Tuesday, 15 Jul 2014

Written Answers Nos. 622-648

Medical Card Administration

Ceisteanna (622)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

622. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if a new medical card will be issued to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30788/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

The Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.

The Health Service Executive operates the General Medical Services scheme, which includes medical cards and GP visit cards, under the Health Act 1970, as amended. It has established a dedicated contact service for members of the Oireachtas specifically for queries relating to medical cards and GP visit cards, which the Deputy may wish to use for an earlier response. Contact information has issued to Oireachtas members.

Medical Card Eligibility

Ceisteanna (623, 635, 643)

Lucinda Creighton

Ceist:

623. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Health if the inclusion of a condition (details supplied) will be considered during the review of automatic entitlements for medical cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30789/14]

Joan Collins

Ceist:

635. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health if he will consider the inclusion of food supplements that are needed for medication (details supplied) in the review of illnesses to be included in the medical card scheme. [30947/14]

Robert Troy

Ceist:

643. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will include sufferers of Medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase, MCAD, deficiency for automatic eligibility for a discretionary medical card; and if he will include a food supplement called L-carnitine in the approved drug payments scheme, which even though not an approved medicine, acts as medication for suffers of MCAD and is very expensive; if he will consider allowing the medical card to cover consultations with the metabolic team based at Temple Street due to the number, 12, of rare conditions that have been diagnosed at the unit, mostly involving small numbers of persons who require special medical care and medication. [30989/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 623, 635 and 643 together.

The Government has decided to develop a new policy framework providing for eligibility for a range of appropriate health services to take account of medical conditions. The HSE has established an Expert Panel to examine the range of conditions and services that should be considered as part of this process. A public consultation has also been undertaken to seek the views of the public, including patients, patient representative groups and professional bodies. The submissions received will inform the work of the Expert Panel. The panel has been asked to report to the Director General of the Health Service by September 2014.

The first step for a medicine to be placed on the Irish market involves the manufacturer seeking an authorisation from the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) or in the case of certain medicinal products, the European Medicines Agency. A determination on the application for authorisation is based on a rigorous scientific assessment of the application against legal and regulatory requirements. Once authorised on the Irish market, the supplier must make an application to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for the product to be included on the list of products covered under the GMS and other community drug schemes. 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.

Applications for reimbursement are considered in line with the procedures and timescales agreed by the Department of Health and the HSE with the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association for the assessment of new medicines. In accordance with these procedures, the HSE may ask the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE) to conduct a pharmacoeconomic evaluation of the new product which provides detailed information on the potential budget impact of the medicine. It also assesses whether the product is cost effective at the price quoted by the company in question. 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 supplier. The HSE assessment process is intended to arrive at a decision on the funding of new medicines that is clinically appropriate, fair, consistent and sustainable.

Medical Card Reviews

Ceisteanna (624)

Olivia Mitchell

Ceist:

624. Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the generic letter requesting further details of savings and investments sent to over-70s undergoing the medical card review is causing much confusion and duplication of documents, as the information needed in each individual case is not specified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30834/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

The Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.

The Health Service Executive operates the General Medical Services scheme, which includes medical cards and GP visit cards, under the Health Act 1970, as amended. It has established a dedicated contact service for members of the Oireachtas specifically for queries relating to medical cards and GP visit cards, which the Deputy may wish to use for an earlier response. Contact information has issued to Oireachtas members.

Medical Card Reviews

Ceisteanna (625)

Olivia Mitchell

Ceist:

625. Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Health the reason it is necessary for those over-70s who are in nursing home care under the fair deal scheme to undergo a medical card review based on gross income when their income has already been assessed by his Department and is directly related to the provision of their care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30835/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

The Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.

The Health Service Executive operates the General Medical Services scheme, which includes medical cards and GP visit cards, under the Health Act 1970, as amended. It has established a dedicated contact service for members of the Oireachtas specifically for queries relating to medical cards and GP visit cards, which the Deputy may wish to use for an earlier response. Contact information has issued to Oireachtas members.

Medical Card Eligibility

Ceisteanna (626)

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

626. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health if he will examine the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin who has recently had his medical card removed; if he will consider the reinstatement of the medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30842/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

The Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.

The Health Service Executive operates the General Medical Services scheme, which includes medical cards and GP visit cards, under the Health Act 1970, as amended. It has established a dedicated contact service for members of the Oireachtas specifically for queries relating to medical cards and GP visit cards, which the Deputy may wish to use for an earlier response. Contact information has issued to Oireachtas members.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (627)

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

627. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in Dublin will receive an appointment for urgent back surgery; and the reason the person has been left waiting for such a long time. [30844/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

The National Waiting List Management Policy, A standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the Health Service Executive, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.

