Niamh Smyth
Ceist:370. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the status of a hospital appointment for person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11424/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraHospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (370)
Freagraí 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 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 the Deputy directly.
Hospital Appointments Delays
Ceisteanna (371)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:371. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11425/18]
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 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 the Deputy directly.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (372)
Kevin O'Keeffe
Ceist:372. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health if he will assist in having a person (details supplied) admitted for a major surgical procedure. [11429/18]
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 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 the Deputy directly.
Primary Care Centres Provision
Ceisteanna (373)
Seán Haughey
Ceist:373. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Health if the proposed new primary care centre in an area (details supplied) will proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11437/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
Question No. 374 answered with Question No. 353.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (375)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:375. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if an operation for a person (details supplied) will go ahead as scheduled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11442/18]
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 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 the Deputy directly.
Hospital Services
Ceisteanna (376)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:376. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a procedure for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11445/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (377)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:377. 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. [11451/18]
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 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 the Deputy directly.
EU Directives
Ceisteanna (378)
Timmy Dooley
Ceist:378. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Health the reason chiropractors who have been trained to use x-ray machines and who satisfy the requirements of SI 478 will not be permitted to do so under the secondary legislation introduced under the Radiological Protection Bill 2018. [11463/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Chiropractors are not designated as referrers or practitioners in S.I. No. 478 of 2002 (as amended) and do not, therefore, satisfy the requirements of the existing Regulations in this regard.
The draft European Union (Basic Safety Standards for Protection Against Dangers from Medical Exposure to Ionising Radiation) Regulations 2018, which will transpose the medical provisions of the Basic Safety Standards Directive, will be introduced under the European Communities Act 1972. The regulations will designate those who may refer for radiological tests, those who may carry them out and other functions and in this regard I propose to designate nurses, doctors, dentists and radiographers as appropriate.
The Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment (DCCAE) has overall responsibility for the transposition of the Basic Safety Standards Directive. The Radiological Protection Bill 2018 and any secondary regulations introduced under that Bill are matters for DCCAE.
EU Directives
Ceisteanna (379)
Timmy Dooley
Ceist:379. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 152 of 21 February 2018, if he will address the contradiction apparent in these sources (details supplied) [11464/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment regulations the EPA issued chiropractors with licences that entitled them to hold x-ray equipment (Radiological Protection Act, 1991 (Ionising Radiation) Order, 2000 S.I. 125/2000). The HSE Report states that it was decided to perform a baseline audit of chiropractors who use ionising radiation as all holders of radiological installations are subject to clinical audit under the European Communities (Medical Ionising Radiation Protection) Regulations 2002 (S.I. 478/2002).
Chiropractors are not designated as prescribers or practitioners under the existing regulations (S.I. 478/2002).
Health Services Provision
Ceisteanna (380)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:380. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the reason 21 years of age was decided as the cut-off point for entitlement to a continuous glucose monitoring system (details supplied); his views on whether a continuous glucose monitoring system would be beneficial to type 1 insulin diabetics of all ages; his plans to extend the entitlement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11470/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
National Children's Hospital Status
Ceisteanna (381)
James Browne
Ceist:381. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health when the new children's hospital is due to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11474/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Paediatric Outpatients & Urgent Care Centres at Connolly Hospital and Tallaght Hospital are scheduled to open in 2019 and 2020 respectively, in advance of the opening in 2022 of the main hospital on the St James's Hospital campus.
HSE Expenditure
Ceisteanna (382)
James Browne
Ceist:382. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the amount the HSE has spent on treatment received by persons under 18 years of age in the United Kingdom in each of the past four years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11475/18]
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.
Health Products Regulatory Authority
Ceisteanna (383)
Eugene Murphy
Ceist:383. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Health if information will be provided on the substance polysorbate 80, also known as Tween 80, and polyoxyethylene-sorbitan-20 mono-oleate and the known medical side effects of the Gardasil HPV vaccine (details supplied). [11491/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The information that the Deputy seeks with regard to polysorbate 80 is not readily available. Therefore, I have asked the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) to investigate the matter and reply directly to the Deputy.
