Written Answers Nos. 1440-1460
1440. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE dietitian vacancies currently within the primary care service in County Meath; and when those vacancies will be filled, in tabular form. [12627/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1441. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the number of times the HSE has advertised for the post of consultant maxillofacial surgeon since June 2022. [12628/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible
1442. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE consultant orthopaedic surgeons and orthopaedic registrars based in Our Lady's Hospital, Navan in 2023 and to-date in 2024, in tabular form. [12629/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible
1443. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the refurbishment works that were carried out at the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital in 2022, 2023 and to-date in 2024; and the nature of these works that were carried out in each of the years in question, in tabular form. [12630/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1444. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health if he has monitored the progress made under the actions specified in the National Positive Ageing Strategy 2013 and published annual progress reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12648/24]
View answerI would like to assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to supporting positive ageing across the life course as well as to ensuring that older people can continue to live independently in their homes and communities for as long as possible. This commitment is enshrined in the National Positive Ageing Strategy, which provides a blueprint for promoting older people’s engagement in economic, social, cultural and community life and for fostering inter-generational solidarity. Recognising the need for a whole-of-society approach to supporting positive ageing, the Strategy’s implementation is a whole-of-government endeavour. This has been advanced through a wide range of initiatives developed and delivered in partnership with the community and voluntary sector.
My Department’s Healthy and Positive Ageing Initiative (HaPAI) was initiated in 2015 to support the monitoring of the Strategy ’s implementation through the collation and analysis of indicators on older persons’ health and wellbeing. In addition, three annual stakeholder fora were held in 2017, 2018 and 2019 to support engagement in the areas of participation, health, and security (2017); living well in the community, health education and literacy, and older people and transport (2018); and older people and transport; living well in the community; and HaPAI (2019) respectively.
We recognise that there remain significant challenges, which the COVID-19 pandemic has set in relief and which will be exacerbated as our population ages. It is within this context that, on 3 October 2023, the Government approved the proposal, which the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, and I brought forward, for the establishment of an independent Commission on Care for Older People. €1.243 million was allocated in Budget 2024 to support the Commission’s work.
The Commission will examine the provision of health and social care services and supports for older people and make recommendations to the Government for their strategic development. Subsequently a Cross-Departmental Group will be established under the auspices of the Commission to consider whether the supports for positive ageing across the life course are fit-for-purpose and to develop a costed implementation plan for options to optimise these supports. On 14 December 2023 the Minister for Health and I announced the appointment of Professor Alan Barrett (Chief Executive Officer, Economic and Social Research Institute) as the Chairman of the Commission. On 29 February 2024 we announced the appointment of the other members of the Commission, all of whom are also independent experts.
1445. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 330 of 8 February 2024, in light of the increased number of people attending Cashel minor injuries unit, if projections are being formulated to forecast possible number for future years to ensure sufficient services and staff are allocated to deal with the increased numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12649/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1446. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Health the reason medical scans on patients that require a scan on their kidney, bladder and urethra are being cancelled because of a lack of funding in Sligo University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12656/24]
View answerI fully acknowledge the distress and inconvenience for patients and their families when hospital appointments and procedures are cancelled.
While every effort is made to avoid cancellations or postponements, they can happen for a variety of reasons, including capacity issues due to increased scheduled and unscheduled care demand, and unforeseen circumstances that may impact a service.
Patient safety remains at the centre of all hospital activity and elective care scheduling. To ensure services are provided in a safe, clinically aligned and prioritised way, hospitals follow HSE clinical guidelines and protocols.
Cancelled hospital appointments and procedures are, where appropriate, rescheduled as early as possible with priority given to patients requiring time-sensitive and urgent treatment.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1447. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health the timeframe within which the new pathway for children with type 1 diabetes will be implemented in Cavan Monaghan Hospital for the provision of insulin pump therapy; and the reason for the delay in implementing this service, which was due to start in Quarter 3/Quarter 4 of 2023. [12657/24]
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.
1448. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health if the case of a person (details supplied) will be examined, given they have not received their Covid recognition payment despite being fully eligible for the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12661/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy.
1449. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12668/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1450. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the timeline, process and rationale used, that resulted with the need to move residents from a unit (details supplied); what engineering reports and risk assessments were carried out that led to the decision to transfer residents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12669/24]
View answerAs 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.
