Thursday, 16 Nov 2017

Written Answers Nos. 140-159

Departmental Contracts

Ceisteanna (140)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

140. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the contracts that exist between her Department and an organisation (details supplied); the tendering process implemented for the granting of same; the value and duration of same; the due diligence carried out with respect to the corporate governance of the organisation; the minimum standards operative to determine whether and the extent to which organisation is competent to perform the role for which it is contracted. [48582/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

My Department has no contracts with the organisation in question.

Food Labelling

Ceisteanna (141)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

141. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health his views on the introduction of a voluntary colour coded nutritional labelling scheme for food products in France; the impact this will have on food exports; and the status of EU level discussions on countries that have introduced similar labelling schemes and the potential issues arising. [48632/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011 on the provision of food information to consumers (FIC) came into effect in December 2014. It is now the main regulation governing the labelling of foods. It introduced a requirement to provide nutrition labelling on pre-packaged foods - that is a declaration of the energy value, and the amounts of fat, saturates, carbohydrate, sugars, protein and salt contained in such products.

The regulation also provides that EU Member States can recommend the use within their own territory of a voluntary scheme which provides for additional forms of expression or presentation of nutrition information for specified nutrients, once the proposed scheme meets certain criteria.

The French Nutri-Score system is one such voluntary national scheme. Given that it is a voluntary scheme, there is no obligation that products from Ireland which are sent to France should conform to this scheme. Moreover, it is a requirement of the FIC Regulation that the application of such a scheme must not create obstacles to the free movement of goods within the EU. The UK has introduced a similar voluntary scheme - the Colour Codes Guideline Daily Amount (GGDA). Any demand for products made in Ireland to be labelled in accordance with such schemes can only arise from business specifications which form an integral part of commerce.

I have been informed by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) that it has been reported in the media that voluntary schemes have not met with universal acceptance by the food industry within the individual Member States where they were introduced.

This Government's National Obesity Policy Action Plan, A Healthy Weight for Ireland 2016-2025 contains policy action 2.3, "Review EU consumer information labelling of food products and with a view to its application in the Irish market". The Department’s Health and Wellbeing Unit is leading on this action plan and will consider this in due course.

The application of the FIC rules is usually discussed within an expert working group convened by the European Commission. I have been advised by the FSAI that any complaints about the details or operation of any voluntary scheme are normally dealt with on a bilateral basis by the European Commission and the relevant Member State.

Hospital Appointments Delays

Ceisteanna (142)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

142. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the reason an appointment scheduled for a person (details supplied) has been deferred for two months; if an earlier appointment will be facilitated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48451/17]

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.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (143)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

143. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if a procedure for a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48461/17]

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 you directly.

Occupational Therapy Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (144)

Alan Farrell

Ceist:

144. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Health the waiting list times for occupational therapy services with specific reference to the HSE clinic in Skerries; the steps he will take to address these waiting list times to ensure persons can access the services they require in a timely manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48466/17]

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.

UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Ceisteanna (145)

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

145. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health if he has made representations to have Ireland adopt the United Nations Convention on Rights of People with Disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48488/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

This is a matter in the first instance for my colleague the Minister for Justice and Equality who has lead responsibility for progressing Ireland's ratification of the United Nations Convention on Rights of People with Disabilities.

As the Deputy may be aware, Ireland signed the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2007 and since then, successive Governments have emphasised Ireland’s strong commitment to proceed to ratification as quickly as possible, taking into account the need to ensure all necessary legislative and administrative requirements under the Convention are met.

This Government is committed to ratification of the Convention. Considerable progress has already been made to overcome the remaining legislative barriers to Ireland's ratification of the Convention. While this work is being led by Department of Justice and Equality, other Departments, including my Department, are providing relevant input to the process, as and when required.

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (146)

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

146. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the status of a case (details supplied); and when the person may expect an appointment with the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Dublin. [48498/17]

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 you directly.

Parliamentary Questions

Ceisteanna (147)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

147. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 650 of 26 July 2017, if same was forwarded to the HSE for reply; and if so, when a reply is likely to issue (details supplied). [48504/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I can advise the Deputy that the HSE's National Programme Director, National Women and Infants Health Programme, responded to her questions PQ Ref 34909/17 and 35417/17 on 8 August 2017, addressing the issues raised.

I trust that this clarifies the position satisfactorily.

Primary Care Centres Provision

Ceisteanna (148)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

148. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the status of a development (details supplied); the timeframe for works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48506/17]

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.

Primary Care Centres Expenditure

Ceisteanna (149, 150)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

149. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the ongoing building works in the new primary care centre in Balbriggan; the reason for these works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48507/17]

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

150. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the cost of the building of the new primary care centre in Balbriggan; the amount by which this has exceeded the original estimate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48508/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 149 and 150 together.

