Tuesday, 24 May 2016

Written Answers Nos. 383-403

Departmental Properties

Ceisteanna (383)

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

383. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the annual rental value of each vacant property and land holding of her Department. [11414/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

The management of office properties occupied by staff of Government Departments, including my own, is a matter for the Office of Public Works. The Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht is the owner of significant lands across the country, including national parks, national monuments sites, nature reserves and other property acquired for purposes of heritage protection and conservation. As none of these properties are available to rent in the open market the question of annual rental values is not applicable.

Fisheries Protection

Ceisteanna (384)

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

384. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht how and when she will eradicate the ongoing infestation of Asian clam along the hot water stretch of the River Shannon (details supplied). [11707/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

My Department is concerned about the possible impact of Asian Clam in the stretch of the River Shannon referred to by the Deputy, but is also aware of the great practical difficulty in eradication and/or prevention of its spread once it has arrived in any river system.

By the time this species was recorded in the Shannon at Lanesborough, it was already present in huge numbers in the warm water stretch above the bridge. The clams are quite small, are capable of self-fertilisation and each clam can produce up to 70,000 larvae in a year. Experience in Ireland and elsewhere shows that it is exceptionally difficult to remove all clams from an infested stretch of water and that re-colonisation is very likely.

However, my Department has been in contact with an EPA-funded project based in the Institute of Technology, Sligo, which is working on Invasive Species prevention, control and eradication and, subject to the necessary environmental permissions, it is now proposed to develop and carry out trials on novel methods, including the use of mats, that would kill the clams in situ. This project will build on the work already done at Lanesborough and also in infested lakes in the United States.

The costs of various methods will be ascertained through the trials.

My Department is keeping in contact with local groups who are concerned about the clam in this stretch of the river.

Social Welfare Benefits Data

Ceisteanna (385)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

385. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to provide the employment details and social insurance record of a person (details supplied) to the state pension (contributory) section without further delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11711/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

As the individual concerned was never employed by my Department, I do not have a role in this matter. I am advised that the Department of Social Protection would have the information sought.

Disabilities Assessments

Ceisteanna (386)

Billy Kelleher

Ceist:

386. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health to expedite the clinical assessment of a person (details supplied) given that the person's age and the current waiting time will mean the person will be too old to be assessed and will not benefit in the final years of education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11222/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.

The HSE has also recognised that the early intervention services for school aged children with disabilities need to be standardised. To this end a major reconfiguration of therapy resources for children with disabilities aged up to 18 years is currently under way. The HSE's national programme on progressing disability services for children and young people from birth to 18 years aims to bring about equity of access to disability services and consistency of service delivery, with a clear pathway for children with disabilities and their families, regardless of where they live, what school the child attends or the nature of the individual child's difficulties.

Within this context, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to the specific case referred to. 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 Expenditure

Ceisteanna (387, 411, 412)

Thomas Byrne

Ceist:

387. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Health his response to the findings of the Committee on Public Accounts which were forwarded to him in respect of the HSE not discharging an artist ration award to the North Meath Community Development Association; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11253/16]

Thomas Byrne

Ceist:

411. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the failure of the HSE to discharge an arbitration award to the North Meath Community Development Association. [11251/16]

Thomas Byrne

Ceist:

412. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Health his response to the findings of the Committee on Public Accounts which were forwarded to him in respect of the executive not discharging an artist ration award to the North Meath Community Development Association; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11252/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 387, 411 and 412 together.

The HSE occupies the premises in question under a lease from North Meath Community Development Association (NMCDA).  Arbitration awards were made on 17 September 2008 and on 8 August 2012 in respect of rent reviews due on 1 May, 2004 and 1 May 2009 respectively. The awards in question were made by two separate arbitrators and both awards have been honoured in full by the Health Service Executive, with full retrospective effect from the operative dates in question.

In a comprehensive written response on this matter, dated 14 March, 2016 to the Clerk of Committee of Public Accounts the Director General of the HSE affirmed that this matter relates to a thirty (30) year Lease of premises at Oldcastle Road, Kells, County Meath, between the above association and the then North Eastern Health Board and Meath Sheltered Workshop, commencing on 1 August, 2001. The Terms and Conditions of the Lease were agreed by all parties at the time of the execution of the Lease. Since the commencement of the Lease, the rent payable has been reviewed by two Independent Arbitrators on two separate occasions. As already indicated above all monies due on foot of the lease have been paid.

Having had the matter thoroughly reviewed the Director General, in his letter to the Clerk of the Committee of Public Accounts has confirmed that he is satisfied that the HSE has acted appropriately at all times and has adhered with the Terms and Conditions of the Lease.

Medical Card Expenditure

Ceisteanna (388)

Joan Collins

Ceist:

388. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health the cost of reintroducing the medical card for persons over 70 years of age to pre-2013 levels. [11590/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Since mid-2015, universal GP care has extended to all persons over 70 years of age. At the start of this year, approximately 413,000 persons over 70 years of age qualified for the universal GP service. Approximately 333,000 of these persons also qualified for prescribed drugs under the GMS Scheme through their medical card. It is estimated the annual expenditure on GP services and prescribed drugs under the GMS Scheme for persons over 70 years of age is in the region of €500 million.

In the absence of information on the individual income of all persons over 70 years of age, it is not possible to calculate the cost of re-introducing the pre-2013 income thresholds for persons in this age cohort.

State Claims Agency

Ceisteanna (389)

Noel Grealish

Ceist:

389. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health the number of cases and the average value of these cases in the past year where the State Claims Agency settled relating to healthcare associated infection, and where it insisted on confidentiality from the injured party; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11630/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I have been informed by the State Claims Agency that the cases to which the Deputy refers are settled cases which have an associated confidentiality agreement. Any unilateral disclosure by the State Claims Agency of information which is the subject matter of the agreed settlements would be in breach of the associates confidentiality agreements and actionable by the plaintiff party.

