Written Answers Nos. 816 - 833
816. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the provision of medical cards to all persons in receipt of the domiciliary care allowance as set out in A Programme for a partnership Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19310/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra969. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health when children under 16 years of age who are in receipt of domiciliary care allowance will be entitled to full medical cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19871/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 816 and 969 together.
The Health (Amendment) Act 2017 was signed by the President on 31st March 2017. This Act will enable the granting of full eligibility for general practitioner and other health services to all children in respect of whom a Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) is paid. Granting a medical card to all children in respect of whom a DCA payment is made will benefit approximately 9,800 children in this cohort who do not currently qualify for a medical card.
Pre-registration with the HSE for the DCA medical card will be available from 1st May 2017. This can be done on-line or paper-based. These medical cards will be certified for use from 1st June 2017.
For a child in receipt of DCA but who currently does not have a medical card, the parent or guardian will register for the scheme either online or through a paper-based form. For a child who is currently eligible for a medical card (under discretion or otherwise) and is confirmed to be in receipt of DCA, the HSE will automatically issue them a medical card. For a child who is currently eligible for a GP Visit Card (under discretion or otherwise), this card will automatically be upgraded to a full medical card.
817. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Health if prescription costs have been decreased for medical card holders as set out in A Programme for a Partnership Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19311/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMedical card holders are required to pay a prescription charge of €2.50 per item for medicines and other prescription items supplied to them by community pharmacies under the General Medical Services scheme. This charge is subject to a monthly cap of €25 for each person or family.
Under Budget 2017, I announced a reduction in the charge to €2, subject to a monthly cap of €20, for medical card holders aged 70 and over and their dependants. This reduced charge took effect from 1 March 2017.
Any future change to the prescription charge is a matter which I intend to consider in the context of the implementation of the health commitments in the Programme for Government and having regard to the funding available.
818. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Health the status of tax instruments and other incentives to support investment by general practitioners, dentists and other professionals in primary care centres; the details of technology and service developments under A Programme for a Partnership Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19312/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraOne of my key objectives as Minister for Health, and a strong theme within the Programme for a Partnership Government, is to support a decisive shift within the health system towards primary care. The Programme for a Partnership Government also contains a commitment to examine the use of tax instruments and other incentives to support investment in primary care centres, technology and service developments. My Department has had preliminary discussions on this matter with the Department of Finance, which has policy responsibility for taxation matters, in relation to the potential for taxation measures to support the development of a primary care-oriented health service. It is envisaged that the matter will be further examined and may be considered in the context of budgetary planning.
819. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Health the status of dental health packages for persons under six years of age and comprehensive preventive dental health programmes for persons under 12 years of age as set out in A Programme for a Partnership Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19313/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraDental services for children up to 16 years of age are provided by the Public Dental Service of the Health Service Executive through its dental clinics. This includes emergency services and referral as appropriate to children under 6. A targeted fissure sealant programme is provided for children aged 6 to 8 and 11 to 13 (usually 2nd and 6th class in primary school). In addition, a screening programme is provided for these age groups with necessary interventions for permanent teeth including fillings and extractions. Children aged 9-11 may receive a screening and necessary interventions where resources allow.
The National Oral Health Policy which is being led by the Chief Dental Officer in the Department will inform future provision of dental services. It will take account of commitments in the Programme for Government and have regard to the funding available to facilitate such measures.
820. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19324/17]
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.
821. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the status of the review being carried out into the nursing support scheme and the manner in which the current scheme is discriminating against farmers and small business owners; when this review will be carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19325/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra874. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health when the changes to the exemption of agricultural assets towards costs for nursing home care via the fair deal scheme will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19470/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 821 and 874 together.
The Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS) is a system of financial support for those in need of long-term nursing home care. Participants contribute to the cost of their care according to their income and assets while the State pays the balance of the cost. The Scheme aims to ensure that long-term nursing home care is accessible and affordable for everyone and that people are cared for in the most appropriate settings.
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. Arising out of the Review, a number of key issues have been identified for more detailed consideration across Departments and Agencies.
An Interdepartmental/Agency Working Group has been established to progress the recommendations contained in the Review. This Group is chaired by the Department of Health and includes representatives from the Department of the Taoiseach, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, the HSE, the Revenue Commissioners, and when required, the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF). These recommendations include examining the treatment of business and farm assets for the purposes of the financial assessment element of the Scheme. This work is currently underway. An initial report on progress was submitted to the Cabinet Committee on Health in September 2016.
Once all of the relevant Review recommendations have been considered, any amendments required to the Scheme will be identified. Changes which require legislative implementation will be addressed collectively; in that regard, it is important to remember that the NHSS is largely underpinned by primary legislation.
