Written Answers Nos. 171-178
171. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Health to outline the action he is taking to ensure there is adequate staffing in CAMHS teams nationwide; his plans to provide additional resources for CAMHS services to ensure each person who requires support from CAHMS services receives support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20273/18]
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.
172. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health to set down the number of non-disclosure agreements the HSE has entered into since 2016; the general health topic of the contract; the geographical area of the person involved; and if he was informed of each contract agreed. [20286/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe State Claims Agency has advised that it settles very few claims on behalf of the HSE which are subject to a confidentiality agreement with the exception of cases settled through mediation. Part of the process of mediation is that parties are bound by a strict confidentiality provision contained in the mediation agreement. In the very rare case that the Agency agrees a confidentiality proviso, it is usually because of some extremely sensitive, controversial or disputed element of a claim which may be requested by either party.
The Agency does not formally record, on its IT system, the fact that any individual settlement is bound by a confidentiality clause. Therefore, this information is not readily available to my Department.
173. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health to set down the number of managers operating in the HSE; and the geographical location, departments in charge of, general salary scales and appointment date of each. [20287/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have asked the HSE to respond to you directly on this matter.
174. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health to set out the number of children under 15 years of age awaiting medical equipment in County Cork; the length of time they are waiting; the nature of the equipment being requested; and the cost of each piece of equipment. [20288/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
175. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if a reply will issue with regard to issues raised in correspondence from an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20296/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
176. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health to outline his plans to introduce the opt-out process for organ donation; the process involved in the implementation of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20299/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government approved the preparation of a General Scheme and Heads of a Human Tissue Bill last year. The proposed legislation will include provisions for a soft opt-out organ donation system and the establishment of an Organ Donor Register to record the decision of individuals to opt-out of organ donation.
If an individual registers their wish to opt-out of organ donation, the family will not be approached to discuss organ donation following their death. If an individual is not on the register it will be presumed that she/he had no objection to donating their organs. However, it is proposed that the next-of-kin will always be consulted prior to removing any organ. If the next-of-kin objects to the organ donation, the donation will not proceed.
Work on drafting the General Scheme is progressing and it is proposed to seek Government approval to publish the General Scheme shortly.
177. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health if the HSE is publishing a social care operational plan in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20300/18]
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.
178. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health to set out the number of times cervical screening programmes were reviewed since 2008; and his views on whether it is best practice to continually review performance to demonstrate an ability to reflect on current practice and improve patient care. [20302/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraPerformance of the cervical screening programme is monitored and reviewed on an on-going basis. Each year approximately 250,000 women have a cervical cancer screening and uptake rates reached the target of 80% in 2017. Over 50,000 pre-cancerous changes have been identified and treated arising from CervicalCheck. Incidence of cervical cancer has fallen by 7% annually since 2010.
Meanwhile, I have established a Scoping Inquiry with broad Terms of Reference, led by Dr Gabriel Scally, in relation to issues that have arisen at CervicalCheck.
