Tony McLoughlin
Ceist:639. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an appointment from Beaumount Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12695/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraHospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (639)
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.
Ministerial Meetings
Ceisteanna (640)
Charlie McConalogue
Ceist:640. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health when he will meet with a group (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12696/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am aware of an invitation being received in my office for me to meet this group and a reply will issue in the coming days.
Primary Medical Certificates Applications
Ceisteanna (641)
Tony McLoughlin
Ceist:641. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Health when a decision on a medical certificate for a person (details supplied) will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12706/18]
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.
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 Administration
Ceisteanna (642)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:642. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health when an appointment for a person (details supplied) in CUH will be scheduled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12708/18]
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 Appointments Administration
Ceisteanna (643)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:643. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if an appointment will be scheduled for a person (detail supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12722/18]
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.
Paediatric Services
Ceisteanna (644)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:644. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the timeframe for the public waiting list for paediatric optometrist consultants in County Meath; the number of children on the list; and the actions being taken to shorten the list. [12763/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 Equipment
Ceisteanna (645)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:645. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if a requested hospital bed and equipment will be facilitated for persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12766/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
Ambulance Service Provision
Ceisteanna (646)
Charlie McConalogue
Ceist:646. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health if a review of ambulance resources (details supplied) has been conducted; if it has been completed; the outcome of the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12769/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service issue, I have asked the HSE to reply to you directly.
Interdepartmental Working Groups
Ceisteanna (647)
Ruth Coppinger
Ceist:647. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the progress of the interdepartmental group on the ancillary recommendations of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution; the expected timeframes for the conclusion of the group's work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12771/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I established this Group to address and formulate an effective and comprehensive response to the issues raised in the ancillary recommendations of the Joint Committee on the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution. I intend to bring a Memorandum to Government, requesting approval of a proposal to progress the recommendations, by the end of March.
Hospital Appointments Administration
Ceisteanna (648)
John Curran
Ceist:648. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an outpatient appointment in St. James's Hospital, Dublin; if an appointment can be arranged for an early date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12772/18]
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.
Motorised Transport Grant Closure
Ceisteanna (649)
Seán Fleming
Ceist:649. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health when the motorised transport grant scheme will be replaced with a new scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12774/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 Health (Transport Support) Bill is on the list of priority legislation for publication in the Spring/Summer session 2018. 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.
It is hoped to bring a General Scheme and Heads of Bill to Government shortly, seeking Government approval to the drafting of the Bill for the new Transport Support Payment.
With regard to the Motorised Transport Grant, this scheme operated as a means-tested grant to assist persons with severe disabilities with the purchase or adaptation of a car, where that car was essential to retain employment. The maximum Motorised Transport Grant, which was payable once in any three-year period, was €5,020. Following closure of the scheme in February 2013, no further Motorised Transport Grants have been payable.
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.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (650)
Mary Butler
Ceist:650. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be called for an outpatient clinic appointment at Cork University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12777/18]
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 Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (651)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:651. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12779/18]
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.
Emergency Departments Closures
Ceisteanna (652, 657)
Seán Fleming
Ceist:652. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the consultation being carried out by his Department in respect of the report submitted by the HSE in respect of the future of the accident and emergency department at Portlaoise Hospital; the meetings carried out to date as part of the consultation; the length of time it is expected to continue; the person chairing this process; when a decision will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12806/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraSeán Fleming
Ceist:657. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the way in which he reconciles plans from the HSE to close accident and emergency services in Portlaoise General Hospital in view of the overcrowding in accident and emergency departments throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12822/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 652 and 657 together.
The Dublin Midlands Hospital Group has been working for some time on a draft plan for a new model of clinical service delivery at Portlaoise Hospital. A draft plan was submitted to my Department in December 2016. This draft report was reviewed in detail and was the subject of detailed engagement between Department officials and the HSE over the course of a number of months. Significant additional work was also undertaken by the HSE on foot of this engagement resulting in a revised draft plan that was submitted to my Department in September 2017. It remains the case, as outlined at my meeting with you and the other Laois Oireachtas members in December 2017, that no decision has been made yet on the draft Action Plan for Portlaoise Hospital. I have asked my Department to conduct a consultation process in this regard involving local clinicians and the community and this is currently under consideration.
Health Services Provision
Ceisteanna (653)
Billy Kelleher
Ceist:653. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the location a person (details supplied) will attend to receive continuing care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12807/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly as soon as possible.
Medicinal Products Reimbursement
Ceisteanna (654)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:654. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if he will review correspondence (details supplied); the reason the HSE has not met with the drug company in question; the position regarding this drug; the reason the HSE has not followed his direction in relation to this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12812/18]
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.
HSE Funding
Ceisteanna (655)
Kevin O'Keeffe
Ceist:655. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health the position in relation to the releasing of funding from a section of the HSE to purchase equipment for those on the priority list and in the case of a person (details supplied); and the reason this funding has not been released. [12815/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.