Tom Neville
Ceist:168. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter in relation to persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53388/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAssisted Human Reproduction Services Provision
Ceisteanna (168)
Freagraí scríofa
On Tuesday 3 October 2017 the Government approved the drafting of a Bill on assisted human reproduction (AHR) and associated areas of research. Officials in my Department are engaging with the Office of the Attorney General in relation to the process of drafting this Bill.
In relation to the issue of public funding and AHR treatment, I have received and responded to correspondence from the persons concerned on this matter. Officials in my Department are developing policy options for a potential public funding model for AHR treatment. Once I have had the opportunity to consider this policy options paper I will bring a Memorandum to Government for a model of public funding for AHR treatment for the Government's consideration and decision. It is important to note that any funding model that may ultimately be introduced would need to operate within the broader regulatory framework set out in the AHR Bill and a model of care for AHR.
As you may be aware, the Health Research Board's (HRB) evidence review of international public funding models for AHR was published earlier this year. This evidence review examines the associated costs and benefits for the funder, provider and patient, the criteria for accessing the public funded service and the basis for these criteria in different jurisdictions. An analysis of the HRB evidence review will feed into the development of policy options for a potential public funding model for AHR treatment by my officials.
While IVF treatment is not currently provided by the Irish public health service, there is some support available in that patients who access IVF treatment privately may claim tax relief on the costs involved under the tax relief for medical expenses scheme. In addition, a defined list of fertility medicines needed for fertility treatment is covered under the High Tech Scheme administered by the HSE. Medicines covered by the High Tech Scheme must be prescribed by a consultant/specialist and approved by the HSE ‘High Tech Liaison Officers’. The cost of the medicines is then covered, as appropriate, under the Medical Card or Drugs Payment Scheme.
Respite Care Services Provision
Ceisteanna (169)
Willie Penrose
Ceist:169. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health the steps he will take to ensure a person (details supplied) is provided with the respite hours approved in respect of two children in October 2016 and which have not been provided to date, notwithstanding the fact that both are autistic; if in that context, he will investigate the respite care hours available in County Westmeath given that the HSE is unable to provide the hours allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53394/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 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.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (170)
Robert Troy
Ceist:170. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an appointment for a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53395/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
As the information requested by you comes under the remit of the Health Service Executive your correspondence has been sent to the HSE who will arrange for a reply to issue to you directly.
Nursing Home Accommodation Provision
Ceisteanna (171)
Robert Troy
Ceist:171. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if a suitable high-dependency nursing home placement will be allocated to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53399/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (172)
Seán Fleming
Ceist:172. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an urgent consultant's appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53401/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
Special Educational Needs Service Provision
Ceisteanna (173)
Colm Brophy
Ceist:173. Deputy Colm Brophy asked the Minister for Health his views on the provision of transportation to day services for persons with autistic spectrum disorder, ASD, who require full-time care, especially before and after turning 18 years of age in the Dublin South-West area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53419/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 provision of transport to adults with a disability attending HSE-funded day services is not a core health service, and the HSE endeavours to ensure that all service users access public transport, including rural transport services, if possible. This is in keeping with the principle of mainstreaming with a clear focus on ensuring persons with a disability have access to the normal range of services and participate in community life as far as possible. In general, day service users are in receipt of disability allowance and are automatically entitled to the Free Travel Pass, so there should be no additional cost burden at an individual level.
However when all other options are exhausted, and a person cannot avail of a day service because they do not have transport to attend, some transport is provided by disability service providers on a case by case basis as resources allow. Service providers are continuously reviewing their transport arrangements to ensure that they are used as effectively and equitably as possible within available resources. This may result in the provision of a reduced quantum of service to the service user, and the HSE does its best to provide transport in certain cases without reducing services. Service providers continue to keep the matter of transport under review.
