Written Answers Nos. 406 - 429
406. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 280 of 10 November 2016, the details of the general practitioner contract; the side which has broken it or not fulfilled their side of it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35835/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the terms of the GMS contract, GPs are required to be routinely available for consultation by eligible persons at an approved surgery or surgeries and for domiciliary visiting for a total of 40 hours each week on five days or more in the week by agreement with the HSE. The GP's hours of availability must have regard to patients' needs in the locality and these cannot be amended without the agreement of the HSE.
Medical practitioners contracted under the GMS scheme are also required to make suitable arrangements to enable contact with them or a locum/deputy outside normal hours for urgent cases. The HSE would encourage all GMS GPs to be members of GP cooperatives as this ensures a responsive and accessible service for their patients during out-of-hour periods. Where GPs decide not to become members of out-of-hours cooperatives they must still discharge their contractual obligation in terms of out-of-hours provision in accordance with their GMS contract.
The particular issues raised by the Deputy are service matters for the HSE. Accordingly, I have arrange for the question to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
407. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of filled radiographer posts in each hospital for the past three years and to date in 2016, in tabular form; the number of resignations in each hospital by year; the number of vacancies that remain unfilled for each hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35839/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra408. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the actions being taken by the HSE to recruit radiographers and to ease the pressure being felt by those currently operating in the system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35840/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 407 and 408 together.
I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.
409. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be issued a date for an orthopaedic operation; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35860/16]
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 you directly.
410. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health his views on the policy of some hospitals presenting private insurance patient forms to patients to sign when they are not in a fit state to understand the implications of the items they are signing; if he will draw up guidelines for the hospitals to ensure that patients never feel that they have to sign a form until the hospital staff are confident that the patients are in a fit state to both sign and understand the implications of signing such forms; if he will develop a procedure for recourse for patients who feel that they have signed forms when they were not in a fit state of mind to do so and who are now receiving large invoices for care which they received as a public patient (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35863/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 55 of the Health Act 1970 (as amended) provides that the Health Service Executive (HSE) may provide private in-patient services to persons who are not entitled to, or who do not have or have waived eligibility to public in-patient services. An essential element of the eligibility arrangements is that the public or private status of a patient must be specified on admission to hospital. Section 55 also provides for the charging of private in-patients. Where a patient elects to be treated privately by a consultant the hospital must treat that patient as a private patient. Persons who opt to be private on admission to hospital are liable for the fees of all consultants involved in his or her care and for hospital charges under Section 55 for that episode of care.
It is the case that only those who express their wish to be treated as private patients are subjected to the private charges under Section 55 of the Health Act. It is not the act of having private health insurance which makes a person a private patient but rather the waiving of their eligibility for public hospital services. Where a patient elects to be treated privately by a consultant, the hospital must treat that patient as a private patient.
While everyone ordinarily resident in Ireland is entitled to use a public hospital, an essential element of the eligibility arrangements is that the public or private status of a patient must be specified on admission to hospital. The main benefits cited by people for having private health insurance are the choice of consultant and hospital.
The procedure concerning the issuing of private health insurance forms is a matter for the HSE and I have asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy on this matter. However, the HSE has confirmed that it does not have any policy to operate the private in-patient charging in the manner suggested and will investigate any cases brought to its attention.
411. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the dental care provision available to children between the ages of 12 and 16 years of age in areas where school dentists are unable to visit schools due to limited resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35865/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
412. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if private dentists are permitted to treat the children of medical card holders between the ages of 12 and 16 years of age under the GMS scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35866/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Dental Treatment Service Scheme (DTSS), which is delivered by private dentists who have contracts with the HSE, provides access to dental treatment for medical card holders aged over 16 only. Dental services for children up to 16 years of age are provided by the Public Dental Service of the HSE through its dental clinics. The National Oral Health Policy, which the Department of Health is currently developing, will inform future provision of dental services. This three-year project, which commenced in 2014, is being led by the Chief Dental Officer and is due to be completed early in 2017.
413. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health the annual per capita costs for the year 2006, in respect of each of the 72 residential centres for adults with intellectual disabilities reviewed by the working group on congregated settings in 2011, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35869/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE’s report “Time to Move on from Congregated Settings – A Strategy for Community Inclusion”, (2011) proposes a new model of support in the community by moving people from institutional settings to the community. The plan is being rolled out at a regional and local level and involves full consultation with stakeholders.
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to continue to move people with disabilities out of congregated settings, to enable them to live independently and to be included in the community. Currently, 2725 people live in congregated settings and our objective is to reduce this figure by one-third by 2021 and ultimately, to eliminate all congregated settings.
