Tuesday, 20 Jun 2017

Written Answers Nos 1048-1069

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (1048)

Mary Butler

Ceist:

1048. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health the status of hospital admission for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26685/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As 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.

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (1049)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

1049. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae 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. [26696/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

In relation to this particular query, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.

General Practitioner Services Provision

Ceisteanna (1050)

Bríd Smith

Ceist:

1050. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will investigate and ensure that persons (details supplied) in the Drimnagh area with a medical general practitioner cards will not lose their general practitioner service due to the closure of a general practice. [26698/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (1051)

Lisa Chambers

Ceist:

1051. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay regarding an appointment for a person (details supplied) with a consultant in Sligo University Hospital. [26703/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Under 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.

Health Services Provision

Ceisteanna (1052)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

1052. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the steps he will take to deal with a case in which a HSE transport service provider has been left unpaid (details supplied). [26704/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

In response to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.

Hospital Procedures

Ceisteanna (1053)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

1053. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health the number of hip operations carried out in Letterkenny University Hospital to date in 2017, in tabular form; the number of these operations carried out in each of the years 2014 to 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26717/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

In response to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (1054)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

1054. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health the number of persons waiting for a hip operation in Letterkenny University Hospital; the current waiting time for this operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26719/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

In response to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (1055)

Peter Burke

Ceist:

1055. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health when the new cataract unit in the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital will be open; and when a person (details supplied) will receive an appointment. [26722/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

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.

Under 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.

Mental Health Services Provision

Ceisteanna (1056)

Michael D'Arcy

Ceist:

1056. Deputy Michael D'Arcy asked the Minister for Health the mental health services available for young persons in County Wexford under 18 years of age; his plans to increase same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26723/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service issue, this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Primary Care Centres

Ceisteanna (1057)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

1057. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will investigate the parking facilities at a location (details supplied) which results in cars being parked in a dangerous manner; if a portion of the HSE-owned land to the rear of this facility can be converted into car parking facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26738/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As the HSE has responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care facilities, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Executive for direct reply.

Blood Donations

Ceisteanna (1058)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

1058. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health his plans to reduce the current one-year deferral on MSM blood donors here to a three-month deferral (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26740/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

On January 16th this year, the IBTS lifted its lifelong ban on men who have sex with men (MSM) from donating blood.

The policies introduced by the IBTS in January set out that (a) the deferral policy for men who have sex with men (MSM) from donating blood should be reduced to a period of one year following their last sexual encounter with a man and (b) all donors who have had a sexually transmitted infection (STI) should be deferred from donating blood for a period of at least five years from that infection.

The IBTS has no current plans to reduce the one year deferral on MSM from donating blood, though they will continue to keep all deferral policies under active review in light of scientific evidence, emerging infections and international experience.

Health Services Provision

Ceisteanna (1059, 1087, 1269, 1270, 1569)

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

1059. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health if he will meet with representatives of a group (details supplied) to discuss the appointment of a new expert medical oncologist with sarcoma-specific experience equal to or greater than the expert that previously treated patients at St Vincent's University Hospital. [26741/17]

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

1087. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if the HSE plans to hire a new expert medical oncologist with sarcoma-specific experience; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26811/17]

Billy Kelleher

Ceist:

1269. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health his plans to meet with an organisation (details supplied); if so, when; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27680/17]

Billy Kelleher

Ceist:

1270. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the status of the recruitment process further to the commitment he gave in 2016 regarding the appointment of a medical oncologist with sarcoma-specific experience equal to or greater than the expert that treated persons at St Vincent's University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27681/17]

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

1569. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health if he will meet with representatives of a group (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28964/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1059, 1087, 1269, 1270 and 1569 together.

I met with members of the Sarcoma Action Group last year, as well as with representatives from the HSE's National Cancer Control Programme and St Vincent's University Hospital, and engaged in discussions in relation to the provision of sarcoma services in Ireland, and in particular the service delivered at St Vincent's.

St Vincent's University Hospital has provided highly specialised and individualised treatment to sarcoma sufferers for a number of years.

Following the meeting last year, the recruitment of an additional post of consultant medical oncologist with a special interest in sarcoma, based in St. Vincent’s University Hospital, was prioritised to facilitate further development of the service there. St Vincent's University Hospital is responsible for the recruitment process. The Department has been advised that, following interviews for the post, a successful candidate has been identified and an appointment will be made in due course. In the interim, patients requiring treatment for sarcoma cancer will continue to receive high quality care at St Vincent’s Hospital with care being managed by one of the hospital’s full-time oncologists.

Motorised Transport Grant Closure

Ceisteanna (1060, 1134, 1207, 1219, 1481)

Maurice Quinlivan

Ceist:

1060. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the scheme to replace the motorised transport grant; when it is expected to be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26761/17]

Noel Grealish

Ceist:

1134. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health when the Heath (Transport Support) Bill will come before the Dáil Éireann in view of the fact that the mobility allowance scheme was closed to new applicants in 2013 which has resulted in considerable hardship for persons with mobility issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26989/17]

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

1207. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the mobility allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27288/17]

Robert Troy

Ceist:

1219. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if the motorised transport scheme will be reintroduced; and the date on which it will be open to new applicants. [27399/17]

Michael Fitzmaurice

Ceist:

1481. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health when he will introduce the new scheme to replace the motorised transport grant (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28726/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1060, 1134, 1207, 1219 and 1481 together.

Conscious 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 and the Programme for a 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. 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 criteria 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 next step is to seek Government approval to the drafting of a Bill for the new Scheme.

HSE Properties

Ceisteanna (1061)

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

1061. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health his plans for the lands owned by the HSE adjoining Navan hospital which are lying vacant; and when he will develop the primary care centre in Navan. [26762/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Your question has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply as the management of the healthcare property estate is a service matter.

Counselling Services Provision

Ceisteanna (1062)

James Browne

Ceist:

1062. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the twice yearly average waiting times for HSE counselling services in County Wexford, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26767/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service issue, this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Counselling Services Provision

Ceisteanna (1063)

James Browne

Ceist:

1063. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the steps he will take to meet the growing demands for counselling services particularly in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26768/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service issue, this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Health Services Provision

Ceisteanna (1064)

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

1064. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (detail supplied) in County Louth who is of the view that they would benefit from inpatient treatment for anorexia nervosa; if the person will receive inpatient treatment; when they may be admitted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26778/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service issue, this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Medicinal Products Supply

Ceisteanna (1065)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

1065. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if he will examine the case of a person (details supplied); when the drug Tysabri will be made available to multiple sclerosis patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26785/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Tysabri is an authorised medicinal product. As the question of provision of this drug to individual patients is a matter for the HSE and the hospital concerned, I have referred this query to the HSE and asked them to respond to you directly.

Medical Card Applications

Ceisteanna (1066)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

1066. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if a medical card application by a person (details supplied) will be expedited. [26787/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

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.

Home Care Packages Provision

Ceisteanna (1067, 1068, 1069)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

1067. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the number of persons that have been assessed and are waiting for home help services in each of the nine community health organisations; the number of these persons currently in hospital awaiting discharge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26788/17]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

1068. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the number of persons that have been assessed and are waiting for home care packages in each of the nine community health organisations; the number of these persons currently in hospital awaiting discharge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26789/17]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

1069. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the number of persons that have been assessed and are waiting for intensive home care packages in each of the nine community health organisations; the number of these persons currently in hospital awaiting discharge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26790/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1067 to 1069, inclusive, together.

As these are service matters they have been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.