Written Answers Nos. 1341-1360
1341. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE senior physiotherapists in neonatology at Rotunda Maternity Hospital in the years of 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form. [46411/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1342. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of fully staffing three new eating disorder teams. [46412/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly as soon as possible.
1343. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the waiting list for vascular surgery with addresses in Meath; and the average waiting times, in tabular form. [46413/24]
View answerIt is acknowledged that many patients are still waiting too long for hospital appointments and treatments. I am conscious of the burden this places on patients and their families.
A multi-annual approach through a series of Waiting List Action Plans has been adopted to address this issue. Commencing in late 2021, these plans encompass short-term actions to increase capacity and activity in the short and immediate term, and longer-term reform measures to sustainably reduce both hospital waiting lists and waiting times.
This approach has achieved significant progress in overall waiting list reduction and in addressing long waiting times, against a backdrop of significantly increased demand for scheduled care services.
Funding of €420m is being allocated to the Waiting List Action Plan for 2025. The investment clearly demonstrates the Government’s ongoing commitment to sustainably reducing and reforming hospital waiting lists and waiting times. With this significant funding for 2025, we will continue to progress towards a having a public healthcare service in which everyone has timely and transparent access to high-quality scheduled care, where and when they need it.
In relation to the particular query raised by the Deputy, the attached information, provided to my Department by the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) provides the number of persons on the waiting list for vascular surgery by area of residence (AOR) Co. Meath. The National Treatment Purchase Fund have advised that the health system does not collect the data necessary to calculate average wait times. In particular, the time to treatment of patients who have already received their care is not collected. The NTPF collects data on patients currently on the waiting list and the average time that these patients have been waiting is provided here.
1344. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the number of children referred for four or more dental extractions under general anaesthetics in CHO8 area in the years of 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form. [46414/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
1345. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a neurology appointment will be made for a person in Donegal (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46420/24]
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.
1346. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the implementation of the National Traveller Mental Health Action Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46421/24]
View answerThe Traveller Health Action Plan was launched in November 2022. Both the Department of Health and the HSE are committed to developing priorities, strategies and actions on Traveller mental health within the framework of the National Traveller Health Action Plan.
The HSE has established a National Traveller Mental Health Working Group whose purpose is to serve as a central coordination group to monitor progress, streamline, and influence the prioritisation of actions identified in various Mental Health policies and strategies aligned with the National Traveller Health Action Plan.
The Group is chaired by the General Manager of HSE National Mental Health Operations, who reports to the Assistant National Director of National Mental Health Operations. It is made up of representatives from the HSE's Mental Health Operations, the National Office of Suicide Prevention, Service coordinators for Travellers and Social Inclusion Unit. Other members include, a Lived Experience Representative, members of the National Traveller Representative Groups, and officials in the Department of Health.
The Group meets quarterly, in locations which allow for the Group to visit and engage with local groups working on the ground (including with HSE teams supporting Mental Health service delivery to the Traveller and/or Roma Communities in regions, with representative groups, etc.).
In 2024 the group funded and supported Travellers Together Preventing Suicide, an annual campaign at national and local levels which seeks to create awareness and tackle stigma in relation to Traveller suicide.
Through the National Traveller Health Action Plan, 7 Primary Care Support Worker posts have been funded recurrently to work specifically with Travellers with mental health concerns.
Funding was also provided for 10 Youth Mental Health First Aid training courses for those working with Young Travellers. This course teaches participants how to assist a young person who may be experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis until appropriate professional help is received or the crisis resolves, using a practical, evidence-based action plan.
In 2025, 9 Travellers will graduate with NFQ level 5 qualification in Understanding Mental Health through funded Copper Art Skills project. The course is aimed at building capacity of better understanding of mental health in the community, highlighting innovative approaches to engaging the Traveller community, sharing knowledge and experience along with learning the skill set of copper art.
