Paul Murphy
Ceist:522. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if an appropriate bed space can be located in respect of a child (details supplied) in Dublin 13. [15638/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraHospital Admissions
Ceisteanna (522)
Freagraí scríofa
Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual. In relation to the specific case raised, 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.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (523)
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:523. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if he will provide, in tabular form, the details of patients on waiting lists for outpatient appointments; inpatient procedures; and any other lists, in hospitals in County Galway and County Mayo, who have been waiting for six months, one year, two years and over two years, broken down by specialty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15641/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
Health Insurance Community Rating
Ceisteanna (524)
Eoghan Murphy
Ceist:524. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Health if the new lifetime community rating late entry levy will apply to returning emigrants over 35 years of age [15643/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Lifetime Community Rating (LCR) is being introduced to encourage people to take out private health insurance at a younger age. Encouraging more people to join the market at younger ages helps spread the costs of older and less healthy people across the market, helping to support affordable premiums for all. The regulations provide for a grace period up until 30 April 2015, during which time as many people as want to can take out health insurance without incurring loadings. From 1 May 2015, late entry loadings will be applied to those who join the private health insurance market at age 35 or over.
Anybody who lives outside the State on 1 May 2015, and who returns or moves to take up residence in Ireland after that date, will have a grace period of 9 months to purchase private health insurance without incurring loadings.
Water Quality
Ceisteanna (525)
Terence Flanagan
Ceist:525. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the levels of fluoride and chlorine in drinking water; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15647/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government is responsible for policy and legislation in relation to drinking water quality, including chlorination.
The Minister for Health has responsibility for water fluoridation policy. The level of fluoride in drinking water in Ireland has been set at between 0.6-0.8 parts per million. This level of fluoride is deemed optimal for protecting the oral health of all age groups. European Council Directive 98/83 allows for a maximum permitted concentration of fluoride in drinking water up to 1.5mg/litre (or parts per million), almost twice the maximum level permitted in Ireland. In 2011 a review by the European Union Scientific Committee on Health and Environmental Risk (SCHER) concluded that there are no known negative health implications from fluoridating water at levels used in the EU. The balance of scientific evidence worldwide confirms that water fluoridation, i.e. the adjustment of the natural concentration of fluoride in drinking water to the optimal recommended level for the prevention of dental caries, does not cause any ill effects and protects the oral health of the population.
The Department of Health keeps the policy of water fluoridation under constant review. As part of this ongoing work, a review of evidence on the impact of water fluoridation at its current level on the health of the population is being conducted by the Health Research Board on behalf of the Department. This review is currently being finalised.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (526)
Sean Fleming
Ceist:526. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will have a hip operation carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15661/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual. In relation to the specific case raised, 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.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (527)
Michael Ring
Ceist:527. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 723 of 24 March 2015, the reason the question has not been responded to by the Health Service Executive, particularly in view of the fact that the query was regarding the lack of reply from the executive on a serious and urgent health matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15711/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have raised the matter with the HSE and I understand that a reply is in the process of being prepared and is due to issue shortly.
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, he can contact my Private Office and they will follow the matter up with the HSE
Mental Health Services Provision
Ceisteanna (528)
Michael McCarthy
Ceist:528. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health the steps he has taken on foot of a whistleblowers report into a new psychiatric unit (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15726/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The provision of this new mental health facility at Cork University Hospital (CUH) reflects in the most practical way the Government's real commitment to modernise mental health services in this country. As is the norm in the design, planning and delivery of major health capital projects, every effort is made by the HSE to fully address all relevant issues including operational and staffing requirements, health and safety, and integration with other existing, or planned, care services.
I am aware that difficulties have arisen in relation to opening this particular facility, and I have been closely monitoring developments with the HSE which has operational responsibility for providing services at local level. Arising from issues raised by a HSE employee in the existing mental health facility, I also note that the matter has been considered in some detail recently by the Labour Relations Commission, and that a further meeting is planned in this regard for the end of this month. The HSE has confirmed it's availability for further discussions. The Deputy will appreciate that I cannot comment on the individual case of a HSE employee where it relates to the terms of his employment. However, I wish to point out that this would not be considered as meeting the usual criteria around whistle-blowing.
