Written Answers Nos. 467-487
467. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Health his plans to ensure that a social worker is recruited at a hospital (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11550/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
468. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Health the actions taken to recruit a consultant oncologist who is due to retire (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11551/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
469. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Health the Health Service Executive's plans to meet the staff shortage at Birr community nursing unit, which has resulted in the suspension of day care services and the closure of respite and rehabilitation beds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11552/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
471. 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. [11586/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder 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.
472. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health if he has reviewed the evidence for the efficacy of cannabidiol medical marijuana in treating the symptoms of Dravet syndrome; if he will license it for this treatment; if not, the reason for same; his plans to legalise medical marijuana for the treatment of other conditions.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11587/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraCannabidiol (CBD) oil is not authorised as a medicinal product in Ireland. I have no role in the process of authorising medicinal products. Under European and Irish legislation, before a medicine can be placed on the Irish market, the manufacturer must seek an authorisation from the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) or, in the case of certain medicinal products, the European Medicines Agency. A determination on an application for authorisation of a medicine is based on a rigorous scientific assessment of the application against the criteria of safety, quality, efficacy, legal and regulatory requirements.
Where a medicine is not authorised in Ireland, a licensed wholesaler may import it if it has been prescribed by a doctor for a patient under his/her care, on his/her direct responsibility and in order to meet the special needs of a patient. The process for this is described in the ‘Guide to the Notification System for Exempt Medicinal Products’ which is available on the HPRA website. For this notification scheme, there are a number of specialist wholesalers which deal with the importation of ‘exempt medicines’ into Ireland, via pharmacies and subject to a prescription.
CBD is derived from cannabis which is a controlled drug. If a CBD oil product does not contain an ingredient which is a controlled substance, it may be feasible to have that product imported and used in Ireland, in accordance with specific conditions, should a patient’s doctor be of the opinion that this is an appropriate treatment.
My Department is aware that cannabis for medicinal use has been legalised in some countries and that there have been several studies internationally on the therapeutic effects of cannabinoids for a number of medical issues. In July 2014, the Misuse of Drugs Regulations were amended to allow for certain cannabis based medicinal products to be used in Ireland. Subsequently the HPRA granted a marketing authorisation for a cannabis based medicinal product which is indicated for the relief of certain symptoms for people with multiple sclerosis.
My Department will continue to keep developments in relation to cannabis based medical products under review.
473. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of people on waiting lists for speech and language therapy assessment for less than four months, for between four and 12 months, and for more than 12 months by local authority area in tabular form. [11588/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service issue, 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 the Executive.
474. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health to investigate why a person (details supplied) is waiting for additional home help hours granted by disability services in January 2016. [11608/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
475. 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. [11617/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder 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.
476. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 846 and 847 of 17 May 2016, the costs of introducing free general practitioner care to all citizens based on the current scope, fee structure and payments to general practitioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11621/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder a Memorandum of Understanding signed in February 2015, the HSE, Department of Health and Irish Medical Organisation are currently engaged in a comprehensive review of the General Medical Services (GMS) and other publicly funded health sector contracts involving GPs. A priority of these discussions will be the inclusion of chronic disease management for patients. It is not possible in advance of completion of the negotiation process to foresee what the outcome of the review may be and its consequent effect on the average cost of providing those services.
Therefore, depending on the outcome of these negotiations and their implications for the future scope and content of the service, and the relevant fees and payments to GPs, the estimated cost of extending free General Practitioner care to all citizens will vary. However, the deputy may be aware that the HSE has recently published the Primary Care Reimbursement Service Statistical Analysis of Claims and Payments 2014, which indicates that the average GP cost per eligible person is €235, and that the extension of free General Practitioner care to all citizens would encompass a further 2.4 million people approximately.
477. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 951 of 17 May 2016, when the clinical advisory group will report on the development framework for assessment and measurement of the burden of disease; if there is a timeframe for the group's work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11622/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Clinical Advisory Group was established by the Director General of the HSE in January 2015 to provide clinical oversight and guidance to the operation of a more compassionate and trusted medical card system. Its establishment followed the completion of the work of the Expert Panel on Medical Need for Medical Card Eligibility. The 2014 "Keane" Report of the Expert Panel on Medical Need for Medical Card Eligibility found that it is not feasible, desirable, or ethically justifiable to list medical conditions for medical card eligibility. The membership of the Clinical Advisory Group includes clinical experts from specialist services and professions, as well as patient representatives. The Group reports to the National Director of Primary Care on a quarterly basis. The Clinical Advisory Group is continuing its work on the development of guidance on assessing medical card applications involving significant medical conditions. The Clinical Advisory Group continues to meet on regular basis and it is expected that the Group will make a report to the Director General of the HSE when it has completed its work in the near future.
478. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health his plans to change the services provided at St. Joseph's day care centre, Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon; if the services provided there will continue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11628/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
479. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health the number of ambulance call-outs to the north Connemara area in 2015 and 2016 to date, and the time from the call-out to the arrival at the patient; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11632/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
480. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health when he will allocate an additional ambulance and personnel to the Inishowen Peninsula, County Donegal, as requested by the local community, following a number of incidents that have caused serious concerns regarding ambulance response times. [11635/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
481. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health to commence discussions with the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government on a memorandum of understanding to ensure that fire and rescue personnel working for local authorities on retainers can act as first responders for certain categories of emergencies as a back-up and support to the National Ambulance Service. [11636/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraA degree of co-operation already exists between the National Ambulance Service (NAS) and the Fire Services in providing an emergency first responder service. However, there may be scope to further utilise fire services as a first responder for certain types of calls, where this is warranted. This will be explored with the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government and local authorities as part of the implementation of a wider first responder plan, in line with the Capacity Review recommendation on this matter.
482. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health if ambulance co-ordinates technology is in use in ambulances attached to University Hospital Kerry in County Kerry and, if not, the cost of installing it. [11637/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
483. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health to clarify the three-out-one-in hiring rule adopted by hospital groups within the Health Service Executive in December 2015, as reported in The Irish Times on 22 April 2016; the criteria for this hiring rule and the grades and sections of the hospital groups within the HSE that are subject to this rule; the number of staff lost to the hospital groups under the HSE under this rule, broken down by hospital group; to provide a breakdown, by hospital group, of staff shortages in December 2015 and staff shortages, as of the end of April 2016; to outline development and execution of the rule by the HSE; and the circulars and memos relating to this hiring rule. [11655/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI 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.
484. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the case of a person (details supplied); if the person is on the waiting list for a procedure; and when the procedure will be carried out. [11681/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder 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.
485. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be admitted for a procedure. [11682/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder 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.
486. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the number of ambulance call-outs to the Leenane area of Connemara, County Galway; the date, the duration between the call being made and the ambulance being deployed; and the length of time until its arrival at the incident in question, in each of the years 2011 to 2016 to date. [11689/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra487. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the number of ambulance call-outs to the Leenane area of Connemara, County Galway; the date and location of the incident in question and the location from where the responding ambulance came on being deployed, in each of the years 2011 to 2016 to date. [11690/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 486 and 487 together.
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.
