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Tuesday, 22 Jan 2019

Written Answers Nos. 409-428

Nursing Staff Contracts

Ceisteanna (409)

John Brassil

Ceist:

409. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health the reason the contracts offered to graduate nurses in County Kerry in 2018 were temporary contracts in view of his commitment to recruit and retain nurses; the reason permanent contracts were not offered to these nurses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2632/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.

Hospital Consultant Contracts

Ceisteanna (410)

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

410. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 600 of 15 January 2019, if further details will be provided in relation to the breakdown of the payments made to consultants as part of the balance of €131 million; the name of these consultants; if their services are still being retained; if so, the capacity in which they are being retained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2645/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is an operational matter, I have asked the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board to respond to you directly, as soon as possible.

Medicinal Products Supply

Ceisteanna (411)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

411. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the reason there is a shortage in supply of a medicine (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2666/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Department of Health is aware of a temporary shortage of Hydrocortone (hydrocortisone) 10mg tablets in Ireland. The marketing authorisation holder has notified the medicines regulator, the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA), that the shortage of this medicine is due to manufacturing delays. Supply of the Irish authorised product is expected to resume in February 2019. A letter has been circulated to healthcare professionals to advise them of the situation.

In the interim, the Irish market is being supplied on a temporary basis with hydrocortisone 10mg tablets from other markets to meet the needs of Irish patients until supply of the Irish authorised medicine resumes. These medicines are being supplied as exempt medicinal products and can be ordered by pharmacists through Irish wholesalers.   

If a member of the public has any concerns regarding their treatment with this or any other medication, they should discuss this directly with their doctor or pharmacist.

Hospital Waiting Lists Data

Ceisteanna (412)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

412. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) in County Donegal is on the routine or urgent waiting list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2667/19]

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.

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (413)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

413. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Donegal can expect to receive an appointment to be seen by a consultant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2668/19]

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.

Industrial Disputes

Ceisteanna (414, 415, 442, 443)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

414. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health his plans to act on his preference for negotiation as a dispute resolution regarding the threatened paramedic dispute in relation the withdrawal of labour on 22 January 2019; and his further plans to intervene. [2673/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Clare Daly

Ceist:

415. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the HSE has not responded to the requests by an organisation (details supplied) to meet to discuss contingency plans in order to agree appropriate emergency ambulance cover on the day of the threatened industrial dispute; and the action he has taken to ensure both sides meet to discuss such a plan. [2674/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Ruth Coppinger

Ceist:

442. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health if he will engage in discussions with an organisation (details supplied) on the matter of the planned industrial action in the National Ambulance Service on 22 January 2019. [2893/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Ruth Coppinger

Ceist:

443. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to contingency plans for the industrial action of members of an organisation (details supplied) on 22 January 2019. [2894/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 414, 415, 442 and 443 together.

SIPTU is recognised by the HSE and has negotiating rights for frontline ambulance grades employed by the Executive.  As a result, the HSE deducts subscriptions at source for those ambulance staff that are members of that union.  However, the National Ambulance Service Representative Association (NASRA) is not recognised by the HSE and, therefore, does not have negotiating rights. 

Whilst individuals have a right to membership of any trade union, if they choose to join an association which is not recognised by their employer, such membership is not facilitated by their employer. This means that the HSE does not facilitate deduction of union subscriptions for this particular Association.  

In order to mitigate the risk of any potential disruption to service, I have been advised by the HSE that the National Ambulance Service have robust contingency arrangements in place to respond to the industrial action.  This involves ensuring the availability of the Irish Defence Forces to provide crewed ambulances on the day of the strike. 

It is regrettable that the Psychiatric Nurses Association has taken this action.  Whilst negotiation is usually a preferred course of action, in this instance it is not possible for the HSE to engage with the PNA as it is an organisation with no negotiating rights in respect of frontline ambulance personnel. 

Pharmacy Regulations

Ceisteanna (416, 438, 467)

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

416. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will address concerns expressed by pharmacists with respect to the introduction of the false medicines directive and associated statutory instruments (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2675/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

438. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many pharmacists are concerned in relation to the draft legislation which proposes that the responsibility for implementing the falsified medicines directive will transfer from the pharmacy owner as per the EU directive to the dispensing pharmacists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2869/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

467. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if he is seeking a corporate transfer of responsibility for the provisions of the falsified medicines directive from the pharmacy owner or proprietor and onto the pharmacists and employees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3078/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 416, 438 and 467 together.

The Safety Features Delegated Regulation (EU 2016/16) provides that from February 2019, most prescription medicines and a very small number of non-prescription medicines will have to carry ‘safety features’ on their outer packaging. These safety features take the form of an anti-tamper device (e.g. foil seal, breakable cap) and a set of unique identifiers embedded in a 2D barcode on the pack.

The Delegated Regulation was finalised and published in 2016. The intervening 3 year transition period allowed time for all concerned parties to prepare well in advance of the legislation coming into full effect on 09 February 2019. Details of the requirements of the Delegated Regulation have been widely communicated to all sectors throughout this 3 year transition period.

The Delegated Regulation is directly applicable across all EU Member States. However, a Statutory Instrument is being prepared to ensure that the Irish legislative system is consistent with the requirements of the new Regulation.

A copy of the draft Instrument was recently circulated as part of a targeted consultation process. The consultation process provides a mechanism for stakeholders and interested parties to express concerns and to make submissions. The Department is considering all points submitted in the consultation, including the query on responsibility raised in this Parliamentary Question, prior to finalising the Statutory Instrument.

