Written Answers Nos 1248-1267
1248. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a person (details supplied) who will need to be integrated with a new environment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27581/17]
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 an individual case, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
1249. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health his plans to make the medication Respreeza available to persons with alpha-1 genetic emphysema; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27589/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drug schemes, in accordance with the provisions of the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
1250. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health his plans to instil public confidence in the national immunisation programme for HPV; his further plans to use mass media campaigns to encourage better take-up of this vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27595/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMedia campaigns in relation to immunisation programmes are a service matter. I have referred this question to the Health Service Executive for a direct reply to the Deputy.
1251. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the timeframe for the extension of the national immunisation programme for HPV to boys in view of the fact that 39,000 men worldwide die of HPV-related cancer each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27596/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1252. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if his Department is examining the positive impact a universal vaccination programme for HPV has had on countries such as the United States of America, Australia and Canada; if a health technology assessment on universal vaccination has been completed by HIQA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27597/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1256. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Health his plans to roll out the HPV vaccine to boys; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27602/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1251, 1252 and 1256 together.
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.
NIAC has made a recommendation that the HPV vaccine should be given to boys. My Department asked the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) to carry out a health technology assessment (HTA). The Board of HIQA approved the initiation of the HTA in March 2017 to examine the extension of the current HPV immunisation programme to include boys. Work has commenced and the target date for completion of the HTA, which will include a complex model to simulate disease transmission, is September 2018. Any decision concerning the extension of the programme will be informed by the results of the HTA.
1253. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the availability of the HPV vaccine to girls who have previously declined or missed the administration of the vaccine in school as part of the national immunisation programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27598/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAvailability of the HPV vaccine to girls that have previously declined or missed the administration of the vaccine in school as part of the national immunisation programme is a service matter. I have referred this question to the Health Service Executive for a direct reply to the Deputy.
1254. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the way in which he plans to communicate the importance and effectiveness of the HPV vaccine to parents and separately to 12 year olds in order to increase the uptake of the national immunisation programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27599/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraCommunication of the importance and effectiveness of the HPV vaccine to support the uptake of the national immunisation programme is a service matter. I have referred this question to the Health Service Executive for a direct reply to the Deputy.
1255. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if the process of vaccination will be named as a key prevention tactic in the upcoming national cancer strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27600/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraGovernment approval to the draft National Cancer Strategy 2017-2016 will be sought shortly. The Strategy will have a focus on cancer prevention across a range of measures.
1257. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the reason day-case private patients in public hospitals receive oncology drugs for a per diem statutory charge of €407 or €329 depending on the type of hospital in view of the fact that the day-case drug cost is an average €1,500 per person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27603/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1258. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the reason the full cost of oncology drugs provided to day-case private patients in public hospitals cannot be charged to the health insurance companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27604/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1257 and 1258 together.
The Health (Amendment) Act 2013 prescribes the charges applicable to private patients treated in public hospitals. Private patients are liable for a daily charge rather than a case-based charge for specific treatment and the charges differ depending on (i) whether the patient was an in-patient or daycase (ii) the category of hospital in which treatment was received and (iii) whether the patient was accommodated in a single or multiple occupancy room.
The setting of the charges for private patients is informed by the calculation of the average cost per bedday for each hospital category, which takes account of the cost of, non-consultant doctors, nursing, administration and support staff, diagnostic services (such as x-rays and other scans), medical and surgical supplies (including medicines), operating theatres, laboratory services (such as blood tests etc.), capital costs. The private in-patient charges are intended to go towards meeting these costs.
Since 2014, a case-based funding model for public hospital care, called Activity Based Funding, has been implemented on a phased basis. It is the Government's intention in due course to develop policy proposals for the introduction of a case-based charging system for private patients in public hospitals. Significant policy work on this model will be required given the complexity and breadth of issues to be examined and addressed.
1259. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if a public hospital oncology consultant receives the same professional fee payment as an oncology consultant in a private hospital from health insurance companies for treating day-case oncology private patients in public hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27605/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraHealth Insurance companies operate as commercial providers in a competitive market and as Minister for Health, I have no legal power to intervene in relation to their commercial decisions. The level of fees paid is a commercial decision made by individual health insurers.
1260. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the annual cost for all public hospitals for day-case oncology drugs by public and private patients in each of the years 2012 to 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27606/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy's question relates to service delivery matters and accordingly I have asked the HSE to respond directly to him.
1261. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the age profile of persons waiting for operations in the South/South West Hospital Group as of 1 June 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27627/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to this particular query, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
1262. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the number of persons waiting as of 1 June 2017 for X-rays, CT scans and MRIs in the South/South West Hospital Group by each hospital in the group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27628/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to this particular query, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
1263. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the number of persons waiting for an operation in the South/South West Hospital Group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27629/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to this particular query, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
1264. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite an appointment for a person (details supplied) with a speech and language therapist; the reason for the delays in securing a speech and language therapy appointment in Boyle, County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27665/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.
1265. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of children on the waiting list to see a speech and language therapist in counties Roscommon and Galway in each of the years 2014 to 2016 and to date in 2017, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27666/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.
1266. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health if funding will be provided to ensure home care packages for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27668/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1267. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the number of centres with regard to the primary care centre projects announced on 17 July 2012 that are now open. [27672/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraDelivery of primary care infrastructure is a dynamic process, which evolves to take account of changing circumstances including the feasibility of implementation.
The table below gives details of the 35 locations announced on 17 July 2012, and their current status including estimated opening dates. One of these primary care centres is already operational and a further six are projected to open in 2017, and ten in 2018.