It is important to reiterate that the HPRA and the European Medicines Agency continually monitor adverse events to vaccination. HPV is one of the most closely studied and monitored medicinal products. The vast majority of reports received by the HPRA have been consistent with the expected pattern of short term adverse side effects for the vaccine, as described in the product information. There are usually mild and temporary reactions to any kind of vaccination.
Medical Aids and Appliances Provision
Ceisteanna (384)
Bobby Aylward
Ceist:384. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Health the status of FreeStyle Libre in terms of its availability to children and adults on the General Medical Services, GMS, scheme and long-term illness scheme; if FreeStyle Libre is available to children using insulin pumps or insulin injections; if it is available to adults using insulin pumps or insulin injections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11495/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
Hospital Charges
Ceisteanna (385)
Michael McGrath
Ceist:385. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health if in a situation in which an accident and emergency charge is incurred in a public hospital in respect of a visit to the hospital by the victim of an assault there is a scheme whereby the victim is not left with the liability of the charge for the accident and emergency visit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11517/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Outpatient charges are set by the Health (Out-Patient Charges) Regulations 2013. Currently all persons attending an Emergency Department in a public hospital are liable for the €100 A&E charge subject to certain exemptions, including a person with a medical card, a person who has a letter of referral from a registered medical practitioner, and a person whose attendance results in admission as an in-patient. The Regulations do not provide for a specific exemption in the case of a person attending an Emergency Department as a result of an assault.
Health Services Staff Remuneration
Ceisteanna (386)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:386. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health his plans to roll back in total the FEMPI cuts imposed on general practitioners during the financial crisis in view of the difficulty in many practices in attracting general practitioners to take up positions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11533/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As with other health professionals, General Practitioners were subject to fee reductions under FEMP. I acknowledge the contribution made by GPs and other health professionals who provide services under contract on behalf of the HSE, through reductions in the fees in respect of these services, to addressing the unprecedented economic crisis which the State faced over recent years.
I announced in November my intention to undertake a process of engagement with representative bodies of contracted health professionals aimed at putting in place a new multi-annual approach to fees, commencing in 2019, in return for service improvement and contractual reform and in line with Government priorities for the health service. Officials of my Department are also undertaking preparatory work with the Department of Public Expenditure and the HSE in relation to this important agenda. I expect engagement to begin shortly.
As at 1 January 2018, there were 25 GMS vacancies nationally. As there are currently almost 2,500 GPs contracted to provide services under the GMS scheme, this represents a relatively low percentage of vacancy of 1%. All vacancies are currently covered by a locum GP, therefore a GP service continues to be provided in all of the affected areas.
It should also be noted that, despite reductions to certain payment rates made under FEMPI legislation the number of GPs contracted under the GMS scheme has risen from 2,136 in 2009 to 2,484 as at 1st March 2018. Furthermore, the total fees paid to GPs under the GMS scheme have also increased during this period from just over €427 million in 2009 to approximately €517 million in 2017. This increase in fees is largely due to significant developments in GP services introduced in recent years, with more services being made available to our citizens and additional financial support provided by the HSE.
Medical Products
Ceisteanna (387)
Jack Chambers
Ceist:387. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health the status of work by his Department on the provision of funding for the drug Translarna; the negotiations under way with the supplier of the drug; if consideration will be given to a managed access programme as has been negotiated in the UK; if his attention has been drawn to the distress and deterioration this matter is having on those that require access to this drug; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11557/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Health Service Executive has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drug schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.
The Act specifies the criteria to be applied in the making of reimbursement decisions which include the clinical and cost effectiveness of the product, the opportunity cost and the impact on resources that are available to the HSE.
