Written Answers Nos. 194-205
194. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the timetable and milestones for the policy development and public consultation process on home care as set out by the Minister of State in her contribution on Second Stage of the Nursing Home Support Scheme (Amendment) Bill 2016; and the target date or dates for the introduction of new legislation. [6502/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is Government policy that long-term nursing home care should be a last resort and we want to develop home care services to provide a more viable alternative to nursing home care for a greater number of people.
It is my view, and that of the Government, that we need a standalone funding scheme designed for homecare that recognises its particular characteristics together with regulation of homecare services. The development of a regulatory and funding model for homecare services is a complex undertaking involving very significant legislative, operational and financial resources.
A significant amount of detailed preparation needs to be done before final decisions are taken on the form of a home care scheme and the regulation of these services. In 2016 the Department commissioned the Health Research Board to carry out an evidence review of international approaches to the regulation and financing of home care services. This will be published shortly. The Department will also undertake a mapping exercise of current service provision nationally, taking into account the scale and diversity of services funded by the HSE. This work will be used to identify major policy options for a new statutory homecare scheme – around the areas of regulation, financing, assessment and eligibility.
Once this is complete a public consultation will be launched to allow stakeholders, including older people themselves, their families and healthcare workers to express their views regarding a new homecare scheme. It is my hope and intention at this stage that this consultation on this important issue can be launched in May of this year.
The development of a new home care scheme is a priority for me, as Minister.
195. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the total net cost to the State of the fair deal scheme in each of the past five years. [6503/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra196. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the total cost to the State of nursing home care in each of the past five years. [6505/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 195 and 196 together.
As these are service matters they have been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
197. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the National Treatment Purchase Fund pre-planned list for each month in 2016 and for January 2017; and the number waiting on the list for up to three months, three to six months, six to nine months, nine to 12 months, 12 to 15 months, 15 to 18 months, and more than 18 months, in tabular form. [6517/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that there were 59,842 patients on the NTPF Pre-planned list at the end of December 2016.
In relation to the particular query raised, I have asked the NTPF to provide the information sought by the Deputy and I will forward this information to him as soon as it is available.
198. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the National Treatment Purchase Fund pre-planned list for the end of each year 2011 to 2015 inclusive in tabular form; and the number waiting on the list for up to three months, three to six months, six to nine months, nine to 12 months, 12 to 15 months, 15 to 18 months, and more than 18 months, in tabular form. [6518/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that the pre-planned list data was not collected until 2014. There were 32,819 patients on the NTPF Pre-planned list at the end of December 2014 and 50,261 patients at the end of December 2015.
In relation to the particular query raised, I have asked the NTPF to provide the information sought by the Deputy and I will forward this information to him as soon as it is available.
199. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the National Treatment Purchase Fund pre-admit list for each month in 2016 and for January 2017 in tabular form; and the number waiting on the list for up to three months, three to six months, six to nine months, nine to 12 months, 12 to 15 months, 15 to 18 months, and more than 18 months. [6519/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that there were 22,927 patients on the NTPF Pre-admit list at the end of December 2016.
In relation to the particular query raised, I have asked the NTPF to provide the information sought by the Deputy and I will forward this information to him as soon as it is available.
200. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the National Treatment Purchase Fund pre-admit list for the end of each year 2011 to 2015, inclusive, in tabular form; and the number waiting on the list for up to three months, three to six months, six to nine months, nine to 12 months, 12 to 15 months, 15 to 18 months, and more than 18 months. [6520/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe number of patients on the NTPF Pre-admit list for the years 2011 to 2015 inclusive are set out in the table.
|
Report Date |
Preadmit –Annual Total |
|
30/12/2011 |
17,374 |
|
20/12/2012 |
17,323 |
|
31/12/2013 |
18,525 |
|
23/12/2014 |
19,388 |
|
31/12/2015 |
24,329 |
|
30/12/2016 |
22,927 |
In relation to the particular query raised, I have asked the NTPF to provide the information sought by the Deputy and I will forward this information to him as soon as it is available.
201. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the level of expenditure by his Department or any organisations under the aegis of his Department for each of the years from 2005 to 2016, in tabular form, on photography, advertising, communications advice, public relations, website development, interview training and preparation, including details of the events, campaigns or policies to which this expenditure related, and the company or individual to whom such payments were made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6540/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department does not collect data in a manner to allow the Deputy's question to be answered in full. As much information as it's possible to provide is included here. Please see tables below in respect of photography expenditure (table 1) from 2011 - 2016, advertising expenditure (table 2) 2006 - 2015 and PR expenditure (table 3). Details of to whom payments were made or the campaign to which the expenditure related are provided where that information is available.
