Tuesday, 7 Nov 2017

Written Answers Nos. 812-835

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (812)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

812. 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. [46808/17]

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 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 the Deputy directly.

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (813)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

813. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a cataract operation for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46809/17]

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 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 the Deputy directly.

Home Care Packages

Ceisteanna (814)

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

814. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health the reason health in the home cover by a company (details supplied) is only available in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46817/17]

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 (HSE) for direct reply.

Mental Health Services Staff

Ceisteanna (815)

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

815. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health the number, name and location of psychologists, counsellors and-or other mental health care professionals in each primary care centre by county, in tabular form. [46819/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Mental Health Services Staff

Ceisteanna (816)

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

816. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health the number and location of each type of medical discipline in each community mental health team, by county. [46820/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Mental Health Services Staff

Ceisteanna (817)

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

817. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health if there is a dedicated mental health care professional, such as a psychologist or counsellor, in each public primary care centre. [46821/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Mental Health Services Provision

Ceisteanna (818)

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

818. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health the date by which the roadmap for improved out-of-hours access to mental health services will be completed. [46822/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

Currently the HSE Mental Health Services provide a 24-hour service through its Acute Units located in General Hospitals for people requiring urgent assessment and treatment. The HSE Mental Health Division is initially seeking to expand upon the services available in the community to ensure a 7-day-a-week service. Based on an extensive data collection process, areas have been identified that would require additional resources to achieve 7/7 cover. Engagement with local management teams has commenced in order to further progress implementation of 7-day-a-week service by the end of 2017.

The HSE Mental Health Division is also establishing an evidence informed model including detailed clinical, governance, training, and performance measurement structures for the operation of a 24/7 service. Through engagement with local CHO management teams, a working group has been established capturing the views of those from across the service pertaining to what form these extended services should take. Building on the development of 7-day-a-week services, these views will be presented to management for consideration and implementation.

Mental Health Services Funding

Ceisteanna (819)

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

819. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health the mental health budget expenditure allocation, including the new or additional services that will be provided for in 2018 from the additional €15 million allocation and the €20 million in services committed to in budget 2017 and carried forward into 2018. [46823/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

€15 million was provided as part of the overall 2017 Budget. This recognised the time-frame required to initiate new developments, the time lag of new staff taking up posts and the completion of preparations for the introduction and enhancement of key priorities as specified in the HSE's 2017 Service Plan. These include youth mental health, further improvement to child and adolescent (CAMHS) and adult services, older people's Mental Health services and further enhanced out of hours response for those in need of urgent services.

Budget 2018 made allowance for an additional €57.5 million approximately for Mental Health Services for 2018. €35 million is made up of the €20 million continuing cost in 2018 of developments initiated in 2017, combined with a further €15 million for further new developments. €22.5 million will fund pay-related costs. In addition, the Minister for Health has committed to a further €55 million to be made available for mental health services in 2019.

Discussions are ongoing with the HSE regarding finalising its National Service Plan 2018.

Hospital Procedures

Ceisteanna (820, 844, 849, 851, 852, 855)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

820. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the amount of transvaginal mesh purchased by the HSE since it has been used in hospitals here, by year and hospital, in tabular form; if this data is unavailable, the reason therefor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46853/17]

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

844. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who required hospitalisation for transvaginal mesh related complications, such as erosion, removal, partial removal and urinary retention; if these were reported by clinical staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46975/17]

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

849. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the purchasing records for transvaginal mesh devices in order to determine the number in circulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46980/17]

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

851. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if there are consultants who have undergone specialist training in mesh removal treatment for women who have been fitted with a device but experienced complications and side effects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46982/17]

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

852. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if translabial scanning is available through the HSE to identify women who have been fitted with a transvaginal mesh device; if not, when a translabial scan will be available in view of the volume of women with mesh implants who are now having their attention drawn to problems related to mesh; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46983/17]

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

855. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the treatment options that are offered by the HSE for prolapse; the risks outlined associated with that treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46997/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 820, 844, 849, 851, 852 and 855 together.

While I have not been made aware directly of any issues relating to the use of transvaginal mesh implants, as I have previously advised the Deputy, the HPRA operate a national reporting system for medical devices. Users of these devices are encouraged to report incidents or problems associated with their use through the HPRA website or by contacting the manufacturer directly.

In relation to the specific queries raised by the Deputy, as these are service issues, I have asked the HSE to reply to the Deputy directly.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (821)

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

821. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health the steps which will be taken to have a person (details supplied) admitted to the cardiac unit of St James's Hospital for a procedure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46868/17]

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.

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

Question No. 822 answered with Question No. 757.

Vaccination Programme

Ceisteanna (823)

Maria Bailey

Ceist:

823. Deputy Maria Bailey asked the Minister for Health the position regarding persons with gardasil (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46886/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

All medicines, including vaccines are subject to ongoing review and evaluation of all available data from a range of sources, including systematic scientific literature review, to consider any impact that their data may have on the overall assessment of the benefits and risks of a medicinal product. Taking into account the totality of the available information, the benefits of the HPV vaccines continue to outweigh their risks. The safety of these vaccines continues to be monitored at EU level through the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and its expert committees, which includes representatives from member state competent authorities such as the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA).