In reaching its decision, the HSE examines all the evidence which may be relevant in its view for the decision, including the dossier submitted by the Company. The HSE will take into account such expert opinions and recommendations which may have been sought by the HSE at its sole discretion, for example, from the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics – the NCPE. This ensures that reimbursement decisions are made on objective scientific and economic grounds.
In July 2017, the HSE informed my Department that, following an intensive process, the HSE decided not to reimburse Ataluren (Translarna) for the treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. The HSE in deciding not to reimburse Translarna did not consider the evidence for its clinical benefit to be sufficiently strong, in the context of the proposed cost and budget impact.
The HSE informed the applicant company of this decision, in keeping with the requirements of the 2013 Act. The applicant has appealed the HSE’s decision to the High Court, which is part of the statutory process under Section 27 of the 2013 Act.
I appreciate that Duchene Muscular Dystrophy is a serious condition and that the families of children diagnosed with this illness are extremely anxious to obtain any treatment which they believe will alleviate its symptoms. I have met with some of the families and can appreciate their predicament.
The HSE has advised the applicant that it is willing to complete a timely review of any new application. It would be open to the company to make revised proposals in relation to pricing or access in this context.
That offer to review any new application is irrespective of the ongoing court proceedings.
Hospital Charges
Ceisteanna (388)
Anne Rabbitte
Ceist:388. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to a charge of €80 which certain hospital groups have imposed on persons with haemochromatosis requiring venesection; his views on whether it is an unjust charge which mainly affects persons who have neither a medical card nor health insurance; and his plans to review the annual ceiling charge for same (details supplied) [11634/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Health Act 1970 (as amended) provides that all people ordinarily resident in Ireland are entitled, subject to certain charges, to public in-patient hospital services including consultant services and to public out-patient hospital services. Under Section 52 of the Health Act 1970, as amended by Section 12 of the Health (Amendment) Act 2013, a person who has been referred to a hospital for an in-patient service, including that provided on a day case basis, will have to pay the statutory daily charge, currently €80 per day, up to a maximum of €800 per year. On this basis, where venesection is classed as a day case procedure and is not carried out in an out-patient setting, the public in-patient charge applies.
My Department is currently considering the issue of the application of the public in-patient charge of €80 for venesection in Acute Hospitals as well as broader issues in relation to the treatment of patients with Hereditary Haemochromatosis.
Primary Care Centres Provision
Ceisteanna (389)
John Curran
Ceist:389. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health his plans to fast-track the delivery of primary health care centres that are needed services in communities but appear to be delayed in various stages of the procurement, design and planning processes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11638/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In line with health strategy a decisive shift towards primary care is required to meet growing demands for health and social care services.
The construction programme for primary care centres will continue throughout the National Development Plan 2018 – 2027 with a combination of direct building by the Health Service Executive, by working with the private sector using an operational lease arrangement or through a Public Private Partnership mechanism. The National Development Plan will support the completion of projects currently in construction and planning, and will meet the future health needs of the population. This primary care centre programme will also include provision of diagnostic facilities in the community.
The mechanism and timescale for delivery of primary care centres is a dynamic process and is dependent on a range of factors. All potential primary care centres are subject to suitable locations being offered / provided / available, to successful planning processes and GP commitment to sharing accommodation and delivering health care services with HSE staff. The HSE will continue to pursue the delivery of primary care centres in line with national requirements of appraisal, design, planning, tender and construction. In addition, where private funding is involved, this is subject to market pressures such as the developers' access to adequate financing. While some of these factors are outside the control of the Health Service Executive, it has been successful in developing a network of primary care centres across the country. 114 primary care centres are now operational. 6 have opened so far this year and a further 13 are scheduled to open in 2018.
Health Strategies
Ceisteanna (390, 391)
Brendan Howlin
Ceist:390. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health the role of his Department in terms of developing the implementation plan for the neurorehabilitation strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11677/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraBrendan Howlin
Ceist:391. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health the reason there is no representative from his Department on the national steering group to develop an implementation framework for the national neurorehabilitation policy and strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11678/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 390 and 391 together.
