Tuesday, 18 Oct 2016

Written Answers Nos. 385-409

Cancer Research

Ceisteanna (385)

Billy Kelleher

Ceist:

385. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he will increase the level of investment for cancer trials in the coming year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30201/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Since 2005, the Health Research Board (HRB), a statutory agency under the aegis of my Department, has invested approximately €53m in the development of a network of cancer clinical trials in hospitals across Ireland.

The aims of this initiative are to ensure that a significant proportion of patients have the option to participate in the latest clinical trials, to improve the quality of care and access to the latest therapies and to establish a coordinated approach to cancer trials.

The HRB funding is provided to Clinical Trials Ireland (CTI) to support clinical trials at hospital sites, as well as the CTI Group Central Office and a Statistics and Data Management Office based in Galway. The HRB is committed to investing a further €8.995m in Clinical Trials Ireland, and €1.284m in the Statistics and Data Management Office, in the three years from 2016 to 2018.

Cancer Screening Programmes

Ceisteanna (386)

Eamon Scanlon

Ceist:

386. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health the details of the programme for mammography services at Sligo University Hospital over the next 12 months; the dates on which mammography services will be available in Tubbercurry, County Sligo and Sligo University Hospital over the next 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30207/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I have been advised that the BreastCheck programme will return to Sligo before the end of November and will provide screening services there for approximately 6 months. The BreastCheck mobile unit is scheduled to visit Tubbercurry around September next year.

A mobile mammography service for breast cancer patients who are 5 years post treatment will also be located at Sligo University Hospital from 14 November for a period of approximately one week. Letters outlining the service will issue to all eligible patients shortly.

It is envisaged that this mammography service will also be provided in Sligo twice during 2017, for a period of up to one week per visit. Approximately 250 patients per year will be offered appointments.

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (387)

Billy Kelleher

Ceist:

387. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an appointment for assessment for a possible surgical treatment. [30208/16]

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.

Disability Allowance Payments

Ceisteanna (388)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

388. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a HSE payment in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30210/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I understand that the Health Service Executive (HSE) replied to the Deputy's question of 16th September last regarding this case, on 27 September, 2016. As the Deputy is unable to provide further details on this matter, the position as outlined by the HSE in their reply of the 27 September still stands. I will be happy to refer the matter further to the HSE should the Deputy obtain any additional details in relation to the case.

Respite Care Services Provision

Ceisteanna (389)

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

389. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health his views on an identified need for additional adult respite accommodation and services in County Louth to cater for older adults living at home with older parents, young adults with challenging behaviour and further to facilitate families in emergency or crisis situations; if he will make funding available to provide such essential services in County Louth; when such additional services will be available to families in the county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30220/16]

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.

Health Products Regulatory Authority

Ceisteanna (390)

Michael Collins

Ceist:

390. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Health the reason the Health Products Regulatory Authority has banned the sale of apricot kernels here with no evidence that this product can be dangerous (details supplied); and his views on the matter [30224/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Apricot kernels contain the naturally occurring plant toxin amygdalin, which converts to cyanide after eating. Cyanide poisoning can cause nausea, fever, headaches, insomnia, thirst, lethargy, nervousness, joint and muscle aches and pains, and falling blood pressure. In extreme cases, it can be fatal.

The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) is the competent authority in Ireland for human medicines. If the product information or promotional material for any specific brand of apricot kernels claimed that the product can treat or prevent disease in humans, it would have to be authorised by the HPRA as a medicinal product before being put on the Irish market. There are no medicines containing apricot kernels authorised by the HPRA and the HPRA does not endorse or support their use for the prevention or treatment of cancer.

However in many cases specific brands of apricot kernels will not make medicinal claims and may be marketed as foods. Where apricot kernels are marketed as foods and do not make medicinal claims, they are regulated by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) rather than the HPRA. The HPRA is aware that the FSAI has advised consumers against eating apricot kernels due to the risk of cyanide poisoning and further information in this regard is available on the FSAI’s website:

https://www.fsai.ie/news_centre/press_releases/apricot_kernels_advice_12052016.html .

Any queries in relation to the marketing of apricot kernels as foods, the sourcing of foods from UK health stores, or the advice published on the FSAI website should be addressed to the FSAI as these aspects fall outside the remit of the HPRA.

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (391)

Pat Deering

Ceist:

391. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will have an operation for scoliosis. [30225/16]

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 (392)

Brian Stanley

Ceist:

392. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be called for an appointment at Tullamore hospital. [30226/16]

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.

