Written Answers Nos. 166-185
166. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 177 of 7 December 2016, if he plans to bring back the motorised transport grant following on from a review committee set up in 2013; if so, when; the conditions that will be attached to the grant; if the primary legislation has been drafted; and if the policy proposals have been brought to the Government. [52075/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI was pleased to have the opportunity to discuss the proposed Health (Transport Support) Bill with the Joint Committee on Public Petitions on Wednesday 11th October. The Deputy will be familiar with the background to the closure of both the Mobility Allowance and Motorised Transport Grant schemes in February 2013. Since the closure of the Mobility Allowance, the Government has directed that the Health Service Executive should continue to pay an equivalent monthly payment of up to €208.50 per month to the 4,133 people in receipt of the Mobility Allowance, on an interim basis, pending the establishment of a new Transport Support Scheme.
The Government decided that the detailed preparatory work required for a new Transport Support Scheme and associated statutory provisions should be progressed by the Minister for Health. The Programme for a Partnership Government acknowledges the ongoing drafting of primary legislation for a new Transport Support Scheme to assist those with a disability to meet their mobility costs. The Government's legislative programme for 2017 includes the Health (Transport Support) Bill. I can confirm that work on the policy proposals for the new Scheme is at an advanced stage. The proposals seek to ensure that:
- There is a firm statutory basis to the Scheme's operation;
- There is transparency and equity in the eligibility criteria attaching to the Scheme;
- Resources are targeted at those with greatest needs; and
- The Scheme is capable of being costed and is affordable on its introduction and on an ongoing basis.
The draft General Scheme and Heads of Bill were circulated to other government Departments and have been the subject of consultation between the Department of Health and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. When the consultation with other relevant Departments has been completed, the next step will be to seek Government approval to the drafting of a Bill for the new Scheme.
It is important to note that the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers scheme operated by the Revenue Commissioners remains in place. This scheme provides VRT and VAT relief, an exemption from road tax and a fuel grant to drivers and passengers with a disability, who qualify under the relevant criteria set out in governing regulations made by the Minister for Finance.
Specifically adapted vehicles driven by disabled persons are also exempt from payment of tolls on national toll roads and toll bridges. Transport Infrastructure Ireland has responsibility for this particular Scheme.
167. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the number of children in County Monaghan who are on a waiting list for occupational therapy; the length of time they have been on the waiting list; the number of occupational therapists employed by the HSE in County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52076/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra168. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the number of children in County Cavan who are on a waiting list for occupational therapy; the length of time they have been on the waiting list; the number of occupational therapists employed by the HSE in County Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52077/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 167 and 168 together.
As these questions relate to service matters, I have arranged for them to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.
169. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will receive an appointment with the pain clinic in University Hospital Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52079/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
170. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of the Roscommon service review’s 27 recommendations that have been implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52080/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
171. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health if he will intervene to provide more home help hours for a person (details supplied). [52082/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
172. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health his plans to alter the fair deal scheme’s indefinite valuation of a farmer’s land in assessing the deal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52085/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS) is a system of financial support for those in need of long-term nursing home care. Participants contribute to the cost of their care according to their income and assets while the State pays the balance of the cost. The Scheme aims to ensure that long-term nursing home care is accessible and affordable for everyone and that people are cared for in the most appropriate settings. The amount of funding allocated to the NHSS in 2017 was €940m. This amount was increased to €949.7m in the recent budget.
When the NHSS commenced in 2009, a commitment was made that it would be reviewed after three years. The Report of the Review was published in July 2015. Arising out of the Review, a number of key issues have been identified for more detailed consideration across Departments and Agencies.
An Interdepartmental/Agency Working Group has been established to progress the recommendations contained in the Review. This Group is chaired by the Department of Health and includes representatives from the Department of the Taoiseach, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, the HSE, the Revenue Commissioners, and when required, the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF). These recommendations include examining the treatment of business and farm assets for the purposes of the financial assessment element of the Scheme. The programme for a Partnership Government has also committed to reviewing the NHSS to remove any discrimination against small businesses and family farms. It is important to remember that the NHSS is largely underpinned by primary legislation and changes to the NHSS will require legislative implementation.
On this basis, I have requested legal advice from the office of the Attorney General regarding potential changes to the legislation that will address this matter. My Department has also been cognisant of this matter in the context of this year's estimates process. I have recently met with representatives from the I.F.A. to discuss various strategies that may assist with addressing their members' concerns and have apprised them of the current progress. We agreed to meet again in the near future for further discussions. I am committed to this review of the position with regard to family farms and small businesses for the purposes of the financial assessment of the scheme.
173. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) can expect an appointment. [52112/17]
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.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
174. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the supports available to persons with an eating disorder, including residential care and emergency care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52113/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
175. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Health if financial support is available for a person (details supplied) for the purchase of a mobility scooter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52114/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
176. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Health if he will review the case of a dispensing general practitioner (details supplied) who services over 470 persons on the GMS in a rural Sligo and Leitrim area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52115/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
177. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health if the practical home help and personal care service will continue to be available to persons aged under 65 years of age who suffer from chronic illnesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52130/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraHome care services are critical to allow older people to stay in their own homes for as long as possible. These services also provide consequent support to carers in their caring role. The HSE provides Home Care Packages (HCPs) which are enhanced supports, over and above existing mainstream Home Help service and these can include additional home help hours, nursing care and therapy services that might be needed due to illness, disability, after a stay in hospital or following rehabilitation in a nursing home. Access to HCPs is provided on the basis of assessed care need, carried out by health care professionals. In 2014, the HSE introduced Intensive Home Care Packages to facilitate timely discharge home from acute hospitals of people who require very significant interventions to an extent not previously provided as part of the Home Care Package Scheme or current community services.
