Written Answers Nos. 342 - 365
342. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when an operation will be provided for a person (details supplied) in County Galway; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32832/16]
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 your further query on this issue, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
343. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if any regulatory impact analysis has been conducted with respect to the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill 2015, particularly with respect to small and medium sized commercial retail enterprises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32837/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraA Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) was conducted with respect to the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill 2015. The RIA examined a range of options available to reduce alcohol consumption and associated harms including: No Policy Change, Undertake an Awareness/Information Campaign, Provide for Self-Regulation/Co-Regulation, Seek Higher Taxes on all alcohol products, Legislate for the implementation of recommendations contained in the National Substance Misuse Strategy. The RIA was published and is available at: http://health.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Appendix-IV-Regulatory-Impact-Analysis-RIA-Alcohol.pdf.
The General Heads of the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill 2015 also underwent pre-legislative scrutiny from the Joint Committee on Health and Children following their publication. This process aims to enhance the legislative process by allowing Committees' to identify and explore significant issues at an early stage with the aim of producing better regulations. The Committee held five public sessions and engaged with a wide range of stakeholders to consider the Heads of the Bill. It also received a substantial number of submissions. Overall, the Committee was generally supportive of the proposed measures.
344. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 386 of 18 October 2016, if he will clarify that mammography services will only be provided at Sligo University Hospital for two weeks during 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32838/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraA mobile mammography service for breast cancer patients who are 5 years post treatment will be located at Sligo University Hospital from 14 November for a period of approximately one week.
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. This service has adequate capacity to handle the approximate 250 patients per year who will be offered appointments.
345. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the retirement of a staff member at a hospital has resulted in the freezing of funding for treatment for a person (details supplied) despite the fact that the person was already approved to have the treatment; his plans to restore this funding and, if so, when; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32839/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
346. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health when he will make a decision on an application for funding (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32842/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department administers a National Lottery Discretionary Fund from which once-off grants are paid to community and voluntary organisations providing a range of health related services. Funding in 2016 amounts to €3.286m of which €585,000 has been allocated to date.
The application for funding received from the organisation referred to by the Deputy is among a large number of applications currently being assessed by my Department.
I will decide on the allocation of the remaining funds in the coming weeks. Once a decision has been made, organisations will be notified of the outcome of their application.
347. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway is not being provided with any home help hours in view of the fact that the person was in receipt of six hours of home help a week; the reason this has happened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32844/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
348. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be issued with a date for an orthodontic appointment; the reason for the delay in issuing this appointment in view of the fact that this person was due to undergo treatment in October 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32869/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
349. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the status of a prosthetic leg for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32875/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
350. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of appointing a general practitioner (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32876/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service issue, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
351. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health if he will provide sufficient funds to ensure that adequate home care package hours can be provided to persons in need of this package; if his attention has been drawn to the severe cutbacks made in the home care package hours in the west of Ireland; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that a person (details supplied) is a high dependency case and needs additional hours of home help; when this person will be allocated more home help hours in view of the fact that the hours were reduced and their medical condition has deteriorated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32879/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
352. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Health if he will issue a final response to a query that was sent to his office in July 2016 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32883/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the outset, I would like to apologise for the delay in replying to your representation. It was necessary to seek input from the HSE in relation to the response. I have replied to you in relation to your representations. For your information, the content of the letter is outlined below with the exception of personal information.
I have made enquires in the Health Service Executive (HSE) Nursing Midwifery Planning and Development Unit (NMPDU) and have been advised that they are not aware of an application from the person you are enquiring on behalf of. The NMPDU are aware that University College Cork (UCC) advertised its post graduate programmes for nurses and midwives in early January 2016 and had a closing date for receipt of applications on 10th June with programmes commencing in September 2016. A communication from the NMPDU was sent to all services on 5th February outlining their funding processes and the NMPDU extended its deadline date for receipt of applications for a number of weeks to facilitate services.
All funding applications to the NMPDU must be discussed with and supported by the applicant’s line manger in order to support service needs. The NMPDU have advised should the person you are enquiring on behalf of wish to apply for funding in the coming year and the application is supported by management in CUMH the NMPDU will be happy to consider same.
353. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health the status of his work to provide new treatments for Dravet syndrome in view of meetings with families affected and their call for access to cannabidiol. [32896/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraCannabidiol (CBD) is derived from cannabis. However, since it does not have psychoactive properties it is not controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Acts.
While I am aware that CBD oil is sometimes marketed as a nutritional or dietary supplement, it should be noted that it is not authorised as a medicinal product in Ireland. 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 medicinal product is based on a rigorous scientific assessment of the application against the criteria of safety, quality, efficacy, legal and regulatory requirements. I have no role in the process of authorising medicinal products.
To date, the HPRA has not received any applications for authorisation for any cannabis-based product other than the one authorised in 2014. If other cannabis-based medications come to market, and the marketing authorisation holder seeks to have the product made available in Ireland, it is likely that further legislative changes may be required to accommodate such a product.
Where a medicinal product 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. Therefore, if a CBD oil preparation does not contain an ingredient which is a controlled substance, such as THC, 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.
Patients suffering from Dravets syndrome should firstly discuss treatment options with their consulting doctor.
The issue of permitting the use of cannabis-based products for medical purposes in Ireland is likely to be considered in the context of the new National Drugs Strategy and I understand the Oireachtas Health Committee will consider the matter in the coming weeks.
I have met with affected families and am very sympathetic to the situation they are in, and I have also discussed this issue with the HPRA. I look forward to the deliberations of the Health Committee, and hope we can proceed on a cross-party basis to examine this matter on behalf of the patients.
354. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health if he will assist in arranging an admission date for surgery in respect of a person (details supplied) who urgently needs to be admitted to hospital. [32898/16]
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.
355. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in receipt of home help hours and home care packages in the Dublin Bay North constituency; the number on waiting lists, indicating the length of time waiting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32901/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
356. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the amount his Department spent on external legal advice in each of the years 2013, 2014 and 2015; the names of each of the legal firms that provided advice to his Department in each of those years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32907/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department is aware of the need to minimise costs and in general, avails of legal services and advice from the Office of the Attorney General and the Office of the Chief State Solicitor. My Department has a Legal Unit, staffed by qualified legal professionals who provide advice on a wide range of international legal issues. Having such "in-house" legal experts reduces the costs which would be incurred if the Department was to engage externally for similar services. However, occasionally specialised legal services are required.
The figures requested by the Deputy are not immediately available and I will revert to the Deputy once the Department has collated the required figures.
357. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite an appointment for persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32934/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service issue this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
358. 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; if consideration will be given to a request to permit this person to access the necessary treatment abroad under the cross border directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32959/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
359. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Health his plans to update the ambulance base in Carlow town; and the changes he will make to the existing base or if he plans to relocate the base within the St. Dympna's complex. [32961/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra368. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Health his plans to continue to have an ambulance base in Carlow town. [32985/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 359 and 368 together.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
360. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied); if he will ensure that there will be no further delay and surgery will go ahead as currently scheduled in order that there is no further deterioration in the person's condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32964/16]
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. I understand that there are capacity challenges at Temple St hospital contributing to cancellations. I trust that the hospital will endeavour to avoid further cancellations for this patient, however in relation to the specific case raised, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
361. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the situation at St. Vincent's Hospital, Dublin, with regard to the transplant of kidneys and pancreas following the retirement of a surgeon and the impact it is having on waiting lists; and the status of the staffing of theatre nurses. [32968/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn extensive programme of work has been undertaken in St Vincent’s University Hospital (SVUH) to enable the transfer of the Pancreatic Transplant Programme from Beaumont Hospital following the retirement of a surgeon there. This work included:
- the development and implementation of a multi-disciplinary team approach:
- the recruitment of additional personnel including an additional transplant surgeon, an additional transplant fellow, two transplant co-ordinators, a clinical nurse manager and a clinical facilitator for transplant in theatre;
- engagement with external parties including establishing links with the Royal Infirmary Transplant Centre in Edinburgh;
- nurse education and training.
