Tuesday, 28 Nov 2017

Written Answers Nos. 364-387

Home Help Service Eligibility

Ceisteanna (364)

Kevin O'Keeffe

Ceist:

364. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health if an assessment for home help in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be arranged. [50086/17]

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.

Primary Care Centres

Ceisteanna (365)

Thomas Byrne

Ceist:

365. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to dangerous parking practices ongoing opposite a primary care centre (details supplied) in County Meath; if his attention has been further drawn to the parking fees being charged at the centre; and his views on whether these charges are not in keeping with the charges in place in the nearby town centre. [50088/17]

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.

Speech and Language Therapy Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (366)

Margaret Murphy O'Mahony

Ceist:

366. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the speech and language therapy assessment waiting list; the number waiting less than four months, the number waiting four to 12 months, and the number waiting more than 12 months, respectively, for each local health area, in tabular form. [50089/17]

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.

Speech and Language Therapy Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (367)

Margaret Murphy O'Mahony

Ceist:

367. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the speech and language therapy treatment waiting list; the number waiting less than four months, the number waiting four to 12 months and the number waiting more than 12 months, respectively, for each local health area, in tabular form. [50090/17]

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.

Occupational Therapy Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (368)

Margaret Murphy O'Mahony

Ceist:

368. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the occupational therapy first-time assessment waiting list; the number waiting less than four months, the number waiting four to 12 months and the number waiting more than 12 months, respectively; and the numbers waiting aged zero to four years, five to 17 years, 18 to 64 years and aged 65 years of age and above, respectively, for each local health area, in tabular form. [50091/17]

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.

Occupational Therapy Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (369)

Margaret Murphy O'Mahony

Ceist:

369. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the occupational therapy first time treatment waiting list; the number waiting less than four months, the number waiting four to 12 months and the number waiting more than 12 months respectively; and the numbers waiting aged zero to four years, five to 17 years, 18 to 64 years and 65 of age and above respectively for each local health area, in tabular form. [50092/17]

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.

Services for People with Disabilities

Ceisteanna (370)

Margaret Murphy O'Mahony

Ceist:

370. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the number of children awaiting a first assessment from the HSE under the Disability Act 2005 as of 17 November 2017 or the latest date available in each LHO, in tabular form. [50093/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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 service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.

Treatment Abroad Scheme

Ceisteanna (371)

Gino Kenny

Ceist:

371. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health the steps he will take to facilitate a person's (details supplied) need to travel to the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50100/17]

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 HSE operates the Treatment Abroad Scheme (TAS) for persons entitled to treatment in another EU/EEA Member State or Switzerland under EU Regulation (EC) No. 883/2004, as per the procedures set out in EU Regulations (EC) No. 987/2009. The TAS provides for the cost of approved treatments in another EU/EEA member state or Switzerland through the issue of form E112 (IE) where the treatment is:

- Among the benefits provided for by Irish legislation;

- Not available in Ireland; and

- Not available within the time normally necessary for obtaining it in Ireland, taking account of the patient's current state of health and the probable course of the disease.

GPs refer patients to consultants for acute care and it is the treating consultant who, having exhausted all treatment options including tertiary care within the country, refers the patient abroad under the terms of the TAS. The consultant must specify the specific treatment and in making the referral accepts clinical responsibility in relation to the physician and facility abroad where the patient will attend.

Applications to the TAS are processed and a determination given in accordance with the statutory framework prior to a patient travelling to avail of treatment. The statutory framework stipulates the patient must be a public patient and is required to have followed public patient pathways. Information on the TAS can be accessed on the HSE website at www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/1/schemes/treatmentabroad/ and also by phone at 056 7784551.

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

Medical Card Drugs Availability

Ceisteanna (372)

Anne Rabbitte

Ceist:

372. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health if the drug Constella 290 mg OD is covered under the medical card scheme here; and when this drug was removed from distribution in pharmacies here (details supplied). [50101/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community drug schemes; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Respite Care Services Availability

Ceisteanna (373)

Anne Rabbitte

Ceist:

373. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health the number of weeks in the year respite centres (details supplied) are contracted to be open for; and the number of weekends they provided service in each of the years 2015, 2016 and to date in 2017, in tabular form. [50103/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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 service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.

Services for People with Disabilities

Ceisteanna (374)

Anne Rabbitte

Ceist:

374. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health the process by which a person will be accepted and receive full-time residential care in a centre (details supplied). [50104/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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 service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.

Services for People with Disabilities

Ceisteanna (375)

Anne Rabbitte

Ceist:

375. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive full-time residential care in a centre. [50105/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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 service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.

