Written Answers Nos. 391-419
391. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health the progress made in the availability of a specific drug (details supplied); and if the application submitted to supply this drug here will be expedited. [37035/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drug schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. The 2013 Act does not give the Minister for Health any powers in this regard.
The Act specifies the criteria to be applied in the making of reimbursement decisions which include the clinical and cost effectiveness of the product, the opportunity cost and the impact on resources that are available to the HSE.
The HSE received a new application for the reimbursement of Ataluren (Translarna) from PTC Therapeutics in August 2018.
The application is being assessed in accordance with the criteria set out in the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, and the statutory process is ongoing.
392. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health if a medical card can be used for hospital invoices (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37038/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy Directly.
393. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive a medical appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37054/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
394. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health the status of a medical card application by a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37060/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy Directly.
395. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health if a replacement full-time general practitioner (details supplied) has been offered a position; if a contract has issued; if so, the expected timeframe for acceptance of the contract; when the appointment will take effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37062/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question relates to a service matter, I have arranged for it to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
396. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the types of contracts that are offered to child and adolescent mental health service, CAMHS, staff members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37066/18]
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.
397. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Health the number of full-time HSE dentists and orthodontists who have private practices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37067/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
398. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if an analysis has been performed on the health risks associated with electronic cigarettes or vaping technology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37080/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraSmoking is the greatest single cause of preventable illness and premature death in Ireland, killing almost 6,000 people a year.
The primary objectives set out in the Tobacco Free Ireland (2013) policy document are to de-normalise smoking and to protect children from the dangers of tobacco consumption. Tobacco Free Ireland sets a target for Ireland to be tobacco free (i.e. with a prevalence rate of less than 5%) by 2025.
Tobacco Free Ireland contains a number of recommendations to assist smokers in quitting tobacco use. One of those recommendations is to examine the evidence regarding the outcomes of the use of Nicotine Replacement Therapy ('NRT') and other approaches.
My Department requested HIQA to undertake a Health Technology Assessment ('HTA') of the clinical and cost effectiveness of pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical smoking cessation products and services. The HTA was published in 2017 and found that all the pharmacological interventions were effective compared to no treatment and that a prescription only drug called varenicline was the most effective drug on its own. However, the HTA also found that using a combination of varenicline and NRT was the most effective pharmacological intervention and that people using this combination were over three and a half times more likely to quit than those who were in a control group and did not receive this treatment.
Group behavioural therapy, individual counselling, intensive advice and telephone support were all found to be effective behavioural interventions with group therapy found to be the most effective of these interventions. The addition of a behavioural intervention to a pharmacological intervention improved the effectiveness of the intervention.
The HTA recommended that smoking cessation services should seek to increase the uptake of varenicline, either alone or in combination with NRT, for smokers who want to use a pharmacological support.
In relation to e-cigarettes and vaping, although the HTA found that results for e-cigarettes are promising, there is currently a lack of evidence to recommend their use as a smoking cessation aid and at present no e-cigarette product is licensed as a medicinal product in Ireland. The safety of e-cigarettes is an evolving area of research; while potentially safer than smoking, evidence on its long-term safety has yet to be established. In the absence of additional evidence confirming the effectiveness of e-cigarettes, the HTA recommended that the HSE smoking cessation services should seek to increase the uptake of combination NRT treatment among those for whom varenicline is contraindicated, not tolerated or not preferred.
The results of the HTA are informing the development by the HSE, in conjunction with the National Clinical Effectiveness Committee, of national clinical guidelines.
Current evidence-based means of quitting include behavioural support and pharmacotherapies. The HSE provides and promotes these safe and evidence-based services, supports and aids to help people to quit. The HSE recommends that those wishing to give up smoking uses its cessation services as the first port of call.
My Department will continue to monitor the emerging research on all products, so as to inform decisions around any future additional regulation in this area.
399. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if changes which have recently been made by which pharmacy assistants can no longer cover for the senior pharmacist for a short period will be reviewed (details supplied); the rationale for this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37083/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Pharmacy Act 2007 established the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI) and the functions of the Society are set out in the Act. The functions of the PSI are carried out on its behalf by the Council of the Society.
Section 30 of the Act provides for an exception to the general provision in the Act which requires the sale and supply of medicines at a pharmacy to be conducted under the personal supervision of a registered pharmacist, and specifies that no offence is committed where a registered pharmaceutical assistant “acts on behalf of a registered pharmacist during the temporary absence of the registered pharmacist”.
Section 30 also permits the Council to make rules as to:
1. What may or may not be done by a registered pharmaceutical assistant when acting on behalf of a registered pharmacist; and
2. What constitutes the temporary absence of a registered pharmacist.
On June 21, the Council of the Society approved for issuance for public consultation the proposed draft Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (Temporary Absence of Pharmacist from Pharmacy) Rules 2018. This public consultation commenced on 17 July and ran until 14 August and afforded any interested party the opportunity to make representations on the matter directly to the PSI.
Following completion of the public consultation phase, I understand that the Council of the PSI will consider the proposed draft Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (Temporary Absence of Pharmacist from Pharmacy) Rules 2018 at its next meeting scheduled on the 20th September 2018. The results of the public consultation undertaken in this regard will be available to the Council. In circumstances where the Council approve these draft rules (with/without amendment) these will then be forwarded to me for my consideration and consent in line with requirements of Section 30 of the Act.
