Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:386. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the human papilloma virus vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27453/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraVaccination Programme
Ceisteanna (386)
Freagraí scríofa
Immunisation is regarded as one of the safest and most cost-effective of health care interventions. International studies and scientific assessments suggest that the best way to prevent most disease due to human papilloma virus (HPV) is to vaccinate as many girls and women as possible. The HPV vaccine protects girls from developing cervical cancer when they are adults. It is available free of charge from the HSE for all girls in 1st year of secondary school. This is in accordance with the recommendation received from the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) which indicated that the HPV vaccine should be offered on an annual basis to all girls aged 12. The advice, based on public health considerations and supported by the cost-effectiveness analysis, is that HPV vaccines confer maximum benefit both individually and on a population basis if administered prior to HPV exposure.
In Ireland, the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) is the regulatory authority for medicines in Ireland. Gardasil® is a medicinal product which has been authorised for use across the European Union since September 2006 following a positive opinion from the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) at the European Medicines Agency (EMA). With this authorisation, the vaccine can be marketed in all EU Member States. Since first authorisation the HPRA has continuously monitored the safety of Gardasil® . This monitoring includes a review of global safety data in addition to national experience with use of the vaccine. The EMA is responsible for the scientific evaluation of medicines developed by pharmaceutical companies for use in the European Union.
While no medicine (including vaccines) is entirely without risk, the safety profile of Gardasil® has been continuously monitored since it was first authorised both nationally and at EU level. This is done by both monitoring of individual adverse reaction reports received by competent authorities across Europe (including the HPRA) and Periodic Safety Update Reports (PSURs) submitted by the Marketing Authorisation Holder (i.e. license holder) for the vaccine on a regular basis. The most recent EU review of cumulative global safety update data completed in December 2014 concluded that the benefit/risk profile for Gardasil® remains positive and concluded that no updates to the product information (Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) and Package Leaflet (PL)) were considered necessary.
Up to the 8 June 2015, the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) has received 873 reports of suspected adverse reactions/events notified in association with Gardasil®. National monitoring experience has been consistent with the expected pattern of adverse effects known to occur with the vaccine, as outlined in the approved product information (Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) and Package Leaflet (PL)) for Gardasil® . The majority of the reports received to date involved events/reactions related to injection site reactions, malaise, headache, myalgia, fatigue, gastrointestinal symptoms and skin reactions. Vaccination related events such as dizziness and syncope (fainting) was also reported and would not be unexpected in this patient population.
The HPRA continues to ensure that the quality, safety and efficacy of all vaccinations licensed in Ireland including HPV meet the required standards. The safety profile of Gardasil® has been continuously monitored since it was first introduced both nationally and at EU level and like all medicines and vaccines will continue to be so.
Health Services Staff Data
Ceisteanna (387)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:387. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the number of primary care staff of certain specialties (details supplied) currently on the public payroll in whole-time equivalent terms; and the number, in whole-time-equivalent terms, who are active in primary care, that is, not on maternity leave or long-term sick leave, or other long-term leave, or diverted to other health care settings [27462/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I 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.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (388)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:388. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if he will request an explanation from the Health Service Executive, as to the reason there has been a significant increase in the waiting list figures for physiotherapy in primary care, despite extra resources being devoted to this area since 2012 [27463/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive 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.
Services for People with Disabilities
Ceisteanna (389)
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:389. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health if he will report on funding allocated to a service (details supplied) in the years 2012 to 2014 and in 2015 to date; if further moneys will be allocated to meet the demand for services; if he will consider proposals from families and carers affected to increase funding allocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27464/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government is committed to protecting frontline health and personal social services needs for people with disabilities. The Government currently provides funding of approximately €1.5 billion to the Disability Services Programme through the Health Service Executive's National Service Plan for 2015.
The HSE works with voluntary disability service providers to ensure that available resources are used in order to be responsive to the health and personal social services needs of people with a disability.
In 2015, the HSE is seeking to maximise the provision of services within available resources and to maintaining a consistent level to that provided in 2014, by providing the following specialist disability services: residential services to around 9,000 people with a disability; day services to over 22,000 people with intellectual and physical disabilities; respite residential support of 190,000 overnights for people with intellectual and physical disabilities; 3.9 million hours of Personal Assistant/Home Support Hours.
