Tuesday, 24 Jul 2018

Written Answers Nos. 1620-1639

Hospital Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (1620)

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

1620. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding public hospital waiting lists. [33804/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Improving waiting times for hospital procedures is a key commitment in the Programme for Government.

My Department is working with the HSE and the NTPF to finalise an Outpatient Action Plan for 2018. This plan will support the HSE’s compliance with their National Service Plan targets, reduce the growth in the number of patients waiting for outpatient services, improve the accuracy of the waiting list, and trial a number of NTPF funded interventions, including weekend and out of hours clinics.

The information requested by the Deputy is supplied as a spreadsheet as of the end of June 2018.

Outpatient Waiting list end of June 2018 (Bantry; CUH; CUMH; Croom; Mallow, Mercy; South Infirmary)

Values	0-3 Months	3-6 Months	6-9 Months	9-12 Months	12-15 Months	15-18 Months	18-21 Months	21-24 Months	24-36 Months	36-48 Months	48+ Months	Grand Total
2018-06-28	20,161	10,487	7,919	6,283	4,992	3,493	2,776	2,302	4,473	931	8	63,825

Hospital Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (1621)

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

1621. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding public hospital waiting lists for surgery. [33805/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Improving waiting times for hospital procedures is a key commitment in the Programme for Government and in 2018 €50 million was allocated to the NTPF to provide treatment for patients. The Inpatient/Day Case Action Plan, launched in April, outlines the combined impact of HSE and NTPF activity in 2018 to reduce the number of patients waiting for treatment.

Under the Plan, the HSE will deliver 1.14 million hospital procedures. The NTPF will deliver additionality to the health system with the provision of 22,000 Inpatient Day Case treatments through both outsourcing and HSE insourcing.

The information requested by the Deputy is supplied in a spreadsheet in the following link for the end of June 2018:

Cork IPDC.

Services for People with Disabilities

Ceisteanna (1622)

Kevin O'Keeffe

Ceist:

1622. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health his plans to include persons under 18 years of age in accessing personalised budgets. [33810/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As the Deputy may be aware, I recently published the report of the Task Force on Personalised Budgets. I have considered the findings of the report and I am satisfied that the preferred option is to test the use of personalised budgets for adults with disabilities, in the first instance, as recommended by the Task Force.

Cancer Screening Programmes

Ceisteanna (1623)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

1623. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the cost of rolling out the HPV-based test as part of the cervical cancer screening programme. [33816/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

The outcome of a health technology assessment carried out by the Health Information and Quality Authority for the National Screening Service was that the HPV test is a more accurate testing mechanism than the current liquid-based cytology, that the use of the HPV test would result in fewer false negative results, and that the use of the HPV test would result in more cancers being prevented.

I approved the switch to HPV testing as the primary screening mechanism for the CervicalCheck programme in February.  Under the proposals, cytology testing will still be done on a smaller cohort as a secondary test. I have asked the HSE to implement the move to HPV testing as the primary screening method as soon as possible.  

While the extent to which the HPV testing can be done in Ireland is being assessed, it is likely that a tendering process will be needed to meet at least some of the HPV testing requirement. Any decisions regarding the provision of screening laboratory services are subject to competition rules governed by HSE procurement policy and will form part of the project planning and implementation.  An EU procurement process for the provision of services is planned for over the coming weeks. The full cost of rolling out HPV testing as the primary screening mechanism cannot be confirmed until this tendering process is complete.

Dental Services Staff

Ceisteanna (1624)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

1624. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the cost of employing one dentist; and the cost of employing ten dentists. [33817/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.

Dental Services Staff

Ceisteanna (1625)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

1625. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the cost of employing one orthodontist; and the cost of employing ten orthodontists. [33818/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.

Dental Services Staff

Ceisteanna (1626)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

1626. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the cost of employing one dental nurse; and the cost of employing ten dental nurses. [33819/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.

Dental Services Staff

Ceisteanna (1627)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

1627. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the cost of employing one dental secretary; and the cost of employing ten dental secretaries. [33820/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.

Dental Services Provision

Ceisteanna (1628)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

1628. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the estimated funding increase needed to ensure the community dental network can ensure all children in primary schools have their dental needs met at all stages of their development. [33823/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

The Public Dental Service of the HSE currently provides dental services to children under 16. It provides pain-emergency treatment to all children under 16 years and routine dental examinations and care for children at key stages of development as follows:

(i) Children aged 11-16 years (screening, referral and intervention)

(ii) Children aged 6-8 years (screening, referral and intervention)

(iii) Children aged 9-11 years (screening, referral and intervention) where resources permit.

