Written Answers Nos 1308-1327
1308. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when the chemotherapy services at the Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore, will resume in view of the fact that this service has not been available since March 2017 (details supplied). [27809/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy's question relates to service delivery matters and accordingly I have asked the HSE to respond directly to him.
1309. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if funds will be made available for improvement works to be carried out on the interior and facilities at the Royal City of Dublin Hospital on Baggot Street; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27813/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraYour question has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply as the management of the healthcare property estate is a service matter.
1310. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health his plans regarding the disposal or otherwise of the site of the Central Mental Hospital in Dundrum in view of the commencement of work on the new national forensic mental health hospital in Portrane; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27814/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe disposal or otherwise of the site of the Central Mental Hospital in Dundrum cannot proceed until such time as the hospital is vacated, following the completion of the new National Forensic Mental Health Services Hospital in Portrane. The Central Mental Hospital is part of the State property portfolio under the Office of Public Works, which is a State Agency of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. Therefore the matter of the Deputy’s queries regarding disposal or otherwise would be a matter for that Agency/Department.
1311. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the cost of establishing and operating an all-island rare diseases registry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27820/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Rare Disease Plan for Ireland 2014-2018 recommended that a network of rare disease registries covering the island of Ireland be developed taking into account relevant legislation and international best practice. The issue of north south cooperation relating to rare diseases so as to improve information provision to rare disease patients, registries and the potential for collaboration on the management of patients is under consideration as part of ongoing North/South work.
1312. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an application for a hearing aid by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27850/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1313. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Health when the National Treatment Purchase Fund will be fully accessible; the way in which it will be applied for; the criteria for persons to access the fund; the hospitals both public and private that will be participating in the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27874/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraReducing waiting times for the longest waiting patients is one of this Government's key priorities. Consequently, Budget 2017 allocated €20 million to the NTPF, rising to €55 million in 2018.
In order to reduce the numbers of long-waiting patients, I asked the HSE to develop Waiting List Action Plans for 2017 in the areas of Inpatient/Daycase, Scoliosis and Outpatient Services. These plans have been published and their implementation is ongoing. The Inpatient / Daycase and Outpatient Plans focus on reducing the number of patients waiting 15 months or more for inpatient and daycase treatment or for an outpatient appointment by the end of October. The Scoliosis Action Plan aims to ensure that no patient who requires scoliosis surgery will be waiting more than four months for surgery by the end of 2017. Under these Plans, since early February, over 14,200 patients have come off the Inpatient/Daycase Waiting List and nearly 49,000 patients have come off the Outpatient Waiting List.
In addition, the NTPF is currently rolling out its Daycase Waiting List Initiative focused on those waiting longest for daycase treatment, with a view to ensuring that in excess of 2,000 patients waiting more than 18 months for a daycase procedure will have received an offer of an appointment for their procedure by the end of June. The NTPF has advised that to date over 2,500 patients files have been transferred to private hospitals under this Initiative, 631 patients have accepted an offer of treatment in a private hospital and that 178 patients have received their procedure.
1314. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Health if any former Deputies have been appointed to State boards under his remit by the Public Appointments Service; if so, the names and positions of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28216/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe nomination and appointment process for boards of bodies under the aegis of my Department is set out in legislation. In line with Government Decision S180/20/10/1617 of 2014 and Guidelines set out by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform relating to the advertising for expressions of interest in vacancies on State Boards, my Department in conjunction with the Public Appointments Service (PAS) currently advertises for board vacancies as they arise, where I, as Minister for Health, have nominating rights under relevant legislation.
To my knowledge, none of the appointments I have made from the lists of candidates who had expressed an interest to the Public Appointments Service in serving on a Board, and who were found to have the appropriate competencies and skills for the position, have been former TDs.
1315. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health the role his officials have in relation to co-ordinating the bid to attract EU agencies to locate in Ireland. [25628/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs a consequence of the United Kingdom's decision to leave the European Union, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) must relocate to another Member State. The Government believes that moving the Agency to Dublin would offer a sustainable solution which will minimise any disruption to its operations caused by the relocation.
