Written Answers Nos. 318 - 341
318. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health his plans to outsource X-ray facilities which are normally provided at the orthodontic department of Merlin Park University Hospital in order that children who are on long waiting lists can avail of services and in order that new patients can avail of services. [32707/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
319. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the closing of nine beds in the Cottage Hospital in Drogheda, the threat of closure of the Cottage Hospital, and the closure of nine beds in St. Oliver's in Louth County Hospital, Dundalk; and if he will instruct the HSE to implement a fast-tracking process for the approval of the filling of nursing vacancies at national level similar to the 28 days for approval of vacancies for mental health services posts. [32709/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra320. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that despite local management of the Cottage Hospital in Drogheda submitting a business case for the approval of the filling of vacancies for nursing posts at the hospital in April 2016, that senior management of the HSE at national level only approved the filling of these vacancies in late September 2016 after they had closed 18 beds, nine in the Cottage Hospital and nine beds in St. Oliver's in Louth County Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32710/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 319 and 320 together.
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
321. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Health the progress on the promised 100-bed unit at St. Mary's, Dublin Road, Drogheda; the stage at which this new unit is at; and when he expects the 100-bed unit to be open. [32711/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
322. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health the illnesses and disabilities that automatically qualify a person for a medical card; the details of the severity and stage of the illness when the automatic qualification starts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32714/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE. The Act obliges the HSE to assess whether a person is unable, without due hardship, to arrange general practitioner services for himself or herself and his or her family, having regard to his or her overall financial position and reasonable expenditure and every application must be assessed on that basis. Under the legislation, having a particular illness, in itself, does not establish eligibility for a medical card and therefore, the medical conditions of applicants for this scheme are not monitored on that basis. Where the applicant's income is within the income guidelines, a medical card or GP visit card will be awarded.
Every effort is made by the HSE, within the framework of the legislation, to support applicants in applying for a medical card and, in particular, to take full account of the difficult circumstances in the case of applicants who may be in excess of the income guidelines. In certain circumstances, the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, even though an applicant exceeds his or her income threshold, where he or she faces difficult financial circumstances, such as extra costs arising from an illness. Social and medical issues are considered when determining whether undue hardship exists for an individual accessing general practitioner or other medical services. The HSE affords applicants the opportunity to furnish supporting information and documentation to fully take account of all the relevant circumstances that may benefit them in the assessment, including medical evidence of cost and necessary expenses.
The HSE has a system in place for the provision of medical cards in response to an emergency situation for persons with a serious medical condition in need of urgent or on-going medical care that they cannot afford and persons in palliative care, who are terminally ill. With the exception of terminally ill patients, all medical cards, granted on an emergency basis, are issued on the basis that the patient is eligible for a medical card on the basis of means or undue hardship, and will follow up with a full application within a number of weeks of receiving the medical card eligibility.
323. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the changes to the fair deal scheme in budget 2017, particularly in respect of asset value of farm land; if any further changes are proposed to the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32715/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS) is a system of financial support for those in need of long-term nursing home care. Participants contribute to the cost of their care according to their means while the State pays the balance of the cost. The Scheme aims to ensure that long-term nursing home care is accessible and affordable for everyone and that people are cared for in the most appropriate settings. A financial assessment is carried out by the HSE to determine how much a participant in the Scheme will contribute to the cost of their care.
Funding of €940 million will be available for the Scheme in 2017. This is an increase of €18.5million on the projected outturn for 2016. In line with the commitment contained in the Programme for a Partnership Government the funding provided will mean that approved applicants will have access to funding within approximately 4 weeks. The Scheme will support an additional 500 people in 2017 increasing the number supported to just over 23,600 by the end of the year.
When the Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS) commenced in 2009, a commitment was made that it would be reviewed after three years. The Report of the Review was published in July 2015. Arising out of the Review, a number of key issues have been identified for more detailed consideration across Departments and Agencies, including the treatment of business and farm assets for the purposes of the financial assessment element of the Scheme. In advance of the Review, submissions were sought from groups or bodies who wished to make a contribution, and the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) made a submission in this context on which they expanded at a subsequent meeting with officials of the Department of Health.
An Interdepartmental/Agency Working Group has been established to progress the recommendations contained in the Review. This group is chaired by the Department of Health and includes representatives from the Department of the Taoiseach, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, the HSE, the Revenue Commissioners and, when required, the National Treatment Purchase Fund. I have recently met with the IFA and invited them to present their submission at the next meeting of the Working Group. The Working Group met on the 11 of October and the IFA gave a verbal presentation to the Group. The issue is currently being considered.
The Programme for a Partnership Government has committed to reviewing the NHSS to remove any discrimination against small business and family farms.
324. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the amount of money that has been allocated under budget 2017 for the commencement of the new ambulance centre in Edenderry, County Offaly; the overall amount that has been committed for the project; the timeframe for completion of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32719/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
325. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health if the review it was agreed would be carried out during the negotiations for Government formation with regard to the expansion of air ambulance services throughout Ireland has taken place to date; if not, the reason therefor; when this review will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32724/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Partnership Government commits to a feasibility study on the extension of the Emergency Aeromedical Support Service. Work in relation to the study is at a preliminary stage and my officials are examining ways to bring this project forward.
326. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when he will be issuing a physiotherapy appointment for a person (details supplied) in County Galway in view of the fact that this person has been waiting for an appointment for some time now; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32729/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
327. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health if a drug (details supplied) can be legalised here. [32731/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community drug schemes; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
328. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be called for surgery. [32742/16]
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 the Deputy directly.
329. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health the status of a person (details supplied) awaiting admission to hospital for surgery. [32743/16]
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 the Deputy directly.
330. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health if dental work can be carried out for a person (details supplied) under their medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32744/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
331. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Health his views on the cancellation of orthodontic appointments (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32747/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
332. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when it is expected that a person (details supplied) in County Donegal shall receive an appointment for orthodontic treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32751/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
333. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health his views on whether it is appropriate that a person (details supplied) has been awaiting a monitor for sleep apnoea since August 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32752/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
334. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health the number of persons treated by the national treatment purchase fund, NTPF, that are on a waiting list for treatment from a consultant who also works privately carrying out that treatment for the NTPF (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32753/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnquiries have been made in relation to the Deputy's question, and on receipt of further information from the Deputy the enquiry will proceed.
335. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if an assistant for ASD will be provided for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32760/16]
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.
336. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Health if he will allocate funding to reinstate a project (details supplied); if he will consider providing funding in the future to reopen the project under SOS in view of the excellent feedback received regarding the benefits of the scheme for those with learning disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32805/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra337. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Health the procedure for accommodating those who were housed under a project (details supplied) who may have been only one year into a two or three-year lease at the time when funding was not forthcoming and the project disbanded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32806/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra338. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Health the process for accommodating a person (details supplied) who was actively engaged in a project before it was disbanded; if they will be housed by SOS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32807/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 336 to 338, inclusive, 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.
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.
339. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the instruction on a website (details supplied); the way in which the HSE has implemented this instruction; and the number of girls in each of the years 2011 to 2015 who where deemed unsuitable for the vaccine on the grounds that it was unsafe, with reference to these reactions after the HSE forms were completed and returned by the parents to the schools. [32816/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
340. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32817/16]
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 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 the Deputy directly.
341. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the number of staff employed by the HSE, including section 38 agencies, in certain grades (details supplied) broken down by CHO area, hospital groupings and section 38 agencies in tabular form. [32827/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.
