Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Tuesday, 9 Jul 2019

Written Answers Nos. 328-354

Services for People with Disabilities

Ceisteanna (328)

Tony McLoughlin

Ceist:

328. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Health if the decision not to grant funding to a school (details supplied) will be reconsidered in view of the importance of such equipment to a number of pupils at the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29180/19]

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.

Medical Aids and Appliances Provision

Ceisteanna (329)

Seán Barrett

Ceist:

329. Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to a report submitted by an organisation (details supplied) with survey findings and views of persons currently self-funding flash glucose monitoring technology when considering lifting the age restriction to make the FreeStyle Libre device available to all sufferers of type 1 diabetes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29073/19]

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.

Medicinal Products Expenditure

Ceisteanna (330)

John Brassil

Ceist:

330. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health the level of drug expenditure in the health budget in each of the years 2015 to 2018 and to date in 2019; and the percentage of the health budget spent on drugs in each of the years in tabular form. [29076/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Health Service Executive has responsibility for medicines expenditure, thus the matter has been referred to the HSE for their attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Medicinal Products Expenditure

Ceisteanna (331)

John Brassil

Ceist:

331. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health the level of hi-tech and orphan drugs expenditure in each of the years 2015 to 2018 and to date in 2019; and the percentage of the drugs budget spent on such drugs in each of the years in tabular form. [29077/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Health Service Executive has responsibility for medicines expenditure, thus the matter has been referred to the HSE for their attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Medicinal Products Expenditure

Ceisteanna (332)

John Brassil

Ceist:

332. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health the way in which the expenditure here on hi-tech and orphan drugs in each of the years 2015 to 2018 and to date in 2019 compares to the EU average on a per capita basis and in terms of a proportion of both health spending and drugs expenditure respectively in tabular form. [29078/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Health Service Executive has responsibility for medicines expenditure, thus the matter has been referred to the HSE for their attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Medicinal Products Data

Ceisteanna (333)

John Brassil

Ceist:

333. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health the medicines that have been approved as cost effective by the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics over each of the past five years but that have yet to be reimbursed by the HSE, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29079/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drug schemes, in accordance with the provisions of the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (334)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

334. 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. [29080/19]

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.

Tobacco Control Measures

Ceisteanna (335)

Mary Butler

Ceist:

335. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health the number of initial tobacco sales to minors test purchase inspections carried out at the end of June 2019 or the latest date available. [29082/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this matter is an operational issue I have sent the question to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.

Tobacco Control Measures

Ceisteanna (336)

Mary Butler

Ceist:

336. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health the number of test purchases carried out under the Public Health (Sunbeds) Act 2014 at the end of June 2019 or the latest date available. [29083/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

This is a matter for the HSE so I have referred the question to the HSE for attention and direct reply.

Sunbeds Regulation

Ceisteanna (337)

Mary Butler

Ceist:

337. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health the number of mystery shopper inspections carried out under the Public Health (Sunbeds) Act 2014 at the end of June 2019 or the latest date available. [29084/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

This is a matter for the HSE so I have referred the question to the HSE for attention and direct reply.

Sunbeds Regulation

Ceisteanna (338)

Mary Butler

Ceist:

338. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health the number of establishments receiving a planned inspection under the Public Health (Sunbeds) Act 2014 at the end of June 2019 or the latest date available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29085/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

This is a matter for the HSE so I have referred the question to the HSE for attention and direct reply.

Food Safety Standards Inspections

Ceisteanna (339)

Mary Butler

Ceist:

339. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health the number of official food control planned inspections and surveillance of food businesses at the end of June 2019 or the latest date available. [29086/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Official control inspections in food businesses are carried out by a range of State bodies (‘official agencies’) under service contracts with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI). Therefore, I have asked the FSAI to respond directly to the Deputy in this matter.

Tobacco Control Measures

Ceisteanna (340)

Mary Butler

Ceist:

340. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health the number of inspections of e-cigarette and refill container manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers under SI No. 271 of 2016 - European Union (Manufacture, Presentation and Sale of Tobacco and Related Products) Regulations 2016 at the end of June 2019 or the latest date available. [29087/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Electronic Cigarettes and related products are regulated by the European Union (Manufacture, Presentation and Sale of Tobacco and Related Products) Regulations 2016.  The Regulations provide that e-cigarette manufacturers must notify the Health Service Executive (HSE) of all products that are placed on the market.  The HSE is responsible for the enforcement of the provisions relating to e-cigarettes and for ensuring compliance with the Regulations.

I have therefore, referred your question to the HSE for direct reply.

Diabetes Strategy

Ceisteanna (341)

Mary Butler

Ceist:

341. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who completed a structured patient education programme for diabetes at the end of June 2019 or the latest date available. [29088/19]

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.

Maternity Services

Ceisteanna (342)

Mary Butler

Ceist:

342. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health the percentage of babies breastfed exclusively and not exclusively at the first public health nurse visit at the end of June 2019 or the latest date available. [29089/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the question relates to service matters it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

Maternity Services

Ceisteanna (343, 344, 345)

Mary Butler

Ceist:

343. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health the percentage of babies breastfed exclusively at first public health nurse visit at the end of June 2019 or the latest date available. [29090/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Mary Butler

Ceist:

344. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health the percentage of babies breastfed exclusively and not exclusively at the three-month public health nurse visit at the end of June 2019 or the latest date available. [29091/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Mary Butler

Ceist:

345. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health the percentage of babies breastfed exclusively at the three-month public health nurse visit at the end of June 2019 or the latest date available. [29092/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 343 to 345, inclusive, together.

As these as service matters I have referred the Deputy's questions to the HSE for direct reply.

Home Care Packages Data

Ceisteanna (346, 347)

Mary Butler

Ceist:

346. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in receipt of an intensive homecare package; and the percentage of same with a key worker assigned. [29093/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Mary Butler

Ceist:

347. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health the number of home support hours provided from intensive homecare packages to date in 2019. [29094/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 346 and 347 together.

As these are service matters I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (348)

Timmy Dooley

Ceist:

348. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will receive an appointment to see a consultant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29096/19]

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.

Respite Care Services Provision

Ceisteanna (349)

Pat Deering

Ceist:

349. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Health if additional respite nights will be provided for a person (details supplied). [29098/19]

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.

HSE Staff Remuneration

Ceisteanna (350)

Joan Collins

Ceist:

350. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health the cost of the new payroll system in the HSE; the number of workers now paid through the system; the reason the system cannot process bank holiday and Sunday payments, overtime premium pay and subsistence; and if this issue affects all grades on the system. [29100/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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

Medical Aids and Appliances Provision

Ceisteanna (351)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

351. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health his plans to make the FreeStyle Libre device available to all patients with type 1 diabetes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29123/19]

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.

Home Help Service Provision

Ceisteanna (352)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

352. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if home help services will be provided for a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [29125/19]

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.

Hospitals Building Programme

Ceisteanna (353)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

353. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health the status of plans regarding a community hospital (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29131/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí 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.

Services for People with Disabilities

Ceisteanna (354)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

354. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the outcome of a meeting in relation to the care of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29151/19]

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.

Barr
Roinn