1451. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health the number of people on the public health sector special scheme for long-Covid each month since it was introduced in July 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12685/24]
View answerI have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter
1452. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Health when funding will be released to fund the agreed pay increase to Section 39 workers funded by the HSE (details supplied) including the backdated element of the pay deal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12687/24]
View answerAdditional funding has been provided for in the Department of Health’s vote for 2024 to meet the costs aligned to 2024 increases and the retrospection for 2023.
Appropriate administrative arrangements are currently being developed by the HSE to ensure this additional funding for pay is made available to section 39 organisations to meet the requirements of the WRC agreement. These arrangements will enable the HSE to engage with employer bodies on the drawdown of funds.
The Department’s aim is to ensure the increased funding is made available as efficiently as possible to the employer organisations, while also providing for appropriate accountability and controls to be put in place.
1453. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the scheme to support public sector bodies to purchase vending machines equipped with free period products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12703/24]
View answerFollowing the publication of a Plan International Survey in 2018, which found that 10% of teenage girls were significantly impacted by period poverty, Private Members’ Motions on the topic were passed in both Houses of the Oireachtas and a sub-committee of the National Strategy for Women and Girls Strategy Committee was set up to consider the issue.
The resulting Period Poverty in Ireland Discussion Paper was published in February, 2021 and can be accessed at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/264f4-period-poverty-in-ireland-discussion-paper-period-poverty-sub-committee-national-strategy-for-women-and-girls-20172020-february-2021/ .
Government has agreed that the recommendations of the Period Poverty in Ireland Discussion Paper be taken into account and that cross-Government, inter-Departmental, inter-agency and societal support for implementation measures should be sought, including from voluntary and private sector organisations that provide services funded by the State, as well as from public service providers.
The Department of Health has established an inter-Departmental Period Poverty Implementation Group ("IG"), with representation from most Government Departments, to achieve cross sectoral input and to co-ordinate oversight of implementation measures recommended by the Discussion Paper. The Group has now met on six occasions, most recently in December 2023. Various bilateral meetings have also been held between officials of this Department, other Government Departments, State agencies and NGOs and representatives of the Scottish Government.
The purpose of the IG is to implement the recommendations of the Discussion Paper; to improve access to period products for those who may need them, and to widen the knowledge base regarding the incidence and impacts of period poverty in Ireland. The Group is overseeing and co-ordinating the roll-out of period dignity measures. These include:
• Expanding provision of free period products in the bathrooms of public buildings and publicly funded services
• Partnering with services and NGOs to provide period products to those most in need
• Supporting the evidence base through further research in this area, through representative surveys
The annual budgetary amount allocated to the Department of Health and HSE for period poverty mitigation has risen from €714,000 in 2022 to €914,000 in 2024. In terms of implementation, the most urgent focus is on supporting those most in need (e.g., the homeless, those living with addiction, minorities including Travellers, Roma and refugees and those experiencing consistent poverty).
The Department of Health and the HSE are progressing implementation of a period dignity support programme through HSE Social Inclusion, with a focus on Travellers and Roma; this commenced with a pilot programme in Community Health Organisation 5 (CHO5, based in the South-East) in 2022.
Following initial positive results, the HSE extended similar supports to other CHOs in the second half of 2022, with additional funding in 2023 and 2024. Depending on numbers of Travellers and Roma in each CHO, some are also widening provision out to other vulnerable groups, working with community organisations and facilities.
The Department have funded 26 Local Authorities and 16 NGOs directly in 2022. 22 local authorities, the Family Resource Centre National Forum (supporting 44 FRCs) and 10 NGOs were supported in 2023. This funding supports the provision of period products in some public buildings and facilities managed by local authorities, as well as supporting family resource centres and charities working with people experiencing homelessness, addiction and/or consistent poverty to provide period products to those in need. Increased funding of €914,000 has been allocated to widen this in 2024.
The Office of Government Procurement launched a Hygiene Supplies and Period Equality Products procurement Framework in June, 2023, supported by the Period Poverty Implementation Group. The Framework is now in place to enable Government Departments, State Agencies and other publicly funded bodies, including schools and the higher education sector, to source period products and no-charge dispensers in a cost-effective manner.