Table 1 Photography
|
Year |
Event |
Photographer |
€ Cost |
|
2016 |
Photo services for the 1st National Patient Safety Conference |
Conor McCabe Photography Ltd |
€ 1,968 |
|
2016 |
Photo services for the launch of the Healthy Cities and Counties Network of Ireland |
Marc O’Sullivan Photography |
€ 707 |
|
2016 |
Photo services for the launch of the Healthy Ireland Survey Wave 2 |
Marc O’Sullivan Photography |
€ 553 |
|
2016 |
Launch of the National Drugs Strategy Public Consultation |
JCP Photography |
€ 492 |
|
2016 |
Photo services for the launch of the Obesity Policy and Action Plan |
Conor McCabe Photography Ltd |
€ 430 |
|
2016 |
Photo services for the launch of the National Physical Activity Plan |
Conor McCabe Photography Ltd |
€ 553 |
|
2016 |
Reaffirming the Values of Nursing and Midwifery |
Stephen Wall Morris |
€ 301 |
|
2015 |
Department of Health Consultation Event 2015 |
Robbie Reynolds Photography |
€ 600 |
|
2015 |
Photography for the launch of National Sexual Health Strategy |
Mark Stedman |
€ 450 |
|
2015 |
Photography for launch of the Healthy Ireland Survey 2015 |
Marc O'Sullivan |
€ 450 |
|
2015 |
Photography for new Healthy Ireland website and social media |
Conor O'Mearain |
€ 150 |
|
2015 |
Purchase of stock photography for Healthy Ireland website |
Shutterstock |
€ 39 |
|
2014 |
All Ireland Chief Nursing Officers' Conference |
Conor McCabe Photography Ltd |
€ 369 |
|
2014 |
HSE Aviva Stakeholder Consultation |
Conor McCabe Photography Ltd |
€ 308 |
|
2014 |
All Ireland Chief Nursing Officers' Conference |
Robbie Reynolds Photography Ltd |
€ 308 |
|
2014 |
Portrait of Council Members - Healthy Ireland |
Conor McCabe Photography Ltd |
€ 1,046 |
|
2014 |
Launch of the National Rare Disease Plan for Ireland |
Conor McCabe Photography Ltd |
€ 431 |
|
2014 |
A Ministerial Meeting of the British Irish Council – Misuse of Substances Sectoral Group, Dublin Castle |
Robbie Reynolds Photography Ltd |
€ 246 |
|
2013 |
Symposium for Senior Pharmaceutical Policy-makers on 29-30 August 2013 |
Robbie Reynolds Photography Ltd |
€ 738 |
|
2013 |
Joint Meeting of Chief Medical Officers and Chief Nursing Officers |
Fennells |
€ 105 |
|
2013 |
National Drugs Coordinators Meeting April 2013 |
Fennells |
€ 117 |
|
2013 |
NPHDB /CHGB Joint Induction Day Photo Session 1/10/13 |
1Image Photography |
€ 314 |
|
2013 |
Photography Costs for John Higgins Chair of the Strategic Board on Hospital Groups |
Donagh Glavin Photography |
€ 234 |
|
2013 |
Tobacco Free Ireland Launch |
Conor McCabe Photography Ltd |
€ 554 |
|
2013 |
First National Clinical Effectiveness Symposium |
Derek Speirs |
€ 437 |
|
2013 |
Launch of the Healthy Ireland Report |
Photocall Ireland |
€ 559 |
|
2013 |
Launch of Healthy Ireland Report |
Robbie Reynolds Photography Ltd |
€ 615 |
|
2012 |
2nd National Patient Safety Conference |
Derek Speirs |
€ 317 |
|
2012 |
Consultation Day on Rare Disease Plan for Ireland |
Conor McCabe Photography Ltd |
€ 430 |
|
2012 |
Closing Conference to mark the end of the European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations 2012 in Ireland (in which the Department of Health was co-ordinating) |
Tommy Clancy Photography |
€ 584 |
|
2011 |
Seminar: Parental Substance Misuse – Addressing its Impact on Children A review of the Literature |
Conor Healy |
€ 800 |
Table 2 Advertising Annual Expenditure (2011 - 2015)
|
Year |
Advertising Expenditure |
Companies |
|
2015 |
€101,334 |
Carat Ireland, Iris Oifigiuil, KICK Communications, Media Vest Ireland |
|
2014 |
€38,533 |
Iris Oifigiuil, Media Vest Ireland |
|
2013 |
€46,881 |
Brindley, Iris Oifigiuil, Media Vest Ireland |
|
2012 |
€62,535 |
Brindley, Iris Oifigiuil |
|
2011 |
€49,763 |
Brindley, Iris Oifigiuil, Truvo Ireland |
|
2010 |
€155,280 |
|
|
2009 |
€115,003 |
|
|
2008 |
€62,315 |
|
|
2007 |
€48,400 |
|
|
2006 |
€1,375,000 |
Table 3 Public Relations Annual Expenditure (2006 - 2016)
|
Year |
Amount € |
Companies |
|
2016 |
€50,572 |
RPS Consulting Engineers Ltd (1) DHR Communications (2) |
|
2015 |
€47,355 |
DHR Communications |
|
2014 |
0 |
|
|
2013 |
0 |
|
|
2012 |
0 |
|
|
2011 |
0 |
|
|
2010 |
0 |
|
|
2009 |
0 |
|
|
2008 |
€16,034 |
|
|
2007 |
€48,400 |
|
|
2006 |
€40,000 |
(1) contract for public consultation process to inform the Development of the National Drugs Strategy. This has been included here because it has a public relations dimension as it involves a range of public activities and events to publicise the consultation process to optimise public participation
(2) contract for Development of Strategy to support communication for the Healthy Ireland Framework and toolkit for Healthy Ireland Council
I will revert to the Deputy with information regarding website development and interview training expenditure. In the meantime should the Deputy have any particular year, category or company from the tables provided that he wishes further information on please let me know and I will seek further detail.
