Jonathan O'Brien
Ceist:155. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Health the number of contracts tendered to businesses of 50 employees and less in each of the years 2011 to 2017 and to date in 2018. [46272/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraPublic Procurement Contracts Data
Ceisteanna (155, 157, 158)
Jonathan O'Brien
Ceist:157. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Health the number of procurement officers in his Department charged with the responsibility of preparing, tendering and awarding procurement contracts. [46274/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraJonathan O'Brien
Ceist:158. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Health the annual cost of procurement officers in his Department charged with the responsibility of preparing, tendering and awarding procurement contracts. [46275/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 155, 157 and 158 together.
Currently the Department of Health operates a devolved procurement function whereby individual Units are responsible for carrying out their own procurement exercises. Staff in the Finance and IT Units are available to act in an advisory capacity i.e. they do not run any tender competitions directly but will liaise with and advise line units on their obligations when carrying out a procurement exercise. Due to this arrangement it would not be feasible to accurately calculate the proportion of Whole-Time-Equivalent staff numbers and corresponding staff costs relating to the preparing, tendering and awarding of procurement contracts.
The Department does not collect data which would allow it to answer the Deputy’s question regarding the employee numbers in businesses awarded contracts, however staff involved in procurement in the Department of Health must comply with all applicable EU and national procurement law and guidelines including DPER procurement circular 10/14 - Initiatives to assist SMEs in Public Procurement. The guidance in this circular is designed to further enable SMEs in competing for public contracts and is in line with EU policy on increased SME participation in public procurement.
Question No. 156 answered with Question No. 154.
Question No. 159 answered with Question No. 149.
National Drugs Strategy Budget
Ceisteanna (160)
Alan Kelly
Ceist:160. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the process used to make a decision to increase or decrease an amount (details supplied); if this figure will increase for 2019; and his role in determining same. [46291/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 'Drugs Initiative' allocation of €6.987 million in the Department of Health's Vote for 2018 and 2019 was determined as part of the 2018 and 2019 budget and estimates process approved by the Government.
In 2018 over €5.25 million was allocated to Drug and Alcohol Task Forces by the Department of Health under the 'Drugs Initiative'. It is expected a similar amount will be allocated in 2019.
Drug and Alcohol Task Forces will be notified of their 2019 funding allocations by the Department of Health and the HSE as soon as the HSE National Service Plan for 2019 has been submitted and approved by the Minister for Health.
Implementing the health-led national drugs strategy continues to be a Government priority. Within the increased envelope of resources available in Budget 2019 for health services, my intention is to prioritise funding for community drug and alcohol projects in task force areas of greatest need, additional drug and alcohol midwives working with vulnerable mothers-to-be and enhanced treatment services to address existing and emerging needs.
National Drugs Strategy Budget
Ceisteanna (161)
Alan Kelly
Ceist:161. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the process used to make a decision to increase or decrease an amount (details supplied); the provision for drug and alcohol task forces within this figure; if the figure for task forces within this heading will increase for 2019; and his role in determining same. [46292/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The HSE's National Service Plan 2018 sets out the type and volume of health and social care services to be provided by the Health Service Executive in 2018, having regard to the funding allocated.
The HSE's allocation to Task Forces in 2018 is in the region of €22.6 million, this includes one off funding of €0.25 million. In addition, Task Forces are being consulted by the HSE on the provision of €0.71 million in one off funding for priority projects and services in CHO areas in 2018.
Drug and Alcohol Task Forces will be notified of their 2019 funding allocations as soon as the HSE National Service Plan for 2019 has been submitted and approved by the Minister for Health.
Implementing the health-led national drugs strategy continues to be a Government priority. Within the increased envelope of resources available in Budget 2019 for health services, my intention is to prioritise funding for community drug and alcohol projects in Task Force areas of greatest need, additional drug and alcohol midwives working with vulnerable mothers-to-be and enhanced treatment services to address existing and emerging needs.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (162)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:162. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46296/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under 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.