In Budget 2025, significant additional ring-fenced funding of €365,000 was secured for Traveller mental health initiatives. In addition, funding of €200,000 for the National Traveller Counselling service which was allocated on a once-off basis for 2024, has been mainstreamed under Budget 2025, bringing the total funding for Traveller mental health to €565,000. This will build on previous years to expand the National Traveller Counselling Service to also provide services to young Travellers, ensuring that this culturally inclusive counselling service receives the support that it needs.
In addition, funding will be provided for two dedicated Suicide Crisis Assessment Nurses (SCAN), who will work directly with Travellers and provide training and support to the network of other SCAN nurses across the country. Funding has also been made available for other culturally appropriate suicide bereavement supports for Travellers, ensuring that the services provided at what is a very sensitive time for families and communities, are responsive to their particular needs. This will provide ringfenced supports with oversight from the National Traveller Mental Health Working Group.
1347. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1002 of 5 November 2024, given that Melatonin has not been reviewed since 2008, if he will instruct the NCPE to review and include this product for reimbursement under the Community Drugs Schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46423/24]
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 and devices; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
1348. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of funding for surgery for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46435/24]
View answerThe National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) works with public hospitals, as opposed to with patients directly, to offer and provide the funding for treatment to clinically suitable long waiting patients who are on an Inpatient/Day case or Outpatient waiting list.
The key criteria of the NTPF is the prioritisation of the longest waiting patients first. While the NTPF identifies patients eligible for NTPF treatment, it is solely on the basis of their time spent on a waiting list. The clinical suitability of the patient to avail of NTPF funded treatment is determined by the public hospital.
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.
1349. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Health the status of an appointment for surgery for a person (details supplied). [46436/24]
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.
1350. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health the actions being taken to address the severe shortage of parking spaces at University Hospital Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46437/24]
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.
1351. Deputy George Lawlor asked the Minister for Health the number of consultants in emergency medicine based at Wexford General Hospital in the years of 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form. [46443/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1352. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health the number of dietitians in the CHO7 area; the number of vacant dietitian posts in the CHO7 area; the plans to fill those vacancies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46453/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
1353. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health if a number of issues pertaining to a day centre (details supplied) in Dingle will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46462/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly as soon as possible.
1354. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health to provide an update from the HSE as to how much longer a person (details supplied) will be waiting for an appointment with the ENT consultant in Crumlin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46467/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
1355. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the current level of funding allocated to addiction services. [46474/24]
View answerIt is a strategic priority under the national drugs strategy to enhance access to and delivery of drug services in the community. There are five actions to support the implementation of the priority in strategic action plan 2023-2024.
Drug-related health expenditure in 2023 was over €161m. The approximate breakdown of expenditure on addiction services is as follows:
• HSE addiction services 47%.
• Community-based services 40%.
• GPs and pharmacy 13%.
In 2024, I launched an interactive map of publicly-funded drug treatment and drug-related family support services, which can be accessed here. It features 442 services in receipt of public funding.
I announced additional funding of €4.2m in Budget 2025 (full year €5.4m) for the implementation of the national drugs strategy. The new initiatives in Budget 2025 will enhance access to and delivery of drug and alcohol services in the community, develop harm reduction responses and integrated care pathways for high-risk drug users, strengthen the prevention of drug and alcohol use among children and young people and minimise the harms of drug use for families and communities.
See budget factsheet available at the link below gov.ie - Minister of State Colm Burke announces additional €40 million in funding for drug and alcohol services and inclusion health
I am committed to enhancing access to and delivery of drugs services in the community under the national drug strategy.
1356. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the number of addiction treatment centres, per county, including residential and outpatient services; and the demand for these services, per county, in tabular form. [46475/24]
View answerAs this refers to a service matter, I have sent this PQ to the HSE for direct response.
1357. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health what measures are in place to ensure that addiction services are accessible for all in rural and less-well-off communities. [46476/24]
View answerIt is a strategic priority under the national drugs strategy to enhance access to and delivery of drug services in the community. There are five actions to support the implementation of the priority in strategic action plan 2023-2024.
