Michael Healy-Rae
Question:1368. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12314/24]
View answerHealth Services
Questions (1368)
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.
Healthcare Policy
Questions (1369)
Alan Dillon
Question:1369. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Health the consideration being given to the establishment of a helicopter emergency medical system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12329/24]
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.
Ambulance Service
Questions (1370)
Alan Dillon
Question:1370. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Health if doctors are part of paramedic teams who attend road traffic collisions; if not, the reason; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12330/24]
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.
Ambulance Service
Questions (1371)
Alan Dillon
Question:1371. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Health the steps that are being taken to train emergency teams and paramedics who attend serious road traffic collisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12331/24]
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 Staff
Questions (1372)
Matt Shanahan
Question:1372. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Health further to a recent Parliamentary Question, the explanation of ‘restricted procedure for works contractor’ protocol (details supplied); what differentiates it from an ‘unrestricted procedure’; the key criteria for making this distinction; the way and the reason it should be implemented in the opinion of his Department or the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12341/24]
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.
Departmental Policies
Questions (1373)
Matt Shanahan
Question:1373. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Health further to a recent Parliamentary Question, if he will provide an explanation of this framework (details supplied) to include all of its sub-components and what core groupings in his Department have management over this initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12342/24]
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.
Departmental Staff
Questions (1374)
Catherine Murphy
Question:1374. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of exit and or severance and or redundancy packages granted by his Department, and bodies under his aegis and of bodies he funds in full or in part, of €100,000 and above but less that €200,000, by the amount and by each body in each of the years 2019 to 2023 and to date in 2024. [12352/24]
View answerWritten answers
As provided for in the DPENDR Instructions to HR Managers on Ministerial Appointments, Severance and redundancy payments made by the Department of Health have been made to Ministerial personal staff who have not been appointed by way of secondment or leave of absence from other employments and who, therefore, have no job to which they are entitled to return to on cessation of office of the relevant Minister or Minister of State.
For the years 2019 to date in 2024 the Department of Health have not had any individual exit, redundancy or severance packages of €100,000 and above but less than €200,000.
I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter. The information in respect of the Non-Commercial State Agencies has been sought, and once collected and collated, this will be provided to the Deputy by separate cover.
Dental Services
Questions (1375)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:1375. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health to expedite an appointment for orthodontic treatment (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12362/24]
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 (1376)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:1376. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the scopolinem patch; if there are plans to make it available for medical card users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12363/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drugs schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.
In line with the 2013 Act and the national framework agreed with industry, a company must submit an application to the HSE to have a new medicine added to the reimbursement list. Reimbursement is for licenced indications which have been granted market authorisation by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) or the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA).
The Scopolamine (Scopaderm) patch is not licensed with the HPRA in Ireland and, therefore, cannot be added to the formal reimbursement list.
However, an application for the Scopolamine (Scopaderm) patch can be made on an exceptional basis under Discretionary Hardship Arrangements. This is in accordance with Section 23 of the 2013 Act, which provides for the supply of items not on the reimbursement List.
All applications under these arrangements are reviewed on an individual patient basis. The HSE must be satisfied that the patient requires the item for clinical reasons, and that there is no item on the reimbursement list which is a suitable alternative for that patient. In addition, as the Scopolamine (Scopaderm) patch is an Exempt Medicinal Product, the application must be consultant initiated.
Hospital Staff
Questions (1377)
Alan Kelly
Question:1377. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health when the GP streaming service for UHL Hospital that was announced by the CEO of the HSE recently will commence operating; the way in which it will work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12368/24]
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.
Medicinal Products
Questions (1378, 1379, 1380)
Róisín Shortall
Question:1378. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health to respond to an investigation into the illegal administering of botox-type products by individuals and businesses and the use of unlicenced products (details supplied); the steps he is taking to enforce existing legislation which only provides for botox-type products to be administered by doctors, dentists and registered nurses, in certain circumstances under the direction of doctors or dentists; the engagements he has had with the Health Products Regulatory Authority in respect of regulation and enforcement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12370/24]
View answerRóisín Shortall
Question:1379. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to increase the regulation of non-surgical cosmetic treatments which are currently administered by a wide variety of practitioners, including those with no medical training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12371/24]
View answerRóisín Shortall
Question:1380. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if he will regulate a cosmetic product (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12372/24]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1378 to 1380, inclusive, together.
Deputy I would like to thank you for raising these important matters and as such I have decided to answer these questions together.
To answer your questions regarding Botulinum toxin.
Botulinum toxin containing products are prescription-only medicines in Ireland, with their authorised indications and conditions for use outlined in marketing authorisations issued by the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) or the European Commission (assessed by the EMA). These details are accessible in the product information, which includes the Summary of Product Characteristics and Package Leaflet, on the HPRA and EMA websites.
