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Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018

Written Answers Nos. 144-163

Speech and Language Therapy

Ceisteanna (144)

Fiona O'Loughlin

Ceist:

144. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health if the review into existing speech and language therapy from 2018 has been carried out; and if so, if the findings and recommendations have been finalised. [16849/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.

Occupational Therapy Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (145)

Fiona O'Loughlin

Ceist:

145. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health the way in which it is planned to reduce the long waiting times being experienced by children in counties Laois and Offaly who are in need of an assessment for occupational therapy. [16850/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.

Occupational Therapy Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (146)

Fiona O'Loughlin

Ceist:

146. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health the way in which it is planned to reduce the long waiting times being experienced by children in County Kildare who are in need of an assessment for occupational therapy. [16851/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.

Medicinal Products

Ceisteanna (147)

Jim O'Callaghan

Ceist:

147. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) will be granted eligibility in order to gain access to the immunotherapy drugs Nivolumab or Pembrolizumab; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16855/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

General Practitioner Data

Ceisteanna (148)

Stephen Donnelly

Ceist:

148. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of general practitioners who have indicated they will not take on additional medical card patients by county; the number of medical card patients seen by general practitioners by county; the number of medical cards issued by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16864/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Medical Aids and Appliances Applications Data

Ceisteanna (149)

Stephen Donnelly

Ceist:

149. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the waiting list for mobility appliances in each CHO; the number of persons waiting over six months and over one year and two years by CHO, respectively; the number of those who are children in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16865/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

Internet Safety

Ceisteanna (150, 151, 153)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

150. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the way in which his Department will engage with the development of the action plan on Internet safety that will be published in June 2018; if he will be engaging with stakeholders within this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16883/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

151. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the way in which he will be engaging with Internet companies on the policy areas under his remit in the development of the action plan on Internet safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16884/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

153. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the process by which his Department will be developing and contributing draft actions to be considered as part of the action plan on Internet safety to be published in June 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16890/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 150 to 153, inclusive, together.

The Action Plan will be developed and contributed to by a number of Departments, including the Department of Health. As the Department of the Taoiseach has responsibility for the coordination of this Action Plan, the main questions posed would be better directed to that department.

The Department of Health recognises the importance of Internet Safety, with several actions and initiatives in this area. These include Connecting for Life, the National Taskforce on Youth Mental Health, and online mental health support courses.

Connecting for Life, Ireland’s National Strategy to reduce suicide, commits to engaging with online platforms to encourage best practice in reporting around suicidal behaviour, so as to encourage a safer online environment in this area.

The Programme for Partnership Government (2016) committed to the establishment of a National Taskforce on Youth Mental Health “to consider how best to introduce and teach resilience, coping mechanisms, greater awareness to children and young people, and how to access support services voluntarily at a young age.”

The Task Force process came to a conclusion last summer and its final set of recommendations were published in December. The recommendations include actions in areas such as consultation and advocacy; awareness and training; accessibility and alignment of mental health services; and improving knowledge through research online youth mental health supports.

Work in this area is further informed by good practice guidelines for the safe delivery of online mental health information and support commissioned by the National Office for Suicide Prevention in 2015.

Internet Safety

Ceisteanna (152)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

152. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the input his Department will have on the issue of advertising and marketing to children in view of the recent publication of a document (details supplied) and the strict timeframes involved in publishing the action plan on Internet safety; if the absence of a monitoring body will impede this work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16885/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In accordance with Section 10 on governance of the Codes of Practice concerned, the Department of Health's involvement in them will include the designation of a monitoring body and the maintenance and publication - either by the Department or the monitoring body - of a register of signatories to these codes. Section 10 also stipulates that the monitoring body shall produce an annual report for the Minister for Health.

The Codes of Practice concerned were published in February. They were developed by a multi-stakeholder group that included IBEC, Food Drink Ireland, Retail Ireland, Association of Advertisers in Ireland and the Institute of Advertising Practitioners in Ireland. Work on the designation of a monitoring body to monitor these codes for compliance and effectiveness is underway and impedance of the work referred to by the Deputy has not been envisaged in the interim.

Question No. 153 answered with Question No. 150.