In 2024, I launched an interactive map of publicly-funded drug treatment and drug-related family support services, which can be accessed here (www.drugsandalcohol.ie/services_map). The online tool features 442 services in receipt of public funding. The map provides easily navigable information on local services for people looking to access services to address their drug or alcohol use, and for families and concerned others who are struggling to deal with a loved one’s drug or alcohol use. The map complements existing resources such as the drug and alcohol helpline and the drugs.ie website.
The publication of this interactive map of drug services is phase one of the audit of drug services being undertaken by the Dept of Health and the HRB. Phase two involves an analysis of current funding of drug treatment and drug related family support services and demand for same, based on:
• Analysis of NDTRS, NDRDI and NDAS data to assess service demand.
• Data merge with Pobal deprivation index as a proxy predictor of service demand.
• Geomapping of data to provide funding offices with information to plan service delivery.
Many drug services have developed as a response to local demand, often under the auspices of drug and alcohol task forces. As a result, the model of service provision is fragmented and uneven. Access to services can often depend on geographical factors.
The intention is to engage statutory agencies that fund drug treatment services to (i) provide a snapshot of current funding levels and activities, and (b) to assist with gathering more detailed data on what is being provided in relation to the funding. NDTRS figures will also provide a measurement of activity levels.
The audit will map existing service provision against predicted treatment demand based on various data sources. This information can then be used to inform the planning and funding of drug treatment and family support services in the HSE health regions.
I am committed to enhancing access to and delivery of drugs services in the community under the national drug strategy.
1358. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health if addiction treatment centres are collaborating with community organisations to improve the social determinants of health, such as housing, employment and education, that affect recovery outcomes. [46477/24]
View answer1361. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health how the Government is addressing the root causes of addiction, such as poverty, trauma, mental health issues and homelessness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46480/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1358 and 1361 together.
People from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds face a higher prevalence of physical disease, mental illness, and substance use, and are more likely to die prematurely. These health inequalities are rooted in the social determinants of health, where social exclusion worsens physical and mental health and increases vulnerability to problematic drug and alcohol use. Furthermore, poverty and social exclusion undermines the effectiveness of healthcare services by creating additional barriers to timely and integrated treatment.
The Roadmap for Social Inclusion 2020 - 2025: Ambition, Goals and Commitments is a whole-of-government strategy to reducing the number of people in consistent poverty and to increase social inclusion for those who are most disadvantaged.
Additionally, the Government is committed to eradicating homelessness. Housing for All, the national housing plan, sets out the Government policy for reducing and preventing homelessness by 2030. This will be achieved by a housing-led approach as the primary response to all forms of homelessness. Eliminating homelessness will fundamentally address the social determinants of health for people who are homeless. The Housing First programme tackles long-term homelessness among people with complex health needs, including those in addiction, by providing them with stable tenancies as well as health and social supports.
The National Mental Health Promotion Plan is an important step towards achieving the vision for Healthy Ireland where everyone can enjoy physical and mental health and well-being to their full potential, and where health is valued and supported at every level in society. There is compelling international evidence that focusing on mental health promotion can have positive effects on well-being as well as reducing risk for mental health difficulties. It responds to the need for population level mental health promotion, and it seeks to strengthen individuals and the communities where they live while addressing the structural barriers to good mental health at societal level.
The Healthy Ireland Strategic Action Plan 2021-25 has placed a priority on addressing health inequalities. The main action of which is the delivery of the Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme which is operational in 20 areas of highest deprivation across the state. The programme is a partnership between local authorities, local delivery partners and the HSE and deliver locally tailored interventions focusing on the social determinants of health.
I and the Government are committed to addressing the social determinants of health through cross-government policies on poverty, homelessness, mental health, Travellers and Roma.
