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Tuesday, 15 Jan 2019

Written Answers Nos. 791-810

Respite Care Services

Ceisteanna (791)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

791. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 318 of 19 December 2018, if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the family has been offered respite in Dublin (details supplied); if a more local service will be offered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1601/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí 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.

The Programme for Partnership Government states that the Government wishes to provide more accessible respite care to facilitate full support for people with a disability.

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.

Medicinal Products Reimbursement

Ceisteanna (792)

John Curran

Ceist:

792. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health if an access programme will be established to the drug Spinraza for children with spinal muscular atrophy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1612/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The HSE has statutory responsibility for medicine pricing and reimbursement decisions, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. The Act specifies the criteria for decisions on the reimbursement of medicines.

Nusinersen (Spinraza) is indicated for the treatment of 5q spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a disorder characterised by progressive muscle atrophy and weakness.

An application for Nusinersen is currently undergoing assessment by the HSE.

The statutory assessment process involves a Health Technology Assessment followed by detailed consideration by the HSE expert groups on new Drug therapies, including the Technology Review Group for Rare Diseases and the HSE Drugs Committee.

The assessment focus is twofold and particularly centred on reviewing the evidence of the clinical effectiveness of this new drug therapy i.e. the benefits for patients undergoing clinical trials; and on the cost effectiveness of the product in view of the prices being charged for the drug.

The application is currently going through the final stages of assessment, and the various reports are due to be considered shortly by the HSE Leadership Team, following which the final decision will be notified

Warmer Homes Scheme

Ceisteanna (793)

John Curran

Ceist:

793. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the success or otherwise of the warmth and well-being pilot programme that commenced in 2016 and was piloted in parts of Dublin 8, 10, 12, 22 and 24; his plans to expand the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1615/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Warmth and Wellbeing Pilot Scheme is a joint initiative between the Department of Health, the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and the Health Services Executive (HSE). To date, the HSE have referred 1,345 qualifying households to the SEAI for assessment for energy efficiency upgrades such as attic and wall insulation, boiler replacement, and window and door replacement.

Housing quality is key determinant of health, especially among those who live with respiratory conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The scheme is a concrete example of working across government to directly address the determinants of health in line with the Healthy Ireland Framework, and has my full support. Officials in my Department have been working very closely with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment on the next phase of the scheme.

The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine have been contracted to analyse the effectiveness of the scheme. Work is underway to provide a preliminary report on the scheme early in 2019 and a final research report in 2021. The feedback from the majority of scheme participants to date is positive.

Health and Social Care Professionals

Ceisteanna (794)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

794. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1631/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a matter relating to the recognition application of an individual health and social care professional, the Health and Social Care Professional Council (CORU), the State regulator in this regard, has been asked to respond directly to the Deputy.

Health Services Reports

Ceisteanna (795)

Michael Harty

Ceist:

795. Deputy Michael Harty asked the Minister for Health when the final report of the independent review group on section 38 and 39 service providers and private providers will be published. [1635/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

An Independent Review Group (IRG) was established in July 2017 to examine the role of voluntary organisations in publicly funded health and personal social services. The IRG was composed of Dr Catherine Day (Chair of the group), Prof Jane Grimson and Prof Deirdre Madden.

The IRG was established to examine current arrangements with regard to the role of voluntary agencies in the provision of services across the health and social care sector; to consider the issues currently arising, and those that are likely to arise in the future; and to make recommendations on how the relationship between the State and voluntary organisations should evolve in the future.

As part of its work the IRG examined a wide range of issues, conducted a public consultation process, and met with a number of key stakeholders as well as experts from a number of other countries.

The Review Group has submitted its report to me and it is currently under consideration within my Department. I intend to bring it to Government in the coming weeks.

Nursing Homes Support Scheme Review

Ceisteanna (796)

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

796. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health his plans to change the nursing home support scheme to ease the financial burden in place for some persons as a result of the exorbitant property prices in urban areas such as in a case (details supplied). [1637/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS), commonly referred to as Fair Deal, is a system of financial support for people who require long-term residential care. Participants contribute to the cost of their care according to their means while the State pays the balance of the cost. As such, in the context of the question raised, there are no plans to change the nature of the Scheme in this regard. The Scheme aims to ensure that long-term nursing home care is accessible and affordable for everyone and that people are cared for in the most appropriate settings. It is worth noting that applicants to the scheme can choose any public, voluntary or approved private nursing home. However, in order for financial support to be provided, the nursing home must have an available bed and be able to cater for the applicant's care needs.