A Programme for a Partnership Government has also committed to reviewing the NHSS to remove any discrimination against small businesses and family farms. This review is currently underway. I am committed to this review of the position with regard to family farms and small businesses for the purposes of the financial assessment element of the Scheme.
822. Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Health the status of an application for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19326/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
823. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Health the enforcement cost for the Health Products Regulatory Authority since 2014 and to date in 2017; the number of premises that have been visited under its enforcement powers; the average cost per enforcement action at premises; the number of enforcement powers; the average cost per enforcement action at premises; the number of enforcement actions that have been undertaken since 2014; and the number of enforcement actions at which gardaí were present at premises, in tabular form. [19334/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) has confirmed the direct costs of the Agency's enforcement unit as follows:
2014 €911,970
2015 €989,093
2016 €961,369
2017 €204,458 (January to March 2017).
All HPRA visits to premises are conducted under the provisions of the Irish Medicines Board Acts 1995 and 2006 and under regulations relating to health products. The HPRA does not record enforcement activity by premises visited, as enforcement activity can be office based (e.g. online investigations) or a single case may involve multiple visits to premises. Enforcement activity is recorded by enforcement cases opened and product detained.
The HPRA does not record the cost of specific enforcement activities. It prioritises enforcement cases on the basis of the perceived risk to public health; application of an average cost would not be representative as visits vary considerably according to the issue being investigated, the time spent on the premises, the number of personnel involved and the depth of investigation required at the particular time.
Section 32 (b) of the Irish Medicines Board Acts 1995 and 2006 provides powers for the enforcement officers at HPRA. These powers are extended in regulations relating to medical devices and other health products, including regulations on the quality and safety of human blood and blood components; the quality and safety of human tissues and cells; the quality and safety of human organs intended for transplantation; clinical trials on medicinal products for human use; cosmetic products; and the protection of animals used for scientific purposes.
The powers of "authorised officers" (as provided under the Irish Medicines Board Acts 1995 and 2006), include but are not limited to entering any premises at which an officer has reasonable grounds for believing that any trade, business or activity connected with the manufacture, processing, disposal, export, import, distribution, sale, supply, storage, packaging or labelling of any relevant thing is or has been carried out; powers to inspect, copy or remove records; and powers to take samples or remove any relevant thing found at the premises for the purposes of any test, examination or analysis. However, it should be noted that authorised officers of the HPRA do not have powers to arrest or detain people.
HPRA enforcement activity is recorded by enforcement cases. The total number of cases recorded since January 2014 is as follows:
2014 - 3,703
2015 - 3,677
2016 - 4,054
2017 - 841 (January to March)
Total: 12,275.
The HPRA does not record statistics on the number of attendances by An Garda Síochána at premises being visited by the HPRA; the agency cooperates with An Garda Síochána on an ongoing basis. In general, where the HPRA visits a premises where it is anticipated that there could be a public order issue, a Garda presence may be requested. In addition, HPRA staff assist with Garda investigations, at the request of the Gardaí, when An Garda Síochána believes that HPRA knowledge and experience may be beneficial.
824. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19336/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to offer my sincerest condolences to the family. The Deputy will appreciate that I have a limited role in individual cases and do not have access to individual patient files or personal information.
The Deputy will be aware that it would be inappropriate for me to comment other than to acknowledge with regret the distress and upset the family have experienced throughout this difficult time. In relation to the query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service issue, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
825. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if he will publish the details of the findings of the investigation into the death of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19337/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will appreciate that I have a limited role in individual cases and do not have access to individual patient files or personal information.
The Deputy will be aware that it would be inappropriate for me to comment other than to acknowledge with regret the distress and upset the family have experienced throughout this difficult time. In relation to the query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service issue, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
826. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if he will advance the proposal to introduce a levy on the tobacco industry; the discussions his Department has had with the Department of Finance on this following on from a recommendation in Tobacco Free Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19338/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraTobacco Free Ireland, the report of the Tobacco Policy Review Group, was endorsed by Government, and published in October 2013. It builds on existing tobacco control policies and legislation already in place in this country, and sets a target for Ireland to be tobacco free (i.e. with a smoking prevalence rate of less than 5%) by 2025. Tobacco Free Ireland was among the first policy documents to be launched under the Healthy Ireland framework and will play a major part in achieving the vision set out in Healthy Ireland. The two key themes underpinning Tobacco Free Ireland are the protection of children and the denormalisation of smoking.
A high level action plan for Tobacco Free Ireland’s recommendations was published in March 2015 and Annual Reports monitoring progress are also published and are available on the Department of Health’s website.
This Government is committed to implementing Tobacco Free Ireland as outlined in the Programme for a Partnership Government. Considerable progress has been made and the action plan is being implemented as published.
