Niall Collins
Ceist:693. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health the number of departmental staff in his press office; the reporting relationship in operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46045/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraDepartmental Staff Data
Ceisteanna (693)
Freagraí scríofa
The number of Department staff working in the Press Office of my Department and their reporting relationships are set out in the following table.
|
Staff member |
Reporting relationship |
|
Head of Press and Communications Office (Assistant Principal Officer) |
Reports to a Principal Officer who also has responsibility for a number of other Units in the Department |
|
2 Higher Executive Officers |
Report to the Head of Press and Communications Office (Assistant Principal Officer) |
|
1 Executive Officer |
Reports to the 2 Higher Executive Officers |
|
1 Clerical Officer |
Reports to the 2 Higher Executive Officers |
Departmental Staff Data
Ceisteanna (694)
Niall Collins
Ceist:694. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health the protocol for attendance by staff, both civil servants and political non-civil servants, at continuing professional development programmes and courses; the number of staff, both civil servants and political non-civil servants, in his Department who participated in such programmes on an annual basis in each of the years 2011 to 2016 and to date in 2017; the costs incurred by his Department for persons who participated in these courses; the providers of all such courses; the subject areas of all courses and programmes provided, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46062/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The protocol for the Department of Health is to support its staff in their continuing professional development programmes.
With regards to the specific query the detailed information requested by the Deputy is currently being collated and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
Public Relations Contracts Data
Ceisteanna (695)
Niall Collins
Ceist:695. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health the public relations companies or agencies whose services his Department used for information campaigns since 1 January 2017; and the costs incurred to date in 2017. [46079/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
It is the policy in my Department only to engage the services of external groups where it is felt to be appropriate and cost-effective. As the Deputy will be aware, as a consequence of the decision of the UK to leave the EU, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) must be relocated to another Member State. Government decided that a whole-of-Government approach will be taken to promoting the relocation of the EMA to Dublin.
In view of the complexity of this task, it was determined that external support was needed in respect of key elements of the bid preparation and communications process. In this context my Department invited tenders from a number of potential providers, seeking public relations/public affairs and communications support. After the competitive process, Hume Brophy was announced as the preferred bidder.
This contract ended on 13 July and cost a total of €114,491.
Departmental Agencies Funding
Ceisteanna (696)
Dara Calleary
Ceist:696. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health the steps he has taken to ensure that grant aided organisations are spending their moneys appropriately in view of the revelations regarding a charity (details supplied) in 2016; if his attention has been drawn to concerns relating to organisations funded by his Department; if so, the action he has taken; if his Department has issued new procedures regarding the use of credit cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46096/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
All agencies under the aegis of my Department and which receive funding from it, including the HSE, must comply with financial obligations under Circular 13/2013 – Public Spending Code, Circular 13/2014 – Management of and Accountability for Grants from Exchequer Funds and also with the requirements in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform’s Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies. These agencies are reminded of their obligations each year in their Letter of Determination which confirms their funding for that year. Each year also, each agency confirms to my Department that it has complied with the requirements in the Code of Practice.
A primary function of the HSE is to manage and deliver health and personal social services. It can either do this itself or it can enter an arrangement under section 38 or section 39 of the Health Act 2004 with a service provider to deliver the service. Funding oversight of the 39 agencies funded under section 38 of the Health Act and over 2,000 agencies funded under section 39 of the Health Act is the responsibility of the HSE under its establishing legislation.
The HSE has established a framework of governance over funded agencies including a requirement for those agencies to sign a service level agreement or a grant aid agreement depending on the level of grant funding being provided. Agencies in receipt of funding in excess of €250,000 are subject to a service level agreement and agencies in receipt of funding less than €250,000 are subject to a grant aid agreement. The framework provides national standardised documentation which governs grant funding provided to the agencies. It also seeks to ensure the standard, consistent application of good governance principles which are robust and effective to ensure that both the HSE and the grant-funded agency meet their respective obligations.
The HSE requires that all grant aided non-statutory agencies submit their annual audited accounts to the HSE. As part of its annual audit plans, the Internal Audit Division of the HSE conducts audits of a number of the agencies each year. Such audits generally focus on the systems of internal control operated by the funded agencies, and compliance with the HSE Service Level Agreement (SLA). The scope is distinct from the statutory annual audit of accounts carried out by the external auditors of the agencies. A number of Internal Audits have also been conducted by the HSE into its own management processes and controls over the funding and monitoring of services provided by non-statutory agencies. In addition, the Comptroller and Auditor General may also undertake a review of the HSE's monitoring and oversight of grants to health agencies and the findings of such a review were the subject of a recent meeting of the Public Accounts Committee.