In relation to the particular query raised by the Deputy, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to her on this matter.

Hospital Appointment Delays

Ceisteanna (628)

James Bannon

Ceist:

628. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health the reasons for delay in arranging a hospital appointment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford; if he will expedite the matter. [30852/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

The scheduling of appointments for patients is a matter for the hospital to which the patient has been referred. Should a patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he or she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant and hospital involved. In relation to the specific case raised by the Deputy, as this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

HSE Funding

Ceisteanna (629)

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

629. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health if he will assist organisations (details supplied) in having valuable funding lost from the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government scheme to support national organisations replaced with funding from his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30854/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The administration of the scheme operated by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government is a matter for the Minister in that Department. There are no funds available to the Department of Health which would enable assistance to be provided to the organisations named. The Health Service Executive (HSE) supports a wide range of non-governmental organisations in respect of specific, agreed activities and it is open to the organisations to explore with the Executive whether there may be a basis for any further such agreements. I must note however that the HSE’s budget remains stretched and must be focused in the first place on the provision of front-line services.

Nursing Homes Support Scheme Eligibility

Ceisteanna (630)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

630. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if he will revise downwards a family's contribution towards the nursing home support-fair deal scheme in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30876/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (631)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

631. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if an eye operation will be provided in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30877/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

The National Waiting List Management Policy, A standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the Health Service Executive, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.

In relation to the particular query raised by the Deputy, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to him on this matter.

Medicinal Products

Ceisteanna (632)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

632. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health if he will provide details of the various anti-malaria medications the Health Service Executive’s health protection surveillance centre would consider suitable for sub-Saharan Africa, in the knowledge that the final choice of most appropriate drug would be made by the patient in consultation with his or her doctor and depending on individual circumstances. [30903/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

The Deputy will appreciate that the prescribing of medications is solely a matter for the individuals medical practitioner to determine based upon their expert knowledge.

Recommendations for malaria chemoprophylaxis for sub-Saharan Africa are country specific. Links to country specific malaria chemoprophylaxis guidance prepared by World Health Organisation (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and UK Public Health England are available on the HPSC website (www.hpsc.ie).

Hospital Closures

Ceisteanna (633, 656)

Seán Fleming

Ceist:

633. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health if his Department has received the final recommendation from the Health Service Executive regarding the future of St. Brigid's Hospital, Shaen, Portlaoise, County Laois; when this is expected to be considered by him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30940/14]

Seán Fleming

Ceist:

656. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health if his Department received the final recommendation from the Health Service Executive regarding the future of Abbeyleix Hospital, Abbeyleix, County Laois; when this is expected to be considered by him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31106/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 633 and 656 together.

I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Questions 726 and 727 of the 28th January 2014, the position remains unchanged.

Long-Term Illness Scheme Coverage

Ceisteanna (634, 661)

Joan Collins

Ceist:

634. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health if a condition will be included in the review of the long-term illness scheme (details supplied). [30946/14]

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

661. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health if a patient being required to take warfarin on a lifetime basis, due to the seriousness of his or her medical condition, will be included in the long-term illness qualifying criteria for the long-term illness scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31178/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 634 and 661 together.

The Long Term Illness (LTI) Scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act, 1970 (as amended). Regulations were made in 1971, 1973 and 1975 specifying the conditions covered by the LTI Scheme.

The conditions covered by the LTI Scheme are as follows: Acute Leukaemia; Mental handicap; Cerebral Palsy; Mental Illness (in a person under 16); Cystic Fibrosis; Multiple Sclerosis; Diabetes Insipidus; Muscular Dystrophies; Diabetes Mellitus; Parkinsonism; Epilepsy; Phenylketonuria; Haemophilia; Spina Bifida; Hydrocephalus; and conditions arising from the use of Thalidomide. There are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the LTI 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.

Under the provisions of the Health Acts, medical cards are provided to persons who are, in the opinion of the Health Service Executive (HSE), unable without undue hardship to arrange GP services for themselves and their dependants. In the assessment process, the HSE can take into account medical costs incurred by an individual or a family.

Question No. 635 answered with Question No. 623.

Services for People with Disabilities

Ceisteanna (636)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

636. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding cuts and services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30961/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

The Health Service Executive has recognised the need to increase the level of consistency and standardisation in the way services for children with disabilities are delivered. It is currently engaged in a reconfiguration of existing therapy resources to multidisciplinary geographic based teams for children as part of its National Programme on Progressing Disability Services for Children and Young People (0-18 years).

The aim of the Progressing Disability Services for Children and Young People Programme is to achieve a national, unified approach to delivering disability health services so that there is a clear pathway to services for all children, regardless of where they live, what school they go to or the nature of their disability.