Medical Aids and Appliances Provision

Ceisteanna (393)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

393. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of the provision of HSE equipment in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30233/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

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

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (394)

Jack Chambers

Ceist:

394. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30237/16]

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.

Traveller Community

Ceisteanna (395)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

395. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health his plans to meet with the Carrickmines steering committee to discuss the long-term needs of the survivors and bereaved family members of the tragic fire on 12 October 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30244/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The Health Service Executive continues to work closely with Traveller Organisations and Agencies to ensure ongoing availability of psychological services for those affected by the tragedy and will continue to respond to any requests for services from families and extended families involved. The psychological and wider needs of the survivors and bereaved family members will continue to emerge over time and I am confident that this will continue to be monitored in line with the collaborative process currently in place via the Steering Committee and with the other agencies and organisations involved. I recently responded to representations received from the Chairperson of the Carrickmines Steering Committee in which I set out the HSE's ongoing commitment to the work of the Steering Committee. I have offered to meet with the Chairperson of the Steering Committee if she feels that a meeting would be useful.

Question No. 396 answered with Question No. 48.

Nursing Staff Data

Ceisteanna (397)

John Lahart

Ceist:

397. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health the proportion of student nurses who take up employment in Ireland following graduation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30248/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

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 HSE. I have referred the Deputy's question to the HSE for direct reply.

Services for People with Disabilities

Ceisteanna (398, 408, 409, 411, 412)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

398. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the allocation made to St. John of God, St. Raphael's adult services, Celbridge in respect of adult services in 2014, 2015 and to date 2016; the number of persons it was to fund; the way it proportionately compares to other adult services in the same years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30256/16]

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

408. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if staff ratios are sufficient from a health and safety perspective at St. John of God, St. Raphael's, Celbridge, particularly at the beginning and end of the day, for adult day services and where staff members are deployed driving the bus as part of their normal working hours; if sufficient resources are provided to cover this aspect of the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30335/16]

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

409. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the amount that was spent securing services for adult services associated with St. John of God, St. Raphael's, Celbridge; the companies and providers that were involved; the amount they were individually paid in 2014, 2015 and to date in 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30336/16]

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

411. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the methodology that is used in deciding which persons attending St. John of God adult services, St. Raphael's, Celbridge are provided with transport to and from the services; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that very vulnerable adults are expected to use public transport and that there is a lack of transparency as to the way decisions are arrived at; if this is at variance with other service providers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30339/16]

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

412. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the alternatives which will be provided to persons who have been receiving day services at St. John of God adult services, St, Raphael's, Celbridge when the day services are ceased as announced to the families of those persons some weeks ago; the alternative services being considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30351/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 398, 408, 409, 411 and 412 together.

As the Deputy's questions relate to service matters, I have arranged for the questions to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.

Health Services Provision

Ceisteanna (399)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

399. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of vacancies still unfilled in respect of speech and language, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and so on; the locations involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30258/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As this 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.

Medical Records

Ceisteanna (400)

Peter Burke

Ceist:

400. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health if he will release the medical records for a deceased person (details supplied) to the person's family. [30265/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

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

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (401)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

401. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the status of an appointment for a person (details supplied) with a specialist consultant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30313/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As the question being asked by the Deputy relates to a service matter I have referred the question to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply.

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (402)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

402. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite an outpatient appointment in respect of a person (details supplied). [30314/16]

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.

Respite Care Services Availability

Ceisteanna (403)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

403. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the respite beds that are currently available to persons from the adult services at St. John of God, St Raphael's, Celbridge; the way that compares to 2014 and 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30315/16]

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.

Services for People with Disabilities

Ceisteanna (404, 406, 407)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

404. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which the requisite number of residential and day places are likely to continue to be made available at St. Raphael's Celbridge, County Kildare, with particular reference to ensuring availability of the required services for children and adults depending on their special needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30316/16]

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

406. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the degree to which he remains satisfied regarding the availability of sufficient residential, day places and school places for children and adults with special needs currently attending various centres including Genil House, Maynooth and educational child or adult services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30325/16]

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

407. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which respite care and respite care grants can be restored in the current year with particular reference to the needs of parents and children throughout north Kildare and the rest of the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30327/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 404, 406 and 407 together.

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 questions relate to service matters, I have arranged for the questions to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.

Question No. 405 answered with Question No. 380.

Questions No. 406 and 407 answered with Question No. 404.

Questions Nos. 408 and 409 answered with Question No. 398.