The HSE has established a subgroup, under ‘Transforming Lives’, the Programme to implement the recommendations of the Value for Money and Policy Review of Disability Services, which is developing an implementation plan for moving people from institutions. I welcome the fact that the needs of people moving from congregated settings will be fully taken into account during this process as the model of care for individuals will be based on a person centred plan.
The HSE's 2016 National Service Plan has set a target of 165 people to move from institutions in 2016 into suitable accommodation. Earlier this year, I announced that we are providing €100 million in capital funding from now until 2021 in respect of acquiring and renovating properties in priority institutions identified by the HSE. This will ensure that people are able to move out of congregated settings, and into their own homes in the community. I want to emphasise that the appropriate supports and resources are being put in place to ensure that people are supported as they move out of residential centres.
In addition, I am pleased to note that the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government is providing €10 million under the Capital Assistance Scheme to provide suitable accommodation for people transitioning from institutions in 2016. The HSE estimate that a further 100 people could benefit from this initiative. €1 million in ring-fenced leasing funding is also being made available by the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government in 2016 to support people moving from institutions into suitable social housing in the community. This demonstrates the joined up commitment of both Departments to support the de-congregation programme.
The HSE has developed a three strand approach to accelerate transitions from institutions in the period 2016-2021, with a target of 900 people to move to more suitable accommodation in this period.
- Strand 1 - is focussed on large institutional settings at high risk of not meeting HIQA Standards;
- Strand 2 - is focussed on moving people into suitable social housing in the community through the Department of Environment schemes; and
- Strand 3 - is focussed on remaining service users in congregated settings who could move to suitable accommodation.
As the HSE is responsible for leading out on the recommendations on "Time to Move on from Congregated Settings - A Strategy for Community Inclusion", I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
414. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if there are talks or negotiations taking place for the cystic fibrosis drug Kalydeco to make it more cost effective for two to five year olds; the reason Kalydeco is not given to two to five year olds at the same agreed price as six years of age and over; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35870/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drugs schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.
In line with the 2013 Act, if a Company would like a medicine to be reimbursed by the HSE pursuant to the Community Drug Schemes or as a hospital medicine, the Company must first submit an application to the HSE to have the new medicine added to the Reimbursement List or to be priced as a hospital medicine. The Company must submit a separate application to extend a treatment to a new cohort of patients. Each application is considered separately on its merits and in line with the 2013 Act.
In reaching its decision, the HSE examines all the evidence which may be relevant in its view for the decision (including the information/dossier submitted by the Company) and will take into account such expert opinions and recommendations which may have been sought by the HSE at its sole discretion (for example, from the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics).
In considering an application, the HSE will also have regard to Part 1 and Part 3 of Schedule 3 of the 2013 Act. Part 3 requires the HSE to have regard to the following criteria:
1. the health needs of the public;
2. the cost-effectiveness of meeting health needs by supplying the item concerned rather than providing other health services;
3. the availability and suitability of items for supply or reimbursement;
4. the proposed costs, benefits and risks of the item or listed item relative to therapeutically similar items or listed items provided in other health service settings and the level of certainty in relation to the evidence of those costs, benefits and risks;
5. the potential or actual budget impact of the item or listed item;
6. the clinical need for the item or listed item;
7. the appropriate level of clinical supervision required in relation to the item to ensure patient safety;
8. the efficacy (performance in trial), effectiveness (performance in real situations) and added therapeutic benefit against existing standards of treatment (how much better it treats a condition than existing therapies); and
9. the resources available to the HSE.
As the HSE is responsible for the negotiations with manufacturers I have asked them to reply to the Deputy directly in relation to whether or not negotiations have taken place with the manufacturer.
415. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Health his views on the recent audit at Mercy University Hospital, Cork, by HIQA (details supplied); his further views on the high infection prevention and control risks revealed in that report; the steps he will take to rectify the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35889/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraEach year, HIQA carries out a number of unannounced inspections in public acute hospitals in Ireland to monitor compliance with the National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections. The aim of unannounced inspections such as these is to assess hygiene in the hospital as observed by the inspection team and experienced by patients at any given time.
In response to HIQA's findings, each hospital is expected to develop a Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) that prioritises the improvements necessary to comply with the National Standards. These plans must be published and made accessible on the websites of the individual hospitals within six weeks of publication of the Authority's report.
HIQA's work in this field is to be commended and is something I place a high value on in my role as Minister for Health. It is vital that all elements of the Health service strive to reach best practice standards in all areas of their work, and the inspection regime put in place by HIQA is playing a major role in driving improvements across the health service.
