Written Answers Nos. 588 - 606
588. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will take into consideration the 10% increase in demand for the Kerry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre's services and make available the necessary funding to allow this vital service continue to carry out its work and operate to the highest standard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2403/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2010 the National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence was published. It aims to provide a framework for sustainable intervention to prevent and effectively respond to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence and is lead by Cosc which is the National Office for the Prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence.
The HSE subsequently published its own Policy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence. The principal actions are in line with the National Strategy. The HSE’s policy states that a health-focused analysis of violence is crucial, not only because the consequences of such violence require a significant amount of healthcare system resources, but most importantly because the health care system is often the first route through which victims seek to access supports.
Nationally the HSE funds 42 frontline domestic violence service providers. 20 of these provide refuge accommodation and this number has risen from 15 since 2000. The services provide a wide range of supports such as crisis refuge, advocacy and counselling and were funded to the amount of €13.465 Million in 2012.
In relation to the specific issue raised by the Deputy, as this is a service issue it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
589. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the numbers of persons whose medical cards have been replaced by general practitioner cards who cannot afford to purchase their medication; if he will provide a breakdown of the number of persons whose medical cards have been replaced by GP only cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2419/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have asked the Health Service Executive for a report on the issues raised by the Deputy. I will revert to the Deputy on the matter as soon as possible.
590. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Health if he will consider on the possibility of increasing to 21 years the legal age for a person to purchase and use tobacco products due to the increasing number of smokers amongst young women; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2422/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraSmoking is the greatest single cause of preventable illness and premature death in Ireland, killing over 5,200 people a year. Ireland’s public health policy objective in relation to tobacco is to promote and subsequently move towards a tobacco free society. As the Deputy is aware it is currently illegal to sell tobacco to an individual under the age of 18 years. While there are no plans to review the age limit currently, my Department has undertaken a number of tobacco control measures including:
- Combined text and photo warnings (graphic warnings) (This will come into effect on 01st Feb 2013);
- A ban on Packets of Cigarettes containing less than 20 cigarettes;
- A ban on the display and advertising of tobacco products;
- A requirement for all tobacco products to be out of view and stored within a closed container which can only be accessed by the retailer;
- Health Education Campaign 1 in every 2 smokers will die of a tobacco related disease;
- Cigarette pricing controls aimed at decreasing smoking prevalence and in preventing children and adolescents from taking up the habit.
The aim of these provisions is to further de-normalise tobacco and to protect children from the dangers of tobacco consumption.
The Tobacco Policy Review Group will be reporting to me shortly. The report of this group will build on our existing policies and legislation. This group is examining a number of areas which need to be developed or enhanced in order to reduce smoking prevalence in Ireland. The report will also examine how to develop our cessation services in order to support those people who want to stop smoking. Of major concern to me is the number of young people who are still taking up the addiction. The "denormalisation” of smoking within our society is key tool in stopping our children and young people from doing so. To achieve this we must make smoking less attractive to children and increase its social unacceptability.
591. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the number and cost of court actions which have been taken by the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland during the invigilation of regulations pertaining to the pharmacy sector here; his view on the cost effectiveness of the regulation system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2428/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI) is an independent statutory body, established by the Pharmacy Act 2007. It is charged with, and is accountable for, the effective regulation of pharmacists and pharmacies in Ireland, including responsibility for supervising compliance with the Act.
Part 6 of the Act deals with the complaints, inquiries and discipline (fitness to practise) functions of the PSI and was commenced on the 1st August 2009. Part 7 of the Act deals with the PSI inspection and enforcement functions and was commenced on the 28th November 2008.
Section 45 of the Act provides that the Council of the PSI may apply to the High Court for an order to suspend the registration of a registered pharmacist or registered retail pharmacy business against whom a complaint has been made. Section 48 of the Act sets out the disciplinary sanctions which may be imposed by the Council, and in accordance with section 50, the Council must apply to the High Court to confirm disciplinary sanctions, other than admonishment and censure.
The Council of the PSI has made three separate applications to the High Court pursuant to section 45 at an average cost of approx. €22,000 and has made two applications to the High Court in order to have conditions attached to the registration of two respective registrants at an average cost of €7,700.
The Council of the PSI is entitled to institute summary criminal proceedings under the Pharmacy Act 2007 and the Irish Medicines Board Act 1995 (as amended) for breaches of this legislation.The Council has taken 19 prosecutions in the District Court pursuant to the Pharmacy Act 2007 and/or the Irish Medicines Board Act 1995 (as amended), at a total cost of €99,330.50. The PSI was awarded costs in the sum of €55,393 by the courts in respect of these prosecutions and fines payable to the Exchequer totalled €38,850.
The Pharmacy Act 2007 aims to ensure that pharmacists are fit to be registered and that retail pharmacy businesses are suitable establishments to provide care and treatment to patients and are safe environments for the storage of medicines.
592. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the amount generated through parking fees at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9 for the years 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and to date in 2013; the percentage of fees that are returned to the hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2430/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to the particular query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in this matter.
593. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the criteria used for assessing those in receipt of home help hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2431/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
594. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the products that will be delisted from the GMS scheme as outlined in the Health Service Executive National Service Plan 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2439/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraClinician Led Multidisciplinary Medicines Management Programme has been established to provide national leadership on issues relating to quality of medicines management processes, access to medicines and cost of medicines. As part of this work, those products that are less suitable for prescribing will be identified and considered for delisting in compliance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Bill proceeding through the Dail.
595. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the way he will deliver the €10m savings in the high tech drugs bill as outlined in the Health Service Executive National Service Plan 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2440/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra649. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health his views on the annual State spend on high tech drugs in each of the years 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012; the medications involved; the savings he has negotiated and secured across each of the relevant expenditures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2969/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 595 and 649 together.
The HSE proposes to introduce a formal returns arrangement with suppliers of High Tech Medicines in cases where a community pharmacy no longer has a requirement for particular medicine previously delivered to that pharmacy location. Such a returns arrangement will have to comply with relevant legislative and regulatory requirements. The HSE is also developing an electronic authorisation (e-authorisation) module in conjunction with prescribers in hospitals to improve the efficiency of the Scheme. Rheumatology is the initial clinical programme involved.
In relation to expenditure on High Tech Drugs, I wish to advise that this information is being collated by the HSE and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
596. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the way he will achieve the charging of all private patients in public hospitals; if he will outline the steps and legislation needed to achieve this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2441/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of Budget 2013, it has been indicated that legislative proposals will be brought to Government that will provide for charges to be collected from private in-patients who are not occupying a private designated bed. This charge will be phased in over a number of years to mitigate the impact on the private health insurance market. It is envisaged that new charges will be implemented in mid-2013 and will yield additional €60m in 2013. The details of the legislative changes are being worked on by my Department at present. In the meantime, the maintenance charges for private in-patients in public hospitals remain unchanged.
597. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the locations at which the 17 posts for the diabetes programme and five posts for audiology services, as outlined in the Health Service Executive National Service Plan 2013, will be located; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2442/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraPreparations for the national roll out of the Integrated Care Diabetes Programme are at an advanced stage. The HSE recently held interviews for 17 Integrated Care Diabetes Nurse Specialist posts and it is expected that these posts will be filled early in 2013. One Diabetes Nurse Specialist will be assigned to each of the HSE's 17 Integrated Service Areas (ISAs).
The HSE National Audiology Review Group Report (2011) included a recommendation that a new managerial and clinical structure be put in place to develop the service. A National Lead will be appointed, along with 4 Assistant Leads (one in each of the 4 HSE regions).
598. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the date on which the NSP 2013 implementation plan will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2443/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive's National Service Plan 2013 (NSP 2013), approved by the Minister on the 9th January 2013, sets out the type and volume of services to be delivered by the Executive in 2013. The National Operational Plan is being developed to support the implementation of the NSP 2013. It is intended to finalise the HSE Operational Plan by mid February in parallel with the finalisation of regional service plans, and following finalisation, the HSE Operational Plan: Implementing the HSE National Service Plan 2013 will be published.
599. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the way he will ensure compliance with the European Working Time Directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2444/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra611. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health the recent assessment he has made of the implementation of the EU Working Time Directive in the Health Service Executive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2594/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 599 and 611 together.
S.I. No. 494 of 2004 European Communities (Organisation of Working Time) (Activities of Doctors in Training) Regulations 2004, which transposed the EU Working Time Directive for doctors in training, provides for:
- A maximum 48 hour average working week;
- 11 hours rest every 24 hours or equivalent compensatory rest before return to work; and
- 35 hours continuous rest per week or twice a fortnight or 59 hours continuous rest per fortnight.
There has been a significant reduction in the weekly hours worked by NCHDs in recent years. Typically NCHDs work approximately 55 hours per week. Further work is therefore required to achieve compliance with the requirements of the Directive.
In January 2012, Ireland submitted to the EU Commission a detailed Plan for the achievement of compliance by NCHDs with the Working Time Directive. The plan affirmed Ireland's commitment to achieving compliance with the Directive over a three-year time period. It committed to implementing measures to compliance, including:-
a. The implementation of new work patterns for medical staff;
b. Transfer of work undertaken by NCHDs to other grades;
c. Organisation of hospital services to support EWTD compliance.
Compliance is being progressed in the context of the Government’s programme for health reform and at the level of each hospital and through strategic measures in relation to how hospital services are organised and managed.
The Health Service Executive’s Service Plan for 2013 specifically recognises the need to address the issue as a priority, stating that there will be a particular focus in the acute hospital service on the achievement of compliance with the European Working Time Directive amongst the non-consultant hospital doctor (NCHD) workforce, in line with the Implementation Plan submitted to the Commission in 2012.
600. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the way it is intended to save €286m in the Health Service Executive gross pay bill in 2013 as outlined in NSP 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2445/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has decided that the numbers employed across the public service must continue to be reduced in order to meet fiscal and budgetary targets. The health sector must make its contribution to that reduction. This policy requires that by the end of 2013, the health service achieves a workforce of 98,955 wholetime equivalents (WTEs). The HSE National Service Plan 2013 provides for savings of €52 million as a result of such reduction in staff numbers.