The HSE has indicated that review mechanisms will be proposed to address any concerns outstanding in the light of operational experience with the new unit. Bearing in mind all the circumstances, I would therefore strongly urge that all stakeholders work together to ensure that this much needed new unit can be opened without any further delay, in the best interests of service users.
Assisted Human Reproduction
Ceisteanna (529)
Catherine Byrne
Ceist:529. Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on proposed new legislation on the issue of assisted human reproduction, including surrogacy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15735/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Currently in Ireland, the provision of assisted human reproduction services remains largely unregulated. On 17 February this year, I received Government approval to draft a General Scheme of legislative provisions dealing with a broad range of aspects relating to assisted human reproduction, including surrogacy and the assignment of parentage in such cases. Under the proposed legislation commercial surrogacy will be prohibited, however, the reimbursement of reasonable expenses for surrogates will be permitted. In addition, the proposed legislation will take cognisance of the 2014 Supreme Court judgment in the MR & Anor v An tArd Chláraitheoir & Ors (surrogacy) case, which found that the birth mother, rather than the genetic mother, is the legal mother of twins born via surrogacy and should be registered as such on the birth certificates.
Following the completion of the draft General Scheme, I intend to submit the Scheme to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children for pre-legislative scrutiny. In addition, my Department will conduct a widespread consultation on the draft General Scheme during which stakeholders and members of the public will be invited to share their views.
Assisted Human Reproduction
Ceisteanna (530)
Catherine Byrne
Ceist:530. Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health if his Department has examined the possibility of funding in vitro fertilisation treatment through the public health system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15736/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In February of this year I received Government approval to draft the General Scheme of a Bill for assisted human reproduction, which will include provisions relating to numerous different aspects from the beginning to the end of the assisted human reproduction process. However, I have already stated that it is currently not the case that the public funding of fertility treatments will be included as part of these provisions. While I would favour public funding of fertility treatments in principle there are many other pressing funding demands on the health service at this time.
Although in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment is not provided by the Irish public health service, there is some support available in that patients who access IVF treatment privately may claim tax relief on the costs involved under the tax relief for medical expenses scheme. In addition, a defined list of fertility medicines needed for fertility treatment is covered under the High Tech Scheme administered by the Health Service Executive (HSE). Medicines covered by the High Tech Scheme must be prescribed by a consultant/specialist and approved by the HSE ‘High Tech Liaison Officers’. The cost of the medicines is then covered, as appropriate, under the Medical Card or Drugs Payment Scheme.
Hospital Admissions
Ceisteanna (531)
Finian McGrath
Ceist:531. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position regarding hospital treatment in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15788/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service issue this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. If you have not received a reply within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
Home Help Service
Ceisteanna (532)
Billy Kelleher
Ceist:532. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if exceptions will be made on a case basis, to allow home helps to care for members of their family, in cases where persons are unwilling to allow strangers into their home [15789/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter it has 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.
Hospital Accommodation Provision
Ceisteanna (533)
Finian McGrath
Ceist:533. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position regarding availability of beds at the Ashlin Centre, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15790/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have been informed by the HSE that the person in question was admitted to the Ashlinn Centre, Beaumont Hospital on 17 April, 2015.
Home Help Service
Ceisteanna (534)
Tom Fleming
Ceist:534. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health is he will examine the urgent need for additional time to existing home help hours, in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15792/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter it has 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.
Hospital Facilities
Ceisteanna (535)
Billy Timmins
Ceist:535. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the proposed closure to outpatients of the primary ST segment elevation myocardial infarction facility at St. Vincent's Hospital, Dublin 4; if he will ensure that the service remains open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15795/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As of 17 April 2015, there are two 24/7 primary percutaneous intervention (PPCI) centres for Dublin, located in the Mater and St James’s Hospitals. These centres accept all ambulance transfers of patients with ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI). The provision of PPCI from three 24/7 centres in Dublin had proved unsustainable and the decision to consolidate the service into two centres was made following a comprehensive review and reflects the international trend towards the consolidation of such specialised services on smaller number of sites, to allow for the concentration of volume and expertise.