Participants in the Scheme contribute up to 80% of their assessable income, such as their pension and a maximum of 7.5% per annum of the value of assets held, such as their principal private residence or cash assets. The capital value of an individual’s principal private residence is only included in the financial assessment for the first three years of their time in care. This is known as the three year cap.

Furthermore, applicants to scheme have the option of applying for The Nursing Home Loan (Ancillary State Support). This is an additional financial support offered through the scheme, the purpose of which is to ensure that a person does not have to sell their home during their lifetime to pay for long-term nursing home care. It is a personal choice and decision for the person going into long term care under the NHSS if they want to avail of this support.

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (797)

Jackie Cahill

Ceist:

797. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health if surgery will be expedited in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1642/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

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.

Elder Abuse

Ceisteanna (798)

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

798. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health the steps his Department and agencies under its aegis have taken to address the issue of elder abuse; his plans for further policy initiatives in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1651/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The safety and protection of all those, including older people, who may be at risk of harm or abuse is an important priority for the Government.

A framework of policies and procedures for the safeguarding of adults (including older people) who may be at risk of abuse, harm and exploitation within the health sector is in place, and further measures are being developed to strengthen this framework.

In December 2017 the Government approved the development of a national adult safeguarding policy for the health sector. The policy will apply across the wide spectrum of the health sector, i.e. in the public, private and voluntary sectors, and will be supported by any necessary legislation. The development of this policy is now underway.

The HSE published its national adult safeguarding operational policy and procedures, Safeguarding Vulnerable People at Risk of Abuse, in December 2014. This provides clear guidelines and procedures for staff to follow in cases of suspected abuse or neglect of vulnerable adults (including older people). This safeguarding policy was the first such HSE operational policy to encompass both elder abuse concerns and concerns of abuse and neglect relating to people availing of disability services.

The HSE has established a number of structures to implement its national operational safeguarding policy. This includes:

- A National Safeguarding Office leading the implementation of the policy;

- Specialist Safeguarding and Protection Teams in each of the 9 Community Healthcare Organisation (CHO) areas;

- Nomination of by service providers of more than 1,500 designated safeguarding officers;

- Approximately 43,000 attendances at safeguarding policy and procedures training; and

- An advisory National Safeguarding Committee.

A detailed review of the operation of the HSE’s operational safeguarding policy is at an advanced stage and is expected to be completed soon. It is expected that the learning identified from the HSE's review will also help to inform the development of the national policy.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Health Act 2007 provided for the establishment of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA), its inspection and regulation of designated residential centres for (i) people with disabilities, (ii) older people, and (iii) children, and the framework for registration of these designated centres.

HIQA and the Mental Health Commission are currently in the process of jointly developing National Standards for Adult Safeguarding, with advisory input from the Department of Health among others.

Taken together, the Department’s national health sector adult safeguarding policy and legislation, the HSE’s revised operational policy and HIQA and the MHC’s joint national standards should ensure the continued evolution and improvement of the safeguarding of adults (including older people) who may be at risk in the health sector.

Hospital Waiting Lists Data

Ceisteanna (799)

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

799. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the dermatology waiting lists nationally by hospital. [1659/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Improving access to hospital treatment is a key priority for government. Budget 2019 announced a funding increase from €55 million to €75 million to the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) to provide treatment for patients.

My Department is working closely with the NTPF and the HSE to finalise a Scheduled Care Access Plan for inpatients/day case and outpatients for 2019. In this regard, the NTPF and the HSE will continue to work closely with Hospital Groups, inviting proposals to improve access for patients waiting for either Inpatient/Daycase or Outpatient procedures.

The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following document and shows waiting list figures for December 2018 published by the NTPF. There are 755 patients on the Dermatology IPDC waiting list and of these, over 90% are waiting 9 months or less. There are 44,271 patients on the Dermatology Outpatient waiting list and of these, 64% are waiting 9 months or less.

Table

Table 2

Addiction Treatment Services

Ceisteanna (800, 801)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

800. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health his plans to run a nationwide gambling and gambling addiction awareness campaign; if no campaign is planned, the reason therefor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1661/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

801. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the funding allocated to help treat persons with gambling addiction in each of the years 2015 to 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1662/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 800 and 801 together.