Orthodontic Services Provision

Ceisteanna (417)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

417. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of braces for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2677/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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

Organ Donation

Ceisteanna (418)

Paul Murphy

Ceist:

418. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health his plans to include a change in legislation to provide for the presumption of opt-in in relation to organ donation; if same will receive consideration in the upcoming human tissue (transplantation, post-mortem, anatomical examination and public display) Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2679/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The General Scheme of a Human Tissue (Transplantation, Post-Mortem, Anatomical Examination and Public Display) Bill is being finalised at present and will be submitted to Government shortly. 

The General Scheme will include provisions for a soft opt-out system of consent for deceased organ donation and an opt-out register.

If an individual registers their wish to opt-out of organ donation, their next-of-kin will not be approached to discuss organ donation following their death.  If an individual is not on the register, it will be presumed that she/he had no objection to donating their organs.  However, it is proposed that the next-of-kin will always be consulted prior to removing any organ.  If the next-of-kin objects to the organ donation, the donation will not proceed.

Departmental Expenditure

Ceisteanna (419)

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

419. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health if he will publish the airline costs for his Department for 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2694/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In 2018 the Department of Health spent a total of €134,766.99 on 541 flights.

It is the policy of my Department to seek best value for money in terms of flight costs. Those travelling are consistently reminded to make arrangements as early as possible to secure the best available price. All travel is booked at economy/standard class unless there are specific circumstances requiring a different class of travel.

Departmental Expenditure

Ceisteanna (420)

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

420. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health if he will publish the cost of newspapers in his Department in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2711/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The cost of newspapers in 2018 (January to November) was €19,919.94.

This included the following:

- Delivery of hardcopies of newspapers to 9 offices.

- Receipt of a total of 53 titles.

- 18 Irish Times Digital Subscriptions.

- 7 Financial Times Digital Subscriptions. 

Health Services Provision

Ceisteanna (421)

Jackie Cahill

Ceist:

421. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health if therapy in the case of a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2746/19]

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

Mental Health Services Provision

Ceisteanna (422)

Jackie Cahill

Ceist:

422. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health the status of progress in relation to the provision of a Jigsaw project for County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2779/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The HSE recently completed a review of Jigsaw services nationally. This was across a number of headings including Financial, Clinical and Governance, and other matters. A meeting took place earlier this month between the HSE and Jigsaw, to help identify and prioritise future areas of need nationally.

Some of the significant new funding provided by Government for the key mental health care programme this year will be used to enhance Jigsaw services. The Executive is considering in detail decisions around possible new Jigsaw sites over 2019-20, in light of the recently agreed HSE Service.

Plan 2019, and the Jigsaw Evaluation. I will shortly hold further discussions with the Executive on detailed implementation of various aspects of the HSE Service Plan. I fully appreciate, from previous discussions with the Executive, with local representatives, and from visiting Tipperary the case being made in this instance. However, this will have to be considered in light of prioritising service needs overall, in line with resources available. The Deputy can rest assured that I will continue to keep this matter under close review.

Hospital Services

Ceisteanna (423)

Mick Wallace

Ceist:

423. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Health if the already approved capital funding for the construction of a second cath lab at University Hospital Waterford will be affected by the escalating construction costs of the new national children’s hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2781/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I remain committed to the provision of a second cath lab in University Hospital Waterford. It is intended that the cost of progressing the project to design, planning and construction stages will be considered in the context of the HSE’s Capital Plan for 2019, which is currently being finalised.

A National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services is currently underway. The aim of this Review is to achieve optimal patient outcomes at population level with particular emphasis on the safety, quality and sustainability of the services that patients receive by establishing the need for an optimal configuration of a national adult cardiac service. As set out in the National Development Plan 2018-2027, investment in cardiac cath labs and other cardiac services infrastructure nationally will be informed by the outcome of the National Review, which is expected to be complete by June 2019.

National Children's Hospital Expenditure

Ceisteanna (424)

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

424. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the date in August 2018 on which his Department was informed of the cost overruns for the construction of the national children’s hospital; the person or body that informed his Department; the format - that is, phone call, meeting, email and so on - of the communication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2786/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Department of Health was advised on 24 August 2018 of developments in relation to on-going negotiations between the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPDHB) and main contractor  regarding the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) for the completion of the construction of the hospital leading to a potential increase in construction costs. On  27 August 2018 a briefing note was submitted to me advising that there was still work to be done and a process to be concluded to reach a final figure.

Question No. 425 answered with Question No. 299.

Neuro-Rehabilitation Services Provision

Ceisteanna (426)

Seán Fleming

Ceist:

426. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of a community neurorehabilitation team; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2800/19]

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 a service issue, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.

Services for People with Disabilities

Ceisteanna (427)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

427. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health his plans to open an aftercare service for vulnerable profoundly deaf persons that depend on Irish Sign Language as their communication in order that they can be cared for in a signing environment. [2806/19]

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 a service issue, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.

Medical Aids and Appliances Provision

Ceisteanna (428)

Tony McLoughlin

Ceist:

428. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Health when the HSE plans to introduce the dexcom G5 CGM transmitter for patients with type 1 diabetes here; if the HSE has carried out research into the dexcom G6 CGM transmitter and its benefits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2807/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community drug schemes; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

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