A delay in progressing nurse training has arisen due to an Industrial Relations issue which has been referred to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).
362. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the reason an application and appeal for a medical card was refused in the case of a person (details supplied); if the application will be reviewed as a matter of urgency with particular reference to the medical circumstances of this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32975/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
363. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health his views on whether the cost of care figures published by the HSE on 5 October 2016, for care in its nursing homes, reflects the true costs incurred for providing nursing home care; the additional elements of the cost of the State running nursing homes that are not included; if he will provide the figures for these other elements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32976/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra364. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health his views on whether it is discriminatory practice to pay a national average of 53% to public nursing homes relative to private and voluntary nursing homes; the reason for the variances in fees payable for nursing home care across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32977/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 363 and 364 together.
The Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS) is a system of financial support for those assessed as needing long-term nursing home care. Participants contribute 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 setting. 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. It is important to note that, regardless of the weekly cost of operating a public nursing home, a resident will only be asked to contribute what has been ascertained by the financial assessment as their weekly contribution under the Scheme.
The legislation underpinning the Scheme requires each private nursing home to negotiate and agree a price for long-term residential care services with the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) should they wish to be an approved nursing home for the purposes of the Scheme. The NTPF has statutory independence in the performance of its function, and negotiates with each nursing home on an individual basis. The Department of Health has no role in such negotiations. The NTPF may examine the records and accounts of nursing homes as part of the process with the objective of setting a fair price which delivers value for money to the individual and the State. In negotiating with nursing homes, the NTPF has regard to:
- Costs reasonably and prudently incurred by the nursing home and evidence of value for money;
- Price(s) previously charged;
- Local market price; and
- Budgetary constraints and the obligation on the State to use available resources in the most beneficial, effective and efficient manner to improve, promote and protect the health and welfare of the public.
The NHSS covers the cost of the standard components of long-term residential care which are:
- Nursing and personal care appropriate to the level of care needs of the person;
- Bed and board;
- Basic aids and appliances necessary to assist a person with the activities of daily living; and
- Laundry service.
Although the NHSS covers core living expenses, residents can still incur some costs in a private or voluntary nursing home, e.g. social programmes, newspapers or hairdressing. In recognition of this, anyone in receipt of financial support under the NHSS retains at least 20% of their income. The minimum amount that is retained is the equivalent of 20% of the State Pension (Non-Contributory). An operator should not seek payment from residents for items which are covered by the NHSS, the medical card or any other existing scheme. However, it should be noted that there are no additional charges for residents in public facilities once their NHSS contribution has been assessed.
When the 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. A number of issues have been identified for more detailed consideration, including a review of pricing mechanisms by the NTPF, with a view to:
- Ensuring value for money and economy, with the lowest possible administrative costs for clients and the State and administrative burden for providers;
- Increasing the transparency of the pricing mechanism so that existing and potential investors can make as informed decisions as possible; and
- Ensuring that there is adequate residential capacity for those residents with more complex needs.
A Steering Committee has been established to oversee the review of the pricing system for private long-term residential care facilities. This Steering Committee is chaired by the NTPF and includes representatives from the Department of Health, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, and the NTPF, and has commenced its work in this area.
The HSE has recently published the cost of care for all public nursing homes. There are a number of reasons why the costs of public facilities are generally higher than those in the private sector, including a higher nurse staffing ratio and the impact of public service rates of pay and conditions of employment.
The geographical spread of residential placements is also a factor. In some rural areas long stay beds are provided for geographical reasons in smaller centres which would not be profitable for a private provider to supply, e.g. Achill Island; Donegal.
It is important that public facilities operate as efficiently and economically as possible, and towards that end the HSE is already engaged in a comprehensive exercise to review and streamline the operation and cost structures of public facilities. Differences in the comparative cost of public and private long-term residential care will be the subject of a Value for Money and Policy Review to be undertaken by the Department of Health in 2017 to assess reasons for and components of current cost differentials.
365. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when a bed will be provided for a person (details supplied) in the Central Mental Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32980/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service issue this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