The Programme is organised at national, regional and local level and includes representatives from the health and education sectors, non-statutory service providers and parents. An additional €4m has been specifically allocated in 2014 to drive implementation of the Programme. This equates to approximately 80 therapy posts.

As the particular issues raised by the Deputy relate to an individual case, this is a service matter for the Health Service Executive. Accordingly, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

National Children's Hospital Location

Ceisteanna (637)

Jack Wall

Ceist:

637. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the St. James's project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30967/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

The new children's hospital is a commitment in the Programme for Government. In November 2012 the Government announced its decision that the new children’s hospital will be co-located with St James’s on its campus, ensuring it benefits from the broadest possible range of adult sub-specialty expertise and research capability, and will ultimately be tri-located there with a maternity hospital. Satellite centres, which will share governance and staffing with the new children's hospital, will be built on the campuses of Tallaght and Connolly Hospitals. While issues such as access are clearly very important, the Government's decision was based on the over-riding priority of best clinical outcomes for our children. Tri-location of adult, paediatric and maternity services brings benefits for children, adolescents, newborns and mothers. In all cases, the benefits of tri-location are maximised where the adult hospital provides the broadest possible range of clinical sub-specialties and expertise, readily accessible for paediatric and maternity patients on the shared campus. In addition, tri-location that delivers the most significant depth and breadth of clinical and academic research on site will enhance the potential of research to drive best clinical outcomes. St James's Hospital has the broadest range of national specialties of all acute adult hospitals, as well as strong and well established research and education infrastructure.

The National Paediatric Hospital Development Board is the body responsible for planning, designing, building and equipping the hospital and has been actively progressing the project on the new site. The Project Brief for the hospital on the St James's campus has been agreed, a decant strategy for the site is in place and is actively being progressed, and a preferred design team has been selected and is expected to be appointed in mid-July. Design development will then begin with the aim of making a planning submission in February 2015.

A number of specific concerns have been raised by this parent. Firstly, in regard to road access, I would like to reassure this parent that access planning will be a significant part of this project. The design team, to be appointed in mid-July, will include traffic management specialists as a key component. These specialists' role will include modelling of access routes and development of a mobility management plan to address traffic peaks.

In regard to green spaces, I can confirm that the Project Brief as approved specifies that the new hospital will include play areas, external gardens and courtyards.

On the concern about adult patients, I want to emphasise that no adults will be treated in the new children's hospital. Although it will be on a shared campus with St James's, with controlled corridor linkage, the new children's hospital will be a separate building with its own public entrance, paediatric ED and outpatient entrances, and only children will be treated there.

As design development gets underway, there will be structured process of stakeholder consultation and input which will be led through the Children's Hospital Group and will include children, young people, families, advocacy groups, the staff of the three children's hospitals and the community. I urge all stakeholders, including parents and parents' groups, to engage in this process.

Medical Card Data

Ceisteanna (638)

John O'Mahony

Ceist:

638. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 139 of 25 June 2014 and 209 to 212, inclusive, of 4 June 2014, when the information requested will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30971/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I am aware that a reminder issued to the HSE and I have issued a further one. I will revert to the Deputy once the information requested has been received.

HSE Staff Responsibilities

Ceisteanna (639)

John O'Mahony

Ceist:

639. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 523 of 24 June 2014 when the information requested will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30972/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As the Deputy will be aware the Health Service Executive has 15 working days to respond to queries that have been referred to it. I will forward the Deputies question in relation to this matter to the Executive for direct reply to him.

HSE Funding

Ceisteanna (640)

Eoghan Murphy

Ceist:

640. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 252 of February 2014, if the response from the Health Service Executive includes its involvement in the creation of new posts at an organisation (details supplied); and if not, if the Health Service Executive will indicate the amount of money it has put into these new posts and the timeframe for same. [30975/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service issue this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Professional Ethics

Ceisteanna (641)

Eoghan Murphy

Ceist:

641. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Health if it is the case that members of the dentistry profession or any medical profession have to disclose gifts received by industry, for example, hospitality, entertainment or travel; the way such disclosures are policed or regulated; and if he is satisfied with current practice in this area. [30976/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Under the Ethics in Public Office Act 1995 and the Standards in Public Office Act 2001 certain prescribed bodies must furnish a statement of compliance with legislation to the Standards in Public Office Commission. These bodies include Government Departments, public officials and public servants. Compliance with legislation is overseen by the Standards in Public Office Commission.  Public servants in designated positions of employment must complete an annual compliance statement in the context of the Ethics in Public Office Acts, which provides details of occupational income, shares, directorships, land (excluding private home), travel and accommodation, meals (supplied free of charge or at a price that was less than the commercial price), other remunerated positions, public service contracts, gifts, property and services given and other interests. However, this requirement does not apply to private individuals or other agents contracted by the public sector to provide certain services.