The HSE has committed to establishing a high level cross divisional working group this year to rationalise the provision of transport and to maximise equitable access and efficiencies. The HSE also intends to liaise with the National Transport Authority and disability service providers to explore ways in which the Authority’s services could assist people with disabilities. The National Transport Authority has a total of 17 Transport co-ordinating units called Local Link which provide safe secure and reliable Public Transport services in local and rural areas of Ireland through a combination of scheduled Public Transport services and door to door services. The HSE plans to explore the opportunities these units may provide to people with disabilities to access day services and participate in the social, educational and economic life of their local communities. Transport issues for persons under 18 years with a diagnosed disability are a matter for the Department of Education and Skills.
As the remainder of the Deputy's 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.
Respite Care Services Provision
Ceisteanna (174)
Colm Brophy
Ceist:174. Deputy Colm Brophy asked the Minister for Health his views on the provision of respite services for carers in the Dublin South-West area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53420/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 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.
Hospital Consultant Contracts
Ceisteanna (175)
Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
Ceist:175. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Health if all consultants are in line with the 80:20 ratio of public and private appointments in Cork University Hospital, CUH; the monitoring of this that takes place in the hospital. [53427/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.
Hospital Consultant Contracts
Ceisteanna (176)
Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
Ceist:176. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Health if all consultants are in line with the 80:20 ratio of public and private appointments in Mercy University Hospital, MUH; and the monitoring of this that takes place in the hospital. [53428/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.
Ambulance Service Funding
Ceisteanna (177)
Aindrias Moynihan
Ceist:177. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the extra funding that will be provided to the National Ambulance Service in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53436/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am happy to confirm that increased funding will be made available for the continued development of the National Ambulance Service in 2018, the detail of which will be set out in the National Service Plan, 2018. The allocation of this additional funding to service developments by the HSE must await the finalisation of the National Service Plan which is currently under way.
Air Ambulance Service Funding
Ceisteanna (178)
Aindrias Moynihan
Ceist:178. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the funding he will provide to the air ambulance service in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53437/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am happy to confirm that increased funding will be made available for the continued development of the National Ambulance Service in 2018, some of which has been earmarked for the development of aeromedical services. The allocation, by the HSE, of this additional funding to specific service developments, must await the finalisation of the National Service Plan which is currently underway.
HSE Data
Ceisteanna (179)
Aindrias Moynihan
Ceist:179. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Health when the HealthStat programme within the HSE commenced; if the programme is still active; if not, when it was terminated; the person or body that was responsible for the development of HealthStat; the overall cost of the HealthStat programme; the annual cost of the HealthStat programme for each year of its existence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53438/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
Hospitals Expenditure
Ceisteanna (180)
Aindrias Moynihan
Ceist:180. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the cost of the hospital inpatient enquiry scheme in each of the years 2006 to 2016 and to date in 2017; the annual cost in each of the years 2006 to 2016 and to date in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53439/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have referred this to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy
Long-Term Illness Scheme Coverage
Ceisteanna (181, 186)
Aindrias Moynihan
Ceist:181. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Health if access to the long-term illness scheme for persons affected by hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53440/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAindrias Moynihan
Ceist:186. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Health if discretionary access to the long-term illness scheme will be provided for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53501/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 181 and 186 together.
The 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.
Health Services Provision
Ceisteanna (182)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:182. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the services that were provided to persons in Mosney, County Meath in 2007 through the on-site medical centre; and the professions that were represented there. [53455/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the issue raised by the Deputy relates to a service matter, I have referred it to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Dental Services Provision
Ceisteanna (183)
Robert Troy
Ceist:183. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if dental treatment will be expedited for a person (details supplied). [53456/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Orthodontic Services Provision
Ceisteanna (184)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:184. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of braces for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53457/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Appointments Administration
Ceisteanna (185)
Aindrias Moynihan
Ceist:185. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be called for a cataract operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53500/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
Question No. 186 answered with Question No. 181.
Medical Card Applications
Ceisteanna (187)
Aindrias Moynihan
Ceist:187. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Health if a discretionary medical card will be provided for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53502/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have referred this query to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.