The Programme for a Partnership Government includes a commitment to publish "a plan for advancing Neuro-rehabilitation services in the community". The development of an implementation framework for the National Policy & Strategy for the provision of Neuro-rehabilitation Services in Ireland is a matter for the Health Service Executive (HSE).
The HSE has established a National Steering Group to develop the implementation framework, comprising representatives from across the whole health system, including Heads of Social Care and the National Clinical Programme for Rehabilitation Medicine, Acute Hospital services, Mental Health, Primary Care and Health & Wellbeing, Health & Social Care Professionals and the Neurological Alliance of Ireland.
The focus of the National Steering Group is to develop a framework which is implementable across the country. The Steering Group considers that a Managed Clinical Rehabilitation Network model represents best practice as a means of providing neuro-rehabilitation care and support/accommodation needs. The HSE’s Social Care Division and its Clinical Programme and Strategy Division are working in tandem to progress this.
The Department of Health is not directly represented on the National Steering Group as the development of the implementation framework is a service matter, in the first instance, for the HSE. However, the HSE keeps the Department informed of progress on an ongoing basis. Updates and briefings are provided and meetings are held, as and when required. The Minister is kept informed of all developments as part of ongoing reporting arrangements.
Vaccination Programme
Ceisteanna (392)
Clare Daly
Ceist:392. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health the assessments conducted by his Department of the reasons girls did not complete the two-dose HPV vaccination course in 2016 and 2017; and his plans to adopt an approach of listening to testimony of girls in cases in which problems have occurred (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11687/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide. Each year in Ireland around 300 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and 90 die from the disease. All cervical cancers are linked to high risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV) types. In 2009 the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) recommended HPV vaccination for all 12 year old girls to reduce their risk of cervical cancer and in September 2010 the HPV vaccination programme was introduced for all girls in first year of second level schools.
There are claims of an association between HPV vaccination and a number of conditions experienced by a group of young women. An illness that occurs around the time a vaccine is given and is already known to be common in adolescence does not imply the vaccine caused the problem. It appears that some girls first suffered symptoms around the time they received the HPV vaccine, and understandably some parents have connected the vaccine to their daughter’s condition. However, these claims have led to a significant drop in uptake rates of the HPV vaccine from 87% in 2014/15 to 72% in 2015/16 and 51% in 2016/17. Provisional figures from the HSE indicate that HPV vaccine uptake rates increased in September/October 2017 to 62% due to a comprehensive communications campaign for parents with support from a large number of key stakeholders e.g. the HPV alliance which currently has 37 organisations working together such as the Irish Cancer Society and the Marie Keating Foundation.
While no medicine (including vaccines) is entirely without risk, the safety profile of Gardasil has been continuously monitored since it was first authorised in September 2006 both nationally and at EU level. The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) is responsible for monitoring the safety and quality of all medicines including vaccines that are licensed in Ireland. The HPRA operates a national adverse reaction reporting system, which members of the public and healthcare professionals are encouraged to submit any suspected adverse reactions through this system. All Reports received by the HPRA are routinely transmitted to the European Medicines Agency's adverse reaction database for inclusion in global signal detection and monitoring activities. Gardasil is one of the most closely studied and monitored medicinal products. The vast majority of reports received by the HPRA have been consistent with the expected pattern of short term adverse side effects for the vaccine, as described in the product information.
Anyone who is suffering ill health is eligible to seek medical attention, and to access appropriate health and social care services, irrespective of the cause of their symptoms. The diverse nature of these symptoms, which can have both physical and psychological causes, are shared by many conditions which has implications for both diagnostic and treatment services. The individual nature of the needs of some children may require access to specialist services and the HSE are currently working to put in place clinical care pathways appropriate to the differing medical needs of this group. As there is no scientific evidence that the vaccine causes long term illnesses, the HPV vaccine cannot be held responsible for these illnesses.