A wide range of products, including those that are sustainable and re-usable, are available through suppliers represented on the Framework, as are dispensers. Access details are available at the following link; www.gov.ie/en/press-release/adbc1-ministers-of-state-naughton-smyth-publish-framework-agreement-that-allows-the-public-sector-to-easily-purchase-period-products/ .
A key recommendation of the Period Poverty in Ireland Discussion Paper was to address the limited evidence base – age groups over 19 were not covered by the Plan International Survey. Therefore, menstrual health and period poverty questions were included in the Healthy Ireland Survey, 2022, published on the 5th December, 2022.
The Survey found that 24% of women (and 35% of 15-24 year-olds) have experienced at least one indicator of period poverty and 51% of women are limited on occasion from participation in daily activities by period symptoms. The Survey can be accessed at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/f9e67-healthy-ireland-survey-2022/ .
The Health Behaviours in School-Aged Children Study (which will be published shortly) also included a module on period poverty; forthcoming results will give us more detailed information on its incidence amongst younger people in schools.
1454. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health his plans for a building (details supplied); if the building will be brought back into use; if not, if it has been deemed to be surplus to requirements and sold; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12711/24]
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.
1455. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will publish a list of the NGOs funded by his Department; and the level the funding each NGO received in the past three years, in tabular form. [12722/24]
View answerAs this is an operational matter I have forwarded this question to the HSE for a response.
1456. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the number of engagements, including online meetings, webinars, briefings and in-person meetings that he or officials from his Department and bodies under the aegis of his Department have had with an organisation (details supplied) including its representatives from 1 January 2019 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12742/24]
View answerThe details of meetings that my officials or I have had with representatives of the National Women’s Council of Ireland are noted below. 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.
Meetings with Minister Donnelly
I have met with the National Women’s Council of Ireland (NWCI) on eight occasions since January 2019. The details of these meetings are listed below:
• 24 May 2019: Meeting regarding first anniversary of the historic referendum to repeal the Eighth Amendment
• 20 November 2020 : I met with the NWCI and other external (non-Department of Health) members of the Women’s Health Taskforce to discuss women's health and the work of the Taskforce.
• 14 December 2020: The Minister met with the NWCI to discuss the work of the Women’s Health Taskforce.
• 19 February 2021: The Minister addressed the Women’s Health Taskforce (including members of the NWCI) at the 9th Women’s Health Taskforce meeting.
• 1 June 2021: The Minister met with the NWCI to discuss the review of the operation of Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018.
• 8 March 2022: The Minister officially launched the Women’s Health Action Plan 2022-23 in Dublin Castle and the NWCI sat on a panel as part of the launch event.
• 5 October 2022: The Minister met with the NWCI and other members of the Women’s Health Taskforce to discuss priorities for 2023.
• 27 September 2023: The Minister met with the NWCI and DoH officials to discuss funding for Women’s Health, Budget 2024.
Meetings with the Women’s Health Taskforce
The NWCI is a key partner in ensuring women’s voices are represented throughout the work of the Women’s Health Taskforce. Representatives from NWCI participate as members of the Taskforce. Details of meetings between the Taskforce and the National Women’s Council of Ireland related to this partnership are outlined below:
• 26 September 2019: The NWCI attended the Women’s Health Taskforce 1st Meeting as Taskforce members (assets.gov.ie/35798/b61500aadd42461eaab15d505b5e327d.pdf) .
• 31 October 2019: The NWCI attended the Women’s Health Taskforce 2nd Meeting as Taskforce members (assets.gov.ie/41033/19df4af7d31c49a7b1bc7dde66f9cfa5.pdf).
• 10 December 2019: The NWCI attended the Women’s Health Taskforce 3rd Meeting as Taskforce members (assets.gov.ie/69524/655bb602370c42f9a5fdcf6d0ffbab4b.pdf).
• 23 January 2020: The NWCI attended the Women’s Health Taskforce 4th Meeting as Taskforce members (assets.gov.ie/87132/683a8f98-add4-4ccf-8530-72fda360fbd2.pdf).
• 6 February 2020: The NWCI co-hosted Women’s Health Taskforce Stakeholder Engagement Forum with the Department of Health.
• 3 March 2020: The NWCI attended the Women’s Health Taskforce 5th Meeting as Taskforce members (assets.gov.ie/87131/9fdd3c08-8144-4608-927b-e68e7ccfbb76.pdf).