In addition, it should be noted that 57 primary care centres have been opened since 2011, and a further 12 primary care centres are projected to open in 2017 or early 2018, in addition to those shown in the following table.
|
Count |
HSE Region |
County |
Location / PCT Name |
Delivery Method |
Project Status - Q1-Q2 2017 |
|
1 |
DML |
Dublin |
Rowlagh / North Clondalkin |
Direct build |
Stage 2a design team report completed. HSE finalising purchase agreement of site at Collinstown Park School. Purchase agreement is subject to planning permission being granted for the development. |
|
2 |
DML |
Dublin |
Curlew Road / Crumlin / Drimnagh |
Direct build |
Planning permission in place |
|
3 |
DML |
Dublin |
Knocklyon / Rathfarnham |
Direct build |
Planning permission in place |
|
4 |
DML |
Wicklow |
Rathdrum |
Operational Lease |
Planning approved. HSE has finalised layouts. Construction due to commence to commence Q2 2017 and projected to open Q3 2018 |
|
5 |
DML |
Kildare |
Kilcock |
PPP |
In construction. Projected opening 2018 |
|
6 |
DNE |
Dublin |
Coolock / Darndale |
PPP |
In construction. Projected opening 2018 |
|
7 |
DNE |
Dublin |
Summerhill, north inner city Dublin |
PPP |
In construction. Projected opening 2018 |
|
8 |
DNE |
Dublin |
Balbriggan |
Operational Lease |
Construction completed Q2 2017, projected operational Q3 2017 |
|
9 |
DNE |
Dublin |
Swords |
Operational Lease |
Expressions of interest received. Currently being reviewed |
|
10 |
DNE |
Louth |
Drogheda north |
Operational Lease |
Developer re-engaged. Existing building requires fitout. If legal discussions complete successfully, projected construction start Q2/Q3 2017, projected completion Q1 2018 and operational Q2 2018. |
|
11 |
DNE |
Meath |
Laytown and Bettystown |
Operational Lease |
Project is progressing as operational lease. Schedule of accommodation under review |
|
12 |
DNE |
Meath |
Kells |
Operational Lease |
Operational since Q1 2016 |
|
13 |
DNE |
Monaghan |
Carrickmacross |
Operational Lease |
Viable expression of interest has recently been received. Currently waiting for formal submissions. |
|
14 |
South |
Carlow |
Tullow / Rathvilly / Hacketstown |
Direct build |
Adjoining landowner has re-engaged with HSE. Options being reviewed. |
|
15 |
South |
Kilkenny |
Kilkenny city (East) |
Operational Lease |
Priced offer approved. Letter of Intent issued. |
|
16 |
South |
Wexford |
Wexford town |
PPP |
In Construction. Projected opening 2018 |
|
17 |
South |
Waterford |
Dungarvan |
PPP |
In Construction. Projected opening 2018 |
|
18 |
South |
Waterford |
Waterford city (east) |
PPP |
In Construction. Projected opening 2018 |
|
19 |
South |
Cork |
Cork city - Ballyphehane / Togher / Greenmount / The Lough |
Operational Lease |
Letter of Intent issued. Layouts being developed. |
|
20 |
South |
Kerry |
Tralee |
Operational Lease |
Letter of Intent issued. Layouts being developed. |
|
21 |
South |
Tipperary |
Carrick-on-Suir |
PPP |
In Construction. Projected opening 2018 |
|
22 |
South |
Tipperary |
Clonmel |
Operational Lease |
Reviewing accommodation requirements before progressing to stage 3 |
|
23 |
West |
Tipperary |
Thurles |
Operational Lease |
Letter of Intent issued 10/12/2015. Project progressing towards Agreement for Lease. |
|
24 |
West |
Limerick |
Limerick city (Ballinacurra / Weston) |
PPP |
In Construction. Projected opening late 2017 |
|
25 |
West |
Clare |
Ennis |
Operational Lease |
Expressions of interest received. Currently being reviewed |
|
26 |
West |
Galway |
Tuam |
PPP |
In Construction. Projected opening late 2017 |
|
27 |
West |
Galway |
Gort |
Operational Lease |
Letter of Intent withdrawn 24/05/2016. Possible re-advertisement. |
|
28 |
West |
Roscommon |
Boyle |
PPP |
In Construction. Projected opening late 2017 |
|
29 |
West |
Roscommon |
Ballaghadereen |
Operational Lease |
Letter of Intent issued 27/10/2015. Project progressing to Agreement for Lease. |
|
30 |
West |
Mayo |
Westport |
PPP |
In Construction. Projected opening 2018 |
|
31 |
West |
Mayo |
Claremorris |
PPP |
In Construction. Projected opening late 2017 |
|
32 |
West |
Sligo |
Ballymote |
PPP |
In Construction. Projected opening late 2017 |
|
33 |
West |
Donegal |
Dungloe - An Clochán Liath |
Operational Lease |
Re-advertised for Operational Lease option. Expressions of interest received. |
|
34 |
West |
Donegal |
Donegal town |
Operational Lease |
Expressions of interest received. Currently being reviewed |
Coolock and Darndale were announced as two separate locations
The mechanism and timescale for delivery of primary care centres is dependent on a number of factors. Some of these factors are outside the control of the Health Service Executive. Regardless of the delivery mechanism, all potential primary care infrastructure is subject to suitable locations being offered / provided / available, to successful planning processes and GP commitment to sharing accommodation and delivering health care services with HSE staff. In addition the operational lease mechanism is subject to market pressures such as the developers' access to adequate financing.