It is important that people receive accurate information from reliable sources in relation to the safety of vaccines, and to increase the uptake rates of all vaccines in the State’s immunisation programmes. The scientific evidence is clear and misinformation is causing real harm to those unvaccinated children and adults who develop vaccine preventable diseases, and to people who seek inappropriate treatments for real conditions that are not caused by vaccines.
Health Products Regulatory Authority
Ceisteanna (393)
Clare Daly
Ceist:393. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health the function of polysorbate 80 also known as Tween 80 and polyoxyethylene-sorbitan-20 mono-oleate in the Gardasil HPV Vaccine; the consideration that has been given by his Department that this has contributed towards increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier facilitating the passage of HPV-16-L 1 into the brain tissue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11688/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The information that the Deputy seeks with regard to polysorbate 80 is not readily available. Therefore, I have asked the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) to investigate the matter and reply directly to the Deputy.
It is important to reiterate that the HPRA and the European Medicines Agency continually monitor adverse events to vaccination. HPV is one of the most closely studied and monitored medicinal products. The vast majority of reports received by the HPRA have been consistent with the expected pattern of short term adverse side effects for the vaccine, as described in the product information. There are usually mild and temporary reactions to any kind of vaccination.
Departmental Staff Data
Ceisteanna (394, 395)
Brendan Howlin
Ceist:394. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health the number of staff assigned in his Department to the press office, public relations or communications roles in each year since 2015; the positions by staffing grade and designated role; when each new position came into existence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11705/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraBrendan Howlin
Ceist:395. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health if a panel has been established in his Department for communications officers; if a Civil Service position of head of communications or similar role or description has been appointed in his Department; if so, when the appointment occurred; the grade at which it occurred; the reason for same; the policy basis for same; the person that approved the appointment; his plans to make such an appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11721/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 394 and 395 together.
There is no panel for communications officers in my Department.
The Communications Office was established in 2008 headed by an Assistant Principal. The current role holder was appointed in June 2016. The Communications Unit incorporates the Press office.
The name and functions were extended to include "communications" to reflect more accurately the work of the Unit and deliver on the business needs of the Department in the context of an evolving media and communications landscape.
The Press & Communications Team is responsible for:
1 Engaging proactively with the media to ensure our work is communicated in an effective and timely manner to the public and other stakeholders;
2 Developing a strong and consistent voice and identity for the Department that supports our role in providing leadership and policy direction for the health sector;
3 Supporting a cultural shift towards more open, structured approaches to engagement.
The staffing of the office in each of years since 2015 is set out in the following table.
|
Year |
Staff |
|
2015 |
Principal Officer X 1 (Head of Unit with management responsibility for a number of Units including the Press and Communications Office)
The Head of Press and Communications Office (Assistant Principal Officer) post was vacant for a period of time in 2015 pending a new appointment to the post.
Higher Executive Officer X 2
Executive Officer X 3 |
|
2016 |
Principal Officer X 1 (Head of Unit with management responsibility for a number of Units including the Press and Communications Office)
Head of Press and Communications Office (Assistant Principal Officer) X 1
Higher Executive Officer X 2
Executive Officer X 2
Clerical Officer X 1 (on maternity leave)
Temporary Clerical Officer X 1 (covering maternity leave of the Clerical Officer) |
|
2017 |
Principal Officer X 1 (Head of Unit with management responsibility for a number of Units including the Press and Communications Office)
Head of Press and Communications Office (Assistant Principal Officer) X 1
Higher Executive Officer X 2
Executive Officer X 2
Clerical Officer X 1 |
|
2018 |
Principal Officer X 1 (Head of Unit with management responsibility for a number of Units including the Press and Communications Office)
Head of Press and Communications Office (Assistant Principal Officer) X 1
Press Officer (Higher Executive Officer) X 2
Executive Officer X 2
Clerical Officer X 1 |