Typically, these products are authorised for administration by a physician with appropriate qualifications. However, the specifics of authorisation conditions may vary. Legislation concerning the administration of prescription medicines states that such products can be administered by, or in accordance with the directions of a registered medical practitioner or registered dentist in Ireland. To note, in Ireland, administration of prescription-only medicines is covered by the Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) Regulations 2003 to 2021 (S.I. No. 540 of 2003, as amended).
The sale or supply of medicines, including botulinum toxin, to entities or individuals can only be done within the regulated framework of medicines supply. This includes appropriately authorised medicine manufacturers, wholesalers, registered practitioners, and registered pharmacies for prescription medicines.
A medicinal product which is not authorised for the Irish market can be supplied in response to a bona fide unsolicited order, formulated in accordance with the specifications of a practitioner (e.g. a registered dentist or medical practitioner) for use by their individual patients on their direct personal responsibility.. Medicines supplied in this manner are referred to as Exempt Medicinal Products (EMPs). The legislation underpinning EMPs is set out in Schedule 1 of the Medicinal Products (Control of Placing on the Market) Regulations, 2007, as amended, and also in the Medicinal Products (Control of Wholesale Distribution) Regulations, 2007, as amended. The HPRA does not assess such products' quality, safety or efficacy, as they are exempt from the requirement for marketing authorisation.
It is important to note that the clinical use of medicines in Ireland is a clinical decision a prescriber takes; the HPRA has no role in the clinical decision regarding patient treatment. The EMP route serves only to facilitate supply in response to a bona fide unsolicited order, formulated in accordance with the specifications of a practitioner for use by their individual patients on their direct personal responsibility.
Appropriately authorised wholesalers or manufacturers can import and supply EMPs and should notify the HPRA to ensure traceability in the event of a recall. Healthcare professionals typically cannot import EMPs from third countries and must involve an appropriately authorised wholesaler or manufacturer.
To answer your specific questions regarding Dermal Filler.
Dermal fillers are classified as medical devices under the EU medical device legislation and the HPRA is the competent authority for medical devices in Ireland. The Department of Health is working with the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) in considering the current regulation of dermal fillers in Ireland. Further consideration by the Department may be required in relation to the regulation of dermal fillers in the future, on foot of this work with the HPRA. There are a number of factors to consider such as training requirements, raising awareness, considerations of administration etc
In the European Union (EU), medical devices are regulated by way of an EU-wide framework which aims to ensure that all devices available for use on the EU market are safe and perform as intended. A valid medical device bears a ‘CE’ mark, which indicates that it meets the basic requirements for safety and effectiveness under European law and can be placed on the EU market. Dermal fillers are classified as medical devices and are typically regulated under the Regulation for Medical Devices (MDR) as Class III medical devices (the highest risk class). Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/2346 requires all dermal fillers to be CE-marked subject to transitional timeframes. This Implementing Regulation also includes additional requirements in the instructions for use stating that dermal fillers ‘are not to be used in persons who are less than 18 years old’ and that they should only be administered by appropriately trained healthcare professionals.
There are mandatory obligations for manufacturers to report incidents that occur with medical devices, including dermal fillers, to the HPRA. The HPRA asks individuals who have experienced any complications with the use of a dermal filler to report these to the HPRA. Reports can be submitted to the HPRA through their online reporting system available at the following link. The HPRA advises anyone who has health concerns relating to dermal fillers to contact their GP.
The Department of Health advises members of the public to refer to the HPRA website for information in relation to buying medical devices online.
Question No. 1379 answered with Question No. 1378.
Question No. 1380 answered with Question No. 1378.
Medical Register
Questions (1381)
Róisín Shortall
Question:1381. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if he will amend the Dentists Act 1985 to expand the regulatory role and powers of the Dental Council, following a recent investigation into the administering of botox-type products (details supplied); the status of plans to reform the 1985 Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12373/24]
View answerWritten answers
Botulinum toxin-containing products are prescription-only medicines in Ireland, with their authorised indications and conditions for use outlined in marketing authorisations issued by the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) or the European Commission (assessed by the EMA). These details are accessible in the product information, which includes the Summary of Product Characteristics and Package Leaflet, on the HPRA and EMA websites.
Typically, these products are authorised for administration by a physician with appropriate qualifications. However, the specifics of authorisation conditions may vary. Legislation concerning the administration of prescription medicines states that such products can be administered by, or in accordance with the directions of a registered medical practitioner or registered dentist in Ireland. To note, in Ireland, administration of prescription-only medicines is covered by the Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) Regulations 2003 to 2021 (S.I. No. 540 of 2003, as amended).
The sale or supply of medicines, including botulinum toxin, to entities or individuals can only be done within the regulated framework of medicines supply. This includes appropriately authorised medicine manufacturers, wholesalers, registered practitioners, and registered pharmacies for prescription medicines.
