Written Answers Nos. 141-166
141. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if the management at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, County Louth, and the HSE have undertaken an examination of the cost involved in renaming and rebranding the hospital in terms of stationery, signage and associated costs; the cost involved; the budget allocated to the initiative for 2018 and 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52604/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly as soon as possible.
142. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the process in place for the proposal to change the name of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda; the person or body that has ultimate responsibility for a decision in this regard; when he was advised of the plans; when the final decision will be taken on the proposed name change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52605/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly as soon as possible.
143. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if the management at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda or the HSE engaged independent consultants to advise on a proposed name change and rebranding for the hospital; the amount spent to date on the initiative; if the hospital plans to broaden the consultation process to include the wider community in the Drogheda area; when the consultation process will conclude; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52606/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly as soon as possible.
144. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be provided with medical treatment either here or abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52607/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile the Deputy may be aware that I am unable to comment on the specific care of an individual, I would like to update the Deputy on progress of a number of important system actions to address the safety and effectiveness of mesh implant use on foot of the release of the Report, entitled The Use of Uro-gynaecological Mesh in Surgical Procedures, which was published on the 21 November 2018 on the Department of Health website.
A Synthetic Mesh Devices Advisory Group has been convened by the National Women and Infant Health Programme which includes three patient representatives, and representatives of stakeholder organisations to advise on and progress all the recommendations. I am informed that a work programme for the development of appropriate patient information resources and consent materials, the clarification and development of treatment pathways and appropriate referral services for women suffering from mesh-related complications including access to specialist diagnostic facilities such as translabial scanning is being progressed. The work being progressed by the HSE will include identifying the appropriate specialist clinical expertise and facilities required at hospital group level and nationally to provide comprehensive aftercare services. The HSE will also examine the need to look at sourcing services from abroad to address any immediate shortfalls identified, either through utilisation of the treatment abroad scheme or by commissioning services from abroad.
The Department has written to the HSE to request that it prepare a detailed Implementation Plan for the complete set of recommendations set out in the CMO’s Report, working in conjunction with other stakeholders.
145. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health the entitlements of persons qualifying for the long-term illness scheme; if provision is made for persons within this category to be included in vocational training opportunities and employment schemes; and the circumstances in which persons qualifying under the scheme could be deemed eligible for workplace programmes and training courses on which they do not receive a social welfare payment. [52616/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Long Term Illness (LTI) Scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). The conditions covered by the LTI are: acute leukaemia; mental handicap; cerebral palsy; mental illness (in a person under 16); cystic fibrosis; multiple sclerosis; diabetes insipidus; muscular dystrophies; diabetes mellitus; parkinsonism; epilepsy; phenylketonuria; haemophilia; spina bifida; hydrocephalus; and conditions arising from the use of Thalidomide. Under the LTI Scheme, patients may receive drugs, medicines and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge.
Eligibility under the scheme does not entitle a person to vocational training opportunities or employment schemes.
146. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health if section 38 or section 39 health organisations have an obligation to follow State procurement policies or guidelines; if obligations regarding procurement policies are outlined in the service level agreement with such organisations; his views on the fact that public money is being spent on procurements that have not followed public sector procurement guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52620/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMost works and related services contracts awarded by a private entity, which are subsidised 50% or more by a public body, are covered by the EU Directives if they exceed the EU thresholds. Contracts below the EU thresholds which are funded or part-funded from public funds, awarded by private sector entities, should, as far as possible, be awarded in accordance with the national guidelines.
My Department does not enter into contracts with section 38 or section 39 organisations.
The HSE has established a framework of governance over funded organisations including a requirement for those organisations to sign a service level agreement or a grant aid agreement depending on the level of grant funding being provided. Agencies in receipt of funding in excess of €250,000 are subject to a service level agreement and agencies in receipt of funding less than €250,000 are subject to a grant aid agreement.
Since the details contained in those service arrangements and conditions set regarding the services in question are a matter for the HSE, I have referred this PQ to the HSE for direct reply.
147. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the number of section 38 health organisations that are availing of public funds; the amount each is receiving in 2018; the amount each received in each of the years since 2014; the number of section 39 health organisations that are availing of public funds; the amount each is receiving in 2018; the amount of same provided in each year since 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52621/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a matter for the Health Service Executive, I have asked them to respond to you directly.
148. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health the accreditation system in place for the registration of occupational therapists; when same became operative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52625/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraOccupational therapists are one of several professions regulated by Ireland’s multi-profession regulator, CORU. CORU was set up under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 and is made up of the Health and Social Care Professionals Council and Registration Boards for the professions named in the Act.
The Occupational Therapists Registration Board was established on 14 February 2013 and their register opened on 31 March 2015. The Board has responsibility for establishing and maintaining the register of members for that profession, approving and monitoring education and training programmes for entry to the register, establishing the Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics and standards of performance to which occupational therapists must adhere and recognising qualifications gained outside the State. Registration is now mandatory for all practising occupational therapists in Ireland and the professional title of occupational therapist is protected under Irish law.
149. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the relocation of the national maternity hospital to St. Vincent’s University Hospital; the timeframe for same; the issues arising with regard to ownership; if religious ethos will not be a factor in clinical practice in the hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52632/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been quite clear that care in the new maternity hospital on the St. Vincent's University Hospital campus will be delivered without religious, ethnic or other distinction and as such any medical procedure which is in accordance with the laws of the land will be carried out there.
Considerable work has been undertaken to develop a legal framework to protect the State's significant investment in the new hospital and to ensure that the new hospital building will remain in State ownership. This legal framework will also underpin the operational and clinical independence of the new hospital. The proposals will require consideration by Government, the National Maternity Hospital and the St Vincent’s Healthcare Group before they are finalised.
150. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the relocation of the Rotunda Hospital to Connolly hospital; the timeframe for same; the issues arising with regard to ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52633/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe model of stand-alone maternity hospitals is not the norm internationally. In line with the National Maternity Strategy, Government policy is to co-locate all remaining maternity hospitals with adult acute services in order to provide optimal clinical outcomes. Co-location of maternity services with adult services provides mothers with access to a full range of medical and support services should the need arise. The availability of these services helps ensure the delivery of an optimum, safe service, particularly for high risk mothers and babies.
Project Ireland 2040 and the National Development Plan 2018-2027 provide capital funding to support implementation of the Maternity Strategy, including the relocation of the Rotunda. I have been advised that the Rotunda hospital has prepared a Design Brief for the new facility. In addition, a Development Control Plan for the Connolly campus has been commissioned to support the orderly development of future capital projects on that campus, including the Maternity Hospital. As the project is at an early development stage, it would be premature to provide any indicative time frames for completion at this point.
151. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health the number of children under 18 years of age in each LHO area waiting for a podiatry appointment in primary care; and the number waiting zero to 12, 12 to 26, 26 to 52 and more than 52 weeks, respectively. [52637/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
152. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health the number of children under 18 years of age in each LHO area waiting for an ophthalmology appointment in primary care; and the number waiting zero to 12, 12 to 26, 26 to 52 and more than 52 weeks, respectively. [52638/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
153. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health the number of children under 18 years of age in each LHO area waiting for an audiology appointment in primary care; and the number waiting zero to 12, 12 to 26, 26 to 52 and more than 52 weeks, respectively [52639/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
154. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health the number of children under 18 years of age in each LHO area waiting for a dietetics appointment in primary care; and the number waiting zero to 12, 12 to 26, 26 to 52 and more than 52 weeks, respectively. [52640/18]
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.
155. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health the number of children under 18 years of age in each LHO area waiting for an oral health appointment in primary care; and the number waiting zero to 12, 12 to 26, 26 to 52 and more than 52 weeks, respectively. [52641/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
156. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of children waiting for assessment by early intervention teams in each LHO area and in CHO 7; and the number waiting zero to three, three to six, six to nine, nine to 12, 12 to 18, 18 to 24 and more than 24 months, respectively. [52642/18]
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.
157. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when arrangements will be made to issue a full medical card in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52654/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
158. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when diagnosis and treatment will be offered in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52657/18]
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.
159. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the position in regard to the determination of eligibility for a medical card in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52662/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been forwarded to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
160. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 515 of 12 July 2018, if a programme of diagnostics and treatment has been put in place in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52666/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly as soon as possible.
161. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers in County Kerry waiting for BPS and ANC payments for 2018 to issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52492/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraPayments under the 2018 Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) scheme commenced on the 17 September. A total of 7,630 applications were received from farmers in County Kerry who hold eligible designated ANC lands. To date a total of 6,888 of these applications have been paid and payments are continuing to issue on a weekly basis. It is not possible at this point to accurately ascertain the number of the remaining applicants who will be paid under the scheme. In particular, this is due to the fact that individual farmers who have yet to meet their stocking density requirements may or may not do so by the end of the year depending on their farming practice/decisions.
In relation to the 2018 BPS, payments commenced on schedule on 16 October and balancing payments also commenced at the start of December. There are currently 7,561 applications in county Kerry, of which 7,435 are paid.
Twice weekly pay runs will take place to ensure any of these cases that become clear for payment are paid as quickly as possible. In cases where material required in response to queries from my Department is outstanding, I would urge farmers to respond to any outstanding queries at their earliest convenience.
162. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the review of the 2012 harbour charges order will be available for public consultation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52515/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department owns, manages and maintains the six State-owned Fishery Harbour Centres, located at Castletownbere, Dingle, Dunmore East, Howth, Killybegs and Ros An Mhíl. At present, the Fishery Harbour Centres (Rates and Charges) Order 2012 (S.I. No. 214 of 2012), which came into effect on the 1st July 2012, sets out the fee schedule applicable at the six Fishery Harbour Centres.
My Department is currently undertaking a review of the 2012 Order and expects to engage in a Public Consultation on the matter in early 2019 as part of the review process.
163. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he has taken since May 2018 when the serious fishing infringement statutory instrument was rescinded by Dáil Éireann; if he will provide a detailed report on the interested parties which he has met with since May 2018 on this matter; the discussions he has held; the persons and or bodies he held discussions with in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52527/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra164. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will compile a report on the status of the of the alternative statutory instrument forwarded to him and all other Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas by this Deputy following the rescinding of the statutory instrument concerning serious fishing infringements by Dáil Éireann in May 2018; the various steps he has taken on each occasion that this Deputy placed a parliamentary question on the matter since the vote to rescind the statutory instrument; the reason he has failed to engage with other political parties since the vote was taken by Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52528/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 163 and 164 together.
As the Deputy is aware, on 20th March 2018 I signed into force the European Union (Common Fisheries Policy) (Point System) Regulations 2018, S.I. No. 89 of 2018. However, S.I. No 89 was annulled by Dail Eireann on 29 May 2018.
I am at present considering, with my legal advisors, next steps following that annulment. I expect legal advice to be to hand in the near future and once it has been fully considered, I will determine next steps in this matter. In that regard, I asked my officials to examine the proposed amendments submitted by the Deputy and I have asked for legal advice on possible amendments to inform my consideration.
As the Deputy may be aware, S.I. No. 89 adopted the requirements of Article 92 of Council Regulation (EC) No. 1224/2009 and Title VII of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No. 404/2011 of 8 April 2011. It should be noted that both of these EU regulations went through the ordinary legislative procedure at EU level which would have included widespread consultation with interested parties including the Member States, Advisory Councils, NGOs and the fishing Industry. The matter has also been discussed at industry liaison meetings over the years. The EU regulations on this matter are highly prescriptive in relation to licence holders, leaving little room for further negotiation.
165. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of hours expended by senior officials in his Department both at national and EU level to secure a licence for a boat (details supplied) in the period 1999 to 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52540/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra166. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of temporary fishing licences issued for a boat (details supplied) until a permanent licence was secured; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52541/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 165 and 166 together.
The Atlantic Dawn Company applied to introduce the MFV "Atlantic Dawn" SO914 into the Irish fleet under EU rules as set out in Council Decision 413/97 (1997 – 2002) concerning the management of the capacity of European fishing fleets.
The MFV Atlantic Dawn entered the Irish fishing fleet in August, 2000. The vessel operated on a succession of 11 short term fishing boat licences (August 2000 – March 2002) pending resolution of certain issues with the European Commission. At that time the vessel was precluded from fishing in E.U. waters under the terms of its short term licences and during this period operated in Mauritanian waters under a private agreement between the vessel owner and the Mauritanian authorities.
In January 2002 the Commission adopted a formal decision approving the licensing and registration of the Atlantic Dawn vessel to fish in E.U. waters.
Departmental staff carried out its normal official functions in regard to this application. The Department does not record the number of hours expended on this or any other application.