Additional funding of €6 million has been allocated in the HSE National Service Plan in 2015 to provide day places for an estimated 1,400 young people finishing school and rehabilitative (life-skills) training. €4m in additional funding has also been allocated in the Plan to deliver an increase in the services for children with disabilities and reduce waiting lists under the Progressing Disability Services for Children and Young People (0-18s) Programme.
As the specific issues raised in the Deputy's question relate 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.
Nursing Homes Support Scheme Review
Ceisteanna (390)
Shane Ross
Ceist:390. Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 678 of 26 May 2015, if he is considering a review of the fair deal scheme to create a distinction between the elderly infirm who are in need of nursing care, and the chronic sick who may be under 65 years of age on admission to a nursing home, as a result of insufficient supports in the community, and whose condition does not affect their life expectancy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27486/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Nursing Homes Support Scheme provides financial support to those assessed as needing long term nursing home care, irrespective of their age. There are no plans to change this approach.
Questions Nos. 391 and 392 answered with Question No. 300.
Medical Card Appeals
Ceisteanna (393)
Jack Wall
Ceist:393. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a reassessment of the decision to refuse renewal of a medical card on medical grounds in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27493/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí 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.
Health Services Provision
Ceisteanna (394)
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:394. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health in view of allegations of improper use of antipsychotic drugs to persons in care, the protocols in place before antipsychotic drugs can be administered; his proposals for changes to these protocols; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27494/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I gather that the Deputy is referring to the potential use of antipsychotic drugs in certain HSE-funded residential services for the purpose of restraining or subduing persons who display challenging behaviour.
The following regulations contain provisions relating to safeguards on patient safety, restraint and medication and pharmaceutical services including a requirement that where restraint is used, it is used only in accordance with national policy. The regulations also set out the obligations of the service provider in relation to medication management, and monitoring and review of medications. The regulations are Health Act 2007 (Care & Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations (SI 415 /2013); Health Act 2007 (Care & Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Persons (Children and Adults with Disabilities) Regulations (SI 367 of 2013).
National policy is set out in the policy document Towards a Restraint Free Environment in Nursing Homes (2011), and defines restraint as 'the intentional restriction of a person's movement or behaviour' and includes physical, chemical* and environmental restraint. *Chemical restraint is the intentional use of medication to control or modify a person’s behaviour or to ensure a patient is compliant or not capable of resistance, when no medically identified condition is being treated; where the treatment is not necessary for the condition; or the intended effect of the drug is to sedate the person for convenience or for disciplinary purposes.
The appropriate use of drugs to reduce symptoms in the treatment of medical conditions such as anxiety, depression, or psychosis, does not constitute restraint. Chemical restraint is always unacceptable.
All designated centres for older people, adults and children are required to have a written policy on restraint and to keep detailed records of all occasions on which restraint is used. These records must be available for examination by HIQA, the independent statutory body with responsibility for the registration and inspection of designated centres for older people, children and adults with disabilities.
Health Services Access
Ceisteanna (395)
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:395. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health his views on correspondence from a person (details supplied) in County Louth regarding a waiting time in excess of eight and a half hours in the Mater Hospital eye casualty clinic in Dublin 7, on 9 June 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27495/15]
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.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (396)
Barry Cowen
Ceist:396. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the case of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; when the person can expect an appointment with a consultant orthopaedic surgeon in the Midland Regional Hospital in Tullamore in County Offaly [27502/15]
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.
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 should take the matter up with the consultant and the hospital involved. 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.
Nursing Homes Support Scheme Administration
Ceisteanna (397)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:397. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding nursing homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27507/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS) is a system of financial support for those in need of long-term nursing home care. Participants contribute according to their means while the State pays the balance of the cost. To manage the available funds through the year, the HSE operates a national placement list in order of when applications are approved. Funding is released in strict chronological order as it becomes available.
The Budget for the Scheme in 2015 is €993m, an increase of €54m from the 2014 position .
In order to be an ‘approved nursing home’ for the purposes of the NHSS, all private and voluntary nursing homes must negotiate and agree a price for the cost of care with the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF). This is a necessary feature of the Scheme due to the commitment by the State to meet the full balance of the cost of care over and above a person's contribution. The NTPF has statutory independence in the performance of this function and, in carrying it out, it must ensure value for money for both the individual and the State. If price negotiations break down a three stage review process, developed by the NTPF, can be invoked. Details of the process are set out on the NTPF website.