The principal focus of these services is on people aged 65 years or over. There is some flexibility in relation to applications, and if a younger person’s assessed needs can be best met by services designed for older people, then occasionally such an application may be considered. However, access to home care packages by reference to illness type is not provided.
The overall funding allocated for Home Care in 2017 is €376m. The HSE’s National Service Plan for 2017 provides for a target of 10.57 million Home Help Hours, 16,750 Home Care Packages and 190 Intensive Home Care Packages. Funding for home care supports continues to increase with a further €32m for home care and transitional care provided for in 2018 in the recent Budget. The detail of service delivery for 2018 is currently being developed through the National Service Planning Process.
The HSE is committed to protecting the level of Personal Assistant and Home Support Services available to people with disabilities. In their 2017 National Service Plan, the HSE expects to deliver 1.4 million Personal Assistant hours to 2,357 adults with a physical and/or sensory disability. With regard to Home Support hours, the HSE's 2017 commitment is to provide 2.75 million hours to people with disabilities.
178. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health if he received a petition requesting him to establish a general practitioner out-of-hours service for north Wicklow; if progress has been made on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52131/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the petition referred to by the Deputy regarding GP out of hours services in North Wicklow. I recognise the need for an improved out of hours service for North Wicklow which can provide the appropriate level of cover for the population of the area. The development of such a service would allow GPs to participate fully in the provision of an integrated healthcare system providing medical services that are appropriate, timely and effective, easily accessible and responsive to the needs of patients. I remain committed to the development of an improved GP out of hours services for North Wicklow and I expect progress to be made in this matter in the near future.
In addition, the HSE's National Primary Care Division has also undertaken a national review of current GP out of hours services and a final report is expected to be completed shortly. This report will make recommendations regarding the future provision of GP out of hours services and will have particular relevance to the currents gaps in service, in areas such as North Wicklow.
179. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of the supply of prosthetics for a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52133/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
180. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health the action he is taking to address the dangerous overcrowding levels in University Hospital Limerick; and his plans to open additional beds in Limerick city to address the number of persons on trolleys. [52134/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
181. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health the status of the Tipperary Jigsaw project which was offered support in the past 12 months by the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52144/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
182. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health the timeframe for the final reports on the two audits of Our Lady's hospice, Harold's Cross carried out by the HSE in 2015 to be published. [52151/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
183. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the reason copy of a court maintenance order will not suffice as proof of maintenance agreement and a letter from ex partner is being pursued in the case of a person (details supplied) applying for a medical card; the other documentation outstanding in this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52170/17]
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.
184. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the reason there are no formal procedures to ensure that decisions taken by the HSE drugs group are appropriately communicated to relevant stakeholders; his plans to address this in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52183/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drug schemes, in accordance with the provisions of the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
185. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health his plans to undertake a full review of the implementation of the national rare disease plan 2014 to 2018; if the reality that there is an increasing number of rare and ultra rare medicines due to come onto the market due to the advancements in medicine will be taken into account; his further plans to reform the reimbursement process for rare and ultra rare medicines to ensure that persons are in a position to receive drugs which receive approval from the EMA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52184/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department published a progress report on the National Rare Disease Plan in February 2017 and it is available on the Department’s website at:
http://health.gov.ie/blog/publications/interim-report-on-national-rare-disease-plan-for-ireland-2014-2018/.
It provides an update on all 48 recommendations as outlined in the Plan and progress to date.
One of the principal recommendations in the Plan was the establishment of a National Clinical Programme for Rare Diseases which is responsible for assisting with mapping and developing care pathways for rare diseases; facilitating timely access to centres of expertise nationally and internationally; and developing care pathways with European Reference Centres for those ultra-rare disorders where there may not be sufficient expertise in Ireland.
The establishment of a National Rare Disease Office (NRDO) featured prominently in the recommendations of the Rare Disease plan. The office provides current and reliable information about rare diseases to the general public, health care professionals, researchers and policy makers. The National Rare Diseases Office is responsible for updating Orphanet Ireland. Orphanet is the international rare disease reference and information portal funded by the EU. The office also manages the National Rare Diseases Information Line (a Freephone service) and provides online information about rare diseases on http://www.rarediseases.ie/.
A number of recommendations about access to appropriate drugs and technologies were contained in the plan. One chief recommendation in this regard refers to the HSE developing a Working Group to bring forward appropriate decision criteria for the reimbursement of orphan medicines and technologies; and that the approach should include an assessment system similar to that for cancer therapies established under the National Cancer Control Programme. The HSE Acute Hospitals Division has developed the terms of reference, required membership and reporting relationship for this committee.
As such, a Committee called the “Rare Diseases Medicinal Products/Technology Review Committee” was established in June 2017 by the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE). The responsibilities include the review of proposals for funding of new products for rare diseases or expanded indications for existing products for rare diseases. The Committee will also contribute to the development of clinical guidelines for relevant Orphan Medicinal Products and support the implementation of same.
Dr. Michael Barry is the Chair of the Committee since September 2017 and it is expected that Committee will begin its work in early 2018 after appointment of the necessary support staff.
The National Rare Disease Plan continues to be implemented. It recommended that an Oversight Implementation Group of relevant stakeholders, including patients' groups, be established to oversee and monitor implementation of the plan’s recommendations. This group was established by the Department of Health in 2015 and it has met on a number of occasions.
The Department will consider the matter of a further plan as part of its Work Programme for 2018.
