Written Answers Nos. 544-568
544. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the cost of venesections for persons with haemochromatosis; his views on newly diagnosed persons cancelling their appointments due to the prohibitive costs of requiring this treatment a number of times per month; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37610/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra545. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding charges for venesections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37611/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra560. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will review calls from an organisation (details supplied) to eliminate or substantially reduce a charge of €80 which certain hospital groups have imposed on haemochromatosis patients requiring venesection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37690/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra576. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 157 of 13 December 2017, 121 of 24 January 2018 and 242 of 5 July 2018, if a report in respect of removing the venesection inpatient day case charge for hereditary haemochromatosis patients has been received following his recent meeting with the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37800/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 544, 545, 560 and 576 together.
Officials from the HSE and my Department held two meetings in recent months to discuss the provision of therapeutic phlebotomy services for hereditary haemochromatosis patients. It is agreed that such services should be provided at the lowest level of complexity that is clinically and operationally feasible. In time it is envisaged that the majority of this work will be done in a primary care setting.
Meanwhile, proposals in regard to the issue of charging hereditary haemochromatosis patients for venesections in acute hospitals are being considered.
546. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37656/18]
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.
547. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the estimated full year cost of abolishing accident and emergency charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37677/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2017, €17m was raised through the outpatient charge in the Acute Hospitals. This predominantly relates to the Accident and Emergency Charge.
Therefore, it would cost approximately €17m to abolish these charges.
548. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health if he will request the HSE to increase the number of hours of a specific service to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [37678/18]
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.
549. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the number of children in each county on waiting lists for equipment recommended by their occupational therapist. [37679/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
550. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the location the HSE procures AFO ankle supports; and the cost of each pair to the HSE. [37680/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
551. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the amount of funding provided to an organisation (details supplied) in 2017; and the amount allocated for 2018. [37681/18]
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.
552. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the reason an organisation (details supplied) does not provide services in County Louth; and the location where these services are delivered in its absence. [37682/18]
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.
553. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the range of services provided by an organisation (details supplied) in County Meath. [37683/18]
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.
554. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the procedure for accessing hydrotherapy pool treatment; and the locations of the State hydrotherapy pools. [37684/18]
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.
555. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the location persons in County Louth can access hydrotherapy pool treatment. [37685/18]
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.
556. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the funding provided to the HSE early intervention team in Mounthamilton House, Dundalk, in 2017; the amount allocated for 2018; and the range of services provided by the team. [37686/18]
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.
557. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an appointment will be scheduled for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37687/18]
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.
558. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an appointment will be scheduled for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37688/18]
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.
559. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if funding will be approved for Spinraza, a treatment for persons with spinal muscular atrophy (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37689/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
561. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if charges for dentist and bloods tests (details supplied) will be reviewed; the protocol in both cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37700/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the terms of the current GMS contract, GPs are required to provide eligible patients with "all proper and necessary treatment of a kind usually undertaken by a general practitioner and not requiring special skill or experience of a degree or kind which general practitioners cannot reasonably be expected to possess." There is no provision under the GMS GP contract for persons who hold a medical or GP visit card to be charged for routine phlebotomy services provided by their GP which are required to either assist in the diagnosis of illness or the treatment of a condition.
The HSE has advised GPs that where a blood test forms part of the investigation or necessary treatment of a patient’s symptoms or conditions, this should be free of charge for patients who hold a medical card or GP visit card. Notwithstanding this, I am aware that some GPs are charging GMS patients for phlebotomy services in some circumstances.
This is a matter of concern for me as it has long been the position, under successive Governments, that no user charges should apply to GP services provided to GMS and GP visit card patients. If a patient who holds a medical or GP visit card believes he or she has been incorrectly charged by his or her GP, that patient should report the matter to their local HSE Health Office.
The Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) provides a range of treatments to medical card holders from contracted dental practitioners. This includes free dental examinations every calendar year, which can confirm if a patient is dentally fit to undergo a medical procedure. Records kept by dentists must be available when requested by patients and given to them within a reasonable period of time. Services which are not part of the DTSS contract may be charged at the dentist’s discretion. A new National Oral Health Policy is currently being developed which is considering alternatives to the current "fee per item" system provided within the DTSS. The Policy is due to be published later this year.
562. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if a medical card will issue in the case of persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37737/18]
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.
563. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if a medical card will issue in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37747/18]
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.
564. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if orthodontic treatment will be offered in the case of a person (details supplied); if the case will be dealt with as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37749/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
565. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when the health (transport support) Bill will be published; the progress made towards replacing the mobility allowance and the motorised transport schemes with new schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37758/18]
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.
My colleague, the Minister for Health and I brought a Memorandum to Government on proposals for a new Transport Support Payment Scheme towards the end of the last Dáil session. Following consideration of the matter, it was decided to withdraw the Memorandum from the Cabinet Agenda at the time. A new Transport Support Payment Scheme remains a priority and we intend to revert to Government with revised proposals to reflect the discussions at that Cabinet meeting and further discussions between ourselves, in due course.
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 ongoing 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.
566. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Donegal will have an approved home support service implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37763/18]
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.
567. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if additional funding will be allocated in respect of home support services in County Donegal in view of the delays in putting approved packages in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37764/18]
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.
568. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding adult services in north County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37771/18]
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.
