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Tuesday, 23 Jul 2019

Written Answers Nos. 1355-1379

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (1355)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

1355. 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. [32653/19]

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.

Hospitals Building Programme

Ceisteanna (1356)

Margaret Murphy O'Mahony

Ceist:

1356. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the status of the upgrade of Clonakilty hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32655/19]

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.

Hospitals Building Programme

Ceisteanna (1357, 1359)

Margaret Murphy O'Mahony

Ceist:

1357. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the status of the upgrade of Skibbereen hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32656/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Margaret Murphy O'Mahony

Ceist:

1359. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the status of the upgrade of Skibbereen hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32658/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1357 and 1359 together.

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.

Hospitals Building Programme

Ceisteanna (1358)

Margaret Murphy O'Mahony

Ceist:

1358. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the status of the upgrade of Dunmanway hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32657/19]

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.

Question No. 1359 answered with Question No. 1357.

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (1360)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

1360. 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. [32659/19]

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.

Medical Products Supply

Ceisteanna (1361)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

1361. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the preparations taken to date by the HSE to develop its own chemotherapy compounding capacity on the island of Ireland to reduce reliance on the United Kingdom for chemotherapy medicines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32660/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Compounded chemotherapy products, or Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapies (SACT), are specific medications produced to meet individual patient requirements. SACT are provided in the 8 designated cancer centres and in 18 other hospitals, ensuring that patients receive their treatment as close to home as possible.

Of the 26 hospitals providing SACT services, 17 have aseptic compounding units and 9 are fully dependent on outsourcing. While this need is partly met by an Irish-based supplier, approximately 15% of compounded SACT is sourced from the United Kingdom at present.

As part of the overall Government response to the planned exit of the United Kingdom from the European Union, my Department and the HSE are working on a comprehensive and co-ordinated set of actions to ensure, as far as is possible, continuity of supply of all medicines post-Brexit, with a clear focus on particularly important medicines such as compounded chemotherapy treatments.

Addiction Treatment Services

Ceisteanna (1362, 1363, 1369)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

1362. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the amount allocated through his Department and or the HSE for the provision of services to persons suffering from gambling addiction in each of the years 2011 to 2018 and to date in 2019; the number of persons availing of such services in each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32662/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

1363. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the number of persons treated for gambling addiction to date in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32663/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

1369. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the number of persons treated for gambling addiction to date in 2019, by age range and gender; the geographical location in which they were treated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32670/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1362, 1363 and 1369 together.

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

Question No. 1364 answered with Question No. 1256.

Addiction Treatment Services

Ceisteanna (1365, 1366)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

1365. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the number of persons treated for steroid use or abuse in each of the years 20011 to 2018 and to date 2019, by gender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32666/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

1366. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the number of persons treated for steroid use or abuse in each of the years 2011 to 2018 and to date 2019, by age range and gender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32667/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1365 and 1366 together.

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

Medical Products Supply

Ceisteanna (1367)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

1367. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the amount of counterfeit medication that has been confiscated in each of the years 2011 to 2018 and to date 2019; the types of counterfeit medication involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32668/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Since 2013, following the transposition of the EU Falsified Medicines Directive (Directive 2011/62/EU), the term ‘counterfeit’ has not been used. Instead, this Directive introduced the term ‘Falsified medicinal product’. This has a meaning of ‘any medicinal product with a false representation of :-

(a) Its identity, including its packaging and labelling, its name or its composition as regards any of the ingredients including excipients and the strength of those ingredients

(b) its history, including the records and documents relating to the distribution channels used, but does not include unintentional quality defects and is without prejudice to infringements of intellectual property rights;”, and

(c) its history, including the records and documents relating to the distribution channels used, but does not include unintentional quality defects and is without prejudice to infringements of intellectual property rights.’

The World Health Organisation, the Council of Europe’s Medicrime Convention and the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Good Legislative Practice Guide on Falsified Medical Products use similar definitions. The term ‘counterfeit’ is now only used in relation to intellectual property rights. In relation to the falsification of medicines, it is public health that is the priority. The HPRA does not have any enforcement powers in respect of any legislation dealing with intellectual property rights.