• 22 September 2020: The NWCI attended the Women’s Health Taskforce 6th Meeting as Taskforce members (assets.gov.ie/96012/5fb4815d-c633-45db-8f75-7537eed9a03e.pdf).
• 3 November 2020: The NWCI met with the Women’s Health Taskforce secretariat to discuss the upcoming 7th Meeting and other work.
• 10 November 2020: The NWCI attended the Women’s Health Taskforce 7th Meeting as Taskforce members (assets.gov.ie/119573/38ee95c6-56d6-44e1-8a5f-29d84e8a6985.pdf).
• 8 December 2020: The NWCI attended the Women’s Health Taskforce 8th Meeting as Taskforce members (assets.gov.ie/119572/325a11e2-f4d2-4e59-a6db-ef778d579b25.pdf).
• 10 December 2020: The NWCI met with the Women’s Health Taskforce secretariat to discuss the Women’s Health Taskforce operation and NWCI role in coming year.
• 20 January 2021: The NWCI met with the Women’s Health Taskforce secretariat to discuss the upcoming 9th Meeting and other work.
• 26 January 2021: The NWCI met with the Women’s Health Taskforce secretariat and MCCP to discuss the radical listening exercise, a large-scale consultation process intended to maximise the participation of women across all life stages.
• 19 February 2021: The NWCI attended the Women’s Health Taskforce 9th Meeting as Taskforce members (assets.gov.ie/129866/97f341ac-305c-4529-b6e0-50e918107278.pdf).
• 26 February 2021: The NWCI met with the Women’s Health Taskforce secretariat to discuss the mental health workstream.
• 9 March 2021: The NWCI met with the Women’s Health Taskforce secretariat and DCEDIY to discuss gender budgeting.
• 7 April 2021: The NWCI met with the Women’s Health Taskforce secretariat to discuss the mental health workstream.
• 14 April 2021: The NWCI attended the Women’s Health Taskforce 10th Meeting as Taskforce members (assets.gov.ie/139697/1deb6456-17b2-4da9-bd9a-4dbb9ed8b27a.pdf).
• 4 June 2021: The NWCI attended the Women’s Health Taskforce 11th Meeting as Taskforce members (assets.gov.ie/139698/d3d85956-e476-497c-b233-cb752830b40a.pdf).
• 1 July 2021: The NWCI met with the Women’s Health Taskforce secretariat to discuss the upcoming 12th Meeting and other work.
• 2 July 2021: The NWCI attended the Women’s Health Taskforce 12th Meeting as Taskforce members. (assets.gov.ie/202445/5b3abfae-b491-45ae-a5f6-1bc109cb2a58.pdf)
• 27 July 2021: The NWCI attended the Women’s Health Taskforce 13th Meeting as Taskforce members. (assets.gov.ie/213852/93adc477-5b83-460d-862f-2c53e9029bc9.pdf)
• 27 August 2021: The NWCI met with the Women’s Health Taskforce secretariat to discuss the upcoming 14th Meeting and other work.
• 7 September 2021: NWCI met with the Women’s Health Taskforce secretariat to discuss their input into the Radical Listening event on September 14th.
• 14 September 2021: The NWCI and Women’s Health Taskforce co-hosted a Radical Listening Stakeholder Event. (www.gov.ie/en/press-release/171f0-minister-for-health-publishes-report-of-womens-voices-on-womens-health-in-ireland/)
• 15 September 2021: The NWCI attended the Women’s Health Taskforce 14th Meeting as Taskforce members. (assets.gov.ie/213853/b6aa8ea0-84cf-4303-b111-a04a5e8df927.pdf)
• 21 September 2021: NWCI met with the Women’s Health Taskforce secretariat NWCI to introduce new NWCI Women's Health Officer.
• 5 October 2021: NWCI met with the Women's Health Lead to discuss the radical listening exercises with groups of marginalised women prepared by the NWCI.
• 4 November 2021: The NWCI met with the Women’s Health Taskforce secretariat to discuss the upcoming 15th Meeting and other work.
• 5 November 2021: The NWCI attended the Women’s Health Taskforce 15th Meeting as Taskforce members. (www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/253619/b89a270f-058c-48af-bfa0-7791fcd7c737.pdf#page=null )
• 6 December 2021: The NWCI met with the Women’s Health Taskforce secretariat to discuss the launch of Women’s Health Action Plan 2022 and other work.
