Written Answers Nos. 263-276
263. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health the outcome of reviews and investigations by organisations (details supplied) and the measures that were put in place to ensure a similar situation does not recur; if the surgery required by the person will be expedited in view of their experience with the initial surgery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18817/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Medical Practitioners Act 2007, the Medical Council is the statutory body charged with responsibility for the registration and regulation of medical practitioners in the State. Disciplinary matters concerning registered medical practitioners are entirely a matter for the Council. I have no role in relation to such matters, as I am precluded by section 9 of the Act from giving policy directions to the Council in relation to the performance of its functions in the area of complaints concerning registered medical practitioners.
I have been informed by the Medical Council that this matter is still under investigation. Accordingly I am not in a position to comment.
As the Saolta University Healthcare Group comes under the remit of the Health Service Executive (HSE), I have referred this to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
264. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if the HSE will fund a hoist for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18823/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
265. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Health the status of the reopening of acute inpatient psychiatric beds in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18835/18]
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.
266. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) has not received an appointment at Mayo University Hospital since being referred in 2007 for a hearing aid and further treatment; when the person will receive an appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18840/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder 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.
267. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health when the HSE plans to advertise the vacant position of public health nurse for Causeway, County Kerry; and if there are other areas in County Kerry without a dedicated public health nurse. [18848/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.
268. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the bed capacity at each community hospital in each of the years 2011 to 2017 and to date in 2018; the number of bed closures which have occurred at each of these facilities during this period; the reason for each such closure; the average percentage occupancy rate experienced at each of these facilities during this period in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18851/18]
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.
269. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 243 of 24 October 2017, the progress that has been made in the provision of accommodation, services and a care package for a person (details supplied) in view of the fact that accommodation offered to date is not suitable for the person's needs; the timeframe for the provision of the care package; the details of the emergency funding planning meetings on this matter in the past six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18852/18]
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 a service issue, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
270. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health the number and type of administrative posts in each of the seven hospital groups; the details of the grades of each hospital group; the estimated or actual cost for each hospital group for these administrative grades; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18853/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have asked the HSE to respond to you directly on this matter.
271. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health if his Department or the HSE are monitoring the use of e-cigarettes or vaporisers; his views on the increased number of outlets selling these products; if there are restrictions on advertising same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18856/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have no plans to introduce legislation prohibiting the use of e-cigarettes in public places.
The introduction of workplace smoking ban was based on clear and unequivocal evidence that second hand smoke is harmful to non-smokers. That evidence base does not exist for the aerosol generated from e-cigarettes. However, individual organisations/companies are free to introduce an e-cigarette free policy if they so choose.
The European Union (Manufacture, Presentation and Sale of Tobacco and Related Products) Regulations 2016 (SI No. 271 of 2016) does not place restrictions on the number of retail outlets selling these products. It does however, set the requirements for e-cigarettes and refill containers which include quality and safety, labelling and advertising.
The Government approved the drafting of the General Scheme of a Bill to provide for the introduction of a licensing system and other measures in relation to tobacco products and electronic non-medicinal nicotine delivery systems (NMNDS), including e-cigarettes. The proposed legislation will introduce an annual licensing system for the sale of electronic cigarettes and other non-medicinal nicotine delivery systems. The legislation will also prohibit the sale of NMNDS by persons under 18 years of age and to persons under 18 years of age. The drafting of the General scheme is ongoing.
My Department will continue to monitor the emerging research on these products so as to inform decisions around any future additional regulation in this area.
272. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health the status of the cystic fibrosis unit in Beaumont Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18858/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Partnership Government contains a Government commitment regarding the development of a dedicated Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Unit in Beaumont Hospital, to be progressed in the context of a CF Model of Care.
This CF Unit capital project will thus be underpinned by the “Model of Care for People with Cystic Fibrosis in Ireland” which is being developed by the National Clinical Programme for Cystic Fibrosis (NCPCF). The Model of Care will set out standards and requirements for the physical and human resources to be provided for treatment of cystic fibrosis patients from a national perspective.
The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform governs the processes surrounding the development of healthcare projects by way of guidelines, principally the Public Spending Code. Further rigour is demanded by, and set out in, relevant EU Directives. All proposed projects must be submitted to the HSE’s Capital and Property Steering Committee for approval and prioritisation prior to inclusion in its multi-annual Capital Plans.
In terms of the progression of the CF Unit capital project I am happy to confirm that it has been included in the National Planning Framework under Project Ireland 2040, as well as being recommended for inclusion in the capital plan by the HSE National Capital Steering Committee.
273. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health the number of vacant registrar posts in each acute hospital in Cork city and county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18859/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to directly respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
274. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health the number of vacant non-consultant hospital doctor or NCHD posts in each acute hospital in Cork city and county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18860/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to you directly as soon as possible.
275. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the amount spent by the HSE and his Department on reports by external companies in each of the years from 2011 to 2017, and to date in 2018, by report; the cost of each report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18868/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department does not collect data in a manner which would allow the Deputy’s question to be answered in full. Published reports for the years in question are available on the Department’s website at:
health.gov.ie/publications-research/publications/.
