Darragh O'Brien
Ceist:550. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Health the status of the reimbursement of the drug Cinryze; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54090/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMedicinal Products Reimbursement
Ceisteanna (550)
Freagraí scríofa
Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the pricing and reimbursement of medicines; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Services for People with Disabilities
Ceisteanna (551, 552)
Seán Fleming
Ceist:551. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health when a residential placement will be provided for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54091/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraSeán Fleming
Ceist:552. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health when the oversight by the mediator of provision of appropriate services by an organisation for the coming 12 months will occur in order to ensure that the irregularities in the treatment of a person (details supplied) in the clinical department of the organisation contracted by the HSE are not repeated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54093/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 551 and 552 together.
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 an individual case, I have arranged for the questions to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services
Ceisteanna (553)
Stephen Donnelly
Ceist:553. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health when a national lead for youth mental health will be in place in line with recommendation 8 of the National Youth Mental Health Taskforce Report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54099/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department of Health published the Youth Mental Health Task Force report in December 2017. The recommendations of the Taskforce have now been incorporated into the service plans of a number of lead agencies, many of which do not fall directly under the aegis of the Department. The implementation timeframes are outlined in the report itself, and there is an overall three year timeframe for completing all of the actions contained in the report. The HSE have established a working group to put into action the recommendations contained in the report where they are named as the lead agency. The group are in the process of defining the job specification for the post of national youth mental health lead.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services
Ceisteanna (554)
Stephen Donnelly
Ceist:554. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health when the Pathfinder project will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54100/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Having obtained Civil Service Management Board and Ministerial approval, the establishment of a youth mental health Pathfinder team is a mental health priority for the Department of Health. The proposal is to utilise Section 12 of the Public Service Management Act 1997 to formalise a new model for collaborative working within Government, and placing these on a statutory footing. This section has never been utilised before, and there are a number of administrative, budgetary, governance and legal arrangements that need to be put in place to ensure a robust and workable model for Pathfinder. Currently consultation is ongoing between the Department of Health and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to progress these issues as soon as possible.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services Funding
Ceisteanna (555)
Stephen Donnelly
Ceist:555. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health when strategic funding for youth mental health will be announced as per recommendation 10 of the National Youth Mental Health Taskforce Report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54101/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Task Force recommended on-going support for large-scale projects that can improve the quality and frequency of research on youth mental health issues, such as the “My World” and ‘Growing Up in Ireland’ surveys. The independent body with the necessary expertise for assessing research proposals and awarding research funding is the Health Research Board. It is not envisaged that there will be any direct political involvement in that process as the Health Research Board is fully responsible and competent make all the required decision and awards. The recommendations of the Youth mental health task force published in December 2018 will be implemented over a three year time frame. A decision on how to provide additional funding for mental health specific research has yet to be decided upon.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (556)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:556. 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. [54102/18]
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 Card Applications
Ceisteanna (557)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:557. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when a medical card will issue in the case of persons (details supplied); when the application will be concluded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54122/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
HSE Staff
Ceisteanna (558)
Eamon Scanlon
Ceist:558. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health his plans to increase the number of paid assistant psychologist posts in primary care nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54130/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The post of Assistant Psychologist is a new grade within the HSE on a pilot basis. Their role is to support psychology services in primary care settings and to provide early and cost-effective interventions for children and adolescents. The creation of the role is key to delivering a “stepped care” model in which service users receive the level of required support and/or intervention appropriate to their assessed need.
An ongoing evaluation is being conducted on these roles as part of the governance structures of the Assistant Psychologist pilot project
Hospital Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (559)
Joe Carey
Ceist:559. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health when a procedure will take place for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54133/18]
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.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (560)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:560. 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. [54147/18]
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.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (561)
Robert Troy
Ceist:561. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an appointment for a person (details supplied) will be expedited. [54148/18]
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.
National Cervical Screening Programme
Ceisteanna (562, 704, 813)
Thomas Byrne
Ceist:562. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Health the timescale for the results of repeat cervical smears; and the reason for delays in relation to the matter. [54153/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Michael McGrath
Ceist:704. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health the backlog of cervical cancer screening smears awaiting examination; the wait time; the steps he is taking to clear the backlog in view of the anxiety the waiting time is causing for many women; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1093/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:813. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the waiting time for women for cervical screening results; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that women are waiting in excess of three to four months to receive their results in counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1748/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 562, 704 and 813 together.
In May 2018, I asked CervicalCheck to make the necessary arrangements to provide that any woman who had had a CervicalCheck smear test, and whose GP considered that they should have a further test, to access such a further test without charge. This decision was made in good faith to address the considerable fears of the many anxious women in Ireland as a result of significant media coverage of the issues that emerged in late April.
In the months since then, there has been a significant increase in the volume of women presenting for smear tests. This includes women who have availed of the out of cycle tests, but also a greater number of women presenting for scheduled screening.
This increased level of engagement with the programme is very welcome. However, the increased demand has undoubtedly put immense pressure on lab capacity and the HSE has advised that, currently, results of smear tests may take up to 20 weeks from the time of the test, and that it may take longer in a small number of cases.
The HSE has been working actively with the labs to manage this issue and to improve turnaround times for smear tests. The HSE reports that laboratories have agreed to undertake additional recruitment, provide for overtime and manage annual leave in an effort to minimise the backlog. In addition, the HSE is aiming to source additional screening capacity, which would improve the turnaround time of results. However, sourcing capacity and resources is a global challenge as countries start to move to primary HPV screening, which vastly reduces the requirement for cytology screening staff.