The Dental Council advises the dental profession and the public on matters relating to dental ethics and professional behaviour. It has not issued guidance on the acceptance of gifts or hospitality from industry and this issue has not been raised with the Dental Council. In relation to the medical profession, the Medical Council has issued guidance (October 2012) in this area " Guide to Professional Conduct and Ethics for Registered Medical Practitioners". This document clarifies the ethical guidance which the Medical Council gives to doctors' interactions with pharmaceutical and medical device companies.

General Medical Services Scheme Payments

Ceisteanna (642)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

642. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a breakdown of the fees paid to GPs per patient for medical card holders since 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30987/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As the information requested by the Deputy is not routinely available in my Department, I have asked the Health Service Executive to reply directly to the Deputy on this matter.

Question No. 643 answered with Question No. 623.

Medical Records

Ceisteanna (644)

Stephen Donnelly

Ceist:

644. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health further to statements in Seanad Éireann on 2 July 2014, when his predecessor stated "I want to put on the record of the House the fact that the Health Service Executive has confirmed that the healthcare pricing office does not - and I repeat does not - make hospital patients' personal records available to pharmaceutical companies, insurers or any other companies or entities"; whether anonymised health records of individual patients are made available to any external entity by the health care pricing office or any division of the HSE or his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30997/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As my predecessor indicated to the Deputy last week, the Healthcare Pricing Office (HPO) has advised my Department that it does not make patients' personal records available to pharmaceutical companies, insurers or any other commercial entities. In carrying out its function and in order to protect patient identities, the HPO does not collect name, address or specific date of birth from the hospitals. All data held by the HPO are anonymised. The HPO may provide statistics on hospital activity to third parties, but, such information is of an aggregate statistical nature which means that patients cannot be identified. More detailed information is provided to bodies including the National Cancer Registry, the Health Research Board as well as researchers in universities. However, as stated, in providing such data, patients' identities are not included in the information.

The National Cancer Registry routinely receives data directly from hospitals, as well as from the HPO, in accordance with the Health (Provision of Information) Act 1997. Under this Act the Registry is entitled to access patient identifiable information consistent with its stated function without the need for patient consent. The role of the Registry includes collecting information on cancer numbers and types on a national basis, providing essential information in relation to cancer and to carrying out other functions relating to cancer control. The data items held by the Registry include demographic details (such as medical record number and month and year of birth), diagnosis details and procedure details for each cancer related admission. The Registry also collects and receives patient level (and identifiable) information from pathology laboratories, medical records, radiology and oncology departments, radiotherapy units and hospital cancer databases. In carrying out its functions, the Registry plays a critical role in the implementation of the Cancer Control Programme.

The HSE has confirmed no other division of the Executive makes anonymised patient records available to pharmaceutical companies, insurers or any other commercial entities.

The Information Unit of my Department holds a copy of de-identified record level HIPE data which has been stripped of name, address and day of birth for confidentiality reasons. I can confirm that the Department does not release record level data.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (645)

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

645. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the current waiting time to be called for surgical procedures (details supplied). [31018/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

In relation to the specific query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Nursing Homes Support Scheme Applications

Ceisteanna (646)

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

646. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 234 of 12 March 2014, the number of persons on the placement list for the nursing homes support scheme; the length of time it is taking for funding to issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31019/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

On the 30th June (latest figures available), there were 1,465 people on the national placement list for funding, with average waiting times of approximately 12 weeks. The placement list is essential to ensure the Scheme remains in budget. Funding is released weekly, to ensure those on the placement list receive funding as soon as possible.

Services for People with Disabilities

Ceisteanna (647)

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

647. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the body or organisation responsible for oversight duties with regard to the facilities at Redwood extended care facility, Stamullen, to which the Health Service Executive refers patients. [31020/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The Redwood Extended Care Facility in Stamullen is part of the privately owned Talbot Group and has a contract/arrangement/agreement with the Health Service Executive to provide services for a number of people with a disability. Accordingly the Department has referred your query to the HSE and asked it to outline, directly to the Deputy, the nature of its relationship with Redwood Extended Care Facility.

Medical Card Applications

Ceisteanna (648)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

648. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the progress to date in determination of an application for a medical card in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare who have submitted all requested documentation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31029/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

The Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.

The Health Service Executive operates the General Medical Services scheme, which includes medical cards and GP visit cards, under the Health Act 1970, as amended. It has established a dedicated contact service for members of the Oireachtas specifically for queries relating to medical cards and GP visit cards, which the Deputy may wish to use for an earlier response. Contact information has issued to Oireachtas members.