Presented in the table are details from the Department's A7 expenditure for consultant reports commissioned by the Department from March 2011 to December 2016 together with associated costs. Details on expenditure for 2017 and to date in 2018 will be collated and forwarded to the Deputy when available. I have referred the question to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy in relation to its expenditure.
It is the policy in my Department only to engage the services of external consultants where it is felt to be appropriate and cost-effective, taking account of Government decisions and policy including procurement protocols on the matter. Should the Deputy have a particular report for which details are required please provide details to my office and I will ensure that the matter is investigated further.
|
Year |
Consultants |
Report |
Cost to Dec 2016 |
|
2016 |
RPS Consulting Engineers Ltd |
Report on the findings of the public consultation of the new National Drugs Strategy |
€ 11,826 |
|
2016 |
Trutz Haase – Social & Economic Consultant |
Provision of a performance Measurement Framework for Drug and Alcohol Task Forces |
€ 39,360 |
|
2016 |
Stirling University |
Research Project to track exposure to alcohol promotion during Euro 2016 for audiences in the UK and Ireland |
€ 0 |
|
2016 |
KPMG |
Working Better Together – findings of consultation process on HSE performance/dialogue/performance management. |
€ 14,145 |
|
2016 |
Institute of Public Administration |
Working Better Together – findings of consultation process on business planning and risk management |
€ 21,525 |
|
2016 |
Alpha Healthcare Ltd |
Working Better Together – findings of Project group consultation and engagement processes |
€ 31,817 |
|
2016 |
The Performance Partnership |
Working Better Together Department of Health Learning and Development Strategy including approaches to coaching and mentoring. |
€ 24,650 |
|
2016 |
Skills for Health |
National evaluation of nursing and midwifery key performance indicators. |
€ 20,122 |
|
2016 |
Research Matters |
Report on the Newborn Screening Archive Forum (27 October 2016) |
€ 12,116 |
|
2016 |
UCC |
Research on Teaching of evidence based practice in Ireland |
€ 6,174 |
|
2016 |
Centre for Effectiveness Services |
Training and resources in Implementation Science for National Clinical Guidelines |
€ 6,225 |
|
2016 |
UCD |
Prevalence of pain and constipation in patients attending Cancer Centres in Ireland: a national survey |
€ 2,000 |
|
2016 |
Milliman |
Report on incorporating DRGs into the Irish Risk Equalisation Scheme |
€ 39,497 |
|
2016 |
University College Cork |
Baseline research to inform update of NCEC NCG No. 2 and No. 3 |
€ 4,711 |
|
2016 |
DCU |
Development of a framework for patient and public involvement in NCEC’s Clinical effectiveness process |
€ 8,000 |
|
2015 |
UCC,UCD, NUIG |
Publication of a policy on future community nursing and midwifery, public health nursing and related support grades within the context of health reform |
€ 24,533 |
|
2015 |
DCU |
Patient Engagement in the governance and development of national clinical effectiveness processes |
€ 34,743 |
|
2015 |
Prospectus |
Consultation and report to inform the development of a policy on Trauma System for Ireland |
€ 23,990 |
|
2015 |
Amarach Research |
Alcohol Labelling Research |
€ 150,368 |
|
2015 |
NUIG |
Suite of Literature Reviews to support National Clinical Guidelines |
€ 159,645 |
|
2015 |
UCC |
Clinical Guideline 2 (NEWS Update, NCG No. 1) |
€ 22,743 |
|
2015 |
ICF Consulting Services/DKM Economic Consultants |
An assessment of the economic costs of smoking in Ireland |
€ 49,799 |
|
2015 |
Prospectus |
Code of Conduct for Health and Social Service Providers |
€ 86,138 |
|
2015 |
UCD |
Provision of an Evidence Review to inform Future Specialist and Advanced Nursing Practice |
€ 11,119 |
|
2015 |
UCD |
Clinical Handover Guideline |
€ 86,292 |
|
2015 |
DCU |
Management of the Acute Adult Asthma Patient – provision of research |
€ 9,973 |
|
2015 |
DCU |
Paediatric Early Warning Score – Pre-implementation research |
€ 23,978 |
|
2015 |
INDECON Economic Consultants |
Analysis of potential measures to encourage the provision of Primary Care facilities |
€ 143,485 |
|
2015 |
DKM Economic Consultants |
Analysis of potential measures to encourage the provision of Nursing Homes and Community Nursing Unit facilities |
€ 144,586 |
|
2014 |
DCU School of Nursing |
Report to support the Taskforce on Staffing and Skill mix for nursing |
€ 7,418 |
|
2014 |
DCU School of Nursing |
Literature Review and Nursing Workforce Evaluation to Support the Taskforce on Staffing and Skill Mix |
€ 19,845 |
|
2014 |
Crowe Horwath |
Thematic Analysis of Submissions in response to a Public Consultation on the White Paper for Universal Health Insurance |
€ 39,176 |
|
2014 |
NUI Galway |