In order to mitigate the impact on frontline services of the reduction in employment numbers, the priority is to reform how health services are delivered in order to ensure a more productive and cost effective health system. Therefore, the HSE is using the provisions of the Public Service Agreement to bring about greater flexibilities in work practices and rosters, redeployment and other changes to achieve more efficient delivery of services. The National Service Plan provides for a total of €84 million to be saved under this heading.
Further very significant savings are being sought in the negotiations with the public service unions currently under way. The health sector is required to achieve savings of €150 million in 2013 under this process.
601. Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Health the treatments available to persons here, with visual impairments, especially those illnesses requiring laser treatment; if he will explain the reason it would be necessary for an Irish citizen to seek laser treatment in the United States of America as opposed to Ireland for such visual impairments or illnesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2466/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra605. Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the treatments available to men in this State, with prostate health issues, especially those illnesses requiring laser treatment and explain the reason it would be necessary for an Irish citizen to seek laser treatment in the United States of America as opposed to Ireland for such impairments or illnesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2563/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 601 and 605 together.
In relation to the particular queries raised by the Deputy, as these are service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in these matters.
602. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health if new financial arrangements are being put in place by the Health Service Executive in respect of provisions of temporary nursing home care for patients being discharged from acute hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2498/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs such financial arrangements are a matter for the HSE, they have been referred to the Executive for direct reply.
603. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the mental health services for young persons in 2013, and the urgent need to deal with the suicide issue [2522/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraDealing with the current high levels of suicide and deliberate self harm is a priority for this Government. Reach Out our National Strategy for Action on Suicide Prevention recognises the youth sector as a high risk group and sets out a number of specific actions. Consequently, the HSE's National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) has developed a range of initiatives aimed specifically at supporting young people who are suicidal and also supporting their peers in recognising and responding appropriately to signs of emotional distress and suicidal thoughts.
A wide range of awareness and training programmes are available in the area of mental health promotion and suicide prevention. These include SafeTALK which trains participants to become more alert to the possibility of suicide in their community and other training programmes such as Reaching Out, ASIST, Taking Control, MindOut and STOP.
A number of media awareness campaigns have been run in recent years including the Let someone know campaign which focused specifically on young people and delivered the message that it is important to reach out and seek the support of others. Other awareness programmes include the The Please Talk initiative, running in third level colleges since 2007, which encourages young people experiencing problems to talk to others and identifies the supports available to those in need.
Jigsaw, an innovative community-based support service for young people, has been developed by Headstrong and is designed to promote systems of care that are accessible, youth-friendly, integrated, and engaging for young people. Through additional Innovation Funding, this service is now available or in development in 11 sites around the country.
Schools are one of the key settings for the promotion of mental health and well-being of young people and they are also in the position to identify young people experiencing emotional difficulties. The Departments of Health and Education and Skills have been working closely with the HSE and the NOSP to develop Guidelines for Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention in post-primary schools. These Guidelines will be launched in the very near future.
The special provision of €35m for mental health in 2012 was allocated primarily for measures to further strengthen Community Mental Health Teams in both adult and children's mental health services, to advance activities in the area of suicide prevention and to initiate the provision of psychological and counselling services in primary care, specifically for people with mental health problems. 150 additional posts were allocated to Child and Adolescent Community Mental Health Teams in 2012. It is envisaged that the completion of the multidisciplinary profile of current teams will help progress the expansion of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services to all young people up to 18 years and reduce the waiting lists for this service. Budget 2013 provides a further additional €35m for the continued development of our mental health services. The HSE National Service Plan, which was recently approved by the Minister for Health, commits to the further development of suicide prevention initiatives, forensics and community mental health teams for adults, children, older persons and mental health intellectual disability and to the recruitment of over 470 additional staff to implement these measures. I expect to see substantive progress in 2013 in relation to the strengthening of Community Mental Health Teams.
The fourth Annual Report on Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), published by the HSE in December 2012 provides a detailed picture of the current stage of development of the HSE’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. Progress in a number of key areas includes a 10% increase in the number of new cases seen by CAMHS in the period October 2011 – September 2012, the introduction of new access protocols for 16 and 17 year olds and the continued reduction in the number of children and adolescents admitted to adult units.
604. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2535/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.
606. Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Health if he will update Dáil Éireann on the motorised transport grant scheme; if he will declare the number of participants annually in the years 2007 to-date and the value of these grants annually in the last five years; if eligibility criteria have changed in the last five years and if there are plans to review the criteria in future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2567/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy regarding the Motorised Transport Grant will be available soon for 2010, 2011 and up to the end of the third quarter 2012. Information in relation to earlier years is not readily available. I will provide the information requested by the Deputy in the near future.
The eligibility criteria for the Motorised Transport Grant last changed in 2008, with the removal of the upper age limit.
The future of the Motorised Transport Grant is currently being considered in the context of the Ombudsman's recent report to the Oireachtas.
