Written Answers Nos. 365-383
365. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health his plans to improve the structure and services at a centre (details supplied); the timeframe for the action required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22129/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra367. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the plans that have been approved by the HSE for structural improvement works at a centre (details supplied); if a nurse will be appointed to assist at the centre; and if the matter will be expedited [22131/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 365 and 367 together.
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.
366. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if a MARS MRI scan will be arranged as a matter of urgency for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22130/18]
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.
368. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the breakdown of the training and development and incidental expenses incurred by his Department in the year ending 31 December 2017. [22142/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Health’s Learning and Development Strategy 2016-2018 was developed as part of the Working Better Together Change Programme. It is the intention of the Strategy that all staff at the Department are provided with the opportunity to develop and achieve their full potential. Ultimately, the Strategy aims to support the Department's role in enabling an organisational environment where, on an ongoing basis, high performance is achieved, and the knowledge and skills of staff are developed.
In the context of the Strategy, total expenditure on Learning and Development activities for 2017 is set out in the following table on a quarter by quarter basis.
Expenditure includes: cost of training; seminar and conference fees; and professional membership fees.
|
Date |
Total Expenditure |
|
Q1 2017 |
€90,403.55 |
|
Q2 2017 |
€59,600.88 |
|
Q3 2017 |
€62,811.12 |
|
Q4 2017 |
€127,735.27 |
|
Total |
€340,550.82 |
Total incidental costs for 2017 comprised €940 relating to room hire.
369. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the breakdown of the travel and subsistence expenses incurred by his Department in the year ending 31 December 2017. [22158/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe travel and subsistence incurred by my Department for the year ended 31 December 2017 are:
|
Type |
Amount |
|
EU Travel |
€147,142.37 |
|
Home Travel |
€159,110.81 |
|
Non EU Travel |
€120,058.49 |
|
Total |
€426,311.67 |
The Non EU Travel figure relates travel and subsistence expenses incurred in the conduct of Departmental business outside of the state that was not connected to the EU or EU related bodies.
370. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the consultancy services, value for money and policy review expenses incurred by his Department in the year ending 31 December 2017. [22174/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe specific information requested by the Deputy is not routinely available within my Department. Expenditure on the engagement of consultants is paid from the Department's A7 budget. It is the policy of my Department only to engage the services of external consultants where it is felt appropriate and cost-effective, taking account of Government decisions and policy including procurement protocols on the matter.
A7 payment details for 2017 are set out in the following table.
|
Consultancy |
Contract |
2017 Full Year Expenditure |
|
Milliman Ltd. |
Actuarial, accounting, insurance and economic advice services as and when required. |
€49,104 |
|
Metis Consulting |
Technical advisor on pharmacy issues and tasks in respect of key priorities |
€369 |
|
Trutz Haase, OCC Ltd & Uni of Sheffield |
Development & Implementation of an evidence based National Oral Health Policy |
€5,602 |
|
NUIG |
Commissioning, Development and Quality Assurance of 4 x National Clinical Guidelines |
€47,893 |
|
Mr Trutz Haase |
Development of a performance measurement framework for Drug and Alcohol Task Forces |
€59,040 |
|
Aurion |
Support a framework for the implementation of clinical practice guidance |
€19,213 |
|
Centre for Effective Services |
Support a framework for the implementation of clinical practice guidance |
€9,960 |
|
DCU |
Support a framework for supporting patients and their advocates in the governance and development of National Clinical Guidelines and National Clinical Audit |
€32,355 |
|
UCC |
Baseline Research National Clinical Guidelines 2 & 3 Healthcare Associated Infections |
€18,920 |
|
UCC |
Clinical Practice Guidelines Research on Evidence based practice in Ireland |
€18,524 |
|
Prospectus Consultants |
Trauma Policy Communications |
€29,951 |
|
RPS Group |
Services to assist with drawing up a report on the consultation process on a new National Drugs Strategy |
€116,683 |
|
Crowe Horwath |
Report on current and future role of Public Health Specialists in Ireland |
€27,880 |
|
Alpha Healthcare |
Independent Evaluation of Physician Associate Pilot – Beaumont Hospital – pathfinder for the National Integrated Strategic Framework for Health Workforce Planning |
€9,840 |
|
Treacy Consultancy |
Management Board development programme |
€35,909 |
|
Prospectus Ltd. |
Develop and establish a network in relation to the Healthy Ireland Framework |
€42,414 |
|
work research centre |
Expert evidence & review of mental health services (in relation to review of A vision for Change |
€33,210 |
|
Mazars |
Assist in the development of fee models under the EU Tobacco Products Directive |
€38,970 |
|
Research Matters |
Support for Newborn Screening Card Archive Forum |
€12,116 |
|
Hume Brophy |
Public Relations & Communications Support for European Medicines Agency (EMA) bid |
€114,491 |
|
P A Consulting |
Capacity Review across the health sector |
€228,559 |
|
Expert Group |
