Robert Troy
Ceist:1740. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if a medical card will be awarded to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34631/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMedical Card Applications
Ceisteanna (1740)
Freagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
Maternity Services
Ceisteanna (1741)
Bobby Aylward
Ceist:1741. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Health if he is satisfied that there is equality nationwide of access to anomaly scans for pregnant women; the steps he has taken to ensure equality in the provision of anomaly scans for pregnant women who do not reside in close proximity to the country’s dedicated maternity hospitals in Dublin and Cork; his plans to remove discrimination based on location in terms of access to anomaly scans for pregnant women by extending the service to other maternity units around the country including a hospital (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34632/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Maternity Strategy is very clear that all women must have equal access to standardised ultrasound services. The Strategy is being implemented on a phased basis and this work is being led by the National Women and Infants Health Programme. The Programme's Implementation Plan for the Strategy includes a number of actions to facilitate the provision by all maternity hospitals/units of dating and anomaly scans to all pregnant women.
Furthermore, additional development funding of €4.15 million is being allocated to maternity services this year. The Programme has prioritised improving quality and safety, establishing community midwifery teams and increasing access to anomaly scans. Indeed, I understand that the Programme has approved the appointment of an additional 28 ultrasonographers which was the total requirement identified to provide 100% access to anomaly scanning.
Pending the completion of the requisite recruitment and training processes, I am assured that the Programme will continue to work with the six Hospital Groups to assist in increasing access to anomaly scans for those units with limited availability. The Programme is also working with the Maternity Networks to ensure foetal medicine expertise is available when an anomaly is identified. In relation to the query concerning the unit referred to by the Deputy, I have asked the HSE to reply to you directly.
Hospital Charges
Ceisteanna (1742)
Bobby Aylward
Ceist:1742. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Health if the €80 charge imposed by certain hospital groups on persons with haemochromatosis requiring venesection will be removed as recommended by an association (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34633/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Health Act 1970 (as amended) provides that all people ordinarily resident in the country are entitled, subject to certain charges, to public in-patient hospital services including consultant services and to public out-patient hospital services. Under the Health (Amendment) Act 2013, a person who has been referred to a hospital for an in-patient service, including that provided on a day case basis, will have to pay the statutory daily charge, currently €80 per day, up to a maximum of €800 per year. On this basis, where venesection is classed as a day case procedure and is not carried out in an out- patient setting, the public in-patient charge applies.
My Department met with the HSE recently to discuss the provision of venesection services for hereditary haemochromatosis patients and the matter will be considered further.
Health Services Provision
Ceisteanna (1743)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:1743. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the level of services provided at a health facility (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34634/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly as soon as possible.
Hospital Services
Ceisteanna (1744)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:1744. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health his plans to invest in hospital services in counties Cavan and Monaghan; the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34655/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly as soon as possible.
Brexit Staff
Ceisteanna (1745)
Barry Cowen
Ceist:1745. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the number of extra employees to be hired in his Department between now and March 2019 to prepare for a hard Brexit; the specific roles these new employees will take up; the estimated cost of hiring these new employees; the impacts on his Department's expenditure ceilings for 2018 and 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34666/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Co-ordination of the whole-of-Government response to Brexit is being taken forward through the cross-Departmental coordination structures chaired by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Contingency planning for a no-deal or worst-case outcome, bringing together the detailed work being undertaken by individual Ministers and their Departments on issues within their policy remit, was identified as an early priority and is now well advanced. Its focus is on the immediate economic, regulatory and operational challenges which would result from such an outcome. It assumes a trading relationship based on the default WTO rules, but also examines the possible effects on many other areas of concern.
This work has provided baseline scenarios for the impact of Brexit across all sectors, which can then be adapted as appropriate in light of developments in the EU-UK negotiations. This is enabling the modelling of potential responses under different scenarios, such as one where a withdrawal agreement, including a transitional arrangement, is concluded and where a Free Trade Agreement is the basis for the future relationship between the EU and the UK.