The Tax Strategy Group which is an interdepartmental committee chaired by the Department of Finance, considers papers on various options for the Budget and for the medium and longer term. In its deliberations on taxation of tobacco products it has considered Tobacco Free Ireland’s recommendation for the introduction of a levy on the tobacco industry, representations from Non-Governmental Organisations in the health sector and the experience of other countries in this arena. To date the focus has been on the price of tobacco products at the retail level as price is considered to be an extremely important factor in influencing decisions around smoking. Excise duties have increased in 21 of the last 25 budgets and have had a positive impact of public health and revenue generated.
I will continue to press for further increases on tobacco products in subsequent budgets. The issue of a tobacco industry levy will be kept under consideration.
827. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 330 of 28 March 2017, if all the provisions being undertaken by the HSE will apply to organisations funded by the HSE but in circumstances in which the services are not delivered by the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19350/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe particular issue raised by the Deputy is a service matter for the Health Service Executive (HSE). Accordingly I have arranged for the Deputy's question to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
828. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the reason a hip operation was postponed three times for a person (details supplied); if an early date will be arranged for surgery; and if he will expedite same. [19354/17]
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.
829. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the unit administration cost of the HPV vaccine in each of the years 2010 to 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19355/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra830. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the unit cost of the HPV vaccine in each of the years 2010 to 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19356/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 829 and 830 together.
The table gives the annual funding which includes vaccine purchase, consent forms and information material for parents.
Figures from 2014 include consent forms and information materials for 2 other vaccines (Tdap and MenC) which are also given to 1st year students in second level schools.
Figures for 2016 include planned expenditure for the 2016/17 academic year.
|
Year |
Funding (€) |
|
2010 |
3,785,000 |
|
2011 |
3,590,000 |
|
2012 |
4,410,000 |
|
2013 |
3,780,000 |
|
2014 |
2,835,000 |
|
2015 |
2,525,000 |
|
2016 |
2,525,000 |
Staff administration costs have been absorbed in the core budget. The HSE received an additional €2.65 million in 2010 (and ongoing) to fund the HPV vaccination programme. This funding also includes administration of Men C and Tdap vaccines offered to all students in first year of second level school.
The Health Service Executive is unable to provide the unit cost for HPV vaccine as this is commercially sensitive.
831. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health his plans to approach the providers of the HPV vaccine to contact persons affected by the vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19357/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra832. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health his plans to set up an independent inquiry to investigate the claims by over 300 girls that they all have a common list of complaints; if he will consider the options to provide meaningful intervention to restore these girls to their pre HPV vaccine health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19358/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 831 and 832 together.
Immunisation is regarded as one of the safest and most cost-effective of health care interventions and the importance of vaccination is acknowledged by all the major international health organisations. The World Health Organisation estimates that up to 3 million lives are saved each year as a result of vaccination and the scientific evidence is clear that benefits of vaccines outweigh the known side effects
The immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). NIAC is a committee of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland comprising of experts in a number of specialties including infectious diseases, paediatrics and public health. The committee's recommendations are informed by public health advice and international best practice. All relevant and appropriate information is taken into account when deciding to make changes to the State's immunisation programmes.
The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) is responsible for monitoring the safety and quality of all medicines that are licensed in Ireland. While no medicine is entirely without risk, the safety of vaccines, as with all medicines, is carefully monitored and any new evidence concerning side-effects is taken into account. The HPRA and the European Medicines Agency continually monitor adverse events to vaccination.
Unfounded, false claims have been made of an association between HPV vaccination and a number of conditions experienced by a group of young women. It appears that they first suffered symptoms around the time they received the HPV vaccine and a false connection is being made between the HPV vaccine and the onset of these symptoms. There is no scientific evidence that the HPV vaccine causes any long term illness. However, this misinformation has led to a significant drop in uptake rates of the HPV vaccine. This means that a large cohort of girls is now at risk of developing cervical cancer later in their lives.
Misinformation is causing real harm to those unvaccinated children and adults who develop vaccine preventable diseases, and to people who seek inappropriate treatments for real conditions that are not caused by vaccines. Any parent who has doubts or questions about vaccination should talk to their family doctor, or alternatively to visit the National Immunisation office website. These sources of information are clear and accurate and will answer any queries you may have about the benefits or risks of vaccination. Vaccination is the best way for parents to make sure their children are healthy and protected from preventable diseases.
In relation to the issues raised by the Deputy I do not intend to contact the manufacturers and there are no plans to hold an enquiry.
833. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health if he will consider re-evaluating or providing further clarity on the role of the HSE, EITs and NEPS, in general and specifically, when transition reviews are being carried out for children with special needs when they are entering primary level education in view of the confusion and worry caused to persons and management of a school (details supplied) at which reviews were not carried out in time for the school to apply for extra SNA hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19362/17]
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 A 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.
