Written Answers Nos. 1680-1699
1680. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if he will examine the budget allocation for respite care for intellectual disabilities at a service (details supplied); if not, the other services on offer for the parents and carers who use this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34081/18]
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.
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 relate to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
1681. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health his plans to address the general practitioner shortage across the country (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34085/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra1682. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the number of general practitioners across the country by area, by population and demographics; his views on whether these numbers are enough to provide a service for all; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34086/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1681 and 1682 together.
The Government is committed to delivering more non-acute care within the primary care sector, so that better care closer to home can be provided for communities around the country.GPs play an important role in the primary care system. The number of GPs on the specialist register has increased from 2,270 in 2010 to 3,669 in July 2018. The number of GPs contracted by the HSE under the GMS scheme has also risen from 2,098 in 2008 to 2,494 over the same period. A further 422 GPs are contracted by the HSE under other public health schemes such as the Primary Childhood Immunisation Scheme.
It should be noted that as of 1 June 2018 there were only 20 GMS panels that do not have a permanent GP in place – a vacancy rate of less than 1%.
The HSE Primary Care Reimbursement Service publishes monthly online reports on the numbers of health contractors it holds contracts with broken down by CHO and LHO area, including GPs. These reports can be accessed at the following web address: https://www.sspcrs.ie/portal/annual-reporting/
The Government is aware of the manpower issues facing general practice and has implemented a number of measures in recent years.
In 2009, there were 120 General Practice training places available and this year it is expected that over 190 training places will be filled. The Government intends to increase the number of training places to 259 in coming years. There were over 400 applications for the 2018 training programme which is a significant increase of almost 50% on the number of applications from 2017.
Other initiatives include changes to the entry provisions to the GMS scheme to accommodate more flexible/shared GMS/GP contracts and to the retirement provisions for GPs under the GMS scheme, allowing GPs to hold GMS contracts until their 72nd birthday, as well as the introduction of an enhanced supports package for rural GP practices.
The Government is committed to engaging with the representatives of GPs on the development of a package of measures and reforms to the current GMS contract which will enable additional resources to be put into general practice if agreement can be reached.
1683. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health his plans to abolish the in loco parentis clause from HSE policy with regard to a child with complex needs who requires a competent adult to be in the home when a carer is present, which makes parents of severely disabled children virtual prisoners in their own homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34092/18]
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.
1684. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the status of the transport support scheme in view of the fact that it was on the list of priority legislation for publication in the spring-summer session 2018; when this legislation will be introduced; and the expected cost of introducing this scheme. [34095/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be familiar with the background to the closure of both the Mobility Allowance and Motorised Transport Grant schemes in February 2013. Since the closure of the Mobility Allowance, the Government has directed that the Health Service Executive should continue to pay an equivalent monthly payment of up to €208.50 per month to the 4,046 people in receipt of the Mobility Allowance, on an interim basis, pending the establishment of a new Transport Support Scheme. The Motorised Transport Grant operated as a means-tested grant to assist persons with severe disabilities with the purchase or adaptation of a car, where that car was essential to retain employment. Prior to its closure in 2013, the maximum Motorised Transport Grant, (payable once in any three year period) was €5,020.
The Government decided that the detailed preparatory work required for a new Transport Support Scheme and associated statutory provisions should be progressed by the Minister for Health. The Programme for a Partnership Government acknowledges the ongoing drafting of primary legislation for a new Transport Support Scheme to assist those with a disability to meet their mobility costs. I can confirm that work on the policy proposals for the new Scheme is at an advanced stage. The proposals seek to ensure that:
- There is a firm statutory basis to the Scheme's operation;
- There is transparency and equity in the eligibility criteria attaching to the Scheme;
- Resources are targeted at those with greatest needs; and
- The Scheme is capable of being costed and is affordable on its introduction and on an ongoing basis.
My colleague, the Minister for Health and I recently brought a Memorandum to Government for proposals for a new Transport Support Payment Scheme. Following consideration of the matter, it was decided to withdraw the Memorandum from the cabinet Agenda on 8 May last. I intend to revert to Government with revised proposals to reflect the discussion at Cabinet, in due course. It is not possible to provide a timeframe or an estimated cost for a new scheme, pending the completion of the revised proposals.
It is important to note that the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers scheme operated by the Revenue Commissioners, remains in place. This scheme provides VRT and VAT relief, an exemption from road tax and a fuel grant to drivers and passengers with a disability, who qualify under the relevant criteria set out in governing regulations made by the Minister for Finance. Specifically adapted vehicles driven by persons with a disability are also exempt from payment of tolls on national roads and toll bridges. Transport Infrastructure Ireland has responsibility for this particular scheme.
There are improvements in access to a range of transport support schemes available to persons with disabilities in the State and on-going work is being carried out by Government Departments, agencies and transport providers to further improve access to public transport services. Under the National Disability Inclusion Strategy, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has responsibility for the continued development of accessibility and availability of public transport for people with a disability.