My Department and its agencies have been conducting detailed analysis on the impacts of Brexit in the area of health. A number of issues are being examined and contingency planning for a range of eventualities is underway. A key issue will be to ensure that there is minimum disruption to health services and that essential services are maintained on a cross-Border, all-island and Ireland-UK basis. This analysis will inform resource requirements and ensure that the response to Brexit is adaptable to what is a changing process.
Departmental Staff Data
Ceisteanna (1746)
Barry Cowen
Ceist:1746. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the number of unfilled vacancies in his Department; the time these vacancies have been open from when the roles were first advertised to date for each vacancy or group of vacancies; the number of unfilled vacancies in each agency under his remit; the time these vacancies have been open from when the roles were first advertised to date for each vacancy or group of vacancies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34684/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department is compiling the information in relation to unfilled vacancies in the Department of Health and that information will be forwarded to the Deputy when it is available. The HSE has been asked to forward the information in relation to unfilled vacancies in the HSE directly to the Deputy. With regard to the Department's non-commercial state agencies, this information has been sought and a response will be collated on receipt and sent to the Deputy.
Medical Card Applications
Ceisteanna (1747)
Robert Troy
Ceist:1747. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if a medical card will be awarded to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34693/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
Budget Submissions
Ceisteanna (1748)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:1748. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to the pre-budget submission of an organisation (details supplied) in relation to the need to improve services for persons living with neurological conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34695/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The level of funding available for my Department is being considered as part of the national Estimates and budgetary process for 2019 which is currently underway. Pending completion of this process it is not appropriate for me to comment further at this stage.
Hospital Services
Ceisteanna (1749)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:1749. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if a dedicated unit will be established in Cavan General Hospital with the required medical, nursing and support personnel (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34696/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly as soon as possible.
National Treatment Purchase Fund Data
Ceisteanna (1750)
Stephen Donnelly
Ceist:1750. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the numbers of staff whole-time equivalent employed by the National Treatment Purchase Fund at the end of 2016, 2017 and to date in 2018. [34698/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The staffing complement of the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) in recent years reflects the decision taken in 2011, at political level, to discontinue the NTPF's role in commissioning patient treatment in the Private Hospital Sector.
Under the Programme for Government 2016, a renewed focus and Ministerial priority saw the NTPF's role in the commissioning of patient treatment reactivated with the allocation in Budget 2017 of €15 million and the allocation of €50 million in 2018 to patient treatment.
The National Treatment Purchase Fund advises that the numbers of staff / whole-time equivalents (WTE) employed by the National Treatment Purchase Fund at the end of 2016, 2017 and up to 30 June 2018 are as follows:
2016: 48 Staff equating to 44.20 WTE
2017: 44 Staff equating to 40.30 WTE
2018: 38 Staff equating to 36.10 WTE
In 2018 the NTPF continues to recruit staff in order to ensure it can effectively carry out its role in commissioning treatment and other statutory functions.
Ambulance Service Response Times
Ceisteanna (1751)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:1751. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to address the ambulance response times in counties Cavan, Monaghan and Meath; the latest response times available to him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34700/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service issue, I have asked the HSE to reply to you directly.
Hospital Consultant Contracts
Ceisteanna (1752)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:1752. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the number of full-time cardiologists working between hospitals (details supplied); the number of days per week in each hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34701/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly as soon as possible.
EU Legislation
Ceisteanna (1753)
Jim O'Callaghan
Ceist:1753. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the details of the EU directives that fall under his remit not yet transposed into law; the deadline imposed by the EU for the transposition of same; and the estimated date for the transposition of those directives into law. [34712/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
According to the European Commission's Internal Market Scoreboard for Summer 2018, there are three EU Directives for which the Department of Health has lead responsibility that are due for transposition:
Directive 2015/565 as regards certain technical requirements for the coding of human tissues and cells
This Directive was due to be transposed by 29 October 2016. The Statutory Instrument being prepared to give effect to the Directive is at an advanced stage of drafting and this work will continue over the coming weeks. It is hoped to be in a position to formally notify the Commission of the transposition of the Directive in the near future.