Medical Records
Ceisteanna (163)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:163. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Donegal will receive a copy of their medical records from St. James's Hospital, Dublin; the reason previous attempts by the person to access their medical files through freedom of information requests were refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46315/18]
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 Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (164)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:164. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46316/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under 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.
Question No. 165 answered with Question No. 146.
Question No. 166 answered with Question No. 147.
Health Action Plan
Ceisteanna (167)
Jonathan O'Brien
Ceist:167. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Health the action plan in place within his Department relating specifically to assisting children and adolescents with autism and co-occurring mental health difficulties. [46322/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services Staff
Ceisteanna (168)
Jonathan O'Brien
Ceist:168. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Health the number of psychiatrists employed by CAMHS in Cork city and county. [46323/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services Staff
Ceisteanna (169)
Jonathan O'Brien
Ceist:169. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Health the number of psychologists employed by CAMHS in Cork city and county. [46324/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services Administration
Ceisteanna (170)
Jonathan O'Brien
Ceist:170. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Health the average waiting time between the date of a CAMHS referral and the date of assessment by a member or CAMHS. [46325/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Disabilities Assessments
Ceisteanna (171)
Jonathan O'Brien
Ceist:171. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Health the number of requests (details supplied) that were received for children and adults between 2016 and May 2018; and the number of these requests that were met with an assessment within the three month timeframe as set out under section 9 of the Disabilities Act 2005. [46326/18]
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.
HSE Board
Ceisteanna (172)
James Browne
Ceist:172. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the position regarding reconstituting the HSE board; the grounds of eligibility to become a member of the board; the timeline for the creation of the board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46328/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Health Service Executive (Governance) Bill 2018 is currently being brought through the Houses of the Oireachtas. The Bill, as initiated, provides for the establishment of a nine person Board for the HSE. Following a recent Public Appointments Service (PAS) campaign Mr Ciarán Devane has been appointed by the Minister as Chairperson of the Board.
A Public Appointments Service campaign commenced on 8 October to seek expressions of interest from candidates with the requisite skills and competencies to become members of the Board. The closing date for this campaign was 6th November. PAS will co-ordinate an assessment process of all candidate applications in the coming weeks to identify the most suitable candidates and it will send these to me so that I may choose the persons I wish to appoint as board members.
I refer the Deputy to the Information Booklet for this campaign on www.stateboards.ie which sets out the criteria required for membership of the HSE Board.
It is expected that board members will be appointed by the end of 2018.
Transport Support Scheme
Ceisteanna (173)
Charlie McConalogue
Ceist:173. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health his plans to bring proposals to Cabinet regarding the replacement scheme for the mobility allowance and the motorised transport scheme; the reason for the delay in finalising a replacement scheme to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46329/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 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.
With regard to the Motorised Transport Grant, this scheme operated as a means-tested grant to assist persons with severe disabilities with the purchase or adaptation of a car, where that car was essential to retain employment. The maximum Motorised Transport Grant, which was payable once in any three-year period, was €5,020. Following closure of the scheme in February 2013, no further Motorised Transport Grants have been payable.
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 on-going 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.
Nursing Staff Recruitment
Ceisteanna (174)
John Brassil
Ceist:174. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health the provisions in place to recruit and retain graduate psychiatric nurses within the local mental health services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46333/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Nursing Staff Data
Ceisteanna (175)
John Brassil
Ceist:175. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health the number of 2018 graduate psychiatric nurses who have been provided employment contracts; the number recruited; the type of contract provided in each area in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46334/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
National Treatment Purchase Fund
Ceisteanna (176)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:176. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if orthopaedic procedures will be funded under the National Treatment Purchase Fund in 2019 in view of the delays for patients in areas such as counties Cavan and Monaghan (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46335/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am committed to tackling hospital waiting lists and improving access for patients to services.