1685. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who have received treatment under the treatment abroad scheme in 2016, 2017 and to date in 2018; the category or specialty of procedures provided; the number provided in Northern Ireland; and the number provided in Britain. [34100/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy Directly.
1686. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the allocation of €55 million in 2018 to fund the National Treatment Purchase Fund to address waiting lists for those waiting longest; the amount of this funding now spent; the number of patients who have been treated under the auspices of the fund to date in 2018; and the number who have been treated since the fund’s restoration in 2016. [34101/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraImproving 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 recently launched Inpatient/Day Case Action Plan outlines the combined impact of HSE and NTPF activity in 2018 to reduce the number of patients waiting for treatment. In 2018 the NTPF will outsource 22,000 inpatient day cases, while the HSE will deliver 1.14 million hospital operations or procedures.
The NTPF advises that to date in 2018, 11,135 patients have had treatment arranged under its auspices, while 9,290 of these patients have had their treatment completed.
In total, since the restoration of the NTPF in 2017, 20,655 patients have had their treatment arranged, while 15,907 have completed their treatment.
In terms of funding, to the end of June 2018 the NTPF has spent a total of €21.4 million.
A further breakdown of the numbers that have undergone specific procedures is attached for the Deputy.
NTPF Procedures Treated in 2017 and YTD 2018
|
Procedures Treated |
Procedures Treated 2017 |
Procedures treated Jan-April 2018 |
|
Angiograms |
390 |
402 |
|
Cataracts |
2,983 |
2,013 |
|
Cystoscopies |
550 |
526 |
|
Dental/ Maxillo Facial |
141 |
90 |
|
Excision of Lesions |
157 |
239 |
|
Joint replacements |
231 |
521 |
|
Laproscopic Cholecystectomies |
103 |
74 |
|
Septoplasties |
205 |
123 |
|
Tonsils |
535 |
458 |
|
Varicose Veins |
236 |
243 |
|
Neuro surgery |
22 |
- |
|
Cardio Thoracic |
30 |
22 |
|
Other |
334 |
308 |
|
Totals |
5,917 |
5,019 |
|
GI Scopes |
700 |
753 |
1687. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of the 221 cases that were screened at each of the laboratories used by CervicalCheck. [34102/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra1688. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of smear tests that were carried out by all laboratories used by CervicalCheck since the screening programme first began, in tabular form. [34103/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1687 and 1688 together.
I am advised by the HSE that the number of smear tests carried out by each lab used by CervicalCheck, for the years 2008-2016 are as follows:
|
Lab |
Quest Diagnostics - Teterboro |
Quest Diagnostics - Woodale |
CPL |
MedLab |
Coombe |
Other |
|
No. of smears |
1,261,256 |
292,125 |
1,577,630 |
569,573 |
81,174 |
1,235 |
The Scally Inquiry, which the Government established on 08 May 2018, is examining all aspects of CervicalCheck, and all relevant documents within the Department and the HSE. As part of the Terms of Reference of the Inquiry, Dr Scally will examine the tendering, contracting, operation, conflict of interest arrangements, performance information and performance management, accreditation and quality assurance of contracted cytology laboratory services by CervicalCheck from initiation of the programme.
Separately, the Independent Clinical Expert Review Panel led by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists will review the results of screening tests of all women who have developed cervical cancer who participated in the screening programme since it was established. This will provide independent clinical assurance to women about the timing of their diagnosis and any issues relating to their treatment and outcome.
These two strands of investigation will establish the facts with regard to the performance of contracted cytology laboratory services, as indeed is required by the very comprehensive terms of reference set for Dr Scally as agreed by a majority of the Opposition. It is important now that we allow these reviews to conclude.
1689. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the arrangements in place at Midland Regional Hospital, Mullingar, to fill the vacancy created in March 2018 by the departure of a consultant dermatologist (details supplied); and if there are plans to outsource the doctor's patient list for treatment to the National Treatment Purchase Fund. [34173/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly, as soon as possible.
1690. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if the referral to the National Treatment Purchase Fund of a person (details supplied) who has been on a waiting list for urgent treatment for more than three years will be authorised. [34174/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraImproving 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.
In terms of treatment offers, the NTPF authorises public hospitals to offer outsourced treatment to clinically suitable long waiting patients who are on an inpatient/day case waiting list for surgery, having been referred on to such a list following clinical assessment by a consultant/specialist at an outpatient clinic. NTPF authorisations are made in respect of the longest waiting patients first.
Under 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.
1691. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the annual cost of restoring pay in section 39 health organisations based on the analysis undertaken to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34179/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 9 February 2018, an agreement was reached at the WRC between the Department of Health, the HSE and health sector Trade Unions in relation to a process aimed at resolving the pay restoration issue for staff employed by section 39 bodies.
On foot of agreement at the WRC, a data gathering exercise was conducted by the HSE. Following consultation with the Trade Unions on a draft of the report, the HSE submitted their completed interim report to the Department on 11 June 2018.