New procedures have not been issued by my Department to the agencies under its aegis in relation to credit cards. The specific focus of the Deputy's question appears to relate to an agency which was funded under section 39 of the Health Act. I have therefore referred the question of whether it has introduced new procedures in relation to credit cards for the agencies funded by it to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
National Treatment Purchase Fund Data
Ceisteanna (697)
Noel Grealish
Ceist:697. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who have been treated under the National Treatment Purchase Fund in 2015, 2016 and to date in 2017; the category of procedures; the number for each category of procedure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46111/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In relation to the particular query raised, I have asked the NTPF to provide the information sought by the Deputy and I will forward this information to him as soon as it is available.
Brexit Issues
Ceisteanna (698)
Stephen Donnelly
Ceist:698. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the details of all planning and research work under way on the impact of the result of Brexit negotiations in his Department or related State agencies; if this analysis is intended for publication; the expected completion and publication date respectively of this research, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46122/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has responsibility for coordinating the whole-of-Government response to Brexit. The Department of Health is working closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to address the many challenges resulting from Brexit. This cooperation also involves the relevant State Agencies.
Work at Cabinet level is being prepared through cross-Departmental coordination structures. These represent a frequent and active channel through which all relevant Departments are providing their research, analysis and overall policy input to the Government’s wider response to Brexit, including its priorities for the ongoing Article 50 negotiations between the EU and the UK.
As the outcome of the negotiations is not yet known, an important focus of the planning and preparation being undertaken through these structures is on deepening the Government’s analysis and understanding of the exact consequences of a range of different possible scenarios. This represents an intensification of efforts to build on the Government’s contingency planning.
The Deputy Secretary, Policy and Strategy Division, and the Assistant Secretary, R and D and Health Analytics Division are the lead officials in the Department of Health for planning and coordination on the negotiations for Brexit. The Department of Health participates fully in the Interdepartmental Group on the EU and Brexit, and its workgroups as appropriate.
The Department of Health and its agencies have been conducting detailed analysis on the impacts of Brexit in the area of health. A number of issues are being examined and contingency planning for a range of eventualities is underway. A key issue will be to ensure that there is minimum disruption to health services and that essential services are maintained on a cross-Border, all-island and Ireland-UK basis. The health sector has a highly mobile workforce and free movement issues and the mutual recognition and assurance of professional qualifications are being considered. On regulatory issues, it is clear that having a single set of rules across the European Union is enormously helpful – to protect human health, to ensure consumer protection and to provide a level playing field for industry. The UK no longer being part of a harmonised regulatory system in relation to food safety standards, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and cosmetics could necessitate increased certification requirements or disrupt trade between Ireland and the UK. Ensuring continuity in the supply of medicines and medical devices following the UK’s departure from the EU is a priority. The issue of customs is of relevance as it relates to additional food safety controls and medicines. The implications of Brexit for networks and organisations such as the EU Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed, the European Reference Networks on rare diseases and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control are also under consideration.
These issues are currently being examined by my Department and its agencies and this work will continue over the period ahead. The key priorities for my Department are to ensure continuity in the provision of health services and to avoid, or mitigate changes to the current situation that would have a negative impact on human health. These are also key factors in considering the prioritisation of risks.
The Deputy will also be aware, that an Inter-Departmental/Interagency Group, chaired by my Department, was established to prepare a bid for the relocation of the European Medicines Agency to Dublin. The offer, which can be viewed on www.emadublin.ie, was submitted on 31 July 2017 and a decision is expected at the General Affairs Council on 20 November 2017.
The Department of Health will continue to work closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and other Departments on Brexit issues, and to work and contribute as required to the cross-Governmental response, including on the themes identified, in light of the ongoing cross-Government research, analysis and consultations with stakeholders.
Parliamentary Questions
Ceisteanna (699)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:699. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if he will request the HSE to reply to Parliamentary Question No. 962 of 11 September 2017. [46133/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Health Service Executive has advised that it replied to the Deputy on 25 October 2017 in relation to parliamentary question number 962.
Mental Health Policy
Ceisteanna (700)
James Browne
Ceist:700. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the way in which he and his officials are ensuring that the recommendation contained in the Mental Health Commission report, A Human Cost, relating to how banking staff or those in financial institutions can best assist persons with mental illness is implemented; if he or his officials have been in contact directly with the Department of Finance or with the banks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46138/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) provides advice and training to financial and public service institutions who are dealing with customers who may be in distress.