A new National Oral Health Policy is currently being finalised and I expect it will be published later this year. The Policy will replace the Dental Health Action Plan, published in 1994, and on which the provision of dental services in Ireland is currently based.

The aim of the policy is to develop a model of care that will enable preventative approaches to be prioritised, improve access, and support interventions appropriate to current and future oral health needs. Future provision of services, including funding, will be considered in the context of the development of the new model of care.

Prescriptions Charges

Ceisteanna (1629, 1810)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

1629. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of reducing the medical card prescription charge by €1. [33824/18]

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

1810. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the full-year cost to reduce prescription charges by €0.50. [35048/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1629 and 1810 together.

Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community drug schemes; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Drugs Payment Scheme Threshold

Ceisteanna (1630, 1645, 1811)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

1630. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of lowering the drugs payment scheme monthly threshold to €110. [33825/18]

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

1645. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the cost of reducing the threshold of the drugs payment scheme by every euro from €134 to €110. [33884/18]

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

1811. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the full-year cost of reducing the drugs payment scheme threshold to €50, €100 and €132, respectively. [35049/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1630, 1645 and 1811 together.

Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community drug schemes; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Medical Card Applications

Ceisteanna (1631)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

1631. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the progress to date in the determination of application for medical card in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33827/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.

Services for People with Disabilities

Ceisteanna (1632)

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

1632. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if a business case from the HSE or a care provider to deliver respite to persons with disabilities in a property on the Dublin Road, Dundalk is being considered. [33845/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The 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.

The Programme for Partnership Government states that the Government wishes to provide more accessible respite care to facilitate full support for people with a disability.

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.

Respite Care Services Availability

Ceisteanna (1633)

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

1633. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the service level agreement between the HSE and an organisation (details supplied) for the provision of respite services at its premises in Ardee, County Louth; the number of bedrooms the premises has; the number of service users who will be accessing respite at this location; the allocation of respite for service users; when the premises will begin providing respite; and if respite will continue at Drumcar in the interim. [33846/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The 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.

The Programme for Partnership Government states that the Government wishes to provide more accessible respite care to facilitate full support for people with a disability.

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.

Services for People with Disabilities

Ceisteanna (1634)

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

1634. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if the HSE is working with an approved housing body (details supplied) to construct residential places at a location in Dundalk for disabled people living in the community with their parents. [33847/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The 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.

Services for People with Disabilities

Ceisteanna (1635)

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

1635. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if the HSE will fund the care needs of people who access residential places at a location (details supplied) in County Louth once it is constructed. [33848/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The 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.

Health Services

Ceisteanna (1636)

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

1636. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the reason a day centre (details supplied) is being closed; if inspections have taken place; the consultations with users that have taken place; the plan in place for service users to access the same supports elsewhere; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33851/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Primary Medical Certificates Applications

Ceisteanna (1637)

Peter Burke

Ceist:

1637. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health the reason no appeals regarding decisions made in relation to granting primary medical certificates for a person (details supplied) will be heard until a date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33869/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

Appeals of decisions to refuse Primary Medical Certificates are dealt with by the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal, which comes under the remit of the Department of Finance.  The Department of Health has no role in relation to these appeals.

Assisted Decision Making

Ceisteanna (1638)

Seán Fleming

Ceist:

1638. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health when the commencement of Part 8 in respect of legislation (details supplied) will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33872/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act was signed into law on 30 December 2015. The Act provides a modern statutory framework to support decision-making by adults with capacity difficulties, and the greater part of this Act is the responsibility of the Department of Justice and Equality.

The commencement of Part 8 of the Act, which provides a legislative framework for advance healthcare directives (AHDs) is a matter for the Department of Health. An AHD is a statement made by a person with capacity setting out his or her will and preferences regarding treatment decisions that may arise in the future when he or she no longer has capacity.

Under section 91 of the Act, the Minister for Health is responsible for the establishment of a multidisciplinary working group to assist in the development and preparation of the Code of Practice for the AHD provisions of the Act. The Minister for Health established this multidisciplinary working group on 17 October 2016 under section 91(2) of the Act. The role of the working group will be to prepare a detailed series of recommendations for the Director of the Decision Support Service, in relation to codes of practice. The Director will subsequently prepare a Code(s) of Practice and will submit it to the Minister for Health for his approval and, with the Minister for Health's consent, the Director will then publish the Code of Practice.  

The preparation of the Code of Practice will facilitate the subsequent commencement of Part 8 of the Act, pertaining to AHDs, in its entirety.

Health Services Funding

Ceisteanna (1639)

Seán Fleming

Ceist:

1639. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the funding available for an organisation (details supplied); the number of persons who are supported by the funding; his plans to reduce the number of staff providing the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33873/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Jim Daly)

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.