Written Answers Nos 381-402
381. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if he will provide additional resources for the HSE Fairview community unit in order that it can open for an additional day (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21482/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
382. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health his policy position regarding the return of funding lost during the recession to section 39 organisations to enable them to restore pay to their employees in line with the pay restoration measures proposed by the Lansdowne Road Agreement for public sector workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21483/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra383. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health if his Department directed the HSE not to make funding available in 2017 to section 39 organisations to meet pay restoration requirements under the Lansdowne Road Agreement thereby creating a substantial inequality between the pay of section 39 employees and their HSE and section 38 counterparts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21484/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra384. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health if provision has been made by his Department for section 39 organisations providing vital social care services to restore their funding in order to meet the various pay restoration requirements now due under the Lansdowne Road Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21485/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra385. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health his views on the HSE’s instruction that section 39 organisations should use the industrial mechanisms of the State to resolve an issue relating to the restoration of funding lost during the recession; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21486/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 382 to 385, inclusive, together.
Under section 39 of the Health Act 2004, the HSE has in place Service Level Agreements with voluntary providers which set out the level of service to be provided for the grant to the individual organisation. Any individuals employed by these section 39 organisations are not HSE employees and therefore, the HSE has no role in determining the salaries or other terms and conditions applying to these staff. It should also be made clear that as the staff of these Section 39 organisations are not public servants, they were not subject to the provisions of the Public Service Agreements or the FEMPI legislation which imposed the associated pay reductions. Accordingly, any arrangements offered by each service provider in relation to its employee terms and conditions, including rates of pay, may vary.
386. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health the number of persons over 65 years of age that have been referred for an ultrasound at Doughiska primary care centre, Galway city, by month, for the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21487/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra387. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health the number of persons over 65 years of age that have been referred by general practitioners to the counselling services at Doughiska primary care centre, Galway city, by month for the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21488/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 386 and 387 together.
As these questions relate to service matters, I have arranged for the questions to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.
388. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Health the provisions being made for rheumatology services in the new children’s hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21490/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to the query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service issue, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
389. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Health if the new children’s hospital will have a rheumatology unit with an infusion suite; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21491/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to the query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service issue, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
390. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Health if he will provide funding to repair or replace the hydrotherapy pool in a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21492/17]
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 a service matter, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
391. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health when he will conduct a national gambling prevalence and impact study as recommended by the Institute of Public Health in 2010. [21501/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the request of the Department of Justice and Equality, the National Advisory Committee on Drugs and Alcohol (NACDA) Drug Prevalence Survey 2014/15 for the Republic of Ireland included data on gambling for the first time. In the general population survey, results indicated that 64.5% of respondents aged 15 or older reported gambling in the 12 months prior to the survey and 41.4% of respondents reported gambling in the 30 days prior to the survey. A further detailed analysis of gambling will be available in Bulletin 7, which will be published later this year.
I am informed by the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality that it remains her intention to proceed with gambling legislation at the earliest opportunity. The preparation of a Gambling Control Bill continues on that basis. However, it should be acknowledged that it will require some significant updating to take account of developments since 2013. The preparation of legislation will be a major and complex undertaking.
392. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health his plans to introduce regulation to the sale and supply of hearing instruments and hearing assessments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21503/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra393. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health his plans to increase the level of regulation in the private sector for the provision of audiological services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21504/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 392 and 393 together.
The HSE advises that hearing aids supplied in the public audiology service conform to the highest international standards and are procured using an international procurement process. The HSE Integrated Audiology Programme set up a working group of key stakeholders in 2015, with the aim of assessing the standards that were applied to the fitting of medical devices (i.e. hearing aids) within Ireland. The group has drawn on various good practices that are applied across Audiology and Hearing Aid Audiology and are currently in the final stages of producing a best practice guide to ensure a code of practice for the profession (both public and private) for use within Ireland.
The sale of medical devices, including hearing aids, within the European Union is regulated by EU legislation. All medical devices placed on the market undergo a conformity assessment to confirm that they meet specified safety and performance requirements. Once a medical device is CE marked and is not subject to prescription control it may be sold on the EU market without restriction. There are new distributor requirements that will come into effect with the application of the new EU medical devices regulations which will broaden the scope of the current regulatory framework to address obligations of all economic operators.
The profession of audiologist is not included in the 14 professions currently designated under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005. The Act provides that the Minister for Health may, following a consultation process and with the approval of the Houses of the Oireachtas, make regulations designating a health or social care profession not already designated if the Minister considers it in the public interest to do so and if certain specified criteria have been met.
