Written Answers Nos. 1460-1479
1460. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the waiting lists for children and adolescents in direct provision to access mental health services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32984/18]
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.
1461. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the waiting lists for adults in direct provision to access mental health services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32985/18]
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.
1462. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the amount paid by his Department for consultancy services from 2012 to 2017; the details of the payment; the companies that received same; the amount received by each company; the hourly rates that applied to each company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32989/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is the policy of my Department only to engage the services of external consultants where highly specialised skills are not available within the Department and, in particular, when such an approach is more cost effective.
These services are procured by open competitive tendering processes in accordance with EU and national rules and comply with the overall value for money objective of the Department.
Expenditure on the engagement of consultants is paid out of the Departments A7 budget and this year represents around 0.01% of the Health Vote.
The tables in the following link outline the total amount spent on external consultants by my Department from 2012 to 2017.
While some contracts are negotiated on the basis of a daily or hourly rate, others are paid a fee on the basis of reaching of a number of milestones during the process and in some case producing a report.
1463. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the amount his Department paid out for external legal services from 2012 to 2017; the details of these payments; the companies that received same; the amount received by each company; the hourly rates that applied to each company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32990/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra1885. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the amount paid for external legal services in each of the years 2012 to 2017; the details of these payments; the companies that received the payments; the amount received by each company; the hourly rates that applied to each company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35399/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1463 and 1885 together.
The Department is aware of the need to minimise costs and in general avails of legal services and advice from the Office of the Attorney General and the Office of the Chief State Solicitor. My Department has a Legal Unit, staffed by qualified legal professionals who provide advice on a wide range of international legal issues. Having such "in-house" legal experts reduces the costs which would be incurred if the Department was to engage externally for similar services. However, occasionally specialised legal services are required.
Details requested by the Deputy in relation to amounts paid by the Department for external legal services in relation to drafting of legislation, discovery and advice from 2012 to 2017 are set out in the table below, hourly rates are not available.
|
Year |
Company |
Amount |
|
2017 |
Alan Byrne BL |
€ 17,539 |
|
2017 |
Alana McArdle |
€ 20,044 |
|
2017 |
Anthony Moore |
€ 39,268 |
|
2017 |
Ben Grogan |
€ 57,448 |
|
2017 |
Brian C. Murray |
€ 308 |
|
2017 |
Cathal O'Currain |
€ 8,118 |
|
2017 |
Claire B. Walsh |
€ 5,773 |
|
2017 |
Claire Walsh |
€ 2,138 |
|
2017 |
Conor Feeney BL |
€ 12,269 |
|
2017 |
Conor O'Higgins |
€ 3,725 |
|
2017 |
Daniel Fennelly |
€ 2,037 |
|
2017 |
Elizabeth Davey |
€ 49,449 |
|
2017 |
Ellen O'Brien |
€ 2,618 |
|
2017 |
Grainne Quinn |
€ 1,181 |
|
2017 |
James Geoghegan |
€ 2,424 |
|
2017 |
Jane Cassidy |
€ 4,766 |
|
2017 |
Jennifer Goode B.L. |
€ 2,091 |
|
2017 |
Jennifer Murphy |
€ 5,832 |
|
2017 |
Julie O'Leary |
€ 2,313 |
|
2017 |
Kate McCormack |
€ 4,059 |
|
2017 |
Lucy O'Connell |
€ 9,241 |
|
2017 |
Noel J. Travers |
€ 2,460 |
|
2017 |
Orla Davoren |
€ 3,452 |
|
2017 |
Raymond Comyn |
€ 93,717 |
|
2017 |
Ruth A Fitz Gerald |
€ 2,000 |
|
2017 |
Ruth More O'Ferrell |
€ 4,816 |
|
2017 |
Sharon Brooks |
€ 12,342 |
|
2017 |
Sinead Drinan |
€ 6,150 |
|
2017 |
Sophie Honohan |
€ 123 |
|
2017 |
William Fry Solicitors |
€ 7,182 |
|
2016 |
James Cross |
€ 1,200 |
|
2016 |
Conor Feeney BL |
€ 7,719 |
|
2016 |
Conor Dignam SC |
€ 67,650 |
|
2016 |
Noel Travers BL |
€ 3,383 |
|
2016 |
Sophie Honohan |
€ 1,550 |
|
2016 |
Eva Humphreys |
€ 1,000 |
|
2016 |
Natalie McDonnell |
€ 27,675 |
|
2016 |
Thomas Mitcheson QC |
€ 23,170 |
|
2016 |
Jack Tchrakian |
€ 1,200 |
|
2016 |
William Fry Solicitors |
€ 3,714 |
|
2015 |
Emma Doyle BL |
€ 1,476 |
|
2015 |
Conor Feeney BL |
€ 11,685 |
|
2015 |
Jennifer Goode BL |
€ 3,475 |
|
2015 |
Noel Travers BL |
€ 5,074 |
|
2015 |
William Fry Solicitors |
€ 998 |
|
2014 |
Conor Feeney BL |
€ 15,683 |
|
2014 |
Brian C Murray BL |
€ 3,075 |
|
2014 |
Noel J Travers BL |
€ 728 |
|
2014 |
Jennifer Goode |
€ 2,153 |
|
2014 |
William Fry Solicitors |
€ 6,505 |
|
2013 |
Conor Feeney BL |
€ 22,854 |
|
2013 |
Crionna Creagh BL |
€ 615 |
|
2013 |
Noel J Travers |
€ 1,691 |
|
2013 |
Helen Claire O’Hanlon BL |
€ 2,030 |
|
2013 |
William Fry Solicitors |
€ 6,969 |
|
2013 |
Mervyn Hickey |
€ 6,181 |
|
2012 |
Conor Feeney BL |
€ 50,165 |
|
2012 |
Noel Travers |
€ 6,458 |
|
2012 |
Brian Murray |
€ 3,076 |
|
2012 |
Helen Claire O’Hanlon |
€ 8,858 |
|
2012 |
Matheson Ormsby Prentice |
€ 6,150 |
|
2012 |
Crionna Creagh |
€ 3,075 |
|
2012 |
William Fry Solicitors |
€ 11,036 |
|
2012 |
Mervyn Hickey |
€ 10,793 |
|
2012 |
Nichola Hogan |
€ 2,337 |
|
2012 |
Michelle Carey |
€ 19,373 |
|
2012 |
Emily Ryan |
€ 19,659 |
|
2012 |
Lisa Maher |
€ 15,956 |
|
2012 |
James Benson |
€ 8,979 |