The review of the Scheme is almost completed and is expected to be published shortly. This review considered the Scheme’s long term sustainability as well as looking at how well the current model of provision is balancing residential care with care in the community, and whether this needs to be adjusted to better reflect what older people want.
Nurses who trained in a country outside of Ireland and wish to work in Ireland are required to apply to register as a nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI). In assessing an applicant for registration, to protect the public, the NMBI seeks evidence from applicants of comparable standards of education and practice. According to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) the timeframe for the completion of the assessment of qualifications for registration takes up to a maximum of 90 days provided all necessary documentation has been supplied by the applicant. The main difficulty to expediting timely applications as reported by the NMBI is that of delay/failure by the applicant or third parties to furnish the necessary documentation required to assess eligibility for registration and the overall volume. It is important to note that the NMBI are dealing with very significant volumes of applications at present. The NMBI are processing all applications as quickly as possible, while ensuring appropriate procedures and checks which are designed around protection of the public.
NMBI, following assessment of qualifications by an applicant, may require an applicant nurse or midwife to undertake a period of adaptation and assessment, which if required, must be successfully completed as a pre-requisite to registration. This clinical adaptation period may last between 6-12 weeks.
Clinical adaptation is a process of adjustment and assessment to support candidates who have not worked in the Irish health system previously. NMBI require that adaptation takes place in an appropriate setting approved by the Board and within a certain timeframe. The minimum timeframe for completing the period of adaptation and assessment is six weeks. Any site that has approval for students or wishes to seek approval as a new site to be considered for adaptation and assessment purposes needs to submit a request, with supporting documentation, directly to NMBI and NMBI will review accordingly. NMBI has to date received one such request from a nursing home facility – a decision on same has yet to be reached.
A collaborative group including the Department of Health, HSE, NMBI and Nursing Homes Ireland (NHI) representatives have met to explore solutions to facilitate adaptation and registration delays. Proposals were agreed which will now be implemented and should result in an improvement in the difficulties currently being experienced.
With regard to workforce planning, Action 46 of Future Health (DoH, 2012) provides for the Department to work with the HSE to implement an effective approach to workforce planning and development with the objectives of: recruiting and retaining the right mix of staff; training and upskilling the workforce; providing for professional and career development; and creating supportive and healthy workplaces.
In 2015, the Department of Health will develop a national integrated strategic framework for health workforce planning, on a cross-sectoral basis. A cross-sectoral Working Group will be convened to develop the framework in the near future. The Group's deliberations will take into account issues including population aging. Consultation with key stakeholders will form part of the Group's work.
Medical Card Eligibility
Ceisteanna (398)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:398. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding eligibility for a medical card in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27514/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí 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.
Health Services Provision
Ceisteanna (399)
Michael Ring
Ceist:399. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be scheduled for triple-bypass surgery at University College Hospital in Galway [27516/15]
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.
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, 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.
Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland
Ceisteanna (400)
Michael Ring
Ceist:400. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health the registration status of applications to the Irish Nursing Board in respect of persons (details supplied); and when these registrations will be completed, as the delay is causing hardship to the person's prospective employer [27517/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I wish to thank the Deputy for the matter raised.
Given that this is an operational matter, it is appropriate that it should be dealt with by the NMBI. I have referred the Deputy's question to the NMBI for attention and direct reply.
If you have not received a reply from the NMBI within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
Primary Care Centres Provision
Ceisteanna (401)
Dara Calleary
Ceist:401. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health the status regarding the provision of a primary care centre in Lucan in County Dublin; the services that will be provided in this centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27520/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The HSE has responsibility for the provision, maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres. Therefore, this matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and 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.
Primary Care Centres Provision
Ceisteanna (402)
Dara Calleary
Ceist:402. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a progress report on the provision of a primary care centre and the range of services that will be available in the primary care centre for north Clondalkin and Rowlagh; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27521/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The health care services to be delivered from primary care centres including Rowlagh/North Clondalkin are services issues. Therefore this element of your question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
In relation to progress on the necessary infrastructure to support service delivery the HSE stated, in its reply to you dated 16 June 2015, that the project will be delivered using the direct-build mechanism. It also advised that it proposes to purchase the site, subject to the award of planning, from the Department of Education and Skills and that Heads of Agreement have been reached in this regard. Architects have been engaged to undertake a feasibility study. The intention is to submit a planning application by end year 2015. In the event that there is any update on the infrastructure element of this project since 16 June last the HSE has been requested to address this when replying to you on the health care services to be delivered.