The HSE is currently developing a capacity plan to take account of available capacity and expected demand, with the aim of bringing the programme into stabilisation this year. The issue remains a priority concern for me, for my Department and for the HSE.
While the provision of out of cycle smears ceased on the 31 December 2018, it is important to be clear that this backlog will take some time to resolve. It remains a priority concern for me, for my Department and for the HSE.
Disabilities Assessments
Ceisteanna (563)
Frank O'Rourke
Ceist:563. Deputy Frank O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health if the assessment criteria for a person (details supplied) will be amended to include those persons affected on one side hemiplegia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54163/18]
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.
Respite Care Services
Ceisteanna (564)
Stephen Donnelly
Ceist:564. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the actions he has taken to address failings found within the "Your service, your say" system in view of media reports; if the actions include a full review; if official contact has been made with those affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54164/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I understand that the Deputy’s question arises in the context of a Prime Time programme which was broadcast on 25 October last.
Arising from the programme the Department contacted the Health Service Executive on the issues raised and was assured that the care and wellbeing of the residents is the primary consideration of the Person in Charge of each residential care centre. The overarching principle is that families play an important role in the care of their loved one and that visiting should be facilitated in the interest of the resident unless there are compelling reasons why this cannot be done.
At the request of the Director General the HSE commissioned a report from the National Director of Community Operations to ascertain the facts in relation to the instances of visiting restrictions in place in each of the nine Community Healthcare Organisations.
Each Chief Officer was requested to ensure that where a restriction has been applied that this should be kept under on-going review, that the guiding principle of maximum inclusion of families is upheld and that the consideration of the issue is informed by the most recent regulatory report in respect of each centre insofar as that report makes reference to families, family’s views, visiting, inclusion etc.
Each Chief Officer has now reviewed the restrictions currently in place within their area of responsibility. On foot of this review the HSE has advised the Department that it does not routinely use visiting restrictions in residential care centres across the country. There are currently 11 instances where visiting to residents is restricted across the country across public Older Persons and Mental Health Services. This is in the context of currently providing over 7,000 such beds across those services. In addition, visiting restrictions are in place in relation to 3 residents in Disability Centres.
In some instances, the residents in question are Wards of Court and in other cases, family members hold Enduring Power of Attorney and have requested certain restrictions. In other cases, there are safeguarding concerns.
The cases need to be viewed in the context of the entire service and reflects the HSE’s aspiration that restrictions to visiting are a last resort after all other appropriate interventions have failed. In the case of one of the individuals featured on the Prime Time programme, a mediation process is being progressed.
In a broader sense, the Government has approved the development of a national adult safeguarding policy for the health sector and work to formulate this policy is under way. The policy, when developed, will cover the public, voluntary and private health sector and will include proposals on collaboration, information-sharing and referral arrangements between the health sector and other key sectors. It is intended to circulate a draft policy for public consultation around the end of 2019 before submitting final policy proposals to Government for approval. Following Government approval, appropriate underpinning legislation will be prepared.
Abortion Services Provision
Ceisteanna (565, 576)
Clare Daly
Ceist:565. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health his views on the operation of a three day waiting period for women who will seek abortion services in view of a discrepancy between his previous statements and that of the chief medical officer. [54166/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Ruth Coppinger
Ceist:576. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health if the details of the mandatory waiting period under section 12 of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 will be clarified by guidelines in order to give surety to those seeking to terminate a pregnancy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54231/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 565 and 576 together.
As the Deputies are aware, Section 12 of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 provides that a termination of pregnancy may be provided after a period of not less than three days has elapsed from the date on which a medical practitioner has certified that the pregnancy concerned has not exceeded 12 weeks of pregnancy.
My Department provided written clarification on the operation of this section of the legislation to the HSE in December, ahead of the service for termination of pregnancy commencing on 1 January 2019.
In practice, under section 12 of the Act, the day on which the doctor certifies that the pregnancy has not exceeded 12 weeks counts as the first day. The termination may then be carried out after the third day has "elapsed". For example, if the woman visits the doctor and the doctor certifies that the pregnancy has not exceeded 12 weeks on a Monday, then Monday counts as the first day. Tuesday and Wednesday are the second and third day. Once Wednesday has "elapsed" the termination may take place, so it may be carried out at any time on Thursday.
Committee of Public Accounts
Ceisteanna (566)
David Cullinane
Ceist:566. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if the chief executive officer of the HSE will be an accountable officer to the Oireachtas Standing Committee of Public Accounts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54178/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Health Service Executive (Financial Matters) Act 2014 the Director General is the Accountable Person to the Committee of Public Accounts. The Health Service Executive (Governance) Bill 2018 is currently before the House of the Oireachtas. It provides for the Chief Executive Officer to appear before the committee as an Accountable Person.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (567)
Robert Troy
Ceist:567. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if a hospital procedure for a person (details supplied) will be expedited. [54180/18]
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.
General Practitioner Contracts
Ceisteanna (568)
Jack Chambers
Ceist:568. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health the average processing time for a general medical services contract application; the criteria involved in the process in order to be awarded such a contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54181/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for it to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Departmental Funding
Ceisteanna (569)
John Brassil
Ceist:569. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health if an organisation (details supplied) will receive an increase in funding in view of the fact that its caseload has increased significantly since 2012 further to a meeting with his Department in July 2018 in which a case was accepted but funding allocation was not sanctioned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54183/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
There is no specific funding made available directly by the Department of Health to voluntary organisations. Health specific grants are usually provided through the HSE or other lead agencies. In the case of this organisation, I understand that funding is provided by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, and so this is primarily a matter for my colleague the Minister for Children & Youth Affairs, Katherine Zappone, T.D.