Written Answers Nos. 311-334
311. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the person or body that has responsibility for carrying out the transition review for the children who are leaving the early intervention class in a school (details supplied) in order that school authorities can make necessary arrangements. [14799/17]
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.
312. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health the person or body that has responsibility for carrying out the transition review for children with autism at a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14801/17]
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.
313. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health the level of funding his Department is allocating to a cancer support centre (details supplied) that provides support for children with a cancer diagnosis. [15155/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra383. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health when he will provide funding for an administrator and secretarial assistant for an organisation (details supplied) that provides a counselling service, treatment rooms and physiotherapy weekly for persons diagnosed with cancer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15296/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 313 and 383 together.
The Department of Health does not provide funding to East Galway & Midlands Cancer Support. This Department does not provide on-going funding to support centres to cover staff salaries and no longer operates a National Lottery Fund.
The HSE operates a National Lottery funded scheme under which it provides grants to health agencies and other organisations. Details of the scheme are available on the HSE website at: www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/1/schemes/natlotterygrants/.
314. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the amount spent annually on adding fluoride to the public drinking water in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15281/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
315. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health if he will review correspondence (details supplied); the person or body that has responsibility for carrying out the transition review for children who are leaving the early intervention class at a school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15460/17]
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.
316. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health if he will review the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14784/17]
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.
317. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Health the status of an appointment in respect of a person (details supplied). [14790/17]
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 you directly.
318. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if he will review the case of a person (details supplied); if a consultant appointment and hip replacement will be expedited in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14792/17]
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 you directly.
319. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the HSE providing home support to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14798/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive (HSE) provides a range of services, including home support hours to people with disabilities. In their National Service Plan for 2017, the HSE expects to deliver 2.75 million Home Support Hours to over 7,400 people, including children, with a disability. This is an increase of 150,000 hours over last year's target.
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the HSE for a direct reply to the Deputy.
320. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be provided a date for knee replacement surgery in Cappagh Hospital. [14802/17]
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.
321. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of ambulance attendances at each emergency department nationwide in February 2017, in tabular form; the number of such ambulances that waited longer than 20 minutes to hand over patients, get their trolleys back and return to responding to calls; and the number that waited longer than 40 minutes, 60 minutes, 90 minutes, 120 minutes and 180 minutes, respectively, for same. [14810/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
322. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will make funding available to reinstate the supply of home help calls on bank holidays in counties Westmeath and Longford. [14817/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra323. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will increase funding to home help services in counties Westmeath and Longford to cater for the provision of intensive home care packages. [14818/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 322 and 323 together.
As these are service matters they have been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
324. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Donegal can expect to receive an appointment for an operation at Temple Street University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14822/17]
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.
325. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will schedule an appointment for orthodontic work for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14894/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
326. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be called for an appointment; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14896/17]
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.
327. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the date the latest national alcohol survey was carried out; the principal findings of that survey; the steps taken to tackle this issue on foot of the last survey; his plans to carry out a further survey to get the up-to-date position on this issue and if the steps taken had any effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14831/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe second annual Healthy Ireland Survey (published in October 2016) of 7,500 people aged fifteen years and over living in Ireland gives an up-to-date picture of the health of the nation and reports on many lifestyle behaviours such as smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, diet and mental health.
Findings in the Survey results include:
- 75% of the population surveyed consumed alcohol in the previous year and 55% of those who consumed alcohol drank at least once a week and 37% of those that consumed alcohol binge drink on a typical drinking occasion.
- While 90% of respondents know that alcohol is a risk factor for liver disease, only 27% of women are aware of the increased risk of developing breast cancer as a result of heavy drinking.
I have arranged for the Department to send you a copy of the summary of the findings of the survey and the link to the survey results is www.healthyireland.ie/about/research/healthy-ireland-survey/.
The Government approved the publication of the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill as a direct policy response to reduce the harms caused by alcohol. Recognising that there is no single simple answer, the Bill includes a range of measures designed to collectively have a positive impact on the health and well-being of Irish people. The Bill includes provisions for:
- minimum unit pricing;
- health labelling of alcohol products;
- the regulation of advertising and marketing of alcohol;
- the regulation of sponsorship;
- separation of alcohol products in mixed trading retail outlets; and
- the regulation of the sale and supply of alcohol in certain circumstances
The Bill commenced Committee Stage in the Seanad on the 26 October 2016. The Bill is scheduled to return to Committee Stage in the Seanad during this session of the Oireachtas. In the interim, consideration will be given to examine how best this important public health measure can be brought forward.
328. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health the progress that has been made regarding the preparation of legislation to reintroduce the motorised transport grant scheme. [14836/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraConscious of the reports of the Ombudsman in 2011 and 2012 regarding the legal status of both the Mobility Allowance and Motorised Transport Grant Scheme in the context of the Equal Status Acts, the Government decided to close both schemes in February 2013.
The Government is aware of the continuing needs of people with a disability who rely on individual payments that support choice and independence. In this regard, monthly payments of up to €208.50 have continued to be made by the Health Service Executive to 4,700 people who were in receipt of the Mobility Allowance.
The Government decided that the detailed preparatory work required for a new Transport Support Scheme and associated statutory provisions should be progressed by the Minister for Health. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the Programme for Partnership Government acknowledges the ongoing drafting of primary legislation for a new Transport Support Scheme. I can confirm that work on the policy proposals for the new Scheme is at an advanced stage and I anticipate that this will be brought to Government shortly. The proposals seek to ensure that:
- There is a firm statutory basis to the Scheme's operation;
- There is transparency and equity in the eligibility critieria attaching to the Scheme;
- Resources are targeted at those with greatest needs; and
- The Scheme is capable of being costed and is affordable on its introduction and on an ongoing basis.
The Deputy may be interested to note that people who previously benefited from the now-closed Motorised Transport Grant, may, if they satisfy the criteria under that scheme, be eligible for tax relief under the Drivers and Passengers with Disabilities Tax Relief Scheme. This scheme is the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Finance and is operated by the Revenue Commissioners. Details of the scheme can be found on www.revenue.ie.
329. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Health the status of a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14837/17]
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 you directly.
330. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the position regarding persons with learning disabilities who have diminished capacity, lack full capacity for decision making and are in long-term residential care provided by the HSE; the rights of the parents of persons in these situations in circumstances in which they can have different views relating to the level of medication and the service provided for their adult children in these settings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14844/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 was signed into law on 30 December 2015. The Act provides a modern statutory framework to support decision-making by adults with capacity difficulties. The Act is being commenced on a phased basis. New administrative processes and support measures, including the setting up of the Decision Support Service within the Mental Health Commission, must be put in place before the substantive provisions of the Act come into force. A high-level Steering Group comprised of senior officials from the Department of Justice & Equality, the Department of Health and the Mental Health Commission is overseeing the establishment and commissioning of the Decision Support Service and this work is ongoing.
It is not possible at the moment to provide an exact timeline for the full implementation of the Act; however it is intended that significant progress will be made in 2017 on the implementation of the new decision-making support options provided for in the Act. The specific decision-making supports available under the Act to adults with capacity difficulties are decision-making assistants, co-decision-makers and decision-making representatives who will be supervised by the Director of the Decision Support Service. The current position regarding the decision-making supports available to persons with learning disabilities in long term residential care is a service matter for the Health Service Executive. Accordingly I have arranged for the Deputy’s question to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
331. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if he will reinstate the Gaeltacht allowance for all nurses working in Irish speaking areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14863/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2012 the Department of Expenditure and Reform conducted a review of allowances across the public service. Payment of a number of allowances, including the 'Gaeltacht Allowance' was ceased with effect from 1 February 2012, pending consideration of whether or not the allowances in question would continue to be paid, would be abolished, or be abolished for new entrants. The process involved consideration of business cases submitted by the relevant agencies/Departments on the allowances. Following completion of the review process including consideration of the business cases made, the 'Gaeltacht Allowance' was confirmed as one of a number of allowances abolished for 'new entrants' in September 2012.
During recent discussions with the INMO and SIPTU consideration was given to reinstating the Gaeltacht allowance for new entrant nurses however it was decided that this allowance would not be reinstated.
332. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health if he will arrange an urgent assessment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [14864/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
333. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a medical card application will be processed for a person (details supplied) who supplied supporting documentary evidence to the relevant authorities on 27 February 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14926/17]
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 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.
334. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Donegal will receive an appointment at Letterkenny University Hospital, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14927/17]
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 you directly.
