Finian McGrath
Ceist:148. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the case of a person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15074/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMedical Card Administration
Ceisteanna (148)
Freagraí scríofa
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.
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.
Misuse of Drugs
Ceisteanna (149, 150)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:149. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the reason for the undue delay in introducing new regulations under the Misuse of Drugs Acts in order to address the wide-spread problem of street-dealing of benzodiazepines and Z-drugs; and the target month to which he is working to sign these regulations. [15080/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraRóisín Shortall
Ceist:150. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health regarding proposals to introduce new regulations under the Misuse of Drugs Acts concerning the availability of benzodiazepines and Z-drugs, when the two rounds of consultation on these regulations took place; the issues that arose from these consultations; his plans to address them; and the steps he is taking to finalise these proposals. [15081/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 149 and 150 together.
A substantial amendment to the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1988 to deal with a wide range of issues, including the introduction of additional controls on benzodiazepines, was the subject of a consultation process in June and September 2012. As a result, draft Misuse of Drugs amendment Regulations were prepared and made available for further consultation on my Department's website in August 2013. Over 90 submissions from a wide range of organisations were received, some proposing legislative reform of a technical and complex nature.
Issues raised included whether criminalising persons for the possession of small amounts of benzodiazepines is an effective response to the problem of abuse; striking a balance between proper oversight and minimising the disruption for patients; agreeing changes to the proforma prescription to be used for schedule 2, 3 and 4 part 1 controlled drugs; and addressing differences of opinion regarding the maximum duration of a benzodiazepine prescription and the total treatment period/total quantity which may be dispensed.
Amendments to the Regulations were introduced in July and December 2014 to make provision for a number of issues which had been part of the consultation, including enabling authorised cannabis-based medicinal products to be used in Ireland.
While work continued on the remaining issues, including stricter controls on benzodiazepines, from the end of 2013 onwards, Departmental resources had to be reallocated to defending a constitutional challenge to section 2 (2) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 under which Government may declare substances to be controlled, as well as making preparations for the introduction of emergency legislation in case this provision should be struck down. Following a Court of Appeal decision on 10 March which found section 2(2) unconstitutional, the Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Act 2015 was urgently enacted to recontrol all substances which had previously been declared controlled by Government order, thereby restoring the status quo ante.
On foot of advice from the Attorney General, the 2015 Act also reconfirmed existing Ministerial regulations and orders made under the 1977 Act. These regulations and orders may now only be amended by primary legislation. Work is underway on drafting a second Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Bill to amend section 2(2) and other sections of the 1977 Act. I expect to publish this legislation in the coming months with the intention of having it enacted later this year. I intend to bring forward appropriate controls on benzodiazepines and z-drugs after this second Bill is enacted. These regulations will be subject to the three-month EU notification period under the Technical Standards Directive.
Nursing Homes Support Scheme
Ceisteanna (151)
Tom Fleming
Ceist:151. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that there are no unfair financial burdens imposed on applicants and their spouses in the review of the fair deal scheme; if he will examine correspondence (details supplied) from Age Action Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15083/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
When the Nursing Homes Support Scheme commenced, a commitment was made that it would be reviewed after three years. This review is being carried out by my Department in collaboration with the HSE, with analysis and recommendations provided by Deloitte & Touche Consultants on specific issues which required specialised expertise.
The review is considering the long term sustainability of the Scheme including funding arrangements. No decisions have been taken nor are there plans in place regarding changes to the contributions required of residents.
The Review of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme, as well as considering how the Scheme has operated to date, is expected to identify some of the broader issues that will need to be considered and tested more fully into the future, including the future financing of the full range of supports for older people, how community and residential supports and services should be balanced, and whether new care approaches can contribute positively. A continuum of more efficient care might serve to reduce the number of people requiring nursing home care and limit the projected increase in the cost of the Scheme. The draft Review requires further analysis and this is ongoing at present.
Nursing Home Services
Ceisteanna (152, 153)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:152. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which any discussions continue in regard to the future of Saint Brigid’s Nursing Home in Crooksling in County Dublin with particular reference to the need to ensure its retention and expansion, in view of its pivotal geographical location and the high quality of service provided by its dedicated and professional staff; if adequate consideration is being given to upgrading and extending the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15114/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraBernard Durkan
Ceist:153. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to the establishment or setting up of a training and development centre, including the provision of respite care and step-down facilities, adjacent to the existing facilities at Saint Brigid’s Nursing Home in Crooksling in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15115/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 152 and 153 together.
As these are service matters they have been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply. 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.
HSE Properties
Ceisteanna (154)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:154. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which clarity in respect of title to the entire property at Saint Brigid’s Nursing Home in Crooksling in County Dublin has been determined to the satisfaction of the Health Service Executive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15116/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As management of the health property estate is a matter for the Health Service Executive your question has been referred to the Executive for direct reply.
If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office who will follow up.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (155)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:155. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which the waiting lists for hospital appointments in respect of all forms of procedures can be reviewed and rationalised with a view to speeding up the process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15136/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Improving waiting lists for scheduled care is a key priority for Government. Taking into account current pressures on acute hospital services, I have put in place a target that by mid-year nobody will wait more than 18 months for in-patient and day case treatment or an out-patient appointment; by year-end, that target will be revised to a wait time of no more than 15 months.
The HSE is currently working on an implementation plan to achieve these targets, and I have asked them to respond to you directly in this regard.
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.