Written Answers Nos. 1700-1719
1700. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health the detail of each non-Civil Service appointment that has been made in his Department; the pay grade of each appointment; and the relevant qualifications that each appointee has for his or her position. [34284/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI and the Ministers of State at my Department have appointed non-Civil Service staff to various roles and the grade and salary paid in each case is set out in the table. These appointments are made at the discretion of the Ministers who are satisfied that the individuals concerned are fully qualified for the roles.
|
Role |
Salary |
|
Staff of Minister Simon Harris |
|
|
Special Adviser |
€96,506 |
|
Press Adviser |
€88,471 |
|
Parliamentary Assistant |
Salary paid by Houses of the Oireachtas |
|
Secretarial Assistant |
Salary paid by Houses of the Oireachtas |
|
Civilian Driver x 2 |
€34,304.70 |
|
Staff of Minister of State Finian McGrath |
|
|
Special Adviser |
€91,943 |
|
Special Adviser |
€84,170 |
|
Parliamentary Assistant |
Salary paid by Houses of the Oireachtas |
|
Secretarial Assistant |
Salary paid by Houses of the Oireachtas |
|
Civilian Driver x 2 |
€36,056.90 |
|
Staff of Minister of State Jim Daly |
|
|
Special Adviser |
€65,093 |
|
Parliamentary Assistant |
Salary paid by Houses of the Oireachtas |
|
Secretarial Assistant |
Salary paid by Houses of the Oireachtas |
|
Civilian Driver |
€36,056.90 |
|
Civilian Driver |
€34,304.70 |
|
Staff of Minister of State Catherine Byrne |
|
|
Special Adviser |
€65,837 |
|
Parliamentary Assistant |
Salary paid by Houses of the Oireachtas |
|
Secretarial Assistant |
Salary paid by Houses of the Oireachtas |
|
Civilian Driver x 2 |
€36,056.90 |
1701. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health his Department's expenditure on the purchase of newspapers and other media content, such as print, digital and other forms, in 2017 and to date in 2018. [34301/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's expenditure on the purchase of newspapers and other media content in 2017 and to date in 2018 is set out in the table.
|
- |
2017 |
2018 |
|
Expenditure |
€30,785.33 |
€10,523.56 |
1702. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health the number of full-time equivalent press officers employed by his Department and him personally. [34318/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that in my Department there are two full-time Press Officers at Higher Executive Officer level and one full time media adviser who is employed on the 2nd point of the Principal Officer scale, €88,471.
1703. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health the legal status of children arising from embryos stored in facilities abroad which were created in a clinic in advance of the commencement of the Child and Family Relationships Act 2015; and if the parents of the embryos will be able to apply for parentage of these children. [34325/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Children and Family Relationships (Amendment) Bill 2018 passed the Houses of the Oireachtas on 17 July 2018. This Bill was introduced to correct typographical and technical errors in the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015, which will facilitate the subsequent commencement of Parts 2 and 3 of the Act. It is intended that Parts 2 and 3 of the Act will be commenced in the autumn of 2018.
After commencement of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 the provisions of the Act are confined to procedures carried out in the State and where the child is born in the State.
The transition period relating to the use of embryos created prior to the commencement of Parts 2 and 3 of the Act are provided for in sub-section 26 (6) and sub-section 26 (8) of the Act. Sub-section 26 (8) allows for the use of an embryo in a donor-assisted human reproduction procedure that was formed before the date on which Part 3 of the Act was commenced, subject to certain conditions. Provided the embryo was formed for the purpose of a donor-assisted human reproduction procedure, the donor of the gamete used in the formation of the embryo consented to the use of the gamete in a donor-assisted human reproduction procedure and that each person who, at the time of the formation of the embryo, was an intending parent and has consented under section 9 or section 11 of the Act to be the parent of any child born as a result of the procedure as defined in section 5 of the Act. However the transition periods only apply to a donor-assisted human reproduction procedure where the procedure is carried out in the State and the child is born in the State.
1704. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health his plans to add persons who have been diagnosed with renal failure to the long-term illness scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34329/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe LTI Scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). The conditions covered by the LTI are: acute leukaemia; mental handicap; cerebral palsy; mental illness (in a person under 16); cystic fibrosis; multiple sclerosis; diabetes insipidus; muscular dystrophies; diabetes mellitus; parkinsonism; epilepsy; phenylketonuria; haemophilia; spina bifida; hydrocephalus; and conditions arising from the use of Thalidomide. Under the LTI Scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge.
There are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the Scheme.
1707. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the number of HSE outreach workers or outreach workers funded by the HSE in counties Cavan and Monaghan; and the areas that are covered by these persons. [34338/18]
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.
1708. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the number of residential care places in counties Cavan and Monaghan; the number of persons on the waiting list for residential care in the counties; the estimated waiting time and cost per place for residential care in the counties; the way in which these figures compare with those for other counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34339/18]
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.
1709. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health his plans to create new places for residential care in counties Cavan and Monaghan; if not, the reason therefor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34340/18]
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.
1710. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if the case of a person (details supplied) will be urgently reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34341/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that this issue has now been resolved and that the person in question is receiving treatment.
1712. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if an appointment for a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34350/18]
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.
1713. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the contracts awarded by his Department to a company (details supplied) in each of the past three years; the value of these contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34362/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt 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.
No payments have been made to the company in question by my Department.
1715. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied). [34374/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThanks to advancements in medicine and lifestyle choices, people in Ireland are living longer than ever. However, with the prevalence of dementia nearly doubling every five years past the age of 65, an ageing population also means that there is an increase in the number of people with dementia. At present, some 55,000 people live with dementia in this country and, with 4,000 new cases diagnosed each year, that total will double by 2036.