The question also relates to operational matters for the agencies under the aegis of the Department. The Department does not routinely compile or hold information in relation to contracted placed by agencies under its aegis and the Deputy should contact the relevant CEO/Director/Chairperson. I have referred the question to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy in relation to its expenditure.
202. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health the number of persons aged between 65 and 69 years of age who had a routine mammogram as per BreastCheck since January 2016. [6555/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraA total of 9,998 women aged between 65 and 69 attended for a routine BreastCheck mammogram between January 2016 and December 2016.
203. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that additional psychologists, speech and language therapists and occupational therapists are allocated to counties Cavan and Monaghan due to the huge delays in the autism spectrum disorder diagnostic process; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a very large number of children in counties Cavan and Monaghan are awaiting assessment and follow-up support; if he will provide the necessary resources to enable an adequate level of service to be provided without further delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6559/17]
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.
204. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the reason the €560 million estimate to build the new children's hospital provided by his predecessor to Dáil Éireann in 2012 has been at such variance from the final tender; if it is correct that a €1 billion cost has now been agreed for the building of the project; the estimates for the costs of information technology and for other equipment necessary for the fitting out of the hospital; and the current final estimate for the full completion of the project. [6563/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra205. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost per bed in the new children's hospital; and the reason it varies so much from the normal €1 million capital cost per bed previously provided in HSE estimates. [6564/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 204 and 205 together.
At the outset I would like to emphasise again that the project to develop the new children’s hospital is an extraordinary opportunity to enhance paediatric services for children. The granting of planning permission in April 2016 for the hospital, satellite centres and related buildings was a huge and very welcome milestone for the project. An internationally recognised design team, supported by an experienced National Paediatric Hospital Development Board and Project Team, are in place to drive the new children’s hospital project and to ensure that the project is delivered in accordance with national policy to optimal design and value for money.
In relation to funding, the figure of €650 million for the hospital relates to Exchequer funding that was approved in 2014 for the core construction of the new children's hospital together with the two Satellite Centres. This funding was approved following a cost estimate that commenced in 2013 and which was completed in early 2014. At this time, construction inflation was estimated at 3%.
The tender process for the core construction elements for the new children’s hospital and the Satellite Centres at Connolly Hospital and Tallaght Hospital has recently been completed. The pricing proposed by the tenderers took account of construction inflation, which is now running at higher than 9%, the extended project timeline which is now scheduled to be completed in 2021, and the final market cost of the build.
Local and international companies participated in the tender process. More than 35 people participated in review panels for the tenders. The tenders were reviewed and measured against a number of technical and financial criteria and were independently peer-reviewed by construction experts with extensive experience of projects of this size and complexity. I understand that it was a highly competitive process and following the conclusion, a company has been notified that it is the preferred bidder.
While there has been much media speculation about the cost of building this hospital, I am informed that the final proposed construction cost is actually within 5% of projections and the successful party was the one with the most competitive tender. The Department is aware from the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board that the tendered construction costs per bed as suggested in recent media commentary are not accurate and do not resemble the actual tender costs.
The construction tender does not include equipment which will be funded through annual operational expenditure or ICT costs. These elements of the project were always to be funded and procured separately. Funding for educational facilities and commercial elements such as retail and car parking were also separately identified from the core construction costs for the new children’s hospital.
The Deputy will be aware that the new children’s hospital and satellite centres programme is made up of three inter-related elements, the building, the ICT infrastructure and the operational integration. It includes the change management needed in order for the three existing hospitals to become one and the actions required to ensure the smooth, safe and efficient transition to the satellite centres and new children’s hospital. Work is ongoing to finalise the heads of bill to merge the three existing children’s hospitals into one entity to further facilitate this service integration.
This complex programme of work is set out the Definitive Business Case for the new hospital which includes the capital, ICT and integration costs. Now that the construction tenders have been completed, the capital costs put forward in the preferred tenders have been incorporated into the Definitive Business Case. This has been submitted to the HSE recently for final review, after which it will be considered by the Department of Health. I intend to bring the Definitive Business Case to Government in the coming weeks for decision.
The Department of Health continues to work closely with the HSE, the Children's Hospital Group Board and the Development Board to ensure that we deliver a world class hospital needed and wanted by children, young people, their families and the staff in the three children’s hospitals.
