Written Answers Nos. 381-398
381. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will provide figures on the average frequency of visitations between social workers and the children in their care; if he will provide a breakdown, in tabular form, of these figures by level of priority; and if he will provide comparative figures, in tabular form, for the years 2010 to 2014, inclusive. [5904/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been informed by the Child and Family Agency that data on the frequency of visits requested by the Deputy is not collected for statistical reporting. Regulations for foster and residential care set minimum intervals between visits of 3 months initially and, after 2 years, the maximum interval is 6 months. Visits may be as frequent as considered necessary and are often in excess of the frequency required under the regulations. The frequency of visits is considered on a case to case basis as part of the child's care plan. The need for visits would be further considered as part of care plan reviews and monitored as part of the inspection regime for that service. The Agency has provided my Department with a breakdown of the number of children in care, number of children in care with an allocated social worker and number of children in care with a written care plan for the past five years. It is provided below for the assistance of the Deputy.
Children in Care 2010 to October 2014
|
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
|
|
The number of children in the care of the State |
5,964 |
6,160 |
6,332 |
6,460 |
6,454 |
|
The no of children in the care of the State with a written care plan |
5,376 |
5,567 |
5,544 |
5,646 |
5,781 |
|
as % of Children in Care |
90% |
90% |
88% |
87% |
90% |
|
The no of children in the care of the State with an allocated social worker |
5,558 |
5,706 |
5,816 |
5,933 |
5,982 |
|
as % of Children in Care |
93% |
93% |
92% |
92% |
93% |
(Source: Child and Family Agency)
382. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of children and young persons who have presented at homeless services in the past year; and if he will provide, in tabular form, figures on the number of young persons who have left State care and who have presented at homeless services in the past year in comparison with the years 2010 to 2014, inclusive. [5905/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy can appreciate, policy responsibility for homelessness, insofar as it extends to my Department, relates to children under 18 and any child welfare and protection concerns that may arise in the context of the Child Care Act 1991. A child can only be received into the care of the Child and Family Agency where there are welfare or protection concerns. Homelessness as part of a family group is not, in of itself, a basis for seeking to receive a child into care. Responsibility for young adults (aged over 18 years) presenting as homeless lies primarily with the local authorities and the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. In light of this, I have been advised by the Agency that it does not collect the data requested by the Deputy and cannot provide it in the format as requested.
I would note, however, that where a child under 18 years of age presents as homeless and it is not possible to reunite them with their family, then the child may be taken into care. In some circumstances, a child aged 16 or 17 years of age may be accommodated and supported by the Agency under section 5, accommodation of homeless children, of the Child Care Act 1991. The Child and Family Agency does capture some information on children aged 16 and 17 years presenting as homeless and who are referred to the Agency under section 5 of the Child Care Act 1991. The Agency advises that there were 26 children who were accommodated under section 5 of the Act in the year to the end of the third quarter of 2014. The regional breakdown reported was 1 in Dublin Mid-Leinster, 5 in Dublin North East, 13 in the South and 7 in the West. Figures for previous years can be found in the Review of Adequacy reports published under section 8 of the Act.
Young adults, generally in the age range of 18 to 23 years old, who were formerly in the care of the State and presently in receipt of aftercare services will, as part of this support, have their accommodation needs identified. As of September 2014, the Agency reported that there were 1,698 young adults aged 18 to 23 in receipt of an aftercare service and education participation in this group was on a par with the national participation rate of 56%. In respect of homelessness, I have been advised by the Agency that it does not collect statistics on young adults (over 18 years) who present themselves as such to local authorities.
Last year, a protocol was established between the County and City Management Association and the Child and Family Agency in relation to the assessment of housing needs for young people leaving care. The aim of the protocol is to make the assessment and allocation of social housing, where deemed to be the most appropriate response to the young person’s need, more efficient and seamless. It is hoped this will facilitate an improved service for those leaving care in obtaining social housing suitable to their needs.
383. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding foster care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5906/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may appreciate, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on an individual case. I have requested a report from the Child and Family Agency in relation to this case and I will revert to the Deputy when this is to hand.
385. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the way children’s disabilities are being facilitated in preschool settings; the amount made available to support such facilitation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6040/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme was introduced in January 2010 and provides a free preschool year to all eligible children before they commence primary school. The programme, which is a free and universal provision, represents an annual investment of approximately €175 million.
To ensure that the ECCE programme is more accessible to children with special needs, a number of additional provisions have been added. These include an exemption from the upper age limit for qualification under the programme where a child is developmentally delayed and would benefit from starting primary school at a later age. In addition, children with special needs can apply to have the preschool year split over two years on a pro-rata basis, for example availing of the programme for 2 days a week in the first year and for 3 days a week in the second year.
Many children with special needs avail of the free preschool year in mainstream childcare services without any additional supports. I am aware that the Health Service Executive does, where possible, assist children with special needs who may require additional support to enable them to avail of preschool services in mainstream settings.
My Department has been working with the Department of Health in the context of building better supports to facilitate the children with special needs. The aim is to develop an agreed framework for the provision of resources to support special needs children in mainstream childcare settings.
386. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the reason survivors of the Magdalen laundries are not entitled to Health (Amendment) Act cards provided by the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5632/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra388. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the particular Health (Amendment) Act, HAA, card services the Government has determined not to be directly relevant to Magdalen women; when a comprehensive guide to this card will be made available to the women; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6151/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 386 and 388 together.
The Health (Amendment) Act 1996 provides for the making available without charge of certain health services to persons who contracted hepatitis C in the State from a blood product or blood transfusion. In his report, Mr Justice Quirke recommended, inter alia, that legislation be introduced to give effect to his recommendation on the provision of health services to Magdalen women. To this end, the Minister for Justice has published the Redress for Women Resident in Certain Institutions Bill 2014. This Bill is to make provision for the making available without charges of certain health services to certain women who were admitted to and worked in certain institutions, to provide that those women shall not be required to pay charges for acute in-patient services, and to amend the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act 2009.