Legislative Measures

Ceisteanna (390)

Jonathan O'Brien

Ceist:

390. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Health when he will commence sections 20 to 23, inclusive, of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11852/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

The Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 was enacted in April 2015. A number of functions and responsibilities were assigned to the Minister for Health under the provisions in Parts 2 and 3 of the Act relating to donor assisted human reproduction. Preparatory work is required to give effect to these provisions (including the non-anonymity provisions), which includes the preparation of specific regulations and the establishment of the National Donor-Conceived Person Register. This work is in progress involving officials from my Department.

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (391)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

391. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an operation for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11171/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

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 HSE, 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.

Primary Medical Certificates Applications

Ceisteanna (392)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

392. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an application by a person (details supplied) for a primary medical certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11174/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.

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.

Health Services Provision

Ceisteanna (393)

Billy Kelleher

Ceist:

393. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health further to previous questions on behalf of persons (details supplied), given that they have ceased dealing with the HSE due to the continuing lack of co-operation, have written directly to him to inform him of this, have offered to meet him and his Department, and have specifically requested a fully independent review into the aftermath of a child's birth with no involvement from the executive, why the executive is being allowed to set the terms of reference and manage a review into its own failings when the persons have specifically stated they are totally opposed to this; why has the Executive provided the persons' private medical records to a third party without their consent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11196/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I am conscious that this family has experienced a very personal tragedy and that a legal settlement was reached in this case in 2015. In relation to the specific queries raised by the Deputy, as these are service matters, 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 Staff Recruitment

Ceisteanna (394)

Jack Chambers

Ceist:

394. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health to ensure three vacant posts created to support the implementation of the type 2 diabetes cycle of care initiative in the Dublin West and County Kildare area are filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11197/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As the Deputy's question relates to a service matter, I have arranged for the question to be 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.

Health Services Staff Recruitment

Ceisteanna (395)

Jack Chambers

Ceist:

395. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health to ensure all 36 posts created to support the implementation of the type 2 diabetes cycle of care initiative will be filled as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11198/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As the Deputy's question relates to a service matter, I have arranged for the question to be 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.

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (396)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

396. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of persons on waiting lists for operations (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11203/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

The South/South West Hospital Group, of which Kerry General Hospital is a constituent hospital, provides the vast majority of surgical procedures for patients resident in Kerry. The total number of patients on the waiting list for ophthalmology surgery in the South/South West Hospital Group is 834. 55% (461) of these patients are waiting <6 months. 26 patients are waiting >15 months, which is the maximum waiting time determined by the previous Minister for Health.

The 2016 HSE Service Plan undertakes to maintain 2015 levels of service in respect of scheduled care and continues to address waiting times with Hospital Groups as part of the regular performance and accountability process. The HSE has established a Scheduled Care Governance Group to coordinate key initiatives to reduce waiting list numbers. In 2016, the HSE is focussing on key activities including:

- ensuring that chronological scheduling is adhered to;

- putting in place administrative and clinical validation procedures to ensure that patients are available for treatment;

- relocating high-volume low complexity surgeries to smaller hospitals; and

- designating an improvement lead for each hospital group, to provide support in meeting national targets for appointment and treatment

In line with the NTPF Strategic Plan 2016, the NTPF is undertaking the following key deliverables in 2016:

- supporting the HSE in the delivery of improved waiting list for scheduled care, particularly in relation to the management of inpatient, day case and outpatient waiting lists;

- working with the HSE to assist hospitals in the development of local demand and capacity planning tools and mechanisms; and

- developing technical guidance materials for hospitals to ensure the highest standard of data quality and practice.

In addition, the Department is currently engaging with the NTPF and the HSE in planning a dedicated waiting list initiative, which will be rolled out in 2016. Also, the Programme for Government contains a commitment to provide €15m to the NTPF in 2017 to address waiting lists and the Department will engage with the NTPF and the HSE regarding the development of this initiative.

Hospital Staff Recruitment

Ceisteanna (397)

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

397. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health why the new position in the laboratory of Our Lady's Hospital in Navan, County Meath, which was advertised and interviewed for, was not filled; and the status of the construction of the new laboratory as outlined during the latest accreditation process. [11205/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

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.

Mental Health Services Provision

Ceisteanna (398)

John McGuinness

Ceist:

398. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if the full range of psychiatric supports are being made available to a person (details supplied). [11206/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

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.

Health Services Staff Recruitment

Ceisteanna (399)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

399. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health when a sanctioned health care professional (details supplied) will commence a posting in Dublin North West. [11213/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As the Deputy's question relates to a service matter, I have arranged for the question to be 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.

Patient Transport Expenditure

Ceisteanna (400)

Patrick O'Donovan

Ceist:

400. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Health the names of the contractors who provide transport services for persons on dialysis; the rate per kilometre paid in respect of each contractor, by county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11214/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

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.

HSE Staff Remuneration

Ceisteanna (401)

Patrick O'Donovan

Ceist:

401. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Health the basic pay scales for non-paramedic personnel who drive and provide transport services for patients in HSE vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11216/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

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 on the matter with them.

HSE Staff Remuneration

Ceisteanna (402)

Patrick O'Donovan

Ceist:

402. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Health the allowances available for non-paramedic personnel who drive and transport patients in HSE vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11217/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

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 on the matter with them.

Patient Transport Expenditure

Ceisteanna (403)

Patrick O'Donovan

Ceist:

403. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Health the contracts awarded for the transfer of patients for dialysis, the amounts agreed per kilometre, and the amounts paid to the previous holders of the contracts in those areas in each of the years 2014 to 2016 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11221/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

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.