As a response to the challenges facing people with dementia and their families and carers, the National Dementia Strategy was launched in December 2014. The strategy seeks to change the attitudes of wider society towards dementia and ensure that people with dementia can continue to live well and participate in their communities. It recognises that, with the right supports and services, people with dementia can live long, fulfilling lives after a diagnosis.
The strategy’s implementation was boosted at the time of its launch through a joint programme of investment by the HSE and the Atlantic Philanthropies. This €27.5 million investment allowed for a number of key actions within the strategy to be resourced and implemented. It funded the PREPARED programme, which offers education and clinical resources for GPs and primary care teams; intensive home care packages for people with dementia; the Understand Together awareness campaign; and the establishment of the National Dementia Office, which has an important role in implementing the strategy. The office has made substantial progress towards developing evidence-based care pathways for people with dementia. Additional projects have been funded by the Dormant Accounts Fund.
In May this year, I launched a mid-term review of the National Dementia Strategy. This review, prepared by the National Dementia Office and the Department of Health, provides an overview of work completed to date and work ongoing for each of the priority actions and additional actions identified in the strategy.
In 2016 and 2017, the National Dementia Office partnered with the Alzheimer Society of Ireland on a project to map dementia-specific community-based services and supports. It provides a useful snapshot and baseline study into what, where and when dementia services are being offered. The study has also been used to inform a service finder hosted on the National Dementia Office’s website. This allows people to search for dementia-specific community services in their area. There are gaps in access to services and a large variance in what services are provided across the country. The National Dementia Office has met with senior HSE officials in each Community Healthcare Organisation region to highlight gaps in each area and to develop local action plans to improve service provision.
The level of funding available for the Department of Health in 2019 and the quantum of services to be provided by the HSE will be considered as part of the national Estimates and budgetary process and National Service Planning. I have already met with senior officials in the HSE on a number of occasions in relation to development funding for new initiatives in Budget 2019 and I hope to be able to make a positive announcement later in the year in this regard.
The Department of Health has recently secured almost €4 million in Dormant Accounts funding to introduce additional projects that will improve service provision to people with dementia and their families and carers. The projects, to be implemented by the National Dementia Office, include a national rollout of a dementia training programme for HSE home care staff and the development of a dementia resource centre and outreach programme offering timely, tailored and individualised community supports to people with dementia and family carers. Funding will also be used to establish a national intellectual disability memory service that offers proactive dementia assessment and diagnosis for people with an intellectual disability, a section of society which has a higher likelihood of developing dementia. A review will also be undertaken of young-onset dementia diagnostic processes and practices to inform future service development needs.
1716. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Sláinte cén uair a dhéanfar cinneadh ar iarratas ar athnuachan cárta leighis do dhuine i mo Dháilcheantar (sonraí tugtha); cad é údar na moille ag próiseáil an iarratais; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [34376/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraOs ábhar seirbhíse é seo, diarr mé ar fheidhmeannacht na Seirbhíse Sláinte freagra a sheoladh díreach chuig an Teachta.
1717. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when he plans to meet an organisation (details supplied) to discuss access to the new drug Ocevus and other medicines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34461/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraOwing to scheduling difficulties, it was not possible for me to meet MS Ireland in June. However, I am willing to meet with MS Ireland on a mutually convenient date.
1718. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will have a back operation in view of the urgency of the case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34462/18]
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.
1719. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Health the steps he and the Health Service Executive have taken regarding the issue of children affected by foetal anticonvulsant syndrome in circumstances in which children were exposed to sodium valproate medicines in the womb further to a meeting with members of group (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34474/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe European Medicines Agency’s Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) completed its review of sodium valproate in February 2018, and recommended new measures to avoid exposure of babies to valproate-containing medicines in the womb. On 31 May the European Commission issued a final legally binding decision valid across the EU.
The new measures include a ban on the use of valproate-containing medicines for migraine or bipolar disorder during pregnancy, and a ban on using such medicines to treat epilepsy during pregnancy unless there is no other effective treatment available.
In addition, these medicines must not be used in any woman or girl able to have children unless the conditions of a new pregnancy prevention programme are met. The programme is designed to ensure that patients taking valproate are fully aware of the risks and the need to avoid becoming pregnant while taking the drug.
The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) is working with national stakeholders, including patient representatives and healthcare professionals, to implement the new risk minimisation measures in Ireland, including materials developed to support safe prescribing and dispensing of valproate, and in particular to ensure that patients and carers are fully informed of the risks and can discuss options with their doctor.
Measures currently being updated in line with the new recommendations include:
- Changes to the product information for patients and healthcare professionals;
- A visual warning on the packaging of valproate medicines;
- Revised educational materials for patients and doctors; and
- A patient alert card to be attached to the product packaging
My officials and I identified a need to ensure that the response to these new recommendations formed part of an integrated plan to address current risks associated with the use of valproate in women of child-bearing age, as well as the historic issues that have been raised in relation to foetal anticonvulsant syndrome (FACS).
Accordingly my Department convened a number of meetings with the HSE and the HPRA to seek assurances on the approach being taken. The HSE has developed a Valproate Response Project Plan which sets out the agency’s approach to the issue.
The HSE is working in partnership with relevant patient representatives and clinical experts to review the diagnostic and support services required by people who may have been affected by FACS. The FACS forum is represented on both the steering group and project team. The HSE has identified several initial key dependencies to enable implementation of this plan and are working towards these.
For women currently taking sodium valproate, which is marketed under the brand name Epilim in Ireland, the clear advice from the HPRA and the HSE is that they should not stop taking this medicine suddenly; instead they should get in touch with their doctor or pharmacist for further guidance. The HSE has also updated its website with "Questions and Answers for Patients" and links to further material for healthcare professionals. This information can be accessed at www.hse.ie/valproate.