My role in relation to this process is limited to the consideration of any such Rules once submitted for my approval. No rules have as yet been submitted to me by the PSI.
I must consider any Rules presented to me from a fair and impartial perspective, without prejudice or prejudgement. I await the receipt of the Rules and possible commencement date for my consideration from the PSI and until that time, I am unfortunately not in a position to comment any further on the matter raised.
400. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will undergo an assessment of need; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37085/18]
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 an individual case, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
401. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health his plans to incentivise owners to get vacant properties back into usable housing stock in view of the excess of houses lying vacant due to the owners being in full-time care in the fair deal scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37086/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder NHSS rental income is considered income for the purpose of the financial assessment, and is assessed at 80% less any allowable deductions. Allowable deductions include income tax and, therefore, any income tax arising from rental income should be deducted; other deductions include some health expenses, levies required by law to be paid, and interest on some loans in respect of a person’s principal private residence.
Action 17 of the Strategy for the Rental Sector commits the Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government (DHPLG) to examine the treatment, under the Nursing Homes Support Scheme's financial assessment, of income from the rental of a person's principal private residence where they move into long term residential care. My officials are working with DHPLG officials and examining a number of possible options. I am not in a position, however, to provide detail on these as discussions are ongoing and any potential proposals have not been finalised.
402. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health his plans to fund the drug Spinraza; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there are persons with spinal muscular atrophy who are experiencing financial hardship as a result of trying to cover the costs themselves; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37091/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra476. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health the status of approval for a medication (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37357/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra482. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health the position with regard to the availability of the drug Spinraza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37403/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra502. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the availability of the Spinraza medication for those with spinal muscular atrophy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37461/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra525. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 393 of 27 March 2018, if consideration is being given to providing access through the HSE to a treatment (details supplied) for spinal muscular atrophy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37509/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 402, 476, 482, 502 and 525 together.
The HSE has statutory responsibility for medicine pricing and reimbursement decisions, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. The Act specifies the criteria for decisions on the reimbursement of medicines.
HSE decisions on which medicines are reimbursed by the taxpayer are made on objective, scientific and economic grounds, on the advice of the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE). The NCPE conducts health technology assessments (HTAs) for the HSE and makes recommendations on reimbursement to assist HSE decisions.
The HSE strives to reach a decision in as timely a manner as possible. However, because of the significant monies involved, it must ensure that the best price is achieved, as these commitments are often multi-million euro investments on an on-going basis. This can lead to a protracted deliberation process.
Nusinersen (Spinraza) is for the treatment of 5q spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).
An application for the reimbursement of Nusinersen (Spinraza) is currently being processed by the HSE. No decision has been arrived at as yet as the statutory assessment process is still ongoing.
403. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the facilities available for persons presenting at the centre for mental healthcare and recovery at Bantry General Hospital, specifically consultation rooms and treatment rooms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37093/18]
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.
404. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the number of community mental health nurses in place for adults in west County Cork; the number of nurses in place for children and adolescents in need of mental health services in west County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37094/18]
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.
405. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health the staffing posts attached to the new primary care centre in Dungarvan, County Waterford, by headings (details supplied); the positions allocated in line with the full operational capacity envisaged for the centre; if the positions have been filled; if not, the timeframe within which he expects all positions to be filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37095/18]
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.
406. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health if there is a dietitian in situ in the centre for mental healthcare and recovery at Bantry General Hospital for persons presenting with eating disorders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37096/18]
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.
407. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if and when hip replacement surgery will be facilitated in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37097/18]
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.
408. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the number of requests made to the HSE in each of the past five years and to date in 2018 for funding for automated external defibrillators by families with inherited heart conditions; the number of approvals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37100/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
409. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the procedures and criteria in place in respect of supplying automated external defibrillators for families of children with inherited heart conditions; if there are different criteria in place in view of the absence of standard pathways; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37101/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
410. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health his plans to develop a system for supplying automated external defibrillators for families of children with inherited heart conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37102/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
411. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health if the removal of a health service from a town (details supplied) will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37106/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly as soon as possible.
412. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health if the HSE has considered increasing the number of medical professionals covering County Westmeath and the midlands (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37107/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly, as soon as possible.
413. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if respite will be arranged in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37143/18]
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.
414. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the number of HSE staff and the grade of each employed in north County Louth addiction services based in Dundalk; the number of positions vacant; and the length of time they have been vacant for. [37150/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra415. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the funding allocated to HSE addiction services in north County Louth in each of the past five years. [37151/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra416. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the number of HSE staff and the grade of each employed in south County Louth addiction services based in Drogheda; the number of positions vacant; and the length of time they have been vacant for. [37152/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra417. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the funding allocated to HSE addiction services in south County Louth in each of the past five years. [37153/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra418. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the number of service users HSE addiction services have seen in each of the past five years in north and south County Louth, respectively. [37154/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra419. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if the HSE has received requests from addiction services in north County Louth for the provision of a dual diagnosis specialist for the area; if a business case has been prepared to fund such a position; and if the provision of such a specialist for County Louth will be considered. [37155/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra421. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the waiting list for methadone treatment in north County Louth; the length of time they have been waiting; and the reason their treatment is delayed. [37157/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra422. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the person responsible for the clinical governance of County Louth HSE addiction services. [37158/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 414 to 419, inclusive, and 421 and 422 together.`
As these are service matters, they have been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