Taskforce on Staffing & Skill Mix Phase 11 review of national reports |
€4,295 |
|
Alpha Healthcare |
Task Force on Personalised Budgets |
€51,383 |
|
UCD |
Baseline research – National Clinical Guidelines 9&10 – Palliative Care |
€5,888 |
|
Health Research Board (UCC) |
Taskforce on Staffing and Skill Mix Phase 1 |
€265,291 |
|
Aurion |
Support the Development of Guidelines for the Implementation of the National Maternity Strategy |
€5,335 |
|
Indecon |
RIA – Patient Safety Licensing Bill |
€25,724 |
|
UCC |
Clinical effectiveness development – curriculum and competency framework for healthcare professionals |
€9,868 |
|
Stephen O’Herlihy (Barrister) |
Legal review of Patient Safety Complaints and Advocacy legislation |
€12,300 |
|
NUIG |
Develop accreditation model for Healthy Workplaces |
€9,980 |
371. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an appointment for a person (details supplied) will be scheduled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22190/18]
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.
372. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Health if funding will be made available to the Jigsaw project in County Tipperary to provide an appropriate early intervention mental health service for the county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22196/18]
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.
373. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) will be granted respite care at a location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22202/18]
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.
374. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Health the pharmaceutical drugs that have had their prices reduced with reference to the framework agreement; the details regarding each drug; the scale of the price deduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22203/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra375. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Health the details of pharmaceutical expenditure; the percentage of drugs purchased which are generic; if major savings are being attained by purchasing generic drugs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22204/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 374 and 375 together.
Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the pricing and reimbursement of the community drug schemes; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
376. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when a medical card will issue in the case of a person (details supplied); if the application will be urgently processed in view of the ongoing health needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22210/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service executive to respond directly to the Deputy
377. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Health the reason the X-ray equipment in Roscommon University Hospital that is used for hip and spinal X-rays is out of order; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22215/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service issue, I have asked the HSE to reply to you directly.
378. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Health the replacement date for the X-ray equipment in Roscommon University Hospital that is used for hip and spinal X-rays that is out of order; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22216/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service issue, I have asked the HSE to reply to you directly.
379. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding assessments of needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22217/18]
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.
380. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) can expect an appointment. [22218/18]
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.
381. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Health the location in which the details of the failure rates for CervicalCheck are published; the way in which women are advised by CervicalCheck of these failure rates; if previous smear tests carried out in 2014 and 2017 on a person (details supplied) can be retested; if the person must have another smear test carried out; the arrangements in place for carrying out new smear tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22229/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe clinical advice from the HSE and the Department of Health is that there is no evidence that the clinical and technical aspects of CervicalCheck have performed outside or below international standards or the quality guidelines set for the programme.
On 8 May, I established a Scoping Inquiry which is being undertaken by Dr Gabriel Scally in order to ascertain as quickly as possible the full facts of the situation and to examine all aspects of the CervicalCheck programme.
I have also appointed an Independent Clinical Expert Review Panel led by The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. All women who have had a previous smear(s) prior to their diagnosis of cervical cancer since September 2008 will be included in the expert review process. This will review their screening, cytological and clinical histories and undertake a re-examination of their cytology tests.
I confirm that any woman who has previously had a CervicalCheck smear test, and who following consultation with her GP determines that she wishes to have a further test, may do so without charge.
382. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health his long-term plans for the Kerry community services building at Rathass, Tralee; and if another use for the building has been identified [22231/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
383. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when a MRI appointment will be issued to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22234/18]
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.
