Friday, 16 Sep 2016

Written Answers Nos. 1196-1223

Orthodontic Services

Ceisteanna (1196)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

1196. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding orthodontic treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25219/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for reply to the Deputy.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (1197)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

1197. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be taken into hospital for essential eye treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25223/16]

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 scheduling of appointments is a matter for the hospital to which the patient has been referred. Should a patient’s general practitioner consider the patient’s condition warrants and 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.

Services for People with Disabilities

Ceisteanna (1198)

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

1198. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 621 of 12 July 2016, if he will provide a further and full breakdown of the €31,869,951.00 HSE funding which was allocated to St. John of God's north east services in 2016; the allocation for staff costs; the allocation for respite provision; if he will provide a breakdown of funding allocated to each SJOG premises; if he will provide a breakdown of funding allocated to each service provided by SJOG; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25224/16]

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 Programme for Partnership Government states that the Government wishes to provide more accessible respite care to facilitate full support for people with a disability.

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.

Medicinal Products Reimbursement

Ceisteanna (1199)

Eugene Murphy

Ceist:

1199. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Health the reason it is taking so long for those MS sufferers to be reimbursed for the drug Fampyra after the announcement was made that the responders to the drug who satisfy a responder protocol would be reimbursed and receive the drug free of charge going forward (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25225/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the primary care schemes, including the community drug schemes; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.

Hospital Appointments Administration

Ceisteanna (1200)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

1200. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) will be provided a date for a hospital appointment. [25226/16]

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 scheduling of appointments is a matter for the hospital to which the patient has been referred. Should a patient’s general practitioner consider the patient’s condition warrants and 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.

Hospital Services

Ceisteanna (1201)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

1201. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if, as part of the extension of services at Roscommon University Hospital, he will put in place a dialysis machine to reduce the travel local patients have to undertake; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25227/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.

Cross-Border Health Services Provision

Ceisteanna (1202)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

1202. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) is no longer eligible to have treatment carried out in Belfast children's hospital under the cross-Border health care directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25234/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

The Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Orthodontic Services

Ceisteanna (1203)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

1203. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an appointment to have orthodontic treatment carried out; the length of time this person is on the waiting list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25236/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for reply to the Deputy.

Health Services

Ceisteanna (1204)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

1204. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an application by a person (details supplied) who has been awarded an injury grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25243/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.

Care of the Elderly Provision

Ceisteanna (1205)

Fiona O'Loughlin

Ceist:

1205. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health the number and location of respite care beds available for elderly persons in County Kildare; the number available for the years 2014 and 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25255/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

General Practitioner Services Provision

Ceisteanna (1206)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

1206. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of general practitioner services in Rathmore, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25257/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As this is a service issue, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Hospital Consultant Recruitment

Ceisteanna (1207)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

1207. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of the rheumatologist position in Tralee University Hospital, County Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25258/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

In relation to the specific query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (1208)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

1208. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a hospital appointment in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25259/16]

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 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.

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (1209)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

1209. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a hospital appointment in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25262/16]

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.

Medical Card Applications

Ceisteanna (1210)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

1210. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if a medical card application will be reviewed in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25263/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

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 was issued to Oireachtas members.

Ambulance Service Response Times

Ceisteanna (1211)

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

1211. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of a road traffic incident (details supplied) which occurred in County Louth; if he is aware that the ambulance did not arrive at the scene of the accident until 55 minutes after the emergency call was made; the cause of the delay in the ambulance responding to this incident; the station from which the attending ambulance was deployed; the locations of all other ambulances in the north-east region at the time the emergency call was received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25274/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.

Home Help Service Provision

Ceisteanna (1212)

Danny Healy-Rae

Ceist:

1212. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will increase home help hours in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25275/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (1213)

Seán Fleming

Ceist:

1213. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) who is on a waiting list to see a consultant will be given an appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25277/16]

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 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.

Services for People with Disabilities

Ceisteanna (1214)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

1214. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an application by a person (details supplied) for extra personal assistant hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25280/16]

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.