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.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (151)

Eugene Murphy

Ceist:

151. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) can be advised of the date of a hip replacement operation in Merlin Park hospital, Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48509/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

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 (152)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

152. 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. [48514/17]

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 you directly.

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (153)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

153. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the status of an appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48520/17]

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.

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (154)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

154. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the status of an appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48521/17]

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.

Hospitals Building Programme

Ceisteanna (155)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

155. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health his plans to grant funding to extend and refurbish a hospital (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48522/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

The Emergency Department in Cavan has been performing well this year. Performance information from the HSE show a 51% reduction in trolley numbers at the Hospital in comparison with the same period in 2016.

The RCSI Hospital Group has identified the need for development of the resuscitation area in Cavan Emergency Department. Future investment in Cavan General Hospital will be considered within the overall acute hospital infrastructure programme, the prioritised needs of the hospital groups and within the overall capital envelope available to the health service.

The HSE will continue to apply the available funding for hospital development in the most cost effective way possible to meet current and future needs of the health service.

The new Capital Envelope announced in October in the context of Budget 2018 will be used by the HSE to revise the Capital Plan for 2018 and will form the basis of the Department’s submission for the forthcoming 10 year National Investment Plan.

As part of Budget 2018 an additional €40 million was announced for 2017 to prepare for and manage the expected peak in demand for our health services over the upcoming winter period. A further €45 million has been allocated for measures to improve access to unscheduled care and other acute hospital priorities in 2018.

The Department of Health is also undertaking a Health Service Capacity review in line with the Programme for a Partnership Government commitment, the findings of which are due to be published before the end of the year, and which will provide an evidence base for future capacity decisions.

In addition I can confirm to the Deputy that all Hospital Groups and Community Health Organisations, including Cavan General Hospital, have developed and put in place integrated winter preparedness plans for their locality focussed on planning and escalation preparedness, maintaining patient flow processes and ensuring public health preparedness.

Primary Care Services Provision

Ceisteanna (156)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

156. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health his plans to provide additional resources for primary care in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48532/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

The development of primary care is central to the Government's objective to deliver a high-quality, integrated and cost-effective health care system. The Oireachtas Committee on the Future of Healthcare also made significant recommendations in relation to shifting the model of healthcare towards a more comprehensive and accessible primary care service in order to deliver better care close to home in communities across the country.

The provision of a €25 million primary care development fund in Budget 2018 is evidence of this Government's continued investment in primary care. This funding has been allocated to enable a range of primary care initiatives to be progressed in 2018 which will focus on disease prevention and early intervention, particularly through the further development and expansion of GP services, community intervention teams and the recruitment of additional occupational therapy posts. Throughout 2018 there will also be a continued focus on the development of primary care centres and primary care teams.

The details of the 2018 Budget will be finalised with the HSE in the context of approval of its 2018 National Service Plan, which will also outline the total amount of funding for all services in 2018.

General Practitioner Services

Ceisteanna (157)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

157. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health his plans to provide additional support in 2018 for the work of general practitioners, particularly in rural communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48533/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

The development of primary care is central to the Government's objective to deliver a high-quality, integrated and cost effective health service for patients in Ireland. The Programme for Government and Sláintecare commit to shifting the model of Irish healthcare towards a more comprehensive and accessible service that can deliver better patient care closer to home in communities across the country, including in rural and disadvantaged urban areas. As part of this process, Budget 2018 allocated a further €25 million to the funding for primary care services.

In the context of the publication by my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform of the Public Service Pay and Pension Bill 2017, I announced my intention to undertake a process of engagement with the representative bodies of contracted health professionals in 2018. This process will aim to establish a new multi-annual approach to fees, in return for service improvement and contractual reform in line with Government priorities for the health service.

The Government is committed to ensuring the continued sustainability of general practice in rural communities. An enhanced supports package for rural General Practitioners was introduced in May 2016. The new Rural Practice Support Framework includes improved qualifying criteria for rural support and an increase in the financial allowance from €16,216 to €20,000 per annum. Over 300 General Practitioners now benefit from rural practice supports under this Framework, a significant increase on the 167 General Practitioners who received the Rural Practice Allowance prior to the introduction of the new measures.

General Practitioners play an important role in the primary care system. The next phase of negotiations on a new GMS contract with the representatives of General Practitioners is currently underway. There is a clear need to modernise the GMS contract and ensure that General Practice is a viable and rewarding career for medical graduates. I am confident that with the continued constructive engagement of the parties involved, progress on this important issue can be made in the period ahead.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (158)

Noel Grealish

Ceist:

158. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the waiting list for ophthalmology services in County Galway (details supplied); the length of time they have been on the waiting list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48536/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Hospital Waiting Lists Action Plans

Ceisteanna (159)

Noel Grealish

Ceist:

159. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health the steps that are being taken to reduce the waiting lists for ophthalmology services in County Galway; the expected timeframe for the service to return to normal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48537/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.