1467. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health when there will be a reform of the Mental Health Act 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33011/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn Expert Group Review of the Mental Health Act 2001 was published in 2015. There are 165 recommendations contained in the review and most of these relate to amendments to the Mental Health Act. The changes are progressive in nature and first and foremost seek to move away from the often paternalistic interpretation of the existing legislation to one where, insofar as is possible, the individual has the final say in what he/she deems to be in his/her best interests.
Government approval for the preparation of a general scheme of a bill to reflect the recommendations of the review in revised mental health legislation has been received. Work is ongoing on this comprehensive updating of our mental health legislation and the draft heads are expected to be significantly progressed by end of Q3 2018, at which point consultation with the Mental Health Commission will take place. It is essential that the Mental Health Commission, which has a very significant and important role in overseeing the safeguards provided in the Act, have full input into the framing of the many amendments to be included in revised mental health legislation.
Since the Expert Review was published two mental health amendment acts have been enacted. The first was the Mental Health (Amendment) Act 2015 which updated the provisions of the 2001 Act relating to ECT. The second was the recent enactment of the Mental Health (Amendment) Act 2018 which makes changes to the 2001 Act regarding the definition of voluntary patient and which introduces guiding principles for adults instead of the principle of best interests. The Act also introduces guiding principles for children and refers to capacity within the meaning of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015.
In addition, changes to the 2001 Act will be introduced as part of the new Deprivation of Liberty provisions currently being developed by my Department and also through changes proposed for the Child Care Act 1991. Finally, there are four other Private Member's Bills published which seek to make changes to the 2001 Act.
1468. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health the intervention services that will be provided to a child (details supplied) in County Cork in line with the needs identified in the assessment of need; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33015/18]
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.
1469. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when the island healthcare review will be published; the reason for the delay in publishing and implementing same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33017/18]
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.
1470. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Health if the qualification allowance paid to public health nurses who hold a children’s nursing degree will be paid to all public health nurses, in all regions, who have attained this qualification. [33032/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE circular 112/99 sets out the rules in relation to payment of qualification allowances for nursing and midwifery grades. Under this circular, a qualification allowance of €2,791 is payable to nurses employed directly on duties in specialist areas with the appropriate qualifications. It also states that a nurse may only benefit from one of the qualifications listed within the Circular when engaged on qualifying duties.
In relation to Public Health Nurses, the circular states that a qualification allowance of €2,791 is payable to Public Health Nurses in respect of their midwifery qualification only. On that basis, there should be no allowance payable to a public health nurse who holds a children's nursing degree.
1472. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the breakdown for CHO area 8 for those on a home support services for older person waiting list [33034/18]
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.
1473. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the funding allocated in the past five years for home support services for older persons (details supplied) [33035/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Home Support Budget, including Intensive Home Care Packages funding, over the last 5 years is set out below (rounded to nearest € million).
|
2018 |
2017 |
2016 |
2015 |
2014 |
|
€417m |
€377m |
€349m |
€306m |
€288m |
1474. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health if he will request the HSE to answer a representation (details supplied) which was submitted on 23 April 2018 and remains unanswered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33036/18]
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.
1475. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health the number of beds allocated in hospitals for the treatment of persons suffering from anorexia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33039/18]
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.
1476. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health the number of hospital beds allocated in County Limerick for the treatment of persons suffering from anorexia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33040/18]
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.
1477. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health the number of hospital beds allocated in County Clare for the treatment of persons suffering from anorexia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33041/18]
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.
1478. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health if panic buttons and personal alarms will be made available to persons under 65 years of age who are vulnerable and require 24-7 care. [33091/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have no role or function in relation to this matter. I understand that Pobal, funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development, provides personal alarms for people over 65 years and older through the Seniors Alert Scheme. No such scheme is in operation for the under 65's.
1479. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33092/18]
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, since 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.