In November 2014, the Acute Hospitals Division of the HSE requested the National Clinical Programme for Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS Programme) to review the current configuration of PPCI services in Dublin, having regard to the requirement to deliver safe, sustainable services on the designated sites. The model of care produced by the ACS Programme was informed by advice from the principals involved in centres in the UK and other European countries. The Programme was also informed by models of care from the US and Australia. Experience at national and international level highlights the importance of having sustainable rotas of clinical staff to support the 24/7 requirements of this service.
The review looked at the number of centres that should be delivering PPCI in Dublin, where these centres should be located and the feasibility of maintaining 9 to 5 PPCI services on any cardiology intervention site. Following consultation with the National Ambulance Service and with all relevant hospitals, the ACS Programme recommended that there should be two 24/7 PPCI centres for Dublin, located in the Mater and St. James’s Hospitals, which would accept all ambulance transfers of patients with STEMI.
The ACS Programme also recommended that there should be a clear definition of the role of the three other cardiology intervention centres in Dublin (Beaumont Hospital, Tallaght Hospital and St Vincent’s University Hospital in the management of Non ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI). NSTEMI forms an increasing proportion of interventional work which will continue and develop in those cardiology intervention centres which will not be designated 24/7 PPCI centres, including St Vincent’s Hospital.
Mental Health Services Funding
Ceisteanna (536)
Maureen O'Sullivan
Ceist:536. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the total capital expenditure on the mental health service infrastructure since the publication of A Vision for Change in 2006; the total value of the sale of mental health lands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15803/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Your question has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply as the management of the health property estate, which includes capital expenditure on mental health infrastructure and property sales, is a service matter.
If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office who will follow up on the matter.
Orthodontic Services Provision
Ceisteanna (537)
Dan Neville
Ceist:537. Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health the position regarding orthodontic treatment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15822/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
Public Sector Pensions Data
Ceisteanna (538)
Michael McGrath
Ceist:538. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will provide in tabular form the number of retired public service pensions in payment in each year from 2008 to 2014, under the aegis of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16055/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In relation to the part of the question relevant to the HSE, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this 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.
The information sought in respect of Non-Commercial State Agencies under the aegis of my Department is currently being collated and will be forwarded directly to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
Public Sector Pensions Data
Ceisteanna (539)
Michael McGrath
Ceist:539. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health the total value of public sector pensions in payment; the average public sector pension in 2014, under the aegis of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16064/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In relation to the part of the question relevant to the HSE, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this 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.
The information sought in respect of Non-Commercial State Agencies under the aegis of my Department is currently being collated and will be forwarded directly to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
International Relations
Ceisteanna (540)
Seán Crowe
Ceist:540. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to an Executive Order signed by the President of the United States of America, Mr Barack Obama, that said Venezuela poses an extraordinary threat to the national security of the United States of America; his views that this was unnecessary and that coupled with sanctions, it is dangerously raising tensions in the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15235/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am aware of the steps taken by the United States last month to impose financial and travel restrictions on seven named individuals in leadership positions in Venezuela whom it states have been involved in human rights violations. I am aware also of the accompanying Executive Order signed by President Obama which provides the legal basis for the sanctions.This matter has, clearly, given rise to diplomatic tensions between the United States and Venezuela. I am pleased to note, in this regard, that the US has since indicated that the measures in question have not been invoked against the Venezuelan people as a whole, only against the named individuals. Official sources have clarified that the US does not consider Venezuela to be a threat to its national security. I am pleased also that the matter was discussed between President Obama and President Maduro at the recent Summit of the Americas held in Panama on 10 April in what was described as a candid, serious and frank manner. I am following the situation in Venezuela closely and with great concern. Increasing internal tensions, political polarisation, and a severe economic crisis have led to serious shortages in medical supplies and daily goods. I fear that a severe humanitarian crisis may develop if the situation is not resolved soon.
As I have indicated before, the deaths, casualties and detentions arising from the unrest in Venezuela require full, impartial investigation in accordance with due legal process. The apparently high levels of impunity in the case of serious crimes is a matter of further concern.
I share the view expressed by EU High Representative Mogherini, and by Venezuela’s regional partners, that the government there must work with all parties and with civil society to overcome the difficult situation in the country. I encourage all sides to enter into inclusive and open negotiations to meet the legitimate concerns of the people of Venezuela.
I remain of the view that the best hope for progress is an inclusive dialogue to address the challenges facing the country, fully respecting the democratic rights of people on all sides.