The HPRA is responsible for monitoring the safety and quality of all medicines including vaccines that are licensed in Ireland and operates a national adverse reaction reporting system, which members of the public and healthcare professionals are encouraged to submit any suspected adverse reactions through this system. All Reports received by the HPRA are routinely transmitted to the EMA's adverse reaction database for inclusion in global signal detection and monitoring activities.

Tobacco Control Measures

Ceisteanna (824)

Maria Bailey

Ceist:

824. Deputy Maria Bailey asked the Minister for Health if section 28 (10)(a) of the Public Health (Tobacco) (Amendment) Act 2013 provides him with the authority to prohibit the sale of so-called combi-boxes which contain rolling tobacco, papers and filters in view of the continued growth in the use of rolling tobacco by persons under 25 years of age; if not, if he can be authorised to do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46887/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

Section 38(10) of the Public Health (Tobacco) Act 2002 to 2015 provides the Minister with powers to "make regulations in relation to the control and regulation of activities which are intended or are likely to promote the sale of tobacco products". At present the regulations made under this section of the Act do not specifically prohibit the sale of the so called combi boxes referred to by the Deputy. As outlined in my response to the Deputy's previous Parliamentary Question on this issue (Ref:41867/17), a number of measures have recently been introduced aimed at having a positive public health impact on the numbers of people smoking roll-your-own tobacco. The EU Tobacco Products Directive came into force in 2014 and was transposed into Irish legislation in 2016. Under that legislation the sale of roll-your-own tobacco packs weighing less than 30 gram is prohibited. Prior to this roll-your-own tobacco could be purchased in 12.5 gram and 25 gram packets. This increase in the size of the packet has the effect of making roll-your-own tobacco less affordable than before, particularly to younger adults. Evidence indicates that pricing is a key means of reducing tobacco consumption. Government Policy, Tobacco Free Ireland contains recommendations in relation to raising taxes on tobacco products including reducing the price differential between roll-your-own tobacco and cigarettes. I was very pleased that in the context of Budget 2018, my colleague, Minister Pascal Donohue TD increased the excise duty on tobacco products generally and, in particular, specifically increased the excise duty on roll-your-own tobacco so as to reduce the price differential between roll-your-own tobacco and cigarettes.

Irish legislation which came into force on 30 September 2017 provides that all retail packaging of tobacco products manufactured from that date must be in standardised packaging. The aim of standardised packaging is to make all tobacco packs look less attractive, make health warnings more prominent and prevent packaging from misleading consumers about the harmful effects of tobacco. In relation to the health warnings the EU Tobacco Products Directive had the effect of significantly increasing the size of the picture health warnings on tobacco packaging.

It is anticipated that these and other tobacco control, cessation and health promotion measures will continue to reduce the numbers smoking tobacco. I, and my Government colleagues, are committed to the on-going implementation of Tobacco Free Ireland.

Primary Care Centres

Ceisteanna (825)

Eamon Scanlon

Ceist:

825. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the inclusion of a foot bath at a centre (details supplied) the plans for which have been drawn up and submitted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46889/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As the HSE has responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres and other Primary Care facilities, the Executive has been asked to reply directly to the Deputy.

Disability Services Provision

Ceisteanna (826)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

826. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 220 to 225, inclusive, of 24 October 2017, if he will provide updated replies to all questions, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46894/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As the Deputy will be aware, with effect from 28 June, 2016, under Dail Standing Order 42(a) where a question is referred for direct reply to a body under the aegis of my Department such as the Health Service Executive (HSE). The ten working days in respect of the specific parliamentary questions referred to by the Deputy will not have elapsed until 8 November, 2017.

If the Deputy has not received a reply by that date, she can contact my Office and I will follow up with the HSE.

Respite Care Services Funding

Ceisteanna (827, 833)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

827. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if funding will be put in place to provide respite services for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46896/17]

Robert Troy

Ceist:

833. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if funding will be put in place to provide respite care services for a person (details supplied). [46909/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 827 and 833 together.

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.

The Programme for Partnership Government states that the Government wishes to provide more accessible respite care to facilitate full support for people with a disability.

As the Deputy's questions relate to service matters, I have arranged for the questions to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.

Ambulance Service Data

Ceisteanna (828)

Maurice Quinlivan

Ceist:

828. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health the number of hoax calls that were received by the County Clare ambulance service in 2015, 2016 and to date in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46899/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy.

Hospital Services

Ceisteanna (829)

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

829. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if transport services can be arranged and funded by the HSE in order to bring persons from rural areas and towns such as Dundalk, Navan, Cavan and Monaghan to classes (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46905/17]

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 the Deputy directly.

Nursing Staff Remuneration

Ceisteanna (830)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

830. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if the incremental credit due to be applied to nurses who graduated between 2011 and 2015 has been paid in full to all eligible nurses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46906/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.

Nursing Staff Remuneration

Ceisteanna (831)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

831. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some nurses due to receive incremental credit from January 2017 have not received this to date; the number yet to be paid, in tabular form; the date by which this will be rectified for all nurses affected, including back money due; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46907/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.

Question No. 832 withdrawn.

Question No. 833 answered with Question No. 827.

Hospital Waiting Lists Data

Ceisteanna (834)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

834. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the cardiology wait times at University Hospital Waterford in each month in 2017, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46910/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

In relation to the specific case raised, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.

Hospital Waiting Lists Data

Ceisteanna (835)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

835. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of cardiac patients in the south east outsourced to hospitals in County Cork in 2017, by month, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46911/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

In relation to the specific case raised, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.