Written Answers Nos. 392-407
392. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health the number of residential inspections carried out by environmental health officers in each of the years 2015 to 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8626/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis is a matter for the HSE therefore I have referred the question to the HSE for attention and direct reply.
393. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health his views on whether the definition of corporate social responsibility in the voluntary codes of practice on the marketing of food and non-alcoholic beverages will be exploited in view of the fact that the codes will exempt CSR initiatives; if he will provide examples of CSR initiatives that will be exempt; his plans to ensure companies make CSR codes available to the designated body; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8627/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra394. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the way in which the voluntary codes of practice on the marketing of food and non-alcoholic beverages section relating to sponsorship linked to HFSS food will operate specifically with regard to restrictions not extending to corporate identities, trading names or master brands; the sponsorship under this exemption that will be permitted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8628/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra395. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the monitoring body to be designated to monitor the voluntary codes of practice on the marketing of food and non-alcoholic beverages; the timeframe for the designation of this body and the development of guidelines for implementation of the code and mechanisms for monitoring; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8629/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra396. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the meaning of effectiveness and compliance in terms of the voluntary codes of practice on the marketing of food and non-alcoholic beverages; the way in which compliance will be measured; his views on whether a post airing or publication complaint process is a suitable means to monitor compliance; if there will be penalties for non-compliance; if there will be a timeframe in which his Department will measure if the codes have been successful before introducing statutory regulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8630/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra397. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health when the voluntary codes of practice on the marketing of food and non-alcoholic beverages will be reviewed; the person or body that will review it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8631/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 393 to 397, inclusive, together.
This is a matter for the HSE therefore I have referred the question to the HSE for attention and direct reply.
The national Obesity Policy and Action Plan (OPAP) was approved by the Government in 2016. The OPAP recommended that a code of practice for food and beverages promotion, marketing and sponsorship be developed, implemented and evaluated in conjunction with the food indsutry, HSE, Dept of Children and Youth Affairs, safefood, Food Safety Authority of Ireland and advertiser organisations. The OPAP premised this recommendation by providing that 'already there are many examples of the food industry making positive contirubtions to the prevention of obesity and it is essential to capitalise and expand on such initiatives'.
The group that developed the Codes involved representatives from the food industry, advertising sector, statutory agencies, and various Government Departments. It was chaired by the former CEO of the statutory Food Safety Authoirty of Ireland.
The Codes of Practice are one of the suite of actions set out in the OPAP in the knowledge that no single sector or agency, or no single action, is able to solve this issue on their own. Everyone and every sector has a role to play in those solutions.
Section 10 of the Codes of Practice provides for a governance framework for these codes. It stipulates that monitoring for compliance and effectiveness encompasses:
1. Compliance of the food industry with the rules in the Codes governing the various media and
2. the efficacy of the Codes of Practice with respect to achieving their objectives of ensuring that:
- So-called High Fat Sugar and Salt (HFSS) foods are marketed in a responsible way
- children are not exposed to inappropriate marketing, advertising or sponsorship associated with these kinds of food and drink products
- healthier food choices are actively promoted.
Section 10 of the Codes on governance also provides that:
'The monitoring body will be free to decide on its operational methods. However the body will have access to and review relevant data from all companies and partner organisations.'
It elaborates further on what monitoring for compliance and effectiveness shall involve. It provides that monitoring will include:
a. 'Independent research/monitoring across all of the areas governed by these Codes to assess adherence, and
b. Investigating and dealing with complaints.'
Furthermore, the Codes provide that:
'The monitoring body shall commission research that will inform it of the effectiveness of these Codes in achieving their stated aims and objectives.'
The food industry and relevant sectors have agreed to the implementation of these Codes. The Codes were only launched last week and so it is too early to be specific about the other queries raised by the Deputy pending the establishment of the monitoring body and the development of guidelines for the implementation of the Codes during 2018.
398. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health the position regarding persons who avail of respite care and long-term care in a hospital (details supplied) and who reside far from the hospital and whose family doctor is expected to visit them during respite care and long-term care; and if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many persons have been advised prior to being admitted to hospital that if they cannot guarantee their general practitioners will attend to them if required during their stay they could lose their booking for respite care. [8632/18]
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.
399. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the position of a person (details supplied) on the waiting list for two rehabilitation units; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8633/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 issues, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
400. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health if a proposed site (details supplied) has been acquired; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8648/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraYour question has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply as the management of the healthcare property estate is a service matter.
401. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Health the status of an application for a home care package by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8655/18]
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.
402. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to address long waiting lists for knee and hip replacement surgeries; when he expects waiting times to be cut; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8656/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraReducing waiting times for patients is one of the Government's key priorities.
Throughout 2017, the HSE and NTPF worked together to drive down long wait times for Inpatient and Daycase procedures. Over 29,000 patients came off the Inpatient/Daycase waiting list by the end of October .
At present 56% of patients on the Inpatient/Daycase Waiting List wait less than 6 months, and 83% wait less than 12 months for their procedure. This is despite the additional demands on our Acute Hospitals, which, since 2000 are carrying out four times more procedures for patients ages 65 and over and twice as many in the under 65 age group.
October's Budget announced a total 2018 allocation of €55m for the NTPF for 2018. This significant increase in funding more than doubles the 2017 total allocation of €20m. The NTPF and HSE are in the process of finalising Waiting List Action Plans and Initiatives for 2018. This will include ambitious targets for both the HSE and NTPF to reduce the overall number of patients waiting for treatment including those patients awaiting Orthopaedic procedures.
I hope to publish the 2018 Inpatient Day Case Waiting List Action Plan at the end of February.
403. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the number of vacant habitable dwelling units and vacant derelict residential dwelling units in the ownership or part ownership of or under the control of his Department and agencies under his remit; the county in which each unit is located; the length of time each unit has been vacant, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8667/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy's question has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply as the HSE is responsible for the management of the healthcare property estate. Details of properties of other bodies under the aegis of the Department are operational matters for the bodies concerned and the Deputy should contact the relevant Director/CEO/Registrar directly.
404. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Health if a matter (details supplied) will be addressed regarding a device; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8678/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder 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.
405. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if a matter (details supplied) will be addressed regarding a payment method; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8682/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Health I have no role in the day-to-day business decisions of any insurer, including which payment methods are accepted for health insurance policies. If the Deputy's constituent has a complaint regarding the change in payments policy of their insurer, I recommend first that they attempt to resolve this with their insurer, as an alternative suitable payment method may be available. If they are not satisfied with the resolution of this complaint I recommend they contact the Financial Services Ombudsman.
406. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health the location and number of beds in the Munster region for child and adolescent mental health services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8693/18]
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.
407. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health his plans to introduce an out-of-hours mental health service in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8694/18]
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.
