Niamh Smyth
Ceist:954. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) has had to wait on an orthodontic appointment and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35825/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraOrthodontic Services
Ceisteanna (954)
Freagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
National Drugs Strategy Budget
Ceisteanna (955)
John Curran
Ceist:955. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health further to his comments at the launch of the National Drugs Strategy, the areas which the €3 million additional funding referred to in his speech will be used to fund in 2017, and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35849/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department of Health allocated an additional €3m to the HSE for drugs-related measures in 2017. It is intended that this additional funding will be used to:
- establish a pilot supervised injecting facility in Dublin city centre during 2017;
- increase access to buprenorphine/naloxone and buprenorphine products as an alternative treatment for the identified cohorts of patients for whom methadone treatment is not suitable;
- address gaps in addiction service provision for under 18s; and
- provide more detoxification places in community and residential settings next year.
Assisted Human Reproduction
Ceisteanna (956)
Thomas Byrne
Ceist:956. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Health when the assisted human reproduction Bill will be pursued. [35853/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A draft of the General Scheme of legislative provisions on assisted human reproduction (AHR) and associated research, has been prepared by officials in my Department. Consultation is taking place with the Attorney General's Office and with other relevant Departments in relation to the provisions in the draft Scheme.
Once the General Scheme has been completed, a memo will be submitted to Government seeking approval to draft a Bill based on the General Scheme, as well as permission to publish the General Scheme submitted. If the Government approves the General Scheme it will be submitted to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health for pre-legislative scrutiny.
It is not possible at this time to give a definitive timeline for the completion of the draft Bill and its subsequent passage through the Houses of the Oireachtas. However, work on the General Scheme of an AHR Bill is well advanced in my Department and I consider this to be a priority for 2017.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (957)
Mary Lou McDonald
Ceist:957. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be provided with a date for hip replacement surgery in Tallaght hospital. [35859/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
Vaccination Programme
Ceisteanna (958)
John McGuinness
Ceist:958. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if he is monitoring the issues being raised abroad over the use of Gardasil; if his attention has been drawn to the 400 victims in Colombia preparing to take a case against a company (details supplied); if he has examined compensation programmes put in place in other countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35875/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 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.
In relation to compensation programmes, my Department is considering how to implement the Programme for a Partnership Government commitment, which encompasses consideration of the implementation of the recommendations of the Vaccine Damage Steering Group.
Electronic Cigarettes
Ceisteanna (959)
John McGuinness
Ceist:959. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health his views on the use, regulation and taxing of vape products; his further views on the submission of an association (details supplied) of 3 February 2017 to HIQA and the Revenue Commissioners on 16 February 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35876/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Vaping is a relatively new occurrence. While the market share for electronic cigarettes and refill containers is growing, the long-term effects of vaping on public health are not yet known. Electronic cigarettes are regulated by the European Union (Manufacture, Presentation and Sale of Tobacco and Related Products) Regulations 2016. These Regulations transposed the European Tobacco Products Directive and came into effect on 20 May 2016.
The Department, in pursuing the recommendations of Tobacco Free Ireland, requested the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) to carry out a health technology assessment (HTA) of the clinical and cost-effectiveness of pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical smoking cessation products and service. HIQA took full account of all submissions received in the course of the Health Technology Assessment.
Taxation is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners. The Minister for Health has no role in this matter.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (960)
Fiona O'Loughlin
Ceist:960. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health his plans to deal with the large waiting list of persons requiring spinal surgery in Tallaght hospital, and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35880/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (961)
Fiona O'Loughlin
Ceist:961. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health if he will review the case of an individual (details supplied) and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35881/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Ceisteanna (962)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:962. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the status of the ongoing demonstration project on pre-exposure prophylaxis, PrEP; the stage in this project the HSE is currently at; if PrEP should be found feasible for HSE availability, if funding will be available to facilitate access to this drug, should that be found feasible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35887/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
One of the priority actions identified under the Sexual Health Strategy 2015-2020 was to 'prioritise, develop and implement guidance to support clinical decision making for STI testing, screening and treatment and on the appropriate use of antiretroviral therapy in HIV prevention’.
As part of this action, a multisectoral PrEP (HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis) working group, with a wide range of professional and community representation, was established by the HSE Sexual Health and Crisis Pregnancy Programme in 2016. The terms of reference of this multisectoral group includes the development of clinical guidance documents and recommendations in relation to the use of HIV PrEP in Ireland.
A report on population estimates of MSM (men who have sex with men) eligible and likely to avail of PrEP in Ireland, using data from the Men who have Sex with Men Internet Survey Ireland (MISI) 2015 survey, was developed in collaboration with the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC).