1359. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health how the Government measures the success and effectiveness of addiction services; the measures being taken to track long-term recovery rates; and if data are used to improve addiction services. [46478/24]
View answerIt is a strategic priority under the national drugs strategy to enhance access to and delivery of drug services in the community. There are five actions to support the implementation of the priority in strategic action plan 2023-2024.
The National Drug Treatment Reporting System (NDTRS) is the national surveillance system that records and reports on cases of drug and alcohol treatment in Ireland. It is compiled annually to provide information on treatment demand and provides important data to allow services to deliver what is required.
NDTRS data for 2023, published by the Health Research Board, shows there were 13,104 cases in 2023 compared to 12,009 in 2022. The data also shows that the percentage of new cases (never treated before) was 36.6%. The majority of cases were treated in outpatient facilities (71.5%), and that cocaine was the most common drug reported in 2023, accounting for 37.6% (4,923) of all cases, a 20.5% increase from 2022 (4,084 cases). Among cases aged 19 years or younger, cannabis was the main drug generating treatment demand.
With regard to treatment outcomes, nearly one-third (29.5%) of cases successfully completed treatment and 12.2% were referred to other drug and alcohol services for continued support. However, 31.8% of cases did not return for subsequent appointments and 14.0% refused further treatment sessions.
Regarding drug prevalence, the Healthy Ireland Survey is an annual survey, conducted with a representative sample of the population aged 15 and older living in Ireland. The Healthy Ireland survey 2023, included, for the first time, a module on drug use prevalence. The data reported that 21% of respondents report lifetime illicit drug use; 7% report illicit drug use in the last year, and 3% report illicit drug use in the last month. The most prevalent illicit drugs used within the last year are cannabis (5.9%), cocaine (1.9%), ecstasy or MDMA (0.8%), magic mushrooms (0.8%) and ketamine (0.4%).
The objective of the National Drug-Related Deaths Index (NDRDI) is to provide high-quality data so that the State can respond in a timely manner with accurate data on drug-induced mortality. The NDRDI records cases of death by drug and/or alcohol poisoning (such as those due to accidental or intentional overdose), and deaths among people who use drugs and those who are alcohol dependent where the death was not due to poisoning (such as those due to hepatitis C and HIV).
The latest available data available for drug related deaths (2021) shows that there were 354 drug-induced deaths recorded in 2021, a decrease from 439 (24%) drug poisoning deaths in 2020 and 375 deaths in 2019.
Budget 2025 provides an additional €4.2m to expand community-based drug and alcohol services to meet increased treatment demand, with a focus on improving access to services in underserved communities, promoting evidence-based innovations in service design and delivery, and meeting the needs of people who use stimulant drugs, and those who have a dual diagnosis. Further information is available here: gov.ie - Minister of State Colm Burke announces additional €40 million in funding for drug and alcohol services and inclusion health (www.gov.ie) (www.gov.ie/en/press-release/70bdf-minister-burke-announces-additional-40m-in-funding-for-drug-and-alcohol-services-and-inclusion-health/).
I am committed to enhancing access to and delivery of drugs services in the community under the national drug strategy.
1360. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health his top three priorities for improving addiction services over the next five years. [46479/24]
View answerThe national drugs strategy, Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery, is a health-led response to drug and alcohol use, which runs from 2017 to 2025. The strategic action plan relating to the strategy for 2023-2024 contains 34 actions across six strategic priorities. The Department of Health has commissioned an independent evaluation of the strategy which is expected to be completed in early 2025.
The Dept of Health is preparing a new national drugs strategy, with the intention to finalise a draft of the new strategy in the first half of 2025.
The new strategy will be informed by the Programme for Government, the recommendations of the Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs Use, consultations with key stakeholders and developments in the EU drugs strategy, including the remit of the new EU Drugs Agency.
It is my ambition that the next national drugs strategy will create a society where the reasons why people use drugs are addressed, the harms associated with drugs are reduced, and recovery from drug addiction is supported.