Dental Services Provision

Ceisteanna (1215)

Seán Fleming

Ceist:

1215. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the reason a child whose parents have a medical card and requires dental fillings is put on a waiting list which can take several years whereas an adult in a similar situation can have two fillings without having to go on an extensive waiting list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25287/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Dental services for children up to 16 years of age are provided by the Public Dental Service (PDS) of the HSE through its dental clinics. All HSE dental clinics prioritise emergency care for children up to 16 years of age, treatment for special needs patients and screening of children aged from 11 to 13 years, including referral for orthodontic services where necessary. Other services, including screening of children 6 to 8 years, are provided but may be deferred in clinics where there is pressure on resources. The Dental Treatment Service Scheme (DTSS) provides access to dental treatment for medical card holders over the age of 16. All medical card holders are entitled to specific dental treatments e.g., an annual dental examination, two fillings in each calendar year, extractions as necessary. Additional treatments are available to persons with specific medical conditions including persons in receipt of care or services for a disability and persons on a register of disability.

The HSE prioritises the level and nature of services provided within each service or scheme within existing resources. The services available in the DTSS are not the same as those available to children under 16. The National Oral Health Policy, which the Department of Health is currently developing, will inform future provision of dental services. This project is being led by the Chief Dental Officer and includes a needs assessment, a review of resources and involves consultation with stakeholders, including dental professionals and the public.

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (1216)

Seán Fleming

Ceist:

1216. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an appointment to be seen in Crumlin hospital, Dublin 12; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25288/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Scoliosis affects approximately 1% of children and adolescents in Ireland. The management of scoliosis is complex and is determined by the severity of the curvature and skeletal maturity.

Long waiting times for scoliosis surgery are not acceptable, and my Department has been working closely with the HSE to address services pressures, particularly in Our Lady's Children's Hospital Crumlin (OLCHC), which is the largest provider of scoliosis surgery for children and young people. Additional funding of €1.042m was allocated under the 2015 Service Plan to increase capacity at OLCHC, and an additional orthopaedic surgeon, anaesthetist, and support staff, are now in place with recruitment of a further additional orthopaedic surgeon underway. Capital funding was also provided for a new theatre on site to expand theatre capacity further, and this is currently being commissioned. The Children's Hospital Group is proactively working on nurse recruitment to support the opening of the new theatre.

The HSE Winter Initiative 2016-2017, published on 9 September, also includes funding to address adolescent and paediatric scoliosis waiting lists in Cappagh and Tallaght. My Department will continue to work with the HSE and the relevant hospitals to ensure improvements in access to spinal surgery.

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

Hospice Services Provision

Ceisteanna (1217, 1218, 1222, 1223)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

1217. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the amount of funding provided to each facility in the State which provides hospice care for adults for each of the years 2013 to date in 2016 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25289/16]

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

1218. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the amount of funding provided to each facility in the State which provides hospice care for children for each of the years 2013 to date in 2016 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25290/16]

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

1222. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a breakdown of the total amount of per capita funding for adult hospice services and palliative care services with respect to each of the individual HSE regions for each of the years 2013 to date in 2016 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25299/16]

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

1223. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a breakdown of the total amount of per capita funding for children's hospice services and paediatric palliative care services with respect to each of the individual HSE regions for each of the years 2013 to date in 2016 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25300/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As these are service matters they have been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Health Services Staff Recruitment

Ceisteanna (1219)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

1219. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 441 of 17 December 2015, and for which a reply was subsequently issued by the HSE in which it was stated that paperwork relating to the position is to be processed by the national recruitment service, the status of the recruitment process with respect to this post; when it is expected that this post will be filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25292/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.

National Treatment Purchase Fund

Ceisteanna (1220)

Bobby Aylward

Ceist:

1220. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Health the timeline for the restoration of the National Treatment Purchase Fund as per the minority Government facilitation agreement between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25294/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

The Programme for Partnership Government (PfPG) emphasises the need for sustained commitment to improving waiting times for patients, with a particular focus on those patients waiting longest. It commits to €15 million funding to the NTPF for an initiative targeted at those waiting longest as part of a continued investment of €50 million per year to reduce waiting lists. The Department of Health is working closely with the HSE and the NTPF to develop specific initiatives focused on reducing waiting lists in 2017 in accordance with the PfPG's commitments.

Already this year, the NTPF has launched the Endoscopy Initiative 2016 which will assist in reducing waiting lists and waiting times for endoscopy procedures for those patients who are currently waiting over 12 months.

Health Services

Ceisteanna (1221)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

1221. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an eye test in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25296/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for reply to the Deputy.

Questions Nos. 1222 and 1223 answered with Question No. 1217.