As the updating of the QIP is an operational matter I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly on this point.
416. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health the reason a person's family (details supplied) were not informed of case funding review meetings; if any further case funding review meetings will take place; if a date will be fixed for the assessment from the HSE that the person has been due to receive since March 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35891/16]
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 an individual case, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
417. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Health his plans to bring forward legislation on surrogacy. [35908/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn February 2015, the then Minister for Health received Government approval to draft a General Scheme of legislative provisions for assisted human reproduction (AHR) and associated research. The proposed AHR legislation will include specific provisions relating to surrogacy and the assignment of parentage in such cases.
The proposed legislation will take cognisance of the 2014 Supreme Court judgment in the MR & Anor v An tArd Chláraitheoir & Ors (surrogacy) case, which found that the birth mother, rather than the genetic mother, is the legal mother. It is envisaged that the legislation will establish a mechanism for transfer of parentage from the surrogate (and her husband, if she has one) to the intending parents.
In addition, it is envisaged that under the surrogacy provisions, at least one of the intending parents will have to be genetically related to the child. Surrogacy will be permitted on an altruistic basis where the payment of defined and receiptable reasonable expenses will be allowed, however, commercial surrogacy will be prohibited.
It is the intention that the legislation in this area will protect, promote and ensure the health and safety of parents, others involved in the process (such as donors and surrogate mothers) and, most importantly, the children who will be born as a result of AHR.
Drafting of the General Scheme is in progress and it is envisaged this will be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2017. Once the General Scheme is complete, I intend to submit it to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children for pre-legislative scrutiny.
418. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health if he will review the section of the long stay contribution scheme that allows a person to retain only €33 per week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35911/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraLegislation to commence residential support services maintenance and accommodation contributions (long stay contributions) will come into operation on 1 January 2017 under sections 67A to 67D of the Health Act 1970 and the Health (Residential Support Services Maintenance and Accommodation Contributions) Regulations 2016. From that date, long stay contributions will replace the existing system of long stay charges for in-patient services (under section 53 of the Health Act 1970 and associated regulations).
The long stay contributions framework requires that affordable contributions be made towards maintenance and accommodation costs by service users in residential settings where services are provided directly by the HSE or by agencies funded under Section 38 of the Health Act 2004 to provide services on behalf of the HSE. The framework reflects modern residential support models (primarily in the disability, mental health and care of older people sectors).
From 1 January 2017, long stay contributions will apply to the further provision of residential support services (other than acute in-patient services and nursing home services provided to those supported under the Nursing Homes Support Scheme/Fair Deal), to persons who have already received at least 30 days of such services during the immediately preceding 12-month period, irrespective of where those 30 days of residential support services have been received.
Long stay contributions will be contributions towards the maintenance and accommodation costs associated with providing residential support services (similarly, charges under the existing long stay charges system are charges in respect of the maintenance element of the in-patient services provided).
The Health (Residential Support Services Maintenance and Accommodation Contributions) Regulations 2016 provide for three different classes of income-based long stay contributions towards accommodation and maintenance costs in three accommodation categories:
- Category A (to which this question relates) refers to accommodation where 24-hour nursing and/or medical care is provided, subject to a maximum of €175 per week for a person whose income is €208 per week or more. These rates are identical to the rates which currently apply under the existing long stay charges system.
- Category B relates to contributions payable by those in accommodation where part-time nursing and/or medical care is provided and is subject to a maximum of €130 per week for a person whose income is €194 per week or more. Again, these rates are unchanged from the current system.
- Category C relates to all other non-nursing settings (such as independent living settings), subject to a maximum of €70 per week for a person whose income is €188 per week or more.
In all three accommodation categories, contribution rates will be on sliding scales, with proportionally lower contribution rates applying to those on lower incomes.
Affordability and the avoidance of financial hardship are built-in features of the long stay contributions provisions (as with the existing long stay charges system):
- Firstly, section 67C of the Health Act 1970 caps the maximum contribution amount that may be set at 80% of the non-contributory State Pension weekly rate.
- Secondly, the relevant Regulations are structured to ensure that those making long stay contributions will retain income for personal use of at least €33 per week for Category A residents (in full-time nursing settings), at least €64 per week for Category B residents (in part-time nursing settings) and at least €118 for Category C residents (non-nursing settings).
- Thirdly, section 67D of the Health Act 1970 provides that the HSE may reduce or waive a contribution where appropriate, in order to:
- avoid undue financial hardship on the part of the service user and/or on the part of the service user’s dependants,
- advance a service user’s identified needs (e.g. care plan objectives), or
- take account of separate contributions (if any) made by a service user towards his or her maintenance or accommodation costs.