The following detentions of medicines that have been illegally manufactured, kept for supply or supplied have been made in the period since 2011:

Year

Total Deductions

2019 *Jan to May

208,253  

2018

619,213 

2017

948,915

2016

673,906

2015

1,136,494

2014

730,056

2013

919,965

2012

758,276

2011

762,641

The HPRA categorises medicines that are subject to enforcement actions under their therapeutic category, not on whether they are falsified or unauthorised or otherwise illicit. The HPRA has prosecuted persons in relation to falsified and unauthorised medicines and the illegal supply of authorised medicines. It is not feasible to extract the data requested under the term falsified. It should be noted that the total detentions each year are classed in the HPRA’s Annual Report as falsified and illegal.

Gambling Legislation

Ceisteanna (1368)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

1368. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if he will work with sporting organisations to raise awareness of problem gambling and run an awareness campaign in this regard with same. [32669/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In March 2019, the Government published the Inter-Departmental Working Group Report on Future Licensing and Regulation of Gambling. This report refers to the introduction of a modern licensing approach to all gambling activities, including enhanced protection of consumers and vulnerable individuals. The report also acknowledges the raised public awareness of problem gambling and the harms caused to individuals, families and communities in this regard. It recommended that a social fund should be developed and managed by a new regulatory authority to assist with research, information campaigns and to support addiction treatment.

The Government has approved the establishment of a gambling regulatory authority.  It is intended that the authority will develop and enforce necessary and appropriate licensing and regulatory measures in respect of all gambling activities.  I understand that the Dept of Justice and Equality will draft the necessary heads of legislation.

The Department of Health has no remit in regard to awareness campaigns on problem gambling.

For the Deputy’s information, the Department of Health funds the Health Service Executive for provision of addiction treatment services, including gambling addiction.  The HSE funds a number of voluntary sector providers who treat gambling addiction, along with drug and alcohol addictions. Counselling and rehabilitation services provide care to those with a gambling addiction through one to one counselling, financial advice and onward referral to other services and supports where appropriate, such as Gamblers Anonymous.

Question No. 1369 answered with Question No. 1362.

Hospital Food

Ceisteanna (1370)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

1370. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the amount of food that is wasted or thrown out from public and voluntary hospitals in each of the years 2016 to 2018 and to date in 20119, in tabular form; if the food is given away or donated in order to avoid waste; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32674/19]

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.

Hospitals Building Programme

Ceisteanna (1371)

Margaret Murphy O'Mahony

Ceist:

1371. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the status of the upgrade of Kinsale hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32675/19]

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.

Hospitals Building Programme

Ceisteanna (1372)

Margaret Murphy O'Mahony

Ceist:

1372. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the status of the upgrade of Castletownbere hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32676/19]

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.

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (1373)

Margaret Murphy O'Mahony

Ceist:

1373. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health if the case of a person (details supplied) will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32677/19]

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.

Disability Services Provision

Ceisteanna (1374)

Anne Rabbitte

Ceist:

1374. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health the level of funding provided for disability services by county in each of the years 2014 to 2018 and to date in 2019, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32686/19]

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 Applications

Ceisteanna (1375)

Willie O'Dea

Ceist:

1375. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is a large waiting list for medical aids and appliances in the HSE mid-west area; when funding will be released to alleviate the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32687/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (1376)

John Brassil

Ceist:

1376. Deputy John Brassil 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. [32688/19]

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.

Home Care Packages Provision

Ceisteanna (1377)

Eamon Scanlon

Ceist:

1377. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health his plans to increase the number of home support hours available for older persons in counties Sligo and Leitrim; his plans to deal with the continued increases in persons waiting for homecare support and an increase in their home support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32690/19]

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.

Home Care Packages Data

Ceisteanna (1378)

Eamon Scanlon

Ceist:

1378. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in counties Sligo, Leitrim, Donegal and Roscommon on waiting lists for home support services; the waiting time for same in each county; the number of persons in the counties on waiting lists for an increase in their home support; the waiting time for an approved increase in supports to be in place in each county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32691/19]

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.

Home Help Service Data

Ceisteanna (1379)

Eamon Scanlon

Ceist:

1379. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health the number of persons waiting zero to three, three to six and six to 12 months respectively, for an approved increase in their home help services in counties Sligo, Leitrim, Donegal and Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32692/19]

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.

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