Departmental Bodies Data

Ceisteanna (376)

Seán Fleming

Ceist:

376. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the bodies under the aegis of his Department to which his Department provides in excess of €1 million funding per annum; the public funding received by these bodies; the bodies in which 50% or more of their income comes from public sources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50117/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

My Department provides grants to a number of organisations, details of which are published in the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2017 (Vote 38), available on the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform website at www.per.gov.ie/en/rev/.

Part III of Vote 38 gives details of the agencies directly funded by my Department and the amount of funding provided. These are primarily research, developmental, consultative, supervisory, regulatory and advisory bodies.

All agencies funded by my Department receive over 50% of their income from the Exchequer with the exception of the HPRA (Health Products Regulatory Authority) as the authority is mainly self-funded through fee income. Funding from my Department to the HPRA accounts for approximately 15% of their total income.

The annual cost of running CORU (Health and Social Care Professionals Council) is currently being funded in the main by the Exchequer. The intention is that CORU will, when all its registers are established, be fully self-funding through the annual fees payable by its registrants.

Ambulance Service Staff

Ceisteanna (377)

Eamon Scanlon

Ceist:

377. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health the number of ambulance and associated personnel serving in each of the Sligo, Manorhamilton, Carrick-on-Shannon and Boyle stations; the number of newly qualified ambulance and associated personnel assigned to each of the Sligo, Manorhamilton, Carrick-on-Shannon and Boyle stations in 2016 and to date in 2017; the number of newly qualified ambulance and associated personnel in 2016 and to date in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50129/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

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

Ambulance Service

Ceisteanna (378)

Eamon Scanlon

Ceist:

378. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health when discussions on the provision of first responder schemes between the national ambulance service and the national directorate for fire and emergency management are expected to conclude; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50130/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

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

Departmental Funding

Ceisteanna (379, 380)

Bríd Smith

Ceist:

379. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health the reason an application for additional funding by a charity (details supplied) was denied despite the need for two additional full-time positions along with everyday costs for the charity to function. [50137/17]

Bríd Smith

Ceist:

380. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health the funding and recognition of children with dyspraxia and DCD with the new allocation model of SNA teachers and a guarantee that these children will not be at a loss of support. [50138/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 379 and 380 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.

As the Deputy's questions 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.

Hospital Charges

Ceisteanna (381)

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

381. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the amount collected in accident and emergency charges from Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9 for 2015, 2016 and to date in 2017, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50154/17]

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.

Hospital Services

Ceisteanna (382)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

382. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will restore funding to carry out gynecomastia surgery with immediate effect and ensure there is an adequate budget in place for the year 2018 and subsequent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50160/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

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

Hospital Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (383)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

383. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if a hospital appointment will be scheduled for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50161/17]

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.

Infectious Diseases

Ceisteanna (384)

Stephen Donnelly

Ceist:

384. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health when a clinical review of Lyme disease was last carried out by his Department; if a clinical review is planned; if not, if he will conduct a review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50163/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

The Scientific Advisory Committee of the HPSC, the Infectious Diseases Society of Ireland, the Irish Society of Clinical Microbiologists, the Irish Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and the Irish College of General Practitioners agreed a Consensus Statement on the Clinical Management of Lyme Borreliosis, which endorsed the previously referenced, internationally recognised set of guidelines (those of the IDSA) to Medical Practitioners to ensure a standardised approach to the diagnosis and management of Lyme disease in Ireland.

The Scientific Advisory Committee of the HPSC has established a Lyme Borreliosis Sub-Committee, the aim of which is to develop strategies to undertake primary prevention in order to minimise the harm caused by Lyme Borreliosis in Ireland. In addition to staff from the HPSC, the membership of the Sub-Committee includes specialists in Public Health Medicine, Consultants in Infectious Diseases, Clinical Microbiology, Occupational Health an Entomologist from the Parks and Wildlife Service, a representative from the Local Government Management Agency, an Environmental Health Officer and, very importantly, a representative from Tick Talk Ireland, the primary Support Group for Lyme disease in Ireland.

The initial work of the Lyme Borreliosis Sub-committee involved a survey of laboratory methods for the diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis in Ireland, the development of Lyme borreliosis guidance for general practitioners, the publication of medical media articles to highlight diagnostics and laboratory methods relating to Lyme borreliosis available in Ireland. Material has been produced which is aimed both at the general public and General Practitioners. The Sub-Committee first met on 6 May 2015. Any changes to testing and treatment will take into account the report of the HPSC Sub-Committee.

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (385)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

385. 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. [50165/17]

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.

Departmental Funding

Ceisteanna (386)

Eamon Scanlon

Ceist:

386. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health the funding or grant schemes available through his Department for active retirement groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50166/17]

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.

Medical Card Applications

Ceisteanna (387)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

387. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if an application for a medical card can be expedited for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50182/17]

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.