Written Answers Nos. 788-811
788. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health to indicate the length of dental waiting lists for persons under 16 years of age in each local health area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46732/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
789. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health to indicate the length of the orthodontic waiting lists in the Cork city and county areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46733/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
790. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health whether he has plans to list chronic kidney disease as one of the medical conditions eligible for the long-term illness scheme in view of the fact that persons who currently have kidney disease must cover the cost of medication and are not entitled to benefits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46738/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe LTI Scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). The conditions covered by the LTI are: acute leukaemia; mental handicap; cerebral palsy; mental illness (in a person under 16); cystic fibrosis; multiple sclerosis; diabetes insipidus; muscular dystrophies; diabetes mellitus; parkinsonism; epilepsy; phenylketonuria; haemophilia; spina bifida; hydrocephalus; and conditions arising from the use of Thalidomide. Under the LTI Scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge.
There are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the Scheme.
The cost of medicines for conditions not covered under the LTI Scheme may be reduced under the Drug Payment Scheme (DPS). The DPS provides protection from excessive ongoing expenditure on medicines. Under this scheme, an individual or family pays up to the first €144 each month for approved prescription items, with any cost above that threshold paid by the State. There is no prescription charge under the DPS. Budget 2018 reduced the monthly DPS threshold to €134, and this measure will be implemented from 1 January 2018.
Under the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme, medical cards are provided to people who cannot, without undue hardship, pay for medical treatment for themselves and their dependants. Under the GMS, approved prescribed medicines are free. Budget 2018 reduced the per item charge for medicines to €2, with a monthly cap of €20. This measure will also be introduced from 1 January 2018.
791. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if he will review a case (details supplied); if the provision of home tuition funding for early intervention will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46739/17]
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.
792. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if he will review an assessment of need for a person (details supplied); and the timeframe for the assessment of need and an appointment. [46740/17]
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.
793. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health to outline his plans to upgrade Monaghan Hospital and reintroduce its accident and emergency department; his views on the concerns of the public due to the lack of this service and delays in ambulance response times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46741/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe establishment of Hospital Groups has enabled a better configuration of hospital services with benefits relating to safety, quality, access, cost and sustainable medical staffing. The structure ensures that Hospitals working together in a Group will be able to support each other, providing a stronger role for smaller hospitals in delivering less complex care, and ensuring that those who require emergency or complex planned care are managed safely in larger hospitals. The Smaller Hospitals Framework focuses in particular on the future role of smaller hospitals and outlines the wide range of services that can be provided within these smaller hospitals.
As a Model 2 hospital, Monaghan does not have a 24/7 Emergency Department, however, in line with the Smaller Hospitals Framework, Monaghan Hospital has a Minor Injuries Unit located on site which provide an important service to the local community.
I am committed to securing and further developing the role of our smaller hospitals with the expansion of services delivered in these hospitals, especially in services such as day surgery; ambulatory care; medical services and diagnostics.
The Programme for Partnership Government commits to a review of Medical Assessment Units, Urgent Care Centres and Minor Injuries Units, including the Unit at Monaghan Hospital. Work on this review is progressing in 2017.
The National Ambulance Service (NAS) has been undertaking a significant and ongoing reform programme, to reconfigure the management and delivery of pre-hospital care services. This programme will ensure a clinically driven, nationally co-ordinated system, supported by improved technology. The Programme for a Partnership Government commits to additional annual investment in terms of ambulance personnel and vehicles. In that regard an additional €3.6m has been made available to the NAS in 2017, which includes €1m to fund new developments. Furthermore, I can confirm that additional funding will be made available for the continued development of the NAS in 2018, the detail of which will be outlined in the National Service Plan 2018.
794. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health to outline his plans to address the ambulance response times in counties Cavan and Monaghan; the latest response times available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46742/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service issue, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
795. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health to outline his plans to deal with the lack of services for persons with disabilities over 18 years of age in counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46743/17]
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 service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
796. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the HSE insists on EU state pensioner medical card applications and renewals being subjected to means test even though card holders have an automatic entitlement to the card under EU regulation; if he will instruct the HSE to abandon this practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46750/17]
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.
798. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health to ensure there will be no changes to the definition of temporary absence of a pharmacist in view of the fact that some proposed changes could have dramatic effects on the working arrangements of pharmaceutical assistants who have experience and skill at their jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46756/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraPharmaceutical Assistants (PAs) are registered with the pharmacy regulator, the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI). Under section 30(1) of the Pharmacy Act 2007 (the Act) PAs may perform the same functions as a pharmacist, in the temporary absence of a pharmacist, with the exception of functions that are restricted to pharmacists under specific medicines legislation, such as vaccination services. Since 1994, the provisions of "temporary absence" have been understood with reference to a Code of Practice agreed that year between the PSI and the Pharmaceutical Assistants' Association (PAA).
Section 30(2) of the Pharmacy Act 2007 provides that the PSI Council may make Rules, with the consent of the Minister, to provide further as to what constitutes the temporary absence of a registered pharmacist and what may or may not be done by a PA when acting on behalf of a pharmacist. In 2013, the PSI Council directed that a policy position be developed to enable and facilitate the drafting of rules relating to the circumstances in which a registered PA may act in the temporary absence of a registered pharmacist in line with the requirements of Section 30(2) of the Act. The PSI Registration and Qualification Recognition Committee (RQR) was assigned responsibility to progress this work. A Pharmaceutical Assistant was sought to join this Committee and was appointed by the PSI Council in March 2014.
The PSI developed the draft Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (Regulation of Temporary Absence Cover by Pharmaceutical Assistants) Rules 2016 following debate and engagement with interested parties including the Pharmaceutical Assistants Association (PAA). The draft Rules were issued for public consultation on 8 February 2016. Following discussion at the PSI Council meeting of 23 March 2017, and taking account of the responses received through the consultation process, the Council decided not to submit the draft Rules to me for approval. The Council instead directed that the matter be re-examined by the PSI Executive with further consideration to be given to what could be covered within the scope of the Rules. In making its decision at this meeting the Council confirmed that the current approach to regulating temporary absence by PSI inspection staff under the 1994 Code of Practice would continue to apply pending the future adoption of statutory Rules.
A working group consisting of 6 persons (two Council members, two PSI staff members, and two external participants - a Pharmaceutical Assistant and a person with regulatory and risk expertise) was then established to provide expertise, advice and input to assist in developing policy options and drafting rules. To date this group has met three times, and I understand the group will recommend a position to the Council in the coming months.
799. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Health to outline the position regarding a urology appointment at University Hospital Waterford for a person (details supplied); if this person qualifies for treatment under the National Treatment Purchase Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46760/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder waiting list initiatives run by the NTPF, the NTPF liaises directly with hospitals to identify patients to be treated. The patients are then contacted to arrange the details of treatment.
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.
800. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Health if funds for equipment for organisations, such as a particular organisation (details supplied), that are community first-responders and are recognised and trained to assist, as needed, will be allocated in view of the fact that they carry out this work on voluntary basis. [46762/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service issue, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
801. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if surgery for a person (details supplied) will be scheduled. [46779/17]
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 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.
802. 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. [46781/17]
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.
803. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 234 of 18 May 2017 when a reply will issue. [46787/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that the HSE replied to you directly in this matter on 26 September 2017.
804. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health if treatment will be covered by the medical card in the case of a person (details suppled); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46793/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
805. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health to set out the status of a procedure for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46800/17]
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 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.
806. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health to set out the status of a procedure for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46801/17]
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 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.
807. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health to set out the status of a procedure for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46802/17]
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 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.
808. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health to set out the status of a procedure for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46803/17]
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 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.
809. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health to set out the status of a procedure for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46804/17]
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 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.
810. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health to set out the status of a procedure for a person (details supplied). [46805/17]
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 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.
811. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health to set out the status of a procedure for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46806/17]
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 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.