If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office who will follow up.
Drug Rehabilitation Clinics
Ceisteanna (403)
Dara Calleary
Ceist:403. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who are currently on a methadone treatment programme; who are on a programme for more than two years; three years; five years; seven years; and ten years; the way these programmes are monitored; the programmes and supports that are in place to support persons who wish to come off methadone, and live drug-free lives; if he will provide the figures for the past three years for the number of persons who have successfully come off methadone, through these programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27522/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days he should contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
Universal Health Insurance Provision
Ceisteanna (404)
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:404. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health his plans to make available a copy of the report on the detailed costings of universal health insurance presented to him on 21 May 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27533/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Following publication of the White Paper on Universal Health Insurance, a major costing exercise, involving the Department of Health, the ESRI and others, was initiated. The purpose of the exercise is to examine the cost implications of a change to a multi-payer, universal health insurance model, as proposed in the White Paper. Draft results from the initial phase of the costing exercise were presented to me at the end of May. The research underlying these results is still undergoing peer review and is not yet finalised. However, the draft results are already informing deliberation on next steps, including the necessity for further research and cost modelling.
Ultimately, the UHI costing exercise is a major research project with a number of phases. The next phases in the costing exercise are likely to include deeper analysis of the key issue of unmet need and a more detailed comparative analysis of the relative costs and benefits of alternative funding models using bottom-up costing techniques. The draft results from the initial phase, as well as the plans for the next phase of research, will inform discussions with the Taoiseach and the Cabinet Subcommittee on the best long-term approach to achieving universal healthcare, and on the development of a roadmap for healthcare reform.
Hospital Procedures
Ceisteanna (405)
Bobby Aylward
Ceist:405. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Health his plans for Kilcreene orthopaedic hospital in County Kilkenny, specifically regarding orthopaedic services and the review of elective orthopaedic services for the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27534/15]
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.
Drug Rehabilitation Clinics
Ceisteanna (406, 407, 408)
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:406. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health following the appointment of a Minister of State with responsibility for drugs and the current increase in cases of human immunodeficiency virus among intravenous drug users, if he will reconsider his position on the reported potential positive impact of medically supervised injection centres (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27535/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThomas P. Broughan
Ceist:407. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the draft health (injecting centres) Bill 2015 devised by the Ana Liffey Drug Project and the supporting documentation; his views on the Bill; if the Bill or similar legislation will be introduced before the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27536/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThomas P. Broughan
Ceist:408. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the collaboration taking place with the Department of Justice and Equality (details supplied) in relation to legislation and proposals for the introduction of medically supervised injecting centres in view of the reported success of such centres in Sydney, Australia, and in Portugal in reducing the numbers contracting human immunodeficiency syndrome, the number of ambulance call-outs for overdoses and the improvement of health in intravenous drug users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27537/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 406 to 408, inclusive, together.
Government policy in relation to drugs emphasises the importance of providing the opportunities for people to move on from illicit drug use, through drug treatment and rehabilitation, to a drug-free life where that is achievable. The provision of harm reduction measures, such as needle and syringe programmes and methadone maintenance treatment, reduce drug-related harm and facilitate recovery by providing a pathway into services. However, there is a problem with street injecting in Dublin and elsewhere. This creates a public nuisance and is unhygienic and unsafe for drug users.
Medically supervised injecting facilities exist in a number of other countries, and have been suggested as a response to the problem of street injecting in this country. I have received a copy of the draft Health (Injecting Centres) Bill 2015 and supporting documentation, which would allow for the provision of such services. I have asked my officials to examine the matter, and I understand that they have been in contact with Department of Justice and Equality officials as part of this process. It should be noted that a change to existing legislation would be required to facilitate introduction of these facilities.
I am advised that the HSE is investigating a rise in the number of new cases of recently acquired HIV in persons who inject drugs in the first quarter of 2015.