• 10 January 2022: The NWCI met with the Women’s Health Taskforce secretariat to discuss their upcoming presentation on the findings of their Radical Listening exercise “Improving the health outcomes and experiences of the healthcare system for marginalised women” scheduled for 18th January 2022.
• 18 January 2022: The NWCI and Women’s Health Taskforce co-hosted an event presenting the findings of their Radical Listening exercise “Improving the health outcomes and experiences of the healthcare system for marginalised women” (www.nwci.ie/learn/article/nwc_calls_on_government_to_deliver_much_needed_systemic_change_through_women)
• 10 February 2022: The NWCI met with the Women’s Health Taskforce secretariat to discuss the launch of Women’s Health Action Plan 2022 and other work.
• 9 March 2022: The NWCI attended a Women’s Health Taskforce event to celebrate the launch of the Women’s Health Action Plan 2022-23.
• 29 June 2022: The NWCI attended the 16th meeting of the Women’s Health Taskforce as Taskforce members (Link to output pack.)
• 5 October 2022: The NWCI attended the 17th meeting of the Women’s Health Taskforce as Taskforce members. (www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/253621/87cc1931-c6ad-426a-90b6-472bd8143580.pdf#page=null)
• 23 February 2023: The NWCI attended the 18th meeting of the Women’s Health Taskforce as Taskforce members.
• 24 April 2023: The NWCI attended a meeting with DOH Taskforce members as part of the work of the 10-work Gender Lens workstream programme.
• 25 May 2023: The NWCI attended the 19th meeting of the Women’s Health Taskforce as Taskforce members.
• 21 September 2023: The NWCI attended the 20th meeting of the Women’s Health Taskforce as Taskforce members.
• 6 December 2023: The NWCI attended an update meeting of the Women’s Health Taskforce to discuss priorities and the work programme for 2024.
• 20 March 2024: The NWCI attended an update meeting of the Women’s Health Taskforce to discuss work programme for 2024.
Other Meetings
• 26 February 2019: The NWCI met with Department of Health and HSE Health and Wellbeing officials to discuss finalising Evidence Base Report, planning for Women's Health Action Plan.
• 2 May 2019: The NWCI met with Department of Health officials for a workshop meeting for preparing/planning/brainstorming for the WHAP, framing high level plan.
• 26 June 2019: The NWCI met with Department of Health and HSE Health and Wellbeing officials in finalising Evidence Base Report, discussing preliminary outcomes of workshop.
• 13 August 2020: Minister Butler and DoH officials met with NWCI to discuss Women's Mental Health.
• 26 October 2022: The NWCI had an introductory meeting with DoH officials.
• 20 April 2023: A working group working on behalf of the Women’s Health Taskforce met with the NWCI to engage on research priorities for Women’s Health.
• 30 May 2023: DOH officials and NWCI to discuss the (then) forthcoming free contraception scheme.
• 17 July 2023: DOH officials attended a presentation organised by NWCI on the topic of Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence (DSGBV) and sex workers.
• 23 November 2023: The NWCI met with DOH officials to discuss NWCI Women’s Health Taskforce initiatives.
• 1 December 2023: The NWCI met with DoH officials to discuss one of the actions of the Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and gender-based Violence 2022-2026.
• 24 January 2024: The NWCI met with the Women’s Health Taskforce secretariat, HSE officials and members of ICGP as part of a of working subgroup to discuss surveys.
• 28 February 2024: The NWCI met with DoH officials and HSE officials to discuss research project proposal in relation to the Free Contraception Scheme.
1457. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health to explain in detail the decision to withdraw funding for the Understanding and Managing Adult ADHD Programme for 2024; if he will reconsider this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12755/24]
View answerADHD 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.
1458. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health the reason Glenwood House, Carrigaline has not yet opened as a mental health facility since it received planning permission from An Bord Pleanála in October 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12768/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible
1459. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health the total cost of the purchase and renovation of Glenwood House, Carrigaline and any other associated costs. [12769/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible
1460. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Health if he will request the HSE to review the recruitment pause in the case of mental health professionals given its impact on mental health waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12778/24]
View answerAs this is an operational matter for the Health Service Executive, the HSE has been asked to respond directly to the Deputy.