To assist in the fair application of the framework, the HSE has developed national guidelines for the correct determination of long stay contributions and comprehensive waiver guidelines (approved by the Ministers for Health and Public Expenditure and Reform) on the individual circumstances where such contributions may need to be reduced or waived. The guidelines specify that service providers must have regard to the individual circumstances of each service user and his or her dependants. The guidelines ensure that the applicable contribution may be reduced or waived where appropriate, taking account of each person’s income and necessary outgoings, including reasonable regular financial commitments, with a view to ensuring there is no unfair burden on the service user or on his or her dependants.
I am satisfied that the long stay contribution scheme which will commence on 1 January 2017 and the existing long stay charges scheme are reasonable and fair and ensure that each service user's contributions are based on what he or she can afford, taking account of the service user's individual circumstances.
419. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Donegal can expect to be transferred from Beaumont Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35922/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service issue this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
420. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health the position regarding negotiations for a new GP contract; if he will consider introducing a salary for general practitioners to provide a service in rural areas as part of these talks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35923/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe development of primary care is central to the Government's objective to deliver a high-quality, integrated and cost effective health service. The Programme for Government commits to a decisive shift within the health service towards primary care in order to deliver better care close to home in communities across the country. The development of a new, modernised contract for the provision of general practitioner services will be a key element in facilitating this process.
Engagements to date have seen the Department of Health, HSE and IMO agree a number of service developments including: the introduction of a Diabetes Cycle of Care for adult patients with Type 2 Diabetes; an enhanced support framework for rural GPs, which has seen an increase in the number of qualifying GPs to over 300; and a revised list of special items of service under the contract to encourage the provision of more services in the primary care setting. These measures, combined with the under-6s and over-70s initiatives, have increased the financial support for general practice.
Preparations for the next phase of discussions on a new GP contract are under way. These discussions will address a wide range of issues, including the role of GPs in delivering chronic care within the community. The option of salaried GPs for areas where it has proven difficult to attract and retain GP services, for example in isolated or socially deprived areas, is one of the issues I intend to have considered in the context of the development of a new contract. I expect that further engagement with GP representative bodies will take place before the end of the year.
421. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when an operation will be provided for a person (details supplied); the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35924/16]
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 you directly.
422. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Health if it is possible to arrange for persons receiving the blind welfare allowance to receive their payment directly into a designated bank or post office account such as all other allowances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35925/16]
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.
The particular issue raised by the Deputy is a service matter for the HSE. Accordingly I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
423. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health his views on the NCPE decision on kalydeco for young children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35938/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drugs schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.
In line with the 2013 Act, if a Company would like a medicine to be reimbursed by the HSE pursuant to the Community Drug Schemes or as a hospital medicine, the Company must first submit an application to the HSE to have the new medicine (or line extension) added to the Reimbursement List or to be priced as a hospital medicine.
In reaching its decision, the HSE examines all the evidence which may be relevant in its view for the decision (including the information/dossier submitted by the Company) and will take into account such expert opinions and recommendations which may have been sought by the HSE at its sole discretion including the assessment of the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE).
The NCPE conducts health technology assessments (HTAs) of pharmaceutical products for the HSE, and can make recommendations on reimbursement to assist the HSE in its decision-making process. In March of this year the HSE asked the NCPE to carry out a HTA of the applicant’s economic dossier on the cost effectiveness of Kalydeco.
The NCPE completed its assessment and made a recommendation in October 2016. The NCPE determined that the manufacturer failed to demonstrate cost-effectiveness of the drug for its intended cohort of patients and did not recommend that it should be reimbursed for this indication at the submitted price.
The NCPE recommendation is only one part of the HSE's decision-making process when considering the drug for reimbursement. In considering an application, the HSE will also have regard to Part 1 and Part 3 of Schedule 3 of the 2013 Act. Part 3 requires the HSE to have regard to the following criteria:
1. the health needs of the public;
2. the cost-effectiveness of meeting health needs by supplying the item concerned rather than providing other health services;
3. the availability and suitability of items for supply or reimbursement;
4. the proposed costs, benefits and risks of the item or listed item relative to therapeutically similar items or listed items provided in other health service settings and the level of certainty in relation to the evidence of those costs, benefits and risks;
5. the potential or actual budget impact of the item or listed item;
6. the clinical need for the item or listed item;
7. the appropriate level of clinical supervision required in relation to the item to ensure patient safety;
8. the efficacy (performance in trial), effectiveness (performance in real situations) and added therapeutic benefit against existing standards of treatment (how much better it treats a condition than existing therapies); and
9. the resources available to the HSE.
424. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if additional home help will be provided to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35939/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
425. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health if he will request health insurers not to pass on the cost of the health insurance levy to families and health insurance policyholders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35944/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraRisk equalisation is a mechanism designed to support the objective of a community rated health insurance market, whereby all customers pay the same net premium (adjusted to reflect any loadings applicable under lifetime community rating) for the same health insurance product, irrespective of age, gender or health status.
It is important to note that increasing the stamp duty levies does not increase costs across the market. All of the monies collected by way of stamp duty are transferred to a Risk Equalisation Fund administered by the Health Insurance Authority and redistributed back to health insurance companies by way of credits in respect of older and sicker people. Increasing the credits and stamp duties under the scheme is needed to continue to share costs across the market.
The amount of any increase or decrease individual insurers pass on to consumers is a commercial decision for each of them. Insurance companies operate as commercial providers and as Minister for Health, I have no legal power to intervene in relation to any insurer’s prices. The cost of private health insurance is influenced by a number of factors such as the number of persons in the market, the age profile of those holding private health insurance and ongoing medical innovations. Each of these are contributors to the cost of care, the cost of claims and therefore the cost of premiums payable.
We have a highly competitive insurance market. Many consumers can make savings on their health insurance premiums by reviewing their level of cover to ensure that their needs are being met, without being over-insured. The Health Insurance Authority website offers a clear price comparison and can be accessed at www.hia.ie. All of the health insurers provide a number of lower cost plans, affording consumers the opportunity to find value in the market and to access the level of cover appropriate to their individual or family needs.
426. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health the way in which community organisations supporting persons with mental health issues can access funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35947/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the National Lottery Act (1986), the Department of Health operates a National Lottery Discretionary fund under which once-off grants are provided to organisations for the provision of health related services. The fund is aimed at community groups and voluntary organisations operating in Ireland providing health services to specific client groups (like people with mental health issues), providing information and support for various disabilities and illnesses or groups with a specific interest. This funding is for once-off initiatives, and is not designed for on-going running costs or staff.
However, in relation to other funding opportunities available to community organisations, the HSE has a statutory responsibility for the provision of health services. As such any applications for funding should be made to the HSE directly. This query has been referred to the HSE for further information on this process.
427. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health the funding provided to the Tallaght drug and alcohol task force each year since its foundation in 1997 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35949/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra428. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he will consider increasing the funding to the Tallaght drug and alcohol task force in view of the fact that the task force did not receive a commensurate increase in its budget following the increase in its responsibilities when alcohol was added to its remit in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35950/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra429. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health his views on increasing the budget for drug and alcohol task forces; his further views on whether increased funding should form part of the new strategic action plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35951/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 427 to 429, inclusive, together.
In line with the National Drugs Strategy, the Government is committed to continuing support for initiatives to tackle the drug problem. In the 2017 budget, an additional €3m has been provided for a number of measures aimed at improving the health outcomes of those affected by addiction issues. The increased funding will support the development of a pilot supervised injection facility in Dublin city centre, the wider availability of alternative opiate substitution treatments for those who are not suited to methadone, improved services for under 18s and more detoxification beds.
Drug and Alcohol Task Forces play a key role in assessing the extent and nature of the drug problem in their areas and in coordinating action at local level, so that there is a targeted response to the problem of substance misuse in local communities. Every effort has been made to protect the budgets of Drug and Alcohol Task Forces in recent years. In excess of €27.6m has been allocated to the Task Forces for community-based drugs initiatives this year, the same amount provided in 2014 and 2015. The Department of Health will shortly be writing to Task Forces to invite them to submit their recommendations for funding of drugs initiatives in 2017. It is a matter for Task Forces to ensure that their budget is effectively deployed to address current priorities and locally identified needs.
The budget allocation for Tallaght Local Drug and Alcohol Task Force for 2010 - 2016 are set out in the following table. Details of the allocation for Tallaght Local Drug and Alcohol Task Force before 2010 are not readily available.
|
Tallaght |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 DOH |
2014 HSE |
2015 DOH |
2015 HSE |
2016 DOH |
2016 HSE |
|
LDATF |
1,316,913 |
1,281,356 |
1,250,347 |
1,262,837 |
452,712 |
782,240 |
341,438 |
893,514 |
336,022 |
898,930 |
|
Total |
1,316,913 |
1,281,356 |
1,250,347 |
1,262,837 |
1,234,952 |
1,234,952 |
1,234,952 |