NOSP provides the SafeTalk and Asist suicide prevention training programmes without charge to the community. Participants regularly include staff from the financial institutions and public services. In 2015 approximately 6,500 number participated in SafeTALK training and 2,600 in Asist. These programmes are designed to provide participants with the skills and confidence to interact with an individual who is experiencing emotional difficulty.
In June 2013 NOSP presented a day-long programme specifically for the financial services sector, titled "Responding to Clients in Emotional Distress – Guidance for Staff within the Financial Services". The elements of this programme included: awareness raising, statistics, risk factors (biological, psychological, social etc.), group work, responding to distressed clients, information on supports and services for signposting and onward referral.
NOSP has also engaged with Public Bodies including the Department of Social Protection, Department of Agriculture, Local Authorities, MABS and the Court Services and assisted with the development of protocols and policies to assist staff who may deal with customers in financial distress. This includes providing advice on face-to-face and telephone contact. NOSP has also recently assisted in a project commissioned by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) with regard to assisting with the development of ‘best practices’ guidelines on debt collection by public bodies.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (701)
Barry Cowen
Ceist:701. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the status of the case of a person (details supplied); and when they can expect an appointment with a consultant. [46158/17]
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.
In relation 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 (702)
Barry Cowen
Ceist:702. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the status of the case of a person (details supplied); and when they can expect an appointment with a consultant. [46159/17]
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.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
HSE Correspondence
Ceisteanna (703)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:703. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the reason correspondence sent to the HSE regarding matters relating to human resources (details supplied) has yet to be responded to or acknowledged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46170/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.
Disability Services Provision
Ceisteanna (704)
Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:704. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health when day services for a person (details supplied) with disabilities will be transferred from a previous provider based in Dublin 9, in which this person used to live with a now deceased parent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46172/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 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.
Dental Services Provision
Ceisteanna (705)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:705. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) has not received their primary school dental appointment; his plans to review the matter; if this request will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46177/17]
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 Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (706)
Barry Cowen
Ceist:706. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) can expect an appointment. [46183/17]
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 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.
Mental Health Services Provision
Ceisteanna (707)
Kevin O'Keeffe
Ceist:707. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health if a place in a specific facility can be expedited for a person (details supplied). [46189/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Hospital Appointments Delays
Ceisteanna (708)
Robert Troy
Ceist:708. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an appointment will be scheduled for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46191/17]
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.
Pension Provisions
Ceisteanna (709)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:709. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a lump sum payment query by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46193/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.
Hospital Staff Recruitment
Ceisteanna (710)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:710. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if the application for the second full-time and fully supported endocrinologist team at Letterkenny University Hospital has been approved by the Consultant Appointments Advisory Committee; and if these posts have been advertised. [46219/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In response to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
Hospital Beds Data
Ceisteanna (711)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:711. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the number of intensive care unit beds in the health service 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. [46220/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
Health Services Reports
Ceisteanna (712)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:712. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health when the bed capacity review will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46221/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Work on the Health Service Capacity Review is progressing. As I have previously stated, the review will have a wider scope than previous exercises and will examine key elements of primary and community care infrastructure in addition to hospital facilities. As part of the review process, my Department has commissioned external consultants to provide technical, analytical and engagement expertise. A Steering Group is overseeing the project and an independent international peer review group is involved in ongoing review and validation of the methodology and approach. My Department has also undertaken a public consultation process to ensure that stakeholder views are fed into the process.
The findings from the Review will provide a basis for determining both the extent of capacity requirements over the next 15 years and the type of capacity that is needed at a national and regional level. The emerging findings from the review will inform the development of a new 10 year national capital plan later this year. The final report will be published before the end of the year.
Dental Services Provision
Ceisteanna (713)
Marcella Corcoran Kennedy
Ceist:713. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Health the status of dental services for primary school children in counties Offaly and Laois following a Topical Issue raised by this Deputy on the matter on 6 July 2017; the steps which have been taken to recruit additional dentists to the midlands dental service; when the national oral health policy will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46225/17]
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 Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (714)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:714. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a hospital appointment at University Hospital Kerry for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46227/17]
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.
Hospital Staff Recruitment
Ceisteanna (715)
Thomas Pringle
Ceist:715. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health if the application for the second full-time and fully supported endocrinologist team has been approved by CAAC for Letterkenny University Hospital; if these posts have been advertised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46230/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In response to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.