On 25 October 2016 the Government established an interdepartmental/interagency working group, chaired by my Department, to prepare a bid for the relocation of the Agency to Dublin.
My officials have commissioned and launched a promotional brochure and website, setting out the advantages of a move to Dublin for the EMA, and are also co-ordinating a political, diplomatic and multimedia campaign to gain support for the Dublin bid. Irish Diplomats are also campaigning in every Member State capital to promote the Dublin bid.
It is expected that official bid to be the new host city for the EMA will have to be submitted to the E.U. Council by the 31st July 2017. My officials are currently working intensely in conjunction with the Interdepartmental group and officials from other Departments and Agencies as appropriate, to ensure that a high quality bid is ready for submission by the deadline.
1316. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health if he will address the ENT waiting list in University Hospital Waterford, which is one of the highest in the country under the National Treatment Purchase Fund as a priority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27648/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to this particular query, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
1317. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the cost of deploying a mobile cath lab to University Hospital Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27653/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have formally approved the deployment of a mobile cath lab at University Hospital Waterford (UHW) for a specific period during 2017. As recommended by the Herity report, an additional €500,000 has been allocated to the hospital for 2017. I have asked the HSE to maximise the benefit for patients from that funding, in respect of both additional sessions at the existing cath lab and the temporary use of a mobile cath lab for a specific period. The mobile cath lab will be procured in line with the normal HSE procurement process. In relation to the query concerning the cost of deploying a mobile cath mobile to UHW, I have asked the HSE to reply to you directly.
1318. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health if autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation treatment for multiple sclerosis will be made available in Ireland; if not, the reason therefor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27940/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAutologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation treatment is a potentially promising treatment for a small subset of patients with multiple sclerosis. It is considered a highly aggressive treatment with very significant side-effects. Decisions, therefore relating to appropriate treatment for multiple sclerosis are a matter for clinicians in consultation with patients and their families.
1319. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the regulations for the prescription of Epilim to pregnant women; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27941/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that the Deputy's question refers to the prescribing of Epilim. Epilim is a product which contains the active substance sodium valproate, which is among a number of medicines licensed in Ireland for the treatment of epilepsy. Valproate medicines have been authorised via national procedures in all EU Member States and in Norway and Iceland; valproate-containing medicines are also approved nationally in Ireland to treat bipolar disorder.
It is well established that women who take anti-epileptics during pregnancy face a higher risk of having a child with birth defects than women in the general population. This risk is further increased if a woman takes more than one anti-epileptic medicine during pregnancy. However, epilepsy and seizures during pregnancy also carry a significant risk of complications for both the woman and the unborn child. Anti-epileptic medicines should not be stopped abruptly during pregnancy as this may lead to breakthrough seizures that could have serious consequences for the woman and the unborn child.
The product information Summary of Product Characteristic (SmPC) and package leaflet for sodium valproate includes detailed information on use, precautions and recommendations, as well as information on the known side effects of the medicine associated with use in pregnancy and more generally. The SmPC and package leaflet are issued when a medicine is first licensed for use and are reviewed and updated as necessary throughout the lifetime of the medicine. Each pack of the medicine dispensed carries a copy of the latest package leaflet.
In March of this year, the Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) initiated a new review of the use of valproate-containing medicines in the treatment of women and girls who are pregnant or of childbearing age. This review is examining the available evidence and will consult with relevant stakeholder groups, including holding a public hearing to listen directly to the experience of EU patients with these medicines, so that this experience can be taken into account as part of the Committee's considerations. A previous EMA review of valproate, in 2014, resulted in measures to strengthen the warnings and restrictions on the use of valproate medicines in women and girls, due to the risk of malformations and developmental problems in babies who are exposed to valproate in the womb.
The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) is the competent authority for the regulation of medicines in Ireland. The HPRA has highlighted the results of previous reviews of valproate to Irish healthcare professionals and provided revised educational materials for both healthcare professionals and patients. The HPRA has already informed healthcare professionals and relevant patient groups that the new EMA review is underway, and will disseminate the results of the review to Irish patients and healthcare professionals as soon as they become available.