Systematic literature review Maternity Early Warning Score |
€ 23,935 |
|
2014 |
DCU |
Systematic literature review Paediatric Early Warning Score |
€ 20,095 |
|
2014 |
UCC |
Systematic literature review Clinical Practice Guidance |
€ 20,712 |
|
2014 |
Sinéad Shannon |
Review of the international evidence and literature on selection criteria for the Outcomes Framework |
€ 5,000 |
|
2013 |
Prospectus Strategy Consultants |
Review of staffing Resources and Organisational Structure of the Department of Health |
€ 72,940 |
|
2013 |
Deloitte and Touche Consultants Ltd |
Review of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme |
€ 61,800 |
|
2013 |
Matheson Ormsby Prentice |
Legal Research and advisory services on the design and implementation of an insurance based health system providing universal coverage in Ireland |
€ 123,000 |
|
2013 |
Prof Oonagh Walsh |
Report on symphysiotomy in Ireland, 1944-1984 |
€ 49,500 |
|
2013 |
Ernst & Young |
Reports relating to the development of the Programme Management Office (cost includes a range of consultancy services) |
€ 79,212 |
|
2013 |
Dr. Sinead Hanafin & Associates |
Review of the Traveller Health Advisory Committee |
€ 6,150 |
|
2013 |
Prospectus |
Overview of the development of the Health & Wellbeing Programme |
€ 15,156 |
|
2013 |
Research Matters |
Provision of Research Management Services |
€ 74,490 |
|
2013 |
Institute of Public Health |
Analysis re Consultation (Tobacco Products Directive) |
€ 5,000 |
|
2013 |
Professor Hammond |
Research on Standardised Packaging- Irish Context |
€ 5,000 |
|
2013 |
CJP Consultants |
Preparation of report on the efficacy of minimum pricing and other public policies for alcohol. |
€ 31,488 |
|
2013 |
Advertising Standards Authority of Ireland |
Annual Report of the Alcohol Marketing Communications Monitoring Body(AMCMB) |
€ 21,115 |
|
2012 |
McGee Pharma International |
Labelling of Medicinal Products in both Irish and English |
€ 13,644 |
|
2012 |
Goodbody Stockbrokers and Matheson Ormsby Prentice Solicitors |
Further Analysis of Options in relation to the restructuring of the Irish Private Health Insurance Market |
€ 62,349 |
|
2012 |
Department of Public Expenditure and Reform with the assistance of PwC |
Review of the Department of Health's Parliamentary and Legislative Processes |
€ 18,020 |
|
2012 |
Department of Public Expenditure and Reform |
A survey of experience and qualifications in the Department of Health |
None |
|
2012 |
Michael Collins Associates |
Supplementary Report and Addendum on Cost Comparison for the Dolphin Review Group |
€ 12,423 |
|
2012 |
John Martin |
Further assessment of planning issues in relation to proposed sites for the Dolphin Review Group |
€ 6,000 |
|
2012 |
Simon Clear |
Further assessment of planning issues in relation to proposed sites for the Dolphin Review Group |
€ 9,475 |
|
2012 |
The Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, UCC, in conjunction with the Centre for Health Policy and Management, TCD. |
The Efficiency Review of the BreastCheck Screening Programme |
€ 71,270 |
|
2012 |
Mr. Gerard Mullaly |
Reforming Chronic Care: Financing and Delivering Integrated Chronic Care |
€ 5,227 |
|
2012 |
Mr. Gerard Mullaly |
The Integrated Continuing Care System (ICCS): Reforming Elderly Care in Ireland |
€ 7,558 |
|
2012 |
Matheson Ormsby Prentice |
Options Appraisal of multi-payer universal health insurance models: Preliminary advice |
€ 6,150 |
|
2012 |
Department of Health/SIRA Consulting |
Report on the baseline measurement of the administrative burden from the Department of Health (as part of a cross Departmental project coordinated by Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation) |
€ 14,000 |
|
2011 |
Goodbody Stockbrokers and Matteson Ormsby Prentice Solicitors |
Commissioned to undertake are review of the Irish Private Health Insurance Market in relation to the options which may exist for re-balancing |
€ 300,080 |
276. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 402 of 24 April 2018, the number of the 200 additional beds opened in winter 2017-18 that will remain open indefinitely; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18869/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Winter Initiative, 208 beds have opened so far this winter at the following sites:
- St. Vincent's Hospital (22 beds);
- Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda (29 beds):
- University Hospital Limerick (17 beds);
- University Hospital Galway (28 beds);
- University Hospital Waterford (18);
- Beaumont Hospital Dublin (20);
- St. James'/St. Luke's (23);
- The Mater Hospital Dublin (24 beds);
- Naas Hospital (11);
- Cork University Hospital (2 critical care beds); and
- St. Luke's Kilkenny (14).
The HSE has informed my Department that these beds are due to remain open over the course of the full year in 2018, depending on operational requirements.
