Seán Fleming
Ceist:203. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health when a particular drug will be provided in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4496/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraMedicinal Products Availability
Ceisteanna (203)
Freagraí scríofa
The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicinal products under the community drug schemes in accordance with the provisions of the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.
The HSE received an application for the inclusion of Eculizumab (Brand: Soliris) in the community drugs schemes. The application was considered in line with the procedures and timescales agreed in 2012 by my Department and the HSE with the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA). In accordance with these procedures, the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE) conducted a pharmacoeconomic evaluation of Eculizumab and concluded that, at a total cost per patient per year of €437,247 and a cumulative gross budget impact over 5 years estimated at €33 million, the therapy did not represent value for money for the treatment of patients in the Irish healthcare setting. In addition, the manufacturer did not include an economic model as part of their submission and failed to demonstrate the cost-effectiveness of this therapy. Consequently, the NCPE was unable to recommend reimbursement of the product under the community drug schemes. The report is available on the NCPE's website (www.ncpe.ie). The NCPE report is an important input to assist the HSE in its decision making process and informs further discussions between the HSE and the manufacturer of the drug. The HSE assessment process is intended to arrive at a decision on the funding of high cost new medicines that is clinically appropriate, fair, consistent and sustainable. The HSE is now carefully considering all the issues which arise in relation to the proposed benefits and costs of this medicine and expects to reach a decision in the near future.
Long-Term Illness Scheme Coverage
Ceisteanna (204)
Noel Coonan
Ceist:204. Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Health his plans to include Addison's Disease on the list of eligible conditions covered by the long term illness scheme; the medical conditions that qualify a person for the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4526/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
There are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the Long Term Illness scheme.
Under the Drug Payment Scheme, no individual or family pays more than €144 per calendar month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The scheme significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals incurring ongoing expenditure on medicines.
In addition, people who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be entitled to a medical card. In the assessment process, the Health Service Executive can take into account medical costs incurred by an individual or a family. Those who are not eligible for a medical card may still be able to avail of a GP visit card, which covers the cost of GP consultations.
Health Services Provision
Ceisteanna (205)
Finian McGrath
Ceist:205. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a rat problem (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [4549/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal services which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act, 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the HSE to have the matter investigated and to reply directly to the Deputy.
HSE Staff Remuneration
Ceisteanna (206)
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Ceist:206. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health the administrative arrangements in place for the payment of salaries in the Health Service Executive; if some of these functions are outsourced to providers based outside the State; his views on the way this may impact the quality of the administration of the salary function; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4556/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Building Regulations Compliance
Ceisteanna (207)
Kevin Humphreys
Ceist:207. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in respect of capital building projects under the remit of his Department and the building programmes planned for 2014, if he will outline the impact the new building control regulations 2013, that come into effect on 1 March, will have on the costs of each specific project; if he will list the projects under way; the extra costs that will be incurred on each project due to increased professional fees and increased supervision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4373/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Any major building projects carried out in office premises used by the Department of Transport Tourism and Sport are planned, and managed (during construction) by the Office of Public Works.
Only one such project is at the initial planning phase at present. As the project is at a very early stage I am advised that it is not possible to quantify the impact of the new Building Control Regulations on the cost of the project.
Road Tolls
Ceisteanna (208)
Terence Flanagan
Ceist:208. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the number of tolls on roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4392/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, as Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have overall responsibility for policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The implementation of individual national road schemes which provide for tolling, is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993-2007. Moreover, the statutory power to levy tolls on national roads, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into toll agreements with private investors in respect of national roads is very specifically vested in the NRA under Part V of the Roads Act, 1993 (as amended).
The maximum tolls for each toll year are set in accordance with the toll bye-laws made by the NRA under Section 61 of the Roads Act. Aside from the annual adjustments made in accordance with the bye-laws, there are currently no proposals to vary tolls on national roads. While toll rates are adjusted annually in line with consumer prices, the base rates are built into the PPP financing arrangements that enabled the high quality motorway network to be built. Any change to the financial arrangements would clearly have significant implications and would have to be carefully evaluated.
Public Transport Provision
Ceisteanna (209)
Dessie Ellis
Ceist:209. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of Dublin Bus Nitelink passengers in the years 2008 to 2013, respectively; the amount of money that was made from the Nitelink service in these years; and the number of Nitelink services that ran in each of the years. [4398/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The issue raised is a matter for Dublin Bus and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.