Written Answers Nos. 186-205
186. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Health the steps he has taken to improve waiting times for the process by which social workers who have qualified in the UK must apply to an organisation (details supplied) in order to have their qualifications recognised before they can start working here and avail of existing job offers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40208/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to assure the Deputy that I am very much aware of the need to ensure that the health services have timely access to the recruitment of health professionals and the efficient registration of new graduates and those seeking recognition of qualifications acquired outside the State.
In accordance with EU and national law, applications for recognition of qualifications acquired outside the State must be completed within four months.
Driven by a number of factors including the improved economic climate and the increasing number of professional registers, the volume of applicants seeking recognition has more than doubled since 2015. In response CORU has allocated additional resources, including additional staff, to ensure that the timelines stipulated by law are met. CORU endeavours to process applications as quickly as possible, however the overarching objective is patient safety and CORU must ensure that each applicant fulfils all of the criteria required for registration.
In line with CORU’s strategic objectives and an ongoing programme of improvement, an online system for making applications is currently being tested and finalised. The new system will provide a platform for the receipt and processing of applications, removing the requirement for paper submissions. It is envisaged that this system will be operational in the coming months and will greatly assist both the applicant and CORU in the processing of applications for recognition of qualifications.
187. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Health when a speech therapist vacancy in County Meath will be filled. [40209/18]
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.
188. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken in advance of budget 2019 to improve nursing and midwifery recruitment and retention; the steps being taken to improve annual starting salaries for staff nurses and staff midwives in comparison with those of teachers and healthcare assistants; the steps being taken to ensure that Irish nurses and midwives' average weekly working hours are improved in line with those of their international counterparts; the steps being taken to ensure that Ireland can retain highly trained and skilled nurses and midwives as demand rises around the world due to the global shortage of nurses and midwives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40217/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraRecruitment and retention of nurses remains a priority for this Government.
Last year, the Government concluded an overall Public Service Stability Agreement with public sector unions which sees very significant increases in public service pay, including for nurses. In line with that Agreement, in recent weeks, the Public Service Pay Commission (PSPC) concluded a review in respect of key health service grades, including nurses.
Their report made a number of recommendation which would benefit approx. 18,000 nurses -
- Qualification allowance, Location allowance and Dual qualification allowance increased by 20%
- Location allowance to be payable to those working in Maternity services
- Time frame to become a senior staff nurse reduced by 3 years.
Alongside the PSPC Report, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform also reached agreement with ICTU on the ‘New Entrant’ salary scale, which will benefit 60,000 public servants who entered employment since 2011. This includes about 10,000 nurses. The benefits under the measure will be effective from 1 March 2019 and will be restricted to Parties adhering to the Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020.
It is clear that these measures will improve the overall pay package for the majority of nurses and midwives. They show that the Public Service Stability Agreement and the related negotiation process are delivering significant improvements for nurses.
189. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Health if an urgent request will be made to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to secure funding for an organisation (details supplied) through budget 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40220/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe level of funding for my Department is still being considered as part of the national Estimates and budgetary process for 2019. Pending completion of this process it is not appropriate for me to comment further at this stage.
190. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the procedures whereby a family in an area has no family general practitioner, as the general practices in the area are not taking on additional patients; the position regarding the HSE allocating a particular general practitioner to the family; if there is a requirement on general practitioners to take up these allocations from the HSE; the period of time this lasts for; if the general practitioner is free to discharge the family from the practitioner's practice after a six-month period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40222/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhere a medical card or GP visit card holder experiences difficulty in finding a GP to accept him/her as a patient, the HSE has the power to assign that person to a GP's GMS patient list where the person has been removed from another GP's list or refused entry onto a GP's list, and the person has unsuccessfully applied to at least three GPs in the area who are contracted to provide services under the GMS scheme.
The assignment of a GMS patient to a GP's list can be reviewed by the HSE on the request of the GP after 6 months from the date of assignment, and, if appropriate, the patient can then be reassigned to an alternative GP.
Persons who do not hold a medical card or GP visit card access GP services on a private basis. GPs are private contractors and issues relating to the acceptance of private patients are a matter of private contract between the clinician and his/her patients. While I have no role in relation to such matters, I would expect clinicians to consider the importance of patients having access to a GP service close to home when deciding whether or not to accept private patients.
191. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 147 of 28 February 2018, the status of the pilot programme; if there are results available from the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40223/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) propose to extend their service for Hereditary Haemochromatosis patients from October through mobile clinics in counties Limerick, Clare, Tipperary and Kerry. It is hoped that this service will be expanded incrementally to other parts of the country.
Hereditary Haemochromatosis patients who attend these mobile IBTS clinics will have their eligibility to donate blood assessed. If they are eligible to be a donor, the IBTS will provide a phlebotomy service for the patient free of charge.
192. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Health his plans to approve automatically a medical card to persons who suffer from spinal injuries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40224/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE's Expert Group on Medical Need and Medical Card Eligibility examined the issue of awarding medical cards on the basis of illness and concluded that it was not feasible, desirable, nor ethically justifiable to list medical conditions in priority order for medical card eligibility. The Expert Group also concluded that a person’s means should remain the main qualifier for a medical card. This position remains unchanged.