The working group is exploring questions in relation to the feasibility, acceptability and uptake of HIV PrEP in Ireland and work has commenced on identifying how these priority questions can be answered through a project within existing clinical infrastructures.
In addition, the working group had explored the possibility of running a ‘demonstration project’ in Ireland with the support of a manufacturer of a relevant authorised product, however, I understand that the demonstration project is not being pursued at this juncture as the window of opportunity has now closed.
The working group has also progressed work on the development of standards for PrEP service provision and other issues relevant to any future ‘model of care’ and implementation of a PrEP clinical service within a HIV prevention programme to people who would meet determined eligibility criteria and in services meeting agreed standards.
A pharmaceutical manufacturer has submitted a rapid review dossier to the HSE and a rapid review has been formally commissioned from the NCPE (National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics). This is in line with the standard process under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. Given the likely scale of investment that would be required to support the introduction of PrEP, it may also require a full Health Technology Assessment. The timeline to complete this process would be in the order of at least 6 to 12 months.
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Ceisteanna (963)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:963. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health his views on the ongoing injunction action (details supplied) regarding the availability of generic pre-exposure prophylaxis; if such an action will have an effect on the potential availability of PrEP with the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35888/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will appreciate, I cannot comment on matters that are before the courts.
Medicinal Products Supply
Ceisteanna (964)
Charlie McConalogue
Ceist:964. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health if a decision has been made on the provision of a drug (details supplied); if not, when a decision can be expected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35898/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 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.
Medicinal Products Prices
Ceisteanna (965)
Clare Daly
Ceist:965. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health the reason Ireland is lagging behind other EU countries in the reimbursement of persons requiring new medicines which are routinely available across Europe; the obstacles preventing a more robust process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35907/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drug schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.
The HSE makes reimbursement decisions on objective scientific and economic grounds. Criteria used include the population’s health needs, the product’s cost and clinical effectiveness, opportunity costs, the budget impact and available resources.
HSE decisions are supported by health technology assessments (HTAs), which systematically assess whether a drug is a cost-effective health intervention. Most new medicines undergo HTAs, but not all applications have sufficient information for assessment. Also, as HTAs frequently cannot demonstrate value for money at the price sought, lengthy price negotiations may be needed. These factors contribute significantly to the length of the approval process.
Under the 2016 Framework Agreement on the Supply and Pricing of Medicines, the HSE may negotiate price and supply conditions. Reaching a sustainable pricing structure can be a long process. Put simply, some manufacturers, as monopoly suppliers, seek very high prices that may not reflect the drug’s effectiveness and that are unsustainable for our health service.
It is right to exercise diligence when considering such commitments. Every effort should be made to secure the best outcome for the patient, the health service and the taxpayer. This includes seeking realistic and sustainable pricing and supply models for new treatments.
Ireland has also begun working with other Member States to explore ways to share expertise and resources, so we can all gain access to new treatments in realistic time frames and at fair prices.
Community Care Provision
Ceisteanna (966)
Danny Healy-Rae
Ceist:966. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the reason the community ophthalmic medical services scheme is not yet rolled out despite being announced nine years ago; the counties and locations the pilot scheme is currently being offered in; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35910/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Staff Data
Ceisteanna (967)
Bobby Aylward
Ceist:967. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Health the number of urologists available to cater for public patients in hospitals in the south east; the waiting time for urology appointments for public patients classed as urgent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35912/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In relation to the specific case raised, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
Hospital Staff Data
Ceisteanna (968)
Bobby Aylward
Ceist:968. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Health the number of urologists available to cater for public patients in hospitals in the greater Dublin area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35913/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
Paediatric Services
Ceisteanna (969)
Michael McGrath
Ceist:969. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health his plans for an outreach clinic in County Cork to facilitate children who need to be seen by a consultant paediatric gastroenterologist, and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35926/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
Nursing Staff Data
Ceisteanna (970)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:970. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the number of nurses and midwives employed by the HSE on a full-time basis in each of the years 2008 to 2016 and to date in 2017, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35931/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.
HSE Staff Data
Ceisteanna (971, 972)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:971. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the number of doctors employed by the HSE on a full-time basis in each of the years 2008 to 2016 and to date in 2017, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35932/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraLouise O'Reilly
Ceist:972. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the number of consultant doctors employed by the HSE on a full-time basis in each of the years 2008 to 2016 and to date in 2017, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35933/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 971 and 972 together.
I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.
Paediatric Services
Ceisteanna (973)
Michael McGrath
Ceist:973. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health his plans for an outreach clinic in County Cork to facilitate children who need to be seen by a metabolic doctor from the specialist metabolic unit in Temple Street; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35938/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.