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (154)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

154. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Donegal will receive an appointment for an operation at Sligo University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16893/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

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.

Dental Services Expenditure

Ceisteanna (155)

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

155. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health the average cost per treatment item provided by the HSE dental service when factors (details supplied) are taken into account; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16894/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

Primary Care Centres Provision

Ceisteanna (156)

James Lawless

Ceist:

156. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health the status of the primary care centre for Leixlip, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16913/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí 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.

Home Care Packages Administration

Ceisteanna (157)

Gino Kenny

Ceist:

157. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health if the abolition of the loco parentis clause in paediatric homecare packages will be reconsidered (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16922/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (158)

Eugene Murphy

Ceist:

158. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be called for hip replacement surgery; and the expected timeframe in this regard. [16924/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

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 Administration

Ceisteanna (159)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

159. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an appointment will be scheduled for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16931/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

Neuro-Rehabilitation Services

Ceisteanna (160)

Seán Fleming

Ceist:

160. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health if investment in neurological services will be increased for persons living with neurological conditions including stroke, dementia, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease in addition to some rare genetic conditions to provide assistance with their care (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16932/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Model of Care for Neurology was launched by the Director General of the HSE in late 2016. This was developed by the HSE’s National Clinical Programme for Neurology in collaboration with consultants, nurses, health and social care professionals and patient support groups. It aims to address the need for strategic development of neurology services in the provision of better care for these patients. Progress is being made in this area. For example, this year funding has been allocated by the HSE to commence development of peri- and post-operative services to support patients with Parkinson's Disease receiving Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS).

As the query raised is a service matter, I have also asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly with any further information. 

Hospital Appointments Administration

Ceisteanna (161)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

161. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an appointment for surgery has been issued for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16933/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

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.

Medicinal Products Availability

Ceisteanna (162, 174)

Frank O'Rourke

Ceist:

162. Deputy Frank O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the reason persons with multiple sclerosis here face significant delays in accessing new medicines and treatments in comparison with other European countries; if there will be engagement with the pharmaceutical industry in order to remedy the situation and to improve market access; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16934/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Maureen O'Sullivan

Ceist:

174. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if he will engage with an organisation (details supplied) and the pharmaceutical industry to ensure new medicines are available to persons with MS. [16990/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 162 and 174 together.

The HSE has statutory responsibility for medicine pricing and reimbursement decisions, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. As Minister for Health, I do not have any statutory power or function in relation to the reimbursement of medicines. The Act specifies the criteria for decisions on the reimbursement of medicines.

In line with the 2013 Act, if a company would like a medicine to be reimbursed by the HSE pursuant to the Community Drugs scheme, the company must first submit an application to the HSE to have the new medicine added to the Reimbursement List.

As outlined in the IPHA agreement, and in line with the 2013 Act, the HSE will decide, within 180 days of receiving the application (or a longer period if further information is sought from the company), to either add the medicine to the reimbursement list or agree to reimburse it as a hospital medicine, or refuse to reimburse the medicine. HSE decisions on which medicines are reimbursed by the taxpayer are made on objective, scientific and economic grounds, on the advice of the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE). The NCPE conducts health technology assessments (HTAs) for the HSE, and makes recommendations on reimbursement to assist HSE decisions. The NCPE uses a decision framework to systematically assess whether a drug is cost-effective as a health intervention. The HSE strives to reach a decision in as timely a manner as possible. However, because of the significant monies involved, it must ensure that the best price is achieved, as these commitments are often multi-million euro investments on an on-going basis. This can lead to a protracted deliberation process.

I have been informed that Ocrelizumab for the treatment of adult patients with early primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) and for the treatment of adult patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (RMS) is currently undergoing a full pharmacoeconomic assessment by the NCPE.

I am keen to engage with Industry and to explore ways in which new medicines might be more easily introduced in Ireland. However, any innovative approaches that may be tabled must be compatible with the statutory provisions which are in place and must also recognise the fundamental pricing/funding issues in the context of finite Exchequer resources.

I have indicated willingness to meet with MS Ireland and my office is in contact with the organisation to arrange a mutually convenient date.

Hospital Appointments Administration

Ceisteanna (163)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

163. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an appointment will be scheduled for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16935/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

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.

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