Medical card provision is based on financial assessment. In accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE. The Act obliges the HSE to assess whether a person is unable, without due hardship, to arrange general practitioner services for himself or herself and his or her family, having regard to his or her overall financial position and reasonable expenditure and every application must be assessed on that basis. Under the legislation, having a particular illness, in itself, does not establish eligibility for a medical card and therefore, the medical conditions of applicants for this scheme are not monitored on that basis. Where the applicant's income is within the income guidelines, a medical card or GP visit card will be awarded.
Every effort is made by the HSE, within the framework of the legislation, to support applicants in applying for a medical card and, in particular, to take full account of the difficult circumstances in the case of applicants who may be in excess of the income guidelines. It should be noted, in certain circumstances, the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, even though an applicant exceeds his or her income threshold, where he or she faces difficult financial circumstances, such as extra costs arising from an illness. Social and medical issues are considered when determining whether undue hardship exists for an individual accessing general practitioner or other medical services. The HSE affords applicants the opportunity to furnish supporting information documentation to fully take account of all the relevant circumstances that may benefit them in the assessment, including medical evidence of cost and necessary expenses.
193. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Health his plans to address the restoration of pay in section 39 agencies in advance of budget 2019; his further plans to consider applying the new pay levels retrospectively; if he has costed the restoration of pay, the realignment of incremental scales and the payment of arrears due for all of the section 39 agencies; his views on the possibility of further strike action; his further views on the possibility of a closure of services, in particular respite services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40225/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraYou will be aware that in February 2018, an agreement was reached at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) between my Department, 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 in 50 pilot organisations. The 50 organisations included were agreed at the WRC by all parties.
I asked the HSE to engage with the Section 39 organisations to establish the facts around what cuts were applied and how and when they were implemented. The HSE has completed the first phase of their work in relation to the agencies identified as part of the WRC process. This exercise has shown that of the agencies who returned data, a majority did apply pay reductions of some form. It also showed that some agencies made some form of pay restoration between 2016 and 2018.
I am happy to advise that following constructive engagement with the assistance of the Workplace Relations Commission, an agreement was reached on 2 October between the parties. Pay restoration will commence with an annual pay increase of up to €1,000 in April 2019 for those employed by the 50 organisations involved in the pilot. Any outstanding balance will be paid in two equal amounts in 2020 and 2021. It is recognised that some of the remaining organisations will have pay restoration issues also. A process of engagement to address this will commence in 2019.
194. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the status of his plans to develop a service (details supplied); his further plans for investment in disability services at this site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40228/18]
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.
195. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the discussions that have taken place with an organisation (details supplied) in respect of setting up a centre in counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40229/18]
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.
196. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health when a group home for persons with disabilities will open in Carrickmacross, County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40233/18]
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.
197. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the reason physiotherapy services have been removed from a school (details supplied); if this decision will be reversed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40240/18]
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.
198. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health when the new arrangements will be introduced and if legislation is required to change the rules for the fair deal scheme to introduce a three-year cap on the inclusion of productive assets in the assessment or as part of the assessment for the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40241/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe proposed policy change to the Nursing Homes Support Scheme, to cap contributions from farm assets at 3 years where a family successor commits to working the productive asset, has been approved by Government. I hope to progress legislation in the Oireachtas in the autumn session.
The impact of potential changes to the NHSS will be considered as part of Budget 2019, with changes expected to take effect next year. It is intended that this proposed policy change, the 3 year cap, will be extended to eligible existing participants in long term residential care so that they are not disadvantaged, but that there would be no retrospective recoupment of contributions for those who have paid contributions over and above the 3 year period.
199. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if he will address the HSE's waiting times for assessments of need for children; the steps he is taking to provide occupational therapy, psychology appointments and speech and language appointments in counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40244/18]
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.
200. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the number of children on the waiting list for occupational therapy in counties Cavan and Monaghan; the length of time each has been waiting; if measures are being introduced to ease the waiting times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40246/18]
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.
201. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the number of children on the waiting list for psychology appointments in counties Cavan and Monaghan; the length of time each has been waiting; if measures are being introduced to ease the waiting times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40247/18]
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.
202. 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 to other counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40248/18]
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.
203. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if extra professionals will be provided to clear the backlog left following the vacancy of a person (details supplied) in counties Cavan and Monaghan up until May 2018. [40249/18]
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.
204. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health his views on the proposed changes in respect of the draft rules on temporary absence by pharmaceutical assistants in view of the fact that he has received a report on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40250/18]
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, the Council of the PSI considered the proposed draft Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (Temporary Absence of Pharmacist from Pharmacy) Rules 2018 at its meeting on the 20th September 2018 where Council approved the draft rules without amendment.
Correspondence outlining the concerns of registered pharmaceutical assistants has been received by my Department. My role in relation to this process is limited to the consideration of any such Rules once submitted for my approval. I must consider any Rules presented to me from a fair and impartial perspective, without prejudice or prejudgement. This includes consideration of concerns raised by, or on behalf of, registered pharmaceutical assistants.
I await the receipt of the Rules 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.
205. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the status of works planned for a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40255/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly as soon as possible.