The Inpatient/Day Case Action Plan 2018 which was published in April outlines the plans to reduce the number of patients waiting for treatment. NTPF authorisations are made in respect of the longest waiting patients first. Under Action Plan 2018 and as a result of offers for treatment by the NTPF, almost 1,100 patients had accepted an offer for treatment for a hip/knee replacement as at the end of September.
Budget 2019 announced that the Government had further increased investment in tackling waiting lists, with funding to the National Treatment Purchase fund (NTPF) increasing from €55 million in 2018 to €75 million next year. As a result, the number of patients waiting for a hospital procedure is projected to fall to below 59,000 by the end of 2019.
I have asked the HSE and NTPF to work together to develop sustainable solutions to improve timely access for patients to treatment and my Department expects to finalise an Access Plan, before the end of this year, which will set out the combined impact of HSE and NTPF activity for 2019.
Under this Plan, I would expect that the number of orthopaedic procedures to be funded in 2019 will be similar to 2018 levels. The NTPF will work with the HSE and individual hospitals inviting proposals from both private and public hospitals and will provide funding to the solutions proposed if appropriate.
National Treatment Purchase Fund Data
Ceisteanna (177)
James Browne
Ceist:177. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in County Wexford awaiting an ear, nose and throat consultation for more than three, six, nine, 12, 18 and 24 months, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46353/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) have advised that Wexford General Hospital does not have a waiting list for ENT. The NTPF have provided the attached ENT report of patients from the Wexford area of residence, who are awaiting appointments for both Outpatient consultations and Inpatient Day Case (IPDC) procedures.
Inpatient
|
Sum of Count Row Labels |
Column Labels 0-3+ Mths |
3-6+ Mths |
6-9+ Mths |
9-12+ Mths |
12-15+ Mths |
18-24+ Mths |
24+ Mths |
Grand Total |
|
Beaumont Hospital |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|||||
|
Mater Misericordiae University Hospital |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|||||
|
Our Lady's Children's Hospital Crumlin |
3 |
2 |
1 |
6 |
||||
|
Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital |
3 |
1 |
4 |
|||||
|
South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital |
1 |
1 |
||||||
|
St. James's Hospital |
1 |
1 |
||||||
|
St. Michael's Hospital |
1 |
1 |
||||||
|
St. Vincent's University Hospital |
13 |
10 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
27 |
||
|
Tallaght University Hospital |
1 |
1 |
Outpatient
|
Sum Count |
Column Labels |
||||||||
|
Row Labels |
0-3 Mths |
3-6 Mths |
6-9 Mths |
9-12 Mths |
12-15 Mths |
15-18 Mths |
18-24 Mths |
24 + Mths |
Grand Total |
|
Beaumont Hospital |
3 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
11 |
|||
|
Mater Misericordiae University Hospital |
2 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
11 |
|||
|
Our Lady's Children's Hospital Crumlin |
16 |
5 |
3 |
3 |
5 |
4 |
6 |
42 |
|
|
Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital |
5 |
2 |
3 |
5 |
2 |
17 |
|||
|
Sligo Regional Hospital |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital |
2 |
5 |
3 |
10 |
|||||
|
St. James's Hospital |
1 |
1 |
2 |
4 |
|||||
|
St. Michael's Hospital Dun Laoghaire |
8 |
2 |
1 |
11 |
|||||
|
St. Vincent's University Hospital |
63 |
35 |
16 |
21 |
8 |
7 |
8 |
158 |
|
|
Tallaght Hospital |
1 |
3 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
12 |
|
|
University Hospital Waterford |
334 |
215 |
232 |
224 |
213 |
178 |
369 |
491 |
2256 |
|
Grand Total |
430 |
270 |
261 |
255 |
227 |
194 |
390 |
506 |
2533 |
Service Level Agreements
Ceisteanna (178)
James Browne
Ceist:178. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the details of the agreement made between the HSE and a section 39 organisation (details supplied); the core deficit that was initially identified by both parties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46354/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services Provision
Ceisteanna (179)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:179. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if an application for CAMHS will be processed for a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46359/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.