Written Answers Nos. 413-429
413. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide, in tabular form on the basis of each Health Service Executive region, the number of detoxification residential programmes provided directly by the HSE; and the number of such programmes provided by private and voluntary organisations with the support of funding from the HSE. [40008/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the issues raised by the Deputy are service matters, the question has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
414. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in receipt of methadone as opioid substitute treatment in the years 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014; and the cost to the Exchequer of providing this treatment for each of those years. [40009/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra419. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health his plans to ensure that all citizens with addiction problems on opioid substitute treatment programmes and receiving methadone will be offered detoxification residential programmes and follow up supports, including retraining for jobs and, where necessary, housing; and if such a proposal has been evaluated and costed by his Department. [40014/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra420. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the frequency with which clients in receipt of methadone as opioid substitute treatment attend direct patient consultations with doctors working in drug treatment centres or general practices. [40017/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 414, 419 and 420 together.
The National Drugs Strategy 2009-2016 has identified a need for the ongoing development of the spread and range of treatment services and a more seamless transition from treatment to rehabilitation.
In line with the Strategy, a National Drugs Rehabilitation Framework has been developed which sets out an integrated inter-agency model of rehabilitation based on shared care planning to ensure that service users access the range of services required to assist them in their recovery. This requires increasing emphasis on models of care that treat clients at the lowest level of complexity that is safe, timely, effective and efficient and as close to home as possible in line with their individual needs. The National Drugs Rehabilitation Implementation Committee, chaired by the HSE, is overseeing the implementation of the framework which is currently being rolled out nationally.
I have asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy in relation to the number of persons in receipt of methadone, the frequency of attending clinics and GPs, and the cost of providing such services in the relevant time period.
415. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health his position on the use of needle exchange programmes for certain drug users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40010/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with the Programme for Government and Action 34 of the National Drugs Strategy 2009-2016, it is Government policy to expand the availability of needle exchange services. Such services greatly reduce the risk of the use of contaminated injecting equipment through providing sterilised needles, syringes and associated injecting items. They also reduce the dangers posed by discarded needles through the strong emphasis on the exchange of used supplies for new. As well as the direct benefits of needle exchange services, they also bring people into contact with other services and increase the possibilities for further engagement aimed at reducing heroin use.
In Dublin, needle exchange services are provided through HSE clinics and through voluntary sector providers. Needle exchange services outside Dublin have been expanded through the Pharmacy Needle Exchange Programme, with the target of recruiting and training 130 pharmacies achieved this year.
416. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health if he has examined the viability of introducing an audit trail or central register of methadone prescribed by general practitioners and doctors in drug treatment centres, and of methadone dispensed by all pharmacies in the State, to ensure that prescribed methadone is administered and provided only to intended users. [40011/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra417. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the alleged prevalence and wide availability of methadone on the black market, including the alleged availability of methadone provided to clients in drug treatment centres which is later sold on rather than being taken by the prescribed persons. [40012/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 416 and 417 together.
As the Deputy is aware, methadone is a Schedule 2 controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1988 which means that strict prescription, recording and storage requirements apply. Further requirements are set out under the Misuse of Drugs (Supervision of Prescription and Supply of Methadone) Regulations 1998 made under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 reflecting the fact that it is most commonly used in treatment programmes for opiate dependency.
Responsibility for the provision of opioid substitution treatment, mainly methadone, rests with the Health Service Executive. All patients in receipt of methadone maintenance treatment are recorded on the HSE Central Treatment List, and treatment delivery is monitored in accordance with the Methadone Treatment Protocol. The aim of this Protocol is to manage the distribution of methadone and minimise the risk of diversion for onward sale.
I have asked the HSE to respond directly in relation to the specific issues raised by the Deputy.
418. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the significant number of deaths attributable to drugs overdoses each year; and, in particular, the number of deaths from drugs overdoses where one of the drugs involved was methadone. [40013/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Drugs Related Deaths Index is an epidemiological database which records cases of death by drug and/or alcohol poisoning and death among drug users and those who are alcohol dependent. Four sources are used to collate deaths: Coroner’s records; Hospital In-patient Enquiry System; Central Treatment List; and the General Mortality Register.
The Health Research Board (HRB) launched their report on the 21st January 2014 which showed deaths for 2011, the latest year for which data is available. These figures indicate that there was a substantial increase in the number of deaths where methadone was implicated with 113 such deaths reported in 2011 compared to 60 in 2010. However, the majority of these deaths (86%) involved poly-substance poisonings. In addition, 68% of those who died where methadone was implicated, were not in opiate substitution treatment at the time of their death. There is clear evidence to indicate that having access to drug treatment is one of the major factors in reducing drugs-related deaths. Data on 2012 deaths will be available early next year.
421. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health if persons (details supplied) in Dublin 12 will be granted an extra hour of home help a week due to the rapid deterioration of health. [40031/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
422. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the reason a medical card has not been restored in respect of a person (details supplied) with diabetes who had the card withdrawn in June 2013 in view of the assurance to restore discretionary medical cards. [40033/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
423. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health the locations of the new primary care centres in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40035/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra424. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update regarding the construction of a primary care centre (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40036/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 423 and 424 together.
Details of the locations of the new primary care centres in Dublin are given in the attached spreadsheet. Seven have opened and seven are under way. It is expected that those under way will be delivered over the period 2015-2017.
As regards the location where details are supplied, the HSE has terminated the agreement for lease. It is focussing on establishing an alternative proposal which would also use the lease mechanism.
All potential primary care centres are subject to suitable locations being offered/provided/available, to successful planning processes and GP engagement. In addition the operational lease mechanism is subject to market pressures such as the developers' access to sufficient financing. Delivery of primary care infrastructure is a dynamic exercise, constantly evolving to take account of changing circumstances including the feasibility of implementation.
Primary Care Infrastructure opened since March 2011 - Update at 30 Sept 2014
|
Count |
HSE Region |
County |
PCT Name/Location |
Delivery Method |
Open |
|
1 |
DML |
Dublin |
Inchicore |
Direct Build |
2011 Q4 |
|
2 |
DML |
Dublin |
Ballyfermot |
Direct Build |
2012 Q3 |
|
3 |
DML |
Dublin |
Rathfarnham |
Lease |
2012 Q4 |
|
4 |
DML |
Dublin |
Churchtown |
Operational Lease |
2012 Q4 |
|
5 |
DML |
Dublin |
Dublin City at James's St/Pimlico/Liberties |
Operational Lease |
2012 Q4 |
|
6 |
DML |
Dublin |
Bride St/Liberties (Old Meath Hospital Campus) |
Operational Lease |
2014 Q2 |
|
7 |
DNE |
Dublin |
Blanchardstown/Grove Court/Blakestown/Mountain View |
Operational Lease |
2013 Q4 |
Primary Care Infrastructure - under way - Update at 30 Sept 2014
|
Count |
HSE Region |
County |
Location/PCT Name |
Delivery Method |
|
1 |
DML |
Dublin |
Kilnamanagh/Tymon |
Operational Lease |
|
2 |
DNE |
Dublin |
Finglas |
Direct/own build |
|
3 |
DNE |
Dublin |
Grangegorman |
Direct/own build |
|
4 |
DNE |
Dublin |
Corduff |
Direct/own build |
|
5 |
DNE |
Dublin |
Coolock/Darndale |
PPP |
|
6 |
DNE |
Dublin |
Summerhill, north inner city Dublin |
PPP |
|
7 |
DNE |
Dublin |
Ashtown (Navan Rd) and Cabra West |
Operational lease |
425. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position regarding transport needs in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40039/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
426. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position regarding respite care in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40040/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
427. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he will provide in tabular form the number of psychologists by service areas in the Health Service Executive; the catchment for said service areas; the number of psychologists currently on leave in the service areas; the number of temporary posts that have been filled in each of the service areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40065/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I have no direct role in this matter, I have forwarded your question to the HSE for direct reply.
428. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if funding will be made available to a centre (details supplied) in County Longford which caters for persons with mental, physical and intellectual disabilities to allow it to continue to provide its services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40067/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
429. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Health the reason the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland has increased its annual retention fee for nurses and midwives from €100 to €150 per year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40079/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraA new Nurses and Midwives Act was passed into legislation in 2011. The Act provides, inter alia, for the protection of the public in its dealings with nurses and midwives and the enhancement of their high standards of professional education and competencies. The Department of Health is responsible for oversight of the governance of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI). The Department has no role in setting or approving registration fees.
The Board is an independent body, answerable to the Oireachtas, with the responsibility to ensure that it has the financial capacity to undertake all its legal obligations. The cost of enacting the additional requirements under the Nurses and Midwives Act 2014 was set out in the Regulatory Impact Analysis that was carried out prior to the enactment of the legislation. These costs include an enhanced regulatory process with supporting systems for continued professional development and certain education and training requirements for the professions.
It was also made clear at the time of the legislation that the Board would continue to be self-funding and needed to plan and cost how it would fulfil its legal obligations. Following detailed negotiations with the Executive and Board members in 2013 it was agreed in October 2013 that an initial once-off sum of €1.6m would be granted by the Department to the Board to cover 2013/2014 costs, but that the Board would have to increase its income in 2015 to undertake its commitments in the legislation. The Board of the NMBI made the decision to increase the annual registration fee at its meeting on 17th September, 2014. A helpline, email address and website information page have been made available by the NMBI to provide clarification for registrants who may have queries on this matter.