The Bill completed Committee Stage in the Dáil last week and is scheduled for Report Stage on 10 February 2015. It is anticipated that it will continue its passage through both Houses over the coming weeks. The final provisions of the Bill will be determined in the course of the Oireachtas debate.
387. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Health the retirement packages available for domestic staff in community hospitals (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6128/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on the matter. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
389. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if a decision has been made by the Health Service Executive to include the drug Daxas in the community drugs scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5456/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicinal products under the community drugs schemes in accordance with the provisions of the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.
The decisions on which medicines are reimbursed by the taxpayer are made on objective, scientific and economic grounds by the HSE on the advice of the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics. They are not political or ministerial decisions.
The HSE received an application for the inclusion of Roflumilast or Daxas® to give it its brand name in the GMS and community drugs schemes. The National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics conducted a pharmacoeconomic evaluation of Daxas in 2010.
The assessment report concluded that the manufacturer had not demonstrated the cost effectiveness of Roflumilast. The HSE considered this report and other evidence but was unable to support reimbursement as the available evidence submitted by the pharmaceutical company was insufficient. In these circumstances, Roflumilast, was not added to the HSE Reimbursement List.
I understand that the pharmaceutical company Takeda have a multinational clinical trial on-going in an attempt to develop sufficient evidence to allow the HSE and other international reimbursement agencies to re-consider reimbursement. To date there is no evidence of publication of the results of the new clinical trial by Takeda, however, it is expected that the company will re-submit a pricing and reimbursement application when the results of this trial are available to it.
390. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if a decision was made by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee, NIAC, in respect of sanctioning of the meningitis B vaccine; if so, when it will be rolled out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5477/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra418. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Health his plans to include a vaccine for meningitis B into the national immunisation scheme; the contact there has been between his Department, the Health Service Executive and the National Immunisation Advisory Committee on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5670/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 390 and 418 together.
The immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). The NIAC is a committee of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland comprising of experts in a number of specialties including infectious diseases, paediatrics and public health. The committee's recommendations are informed by public health advice, international best practice, and a cost effective analysis conducted by the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics.
NIAC has issued guidance in relation to the use of the Meningitis B vaccine in the control of clusters or outbreaks of Meningococcal B disease.
My Department has recently received a letter from the Chairman of NIAC regarding the introduction of the Meningitis B vaccine into the Primary Childhood Immunisation Schedule. This matter will be considered by my Department.
391. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health his plans to reduce the prescription charge for those with medical cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5488/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraPrescription charges are part of a set of measures introduced by Government in recent years to reduce pharmaceutical drugs expenditure. Medical card holders are required to pay a prescription charge of €2.50 per item for medicines and other prescription items supplied to them by community pharmacists, subject to a cap of €25 per month for each person or family. Prescription charges do not apply to children in the care of the Health Service Executive or to methadone supplied to patients participating in the Methadone Treatment Scheme.
There are no plans to amend the prescription charge, however, I am pleased that the prescription charge is frozen at the level set in 2014 as was announced as part of the packet of health measures in Budget 2015.
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.
392. 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. [5493/15]
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.
If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office who will follow up the matter with them.
393. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if the diabetes watch programme has been discontinued nationally and in County Louth; the alternatives that have been put in place for chiropody services for diabetics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5498/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
394. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if a medical card will be approved as a matter of urgency in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny, in view of the range of medical issues with which that person must deal; and if he will expedite the matter. [5500/15]
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.
If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office who will follow up the matter with them.
395. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that the Central Remedial Clinic, Dublin 3, will receive the maximum support in 2015. [5503/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government currently provides funding of almost €1.5 billion to the Disability Services Programme through the Health Service Executive's (HSE's) National Service Plan for 2015 and is committed to protecting front-line services for people with disabilities. In 2015, the HSE is seeking to maximise the provision of services within available resources and to maintaining a level of services consistent with that provided in 2014. The HSE is currently in discussion with all voluntary health service providers, including the Central Remedial Clinic, regarding funding and service arrangements for 2015. The Central Remedial Clinic, Dublin 3, will receive the maximum support for 2015.
396. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the reasons a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny was removed from the waiting list at University Hospital Waterford where that person was to be seen as a matter of urgency by an ear, nose and throat specialist; if the four to five years that person is on the waiting list will now be considered in the context of an early appointment as the person has a hole in the ear drum; and if he will expedite same. [5539/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to the particular patient query raised by you, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up with them.
397. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if a more immediate date for an operation will be provided in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5545/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up with them.
398. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health his plans to make changes to the pay and remuneration received by nurses participating in the graduate nursing scheme in order that they will have parity of income and remuneration with their colleagues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5573/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Haddington Road Agreement (HRA), nurses and midwives participating in the Graduate Nurse Programme are paid 85% of the first point of the Staff Nurse/Midwifery Scale in the first year, €23,129, and 90% in the second year, €24,490. Slightly higher scales apply for Mental Health Nurses, €23,667 in the first year and €25,059 in the second year, maintaining previous relativities. In addition, participating nurses would also be in receipt of allowances and other premium payments.
The HRA specifies that any subsequent appointment following completion of the Graduate Nurse Programme will be to the third point of the staff nurse salary scales. In addition, under the Agreement, the January 2011 new entrant salary scales have now been assimilated with the scales applicable to those who were in the Public Service prior to January 2011. The Graduate Programme is a HRA provision and the HRA provides for a re-examination of the Programme when the Agreement is being reviewed.
I hope that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
