Martin Ferris
Ceist:732. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) can expect to receive an operation to remove cataracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1286/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraHospital Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (732)
Freagraí 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.
HSE Governance
Ceisteanna (733, 734, 735)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:733. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the timeframe for the appointment of a third-party firm to review the governance arrangements and resources in place in the HSE to support decision making on reimbursement applications from drug companies; the timeframe in which this review will be delivered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1298/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraLouise O'Reilly
Ceist:734. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if he will make the final report on the review of governance arrangements and resources in place in the HSE to support decision making on reimbursement applications from drug companies publicly available as per international best practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1299/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraLouise O'Reilly
Ceist:735. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the scope of the tender for the review of governance arrangements and resources in place in the HSE to support decision making on reimbursement applications from drug companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1300/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 733 to 735, inclusive, together.
My Department has engaged in a tender process for a review of the HSE reimbursement and pricing decision-making process. As this process is underway, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further on this matter. I expect the tender process to be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2019.
Disabled Drivers and Passengers Scheme
Ceisteanna (736)
Michael McGrath
Ceist:736. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health the clinical guidelines and methodology used to determine whether an applicant qualifies for a primary medical certificate; the policy in place to ensure all applications are dealt with on a consistent basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1320/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Responsibility for the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme, operated by the Revenue Commissioners, falls under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Finance. To qualify for the scheme, an applicant must have a Primary Medical Certificate. To qualify for a Primary Medical Certificate, an applicant must be permanently and severely disabled within the terms of the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations 1994 and satisfy a range of conditions.
The extent of the involvement of health personnel in the scheme relates to making a professional clinical determination as to whether an individual applicant satisfies the medical criteria set out in the Department of Finance regulations. This determination is undertaken by Senior Medical Officers for the relevant local Health Service Executive (HSE) administrative Community Health Organisation, on behalf of the Revenue Commissioners. These HSE personnel have no role in setting or amending the criteria.
A successful applicant is provided with a Primary Medical Certificate. An unsuccessful applicant can appeal the HSE's Senior Medical Officer's decision to the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal, which is under the auspices of the Minister for Finance. The Appeal Board makes a new clinical determination in respect of the applicant.
I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the element of the Deputy's question related to how HSE personnel apply the strict criteria set out in the regulations and ensure a consistent approach to its application.
Cross-Border Health Services Provision
Ceisteanna (737)
Charlie McConalogue
Ceist:737. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health if cross-Border workers will retain their entitlement to a medical card after Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1323/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As part of a whole of Government response to Brexit, the Department of Health is working to ensure a comprehensive and coordinated set of preparations to ensure continuity of health services post-Brexit. This work involves the Department and the HSE and other agencies in engaging in intensive Brexit preparedness and contingency planning.
A key consideration will be to ensure that insofar as possible there is minimum disruption to health services and that essential services are maintained on a cross-Border, all-island and Ireland-UK basis.
The Irish and UK Governments are committed to maintaining the reciprocal rights of access to healthcare for both Irish and UK citizens to publicly funded health services. Work is currently ongoing.
Disability Services Provision
Ceisteanna (738)
Clare Daly
Ceist:738. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health the reason a grant to a person (details supplied) was cut in view of the fact they were given a commitment by the HSE that they were entitled to the grant. [1351/19]
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.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (739)
John McGuinness
Ceist:739. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if an early appointment will be arranged for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1372/19]
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.
Disability Support Services
Ceisteanna (740)
Peter Burke
Ceist:740. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health when a position will be filled in a service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1375/19]
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.
Hospitals Data
Ceisteanna (741)
Eamon Scanlon
Ceist:741. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the new build at St. Patrick's Hospital, Carrick-on-Shannon, County Leitrim; if a site has been identified and purchased; when work is expected to begin; the expected date of completion; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that HIQA has raised concerns regarding the delay of the rebuild of the hospital which is not compliant with regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1377/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
Disability Support Services
Ceisteanna (742)
Michael McGrath
Ceist:742. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position of a person (details supplied) in County Cork on the waiting list for a residential placement; when he expects a place will be offered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1379/19]
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 an individual case, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (743)
John McGuinness
Ceist:743. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if benefit schemes and supports for persons with Wolfram syndrome will be put in place to cover such needs as medical devices, dietary demands, transport to services and personal medical requirements; the supports and services automatically available to date; if he will request the HSE to engage directly with persons (details supplied) to determine their needs and ensure that both are in receipt of the full range of entitlements and services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1380/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Health Act 2004 specifies that it is the Health Service Executive (HSE) that shall manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Eligibility for access to various schemes, services and allowances is determined based on an evaluation of an individual's circumstances by the HSE.
As the particular question raised relates to eligibility for a variety of services for a named individual, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
Disability Support Services
Ceisteanna (744)
Michael McGrath
Ceist:744. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health the reason an application for home care support to assist in the care of a person (details supplied) in County Cork was refused by the HSE; if he will examine the circumstances that apply in this particular case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1388/19]
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 an individual case, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
Tender Process
Ceisteanna (745)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:745. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding tenders for taxis to hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1389/19]
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.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services Staff
Ceisteanna (746)
James Browne
Ceist:746. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1358 of 24 July 2018, the number of approved CAMHS psychiatrist posts; the number recommended for each CHO team; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1390/19]
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 (747)
James Browne
Ceist:747. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the breakdown of unfilled consultant psychiatrist positions within CAMHS by county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1396/19]
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
Ceisteanna (748)
James Browne
Ceist:748. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of beds which are available within CAMHS for persons in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1397/19]
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.
Mental Health Services Staff
Ceisteanna (749)
James Browne
Ceist:749. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the breakdown of unfilled suicide crisis assessment nurse positions by county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1398/19]
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.
Mental Health Services Staff
Ceisteanna (750)
James Browne
Ceist:750. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of full-time positions filled within adult mental health services; the number of full-time positions filled within children’s mental health services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1399/19]
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.