In respect of the wider reform of the Dental regulatory framework, my Department is committed to reviewing the Dentists Act 1985 and progressing the development of a modern legislative framework. The protection of the public and ensuring high oral healthcare standards will continue to be the central focus of this work. The review and updating of the legislation also, necessarily, is directly related to the wider implementation of the National Oral Health Policy which envisages a fundamental reform of oral health services. As such, new legislation must be fully informed by this work, which is ongoing.
I met with the Dental Council in January to discuss the regulatory powers available to them under the Dentists Act 1985, and the potential advancement of interim amendments. A series of thematic engagements between the Department and the Dental Council to discuss legislative matters in more depth, have taken place. These are important inputs to the overall regulatory reform programme that the Department is developing, and this will be a fundamental legislative reform programme with the objective of introducing a new modern regulatory framework for all relevant aspects of dentistry.
Hospital Services
Questions (1382)
Alan Dillon
Question:1382. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Health the specifics of the enhanced community care pathway for cardiology at Mayo University Hospital; the investments made by his Department and the HSE since 2020 in dedicated cardiac care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12386/24]
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 Staff
Questions (1383)
Alan Dillon
Question:1383. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Health the enhancements in the number of cardiology consultants, staffing, and bed allocation at Mayo University Hospital to improve the treatment of cardiac patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12387/24]
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 Staff
Questions (1384)
Alan Dillon
Question:1384. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a breakdown of the number of staff working within Mayo University Hospital compared to pre-Covid times across all its five directorates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12388/24]
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 Facilities
Questions (1385)
Alan Dillon
Question:1385. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the new CT scanner project at Mayo University Hospital; when the exiting scanner will be replaced to have two functional scanners operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12389/24]
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.
Healthcare Policy
Questions (1386)
Alan Dillon
Question:1386. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken by his Department and the HSE to recognise pre-hospital emergency medicine as a sub-specialty in Ireland, given its recognition and effectiveness in the UK NHS and other EU member states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12390/24]
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.
Emergency Services
Questions (1387)
Alan Dillon
Question:1387. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Health how his Department and the HSE plans to integrate doctors into the critical care helicopter emergency medical service considering the positive impact of such integration in the UK NHS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12391/24]
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.
Ambulance Service
Questions (1388)
Alan Dillon
Question:1388. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Health the measures that are being considered by his Department and the HSE to expand the scope of practice in the National Ambulance Service, to include treatments necessary to save lives at the scene of an emergency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12392/24]
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.
Emergency Services
Questions (1389)
Alan Dillon
Question:1389. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Health what plans are in place to provide training for critical care trauma interventions in the National Ambulance Service, given their proven effectiveness in the UK's HEMS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12393/24]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.
Healthcare Policy
Questions (1390)
Alan Dillon
Question:1390. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Health if his Department and the HSE will consider leveraging the evidence and experience of the group of Irish pre-hospital personnel working in the UK to improve pre-hospital care in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12394/24]
View answerWritten answers
The National Ambulance Service (NAS) has in recent years undertaken an ambitious strategic reform programme to transform from a traditional emergency conveyance service to a more agile mobile medical service. As part of this effort the NAS have placed a significant emphasis on increasing capacity, with rolling recruitment campaigns for student and qualified paramedics. NAS recruitment efforts seek to attract suitable candidates both nationally and internationally to the service.
Since the commencement of the last NAS Strategic Plan in 2016, NAS staffing has grown by 644 WTEs or 38% to 2,338 WTEs as of January 2024.
As the Deputy will be aware, the NAS provides prehospital emergency and intermediate care services in line with standards set by the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) - the regulator of prehospital emergency care in Ireland. PHECC publish clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) and recognise institutions that provide prehospital emergency care training and education in Ireland. PHECC also maintain a statutory register of all pre-hospital emergency care practitioners practicing in Ireland.
For practitioners who obtained their professional pre-hospital emergency care qualification outside of Ireland, they may apply to PHECC to have their qualifications and experience assessed for recognition purposes. As there is no automatic recognition of qualifications from other jurisdictions, PHECC require that each practitioner be assessed on an individual case-by-case basis.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible with any further pertinent information it may have.
Health Services
Questions (1391)
Jackie Cahill
Question:1391. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health if a patient transport service is available to patients in north and south Tipperary who are receiving radium treatment in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12430/24]
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 Staff
Questions (1392)
Thomas Gould
Question:1392. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the number of staff currently employed and the number considered a full cohort WTE, by department, in Cork University Hospital, in tabular form. [12431/24]
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 Staff
Questions (1393)
Thomas Gould
Question:1393. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the number of staff currently employed in the high dependency unit in Cork University Hospital. [12432/24]
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 (1394)
Matt Carthy
Question:1394. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 559 of 7 February 2024, if he will detail the HSE services that operated within the day care centre prior to the opening of the primary care facility (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12437/24]
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.