Statutory responsibility for Government policy on gambling issues comes under the ambit of the Department of Justice and Equality.

There are no plans under consideration by the Department of Health for a nationwide gambling and gambling addiction awareness campaign.

The Department of Health provides the HSE with an overall allocation for addiction services, which can include gambling addiction. People presenting to the HSE with a gambling addiction are offered the same range of interventions as those with alcohol or drug addiction problems.

The Department does not allocate specific funding to the HSE for the treatment of gambling addiction. It is therefore not possible to identify the proportion of funding specifically spent on individual addictions.

Addiction Treatment Services

Ceisteanna (802)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

802. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who were treated for gambling addiction in each of the years 2015 to 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1663/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Addiction Treatment Services

Ceisteanna (803)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

803. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if a lead researcher was found for bulletin 7 of the Drugs Prevalence Survey 2014-15, which focuses on gambling; when this bulletin will be published in view of the fact that it was to be released in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1664/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The prevalence of drug use and gambling survey 2014/15 included questions on gambling for the first time, at the request of the Department of Justice and Equality. The results from the survey are published in a series of Bulletins. Key findings from the survey, published in Bulletin 1, indicated that 64.5% of respondents aged 15 or older reported gambling in the 12 months prior to the survey and 41.4% of respondents reported gambling in the 30 days prior to the survey.

A detailed analysis of gambling prevalence has been completed and it is intended to publish this as Bulletin 7 later in January.

Bulletins are published on the Department of Health website www.health.gov.ie .

The next prevalence of drug use and gambling survey covers 2018/19.

Dental Services

Ceisteanna (804)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

804. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if the case of a person (details supplied) will be reviewed; the reason the HSE will not provide dental care through the public dental scheme in school in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1666/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (805)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

805. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an appointment for a person (details supplied) will be scheduled. [1672/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

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.

Cancer Screening Programmes

Ceisteanna (806)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

806. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the number of legal actions that have been lodged against the HSE over the CervicalCheck cervical screening controversy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1692/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The State Claims Agency has a statutory remit to manage personal injury claims, including claims in respect of clinical negligence, on behalf of Delegated State Authorities (DSA’s) to include the Health Service Executive.

I have been informed by the State Claims Agency that it has received notification of 90 claims with respect to Cervical Check screening under the National Screening Services (NSS). The Agency expects this number to grow based on the number of women identified by the HSE as part of their audit programme.

Mental Health Services

Ceisteanna (807)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

807. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding a psychiatric ward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1700/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Cancer Screening Programmes

Ceisteanna (808, 809)

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

808. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health when he received the advice from his officials on the impact of announcing a recheck on cervical smear tests; if he held meetings with his officials at that time, the discussion on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1722/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

809. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health the rationale of announcing the repeat cervical smears for women following receipt of advice stating this would have a seriously negative impact on the service; the reason he did not make it known that he had received this advice; if he sought extra funding to resolve the extra waiting times for the women; if extra funding was allocated to address the waiting times for results; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1723/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 808 and 809 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. Many thousands of women contacted the CervicalCheck helpline. Requests for additional supports and reassurance were considered in this context, including the provision of an opportunity for a GP consultation for women who wished to discuss their request for a repeat smear. Provision for these out-of-cycle smears ceased at the end of last year, as envisaged, in the context of the reassurance provided by the Report of the Scoping Inquiry about the quality management processes within the laboratories contracted by CervicalCheck.

In terms of the waiting times for results of smear tests, this has resulted from an overall increase in the volume of women presenting for smear tests, including out-of-cycle smears and increased uptake of scheduled screening. This increased level of engagement with the programme is welcome. However, the increased demand has undoubtedly put immense pressure on lab capacity.

The HSE has been working actively with the laboratories to manage this and to improve turnaround times for smear tests, and has reported 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, the core challenge in relation to smear test turnaround times is availability of laboratory capacity. 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 address available capacity and expected demand, with the aim of bringing the programme into stabilisation this year.

Extra funding to address laboratory capacity issues has not been sought by the HSE. However, significant additional funding has been allocated in 2019 to implement the recommendations of Dr Gabriel Scally’s inquiry into the CervicalCheck Screening Programme as well as to implement the switch to HPV testing as the primary screening.

Speech and Language Therapy

Ceisteanna (810)

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

810. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if community speech and language services are obliged to discharge children once they reach 8 years of age (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1724/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí 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.

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