In October 2016, the HSE's Medicines Management Programme (MMP) launched its Valproate Toolkit, an online resource consisting of a patient information booklet, summary guide for prescribers and a patient/prescriber checklist. This information highlights that sodium valproate should not be prescribed to girls or women of childbearing age or pregnant women unless other treatments are ineffective or not tolerated. The MMP is in contact with the HPRA regarding the EMA's current review of valproate, and any further recommendations will be considered.
1320. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the recent reports of children with disabilities being put on waiting lists of over two years for an initial assessment, despite the provisions of the Disability Act 2005 which includes a legal requirement that an assessment must be carried out within three months from the date of application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27949/17]
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.
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.
1321. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Health the measures in place for young persons that reach 18 years of age while on the waiting list for CAMHS, in view of the fact that in February 2017 there were 2,520 children and young persons on waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27950/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service issue, this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
1322. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 444 of 16 May 2017, the number of HSE homeless section 39 funded services that received funding in 2015, 2016 and to date in 2017; and the number of these organisations that also received section ten funding from central government [27953/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraParliamentary question number 444 was referred to the Health Service Executive, as it was a service matter, and I understand they issued a response to the Deputy on 30 May 2017.
In response to the Deputy's subsequent questions on this issue, as this is a service matter, it has again been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
1323. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Health the details of the National Treatment Purchase Fund fees paid to private nursing homes, by county; and the reason different sums are paid to different nursing homes in the same county as is occurring in County Limerick. [27980/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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. A financial assessment is carried out by the HSE to determine how much a participant will contribute to the cost of their care.
The Scheme covers the cost of the standard components of long-term residential care which are:
- Nursing and personal care appropriate to the level of care needs of the person;
- Bed and board;
- Basic aids and appliances necessary to assist a person with the activities of everyday living;
- Laundry service.
The legislation underpinning the Nursing Homes Support Scheme requires each private nursing home to negotiate and agree a price for long-term residential care services with the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) should they wish to be an approved nursing home for the purposes of the Scheme. The NTPF has statutory independence in the performance of its function, and negotiates with each nursing home on an individual basis. The NTPF may examine the records and accounts of nursing homes as part of the process with the objective of setting a fair price which delivers value for money to the individual and the State. In negotiating with nursing homes, the NTPF has regard to:
- Costs reasonably and prudently incurred by the nursing home and evidence of value for money;
- Price(s) previously charged;
- Local market price; and
- Budgetary constraints and the obligation on the State to use available resources in the most beneficial, effective and efficient manner to improve, promote and protect the health and welfare of the public.
Section 41 of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act, 2009 provides for the NTPF to notify the HSE of the prices agreed with the proprietors of private nursing homes. The weekly cost of all private and voluntary residential facilities is published on a monthly basis on the HSE website http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/4/olderpeople/nhss/costs.html.
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. The Review recognised that in order to maximise the take-up of the Scheme when it was first introduced in 2009, and to ensure there were no delays for those wishing to avail of the Scheme, the NTPF used inherited historic prices with in-built price disparities as an initial baseline for agreements with proprietors of nursing homes. Although good progress has been made since then in reducing price disparities, the Review recognises that differences still remain between facilities and regions, sometimes delineated by county boundaries.
The Review identified a number of issues for more detailed consideration, including a review of pricing mechanisms by the NTPF, with a view to:
- Ensuring value for money and economy, with the lowest possible administrative costs for clients and the State and administrative burden for providers;
- Increasing the transparency of the pricing mechanism so that existing and potential investors can make as informed decisions as possible; and
- Ensuring that there is adequate residential capacity for those residents with more complex needs.
A Steering Committee has been established to oversee the review of the pricing system for private long-term residential care facilities. This Steering Committee is chaired by the NTPF and includes representatives from the Department of Health, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, and the NTPF, and work in this area is well advanced.
1324. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will schedule an appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27994/17]
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.
1325. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a list of physiotherapists in County Kildare that will treat children with scoliosis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28009/17]
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.
1326. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Health the estimated full year cost per child of introducing a baby box scheme similar to that operating in Scotland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28015/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to this particular query, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
1327. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if orthodontics will be provided for a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28016/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