My Department is proposing, towards the end of this year or early next year, when all registration boards have been established, to ask CORU - the Health and Social Care Professionals Council to undertake a risk assessment, in terms of public protection, of the principal health and social care professions seeking designation under the Act and to make recommendations concerning options for their possible future regulation. The question of designating the professions of audiologist will be considered as part of that process.
394. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health when a reassessment of a medical card application by a person (details supplied) will be finalised; the reason the medical card section is requesting further financial information from the person despite the application being finalised and the request for review clearly seeking for the application to be reviewed on health grounds with a view to awarding a medical card on discretionary grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21507/17]
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.
395. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if funding will be made available and an awareness campaign developed to improve the uptake of bowel cancer screening services to the optimum level to reduce mortality rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21512/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra449. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health his plans to consider expanding the current BowelScreen programme to persons within the 55 to 74 years of age cohort; the estimated cost involved in extending same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21801/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra450. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health if adequate funding is being maintained in respect of the national screening service, in particular regarding the BowelScreen programme; and the measures that have been taken to improve the BowelScreen take-up rate. [21807/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra461. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Health if he will provide additional resources to the national bowel screening service to enable it to take the necessary measures to improve the uptake rate; if he will extend the upper age category to 70 to 74 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21905/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra501. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health if adequate funding will be provided for the national screening service to enable appropriate and necessary measures to be pursued to improve the BowelScreen uptake rate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22119/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 395, 449, 450, 461 and 501 together.
BowelScreen, the National Bowel Screening Programme, is run by the HSE's National Screening Service. It offers free bowel screening to men and women aged 60-69. The BowelScreen Round One Programme Report, 2012-2015, launched last month, shows that 521 cancers were detected through bowel screening, 3 out of 4 of which were detected at an early stage of cancer development.
The BowelScreen programme is adequately funded and strenuous efforts are being made to improve the uptake rate of this free service, particularly among men who have lower rates of participation but significantly higher rates of cancer detection compared to women. These efforts include digital and social media initiatives, as well as targeted radio and press advertisements. The BowelScreen website (www.bowelscreen.ie) also provides much information and allows people to check that they are on the register. Also, a range of information leaflets, posters and flyers are available to healthcare professionals.
BowelScreen moved from the initial three year round, to a two year round of screening in 2016. The extension of BowelScreen to the 55-74 age range will be considered in the future in the light of the experience of the current programme and available resources.
396. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health if the fair deal financial review for a person (details supplied) can be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21523/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
397. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health if a dedicated ambulance service can be provided in the north west Connemara area as a matter of urgency (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21563/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
398. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when a medical card will issue in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21574/17]
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.
399. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when an urgent appraisal or assessment and, as required, specific treatment might be arranged in the case of a person (details supplied); if appropriate steps can be take to address the issue as a matter of urgency having particular reference to their family history; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21575/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service issue, this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
400. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if home help can be facilitated in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21577/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
401. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the details of trust in care investigations carried out in the past three years; the outcomes and actions taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21644/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Trust in Care Policy is a policy for Health Service employers on upholding the dignity and welfare of patients/clients and procedures for managing allegations of abuse against staff members. This was developed by the HSE in partnership with the Health Sector unions and was launched in May 2005. The objectives of the Policy are twofold. Firstly, to promote a safe and caring environment in all health care settings, where the dignity of patients and clients is paramount and they are afforded the highest possible standards of care. Secondly, it aims to safeguard staff by providing effective supervision, support and training and a safe system of work.
The Policy has both a preventative and a procedural dimension. It places particular emphasis on the role of best human resource practice in promoting high standards of care and preventing potential abuse. The Policy also emphasises employees’ duty to be vigilant and to report concerns regarding the welfare of patients and clients. It sets out the reporting procedures to be followed in the event of abuse being suspected or alleged. Finally, it contains a robust procedure for managing allegations of abuse against staff.
As investigations carried out under this policy and actions taken are a matter for the HSE, I have referred this question to the HSE for direct reply.
402. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if a psychologist has been appointed to the Kildare network for children requiring such services; if his attention has been drawn to the large demand for such services in an area with a disproportionately large young population; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that County Kildare is now the fourth most populated county; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that no psychological services have been available for at least 18 months and many urgent cases are being neglected; the number of such posts which are vacant and the locations of each; the waiting list for such services by area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21652/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service issue, this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