This report covers a sample of 50 agencies identified in the WRC agreement. The Department of Health is currently considering the findings of the report in consultation with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The cost of pay restoration in these agencies is not yet established.
A conciliation conference between the parties commenced on 9 July 2018 at the Workplace Relations Commission. It is due to reconvene on 25 July 2018.
1692. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health his views on the adequacy of staffing levels at a facility (details supplied) in view of the increasingly high dependency of persons living at the facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34195/18]
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 questions relate to service matters, I have arranged for the questions to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
1693. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health when he plans to publish the reform of the Mental Health Act 2001; if it will provide both for mental health patients' right to have control over their own treatment and the regulation of community mental health services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34196/18]
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.
Amendments to the Mental Health Act 2001 based on the recommendations of the Expert Group Review of the Act are currently being progressed. Government approved plans to proceed with the general scheme of a bill and officials are working on the heads of the amending bill which will legislate for the recommendations of the Review, including those relating to mental health patients right to control over their own treatment and the regulation of community mental health services.
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.
1694. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health if he will address queries raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34199/18]
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.
1695. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the introduction of the new transport support scheme to replace the mobility allowance and transport grant schemes; the timeframe for the provision of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34205/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be familiar with the background to the closure of both the Mobility Allowance and Motorised Transport Grant schemes in February 2013. Since the closure of the Mobility Allowance, the Government has directed that the Health Service Executive should continue to pay an equivalent monthly payment of up to €208.50 per month to the 4,046 people in receipt of the Mobility Allowance, on an interim basis, pending the establishment of a new Transport Support Scheme. The Motorised Transport Grant operated as a means-tested grant to assist persons with severe disabilities with the purchase or adaptation of a car, where that car was essential to retain employment. Prior to its closure in 2013, the maximum Motorised Transport Grant, (payable once in any three year period) was €5,020.
The Government decided that the detailed preparatory work required for a new Transport Support Scheme and associated statutory provisions should be progressed by the Minister for Health. The Programme for a Partnership Government acknowledges the ongoing drafting of primary legislation for a new Transport Support Scheme to assist those with a disability to meet their mobility costs. I can confirm that work on the policy proposals for the new Scheme is at an advanced stage. The proposals seek to ensure that:
- There is a firm statutory basis to the Scheme's operation;
- There is transparency and equity in the eligibility criteria attaching to the Scheme;
- Resources are targeted at those with greatest needs; and
- The Scheme is capable of being costed and is affordable on its introduction and on an ongoing basis.
My colleague, the Minister for Health and I recently brought a Memorandum to Government for proposals for a new Transport Support Payment Scheme. Following consideration of the matter, it was decided to withdraw the Memorandum from the cabinet Agenda on 8 May last. I intend to revert to Government with revised proposals to reflect the discussion at Cabinet, in due course. It is not possible to provide a timeframe for the new scheme pending the completion of the revised proposals.
It is important to note that the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers scheme operated by the Revenue Commissioners, remains in place. This scheme provides VRT and VAT relief, an exemption from road tax and a fuel grant to drivers and passengers with a disability, who qualify under the relevant criteria set out in governing regulations made by the Minister for Finance. Specifically adapted vehicles driven by persons with a disability are also exempt from payment of tolls on national roads and toll bridges. Transport Infrastructure Ireland has responsibility for this particular scheme.
There are improvements in access to a range of transport support schemes available to persons with disabilities in the State and on-going work is being carried out by Government Departments, agencies and transport providers to further improve access to public transport services. Under the National Disability Inclusion Strategy, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has responsibility for the continued development of accessibility and availability of public transport for people with a disability.
1696. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health his Department's spending on travel and subsistence expenses in 2017 and to date in 2018. [34216/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's expenditure on travel and subsistence in the years referred to by the Deputy are as follows;
2017 - €426,639.17
2018 (to date) - €198,849.78
1697. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health his Department's expenditure on photography and other promotional services including the creation of social media content in 2017 and to date in 2018. [34233/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department does not collect data in a manner to allow the Deputy's question to be answered in full. As much information as we have to hand is included here.
Photography services are used, in conjunction with press releases and conferences, to communicate the Department’s initiatives, schemes and services to customers and to the regional and national media. In 2017 my Department spent €6,690 on photography services.
Details for 2017, 2018 social media if any and 2018 photography are not yet available and will be forwarded to the deputy when collated.
1698. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health his Department's expenditure on public relations in 2017 and to date in 2018. [34250/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is the policy in my Department only to engage the services of external consultants where it is felt appropriate and cost effective to do so, taking account of Government decisions and policy including procurement protocols on the matter.
In 2017 the Department spent €114,492 on public relations; During 2018, no expenditure on PR has been undertaken to May this year, the last date for which information is available.
1699. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health his Department's expenditure on external consultancy in 2017 and to date in 2018. [34267/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department's expenditure on external consultancy in 2017 was €1.341m.
The Department's expenditure on external consultancy in 2018 to date (23/07/18) is €0.488m.
