the deliberate policy of his Department or the HSE to exclude such workers; if so, to supply any details about how this policy was arrived at; his views on whether it is appropriate that workers in a persistently Covid-exposed environment and carrying out vital public health work during the height of the Covid-19 crisis would be excluded from a payment; if this was not HSE or his Department's policy, the steps those employed in Covid-testing laboratories in the relevant period can take to access the payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11959/24]
View answerFirstly, I want to express my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their continuous efforts during the Covid 19 Pandemic.
In January 2022 the Government announced a once-off, ex gratia COVID-19 pandemic recognition payment for certain frontline public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic.
Eligibility criteria for the payment were set following significant consideration and consultation. I can confirm that in order to receive the recognition payment, staff must have:
Been in COVID vaccination cohorts 1 or 2, and
Worked ordinarily onsite in a COVID-19 exposed healthcare environment, and
Worked for at least 4 weeks in the 1/3/2020 – 30/6/2021 period, and
` Worked in a HSE/Section 38 organisation, or one of the following:
1. Private Sector Nursing Homes and Hospices (e.g. Private, Voluntary, Section 39, etc.);
2. Section 39 long-term residential care facilities for people with disabilities, working on-site;
3. Agency roles working in the HSE;
4. Health Care Support Assistants (also known as home help / home care / home support) contracted to the HSE;
5. Members of the Defence Forces redeployed to work in frontline Covid-19 exposed environments in the HSE; and
6. Paramedic staff employed by Dublin Fire Brigade to deliver services on behalf of the HSE.
Only those staff who met all the above eligibility criteria were covered for this payment. I appreciate that many other workers, volunteers, and other citizens provided very important services during the pandemic.
It was a hard task to set out the eligibility criteria for this payment, but the Government based its decision on certain aspects of all the different roles within the Healthcare sector and certain risks which eligible frontline workers faced. Undoubtedly Immense efforts have been made by all healthcare staff since the onset of the pandemic which has not gone unrecognised.
1301. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in issuing an appointment to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11963/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1302. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Health the total number of persons in County Wexford currently in receipt of home care support hours; the total current number of home care support hours being delivered in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11975/24]
View answer1303. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Health the total number of persons awaiting delivery of approved and additional home care support hours in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11976/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1302 and 1303 together.
As these are operational 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 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.