Directive 2015/566 as regards the procedures for verifying the equivalent standards of quality and safety of imported tissues and cells
This Directive was due to be transposed by 29 October 2016. The Statutory Instrument being prepared to give effect to the Directive is at an advanced stage of drafting and this work will continue over the coming weeks. It is hoped to be in a position to formally notify the Commission of the transposition of the Directive in the near future.
Commission Directive (EU) 2017/1572 as regards the principles and guidelines for good manufacturing practice for medicinal products for human use
The provisions of the Directive shall only apply 6 months after certain elements of the new Clinical Trial Regulation (Regulation (EU) 536/2014) come into force, which is not envisaged until 2020 at the earliest.
My Department is committed to ensuring that the transposition of all Directives is completed in a timely manner.
Long Stay Residential Units
Ceisteanna (1754)
Charlie McConalogue
Ceist:1754. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health if funding will be made available to invest in Ramelton Community Hospital, St. Joseph's Community Hospital and Lifford Community Hospital in County Donegal to ensure that long-term beds are maintained and expanded into the future (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34722/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In March of this year, a proposal was approved by the HSE’s National Capital Property Steering Committee that revises a 2016 decision to replace the existing long term residential beds in Stranorlor and Ramelton, and recommends retention and refurbishment of the units at an additional capital cost of €6m. The new unit in Letterkenny also remains part of the proposed plan.
The HSE’s Capital Investment Programme for Community Nursing Units 2016 to 2021 for Public Residential Care Centres for Older People set out the HSE’s proposals for the replacement of 33 existing centres and the refurbishment or extension of 58 centres at a cost of €535 million. The Plan was submitted to the Department of Health in January 2016.
The programme which was announced on 26 January 2016 included the development of a new 130 bed centre, centrally located in Letterkenny, to ensure that bed capacity in the region, which includes Ramelton, Lifford and Stranolar was secured on a sustainable basis. The plan provided that the new unit in Letterkenny would be developed through PPP or alternative measures to replace existing units in Stranorlor, Ramelton and Lifford which currently provide 117 beds in total. The cost of the original proposal was estimated at €23.05m.
The HSE wrote to the Department in May seeking approval for the changes to the previously agreed programme. The Department of Health has sought additional information from the HSE in order to consider the revised proposal. Engagement between the HSE and the Department is ongoing at the moment and this matter will be brought to a conclusion as soon as possible.
The centre in Lifford is an old building dating back to the 1700s and is not considered viable as a long-stay residential centre. However, taking into account requirements for additional beds as indicated in the recent Capacity Review, the HSE is considering alternative proposals for the area, including the provision of a green-field site, in order meet the future needs of the community.
Project Ireland 2040 which was launched earlier this year commits to the provision of 4,500 additional beds in community hospitals.
Industrial Disputes
Ceisteanna (1755)
Charlie McConalogue
Ceist:1755. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health if an industrial dispute is impacting on a service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34723/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service issue, I have asked the HSE to reply to you directly.
Health Services Provision
Ceisteanna (1756)
Charlie McConalogue
Ceist:1756. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health the status of a request for increased service provision (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34724/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service issue, I have asked the HSE to reply to you directly.
Services for People with Disabilities
Ceisteanna (1757, 1758)
Charlie McConalogue
Ceist:1757. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health the status of the provision of community based accommodation to residents of a centre (details supplied) in County Donegal; if recruitment has commenced for a new manager of the centre; if the centre will be painted in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34729/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraCharlie McConalogue
Ceist:1758. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health if Carndonagh Community Hospital will be painted; when it was last painted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34730/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1757 and 1758 together.
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.
Services for People with Disabilities
Ceisteanna (1759)
Charlie McConalogue
Ceist:1759. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health when a new day centre facility will be made available to service users of the day service centre at the James Connolly Memorial Hospital, Carndonagh, County Donegal; if a contract has been agreed for the provision of a new centre; when service users will move to the new centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34731/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.