Written Answers Nos. 1055-1079
1055. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Health the reason the gratuity due to certain home help workers in lieu of pension payments in line with recommendations of the Labour Court has not issued to date. [31781/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra1123. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Health when the gratuity payment due to certain home help workers will be made in lieu of pension payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31780/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1055 and 1123 together.
The Deputy is referring to Home Help workers who are employed by voluntary providers of home help services which are funded under section 39 of the Health Act 2004.
I advised the Deputy previously that as these home help workers are not employed by the HSE, the HSE and the Department have no role in determining the salaries or other terms and conditions applying to these staff including any pension arrangements.
In addition, the Deputy is aware that a joint working group was established, as agreed as part of the 2015 Lansdowne Road talks, to consider a number of issues in relation to section 39 organisations. Unfortunately it was not possible to reach an agreement between the parties on the issue of gratuity payments.
1056. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health the reason the rehabilitative training allowance is being cut; if this reflects the aims set out in the Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities 2015-2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32002/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE’s New Directions policy seeks to reconfigure and personalise HSE funded adult day services to offer a flexible and individualised set of supports to enable each person to live a life of their choosing in accordance with their own wishes and needs.
Rehabilitative Training (RT) Programmes are designed to equip participants with basic personal, social and work-related skills. Approximately 2,300 people attend RT programmes, with 400 new attendees due to start this coming September. Payable in addition to Disability Allowance, the RT Bonus payment is currently payable at a rate of €31.80 per week to attendees of these RT Programmes, who can attend for a period of up to 4 years. The RT Bonus was introduced in 2001, aligned with a similar FÁS Training Bonus. This FÁS Training Bonus later became the Solas Vocational Training Programme payment, which was reduced in 2011 and discontinued in 2012.
Over the next four years, from September 2019, the RT Bonus will not apply to new attendees while this measure will have no impact on current participants as their payments will continue until they complete their 4 year programme. Importantly, the phasing out of the RT Bonus will mean that HSE Community Healthcare Organisations will have some funding to reallocate towards increasing the number of days per week available to those who did not receive a full service during the recession, or who are on a waiting list for a day service.
The phasing out of this Bonus payment by the HSE will ensure more people have access to a day service on an equitable basis, consistency in treatment of all day service users and maximise the use of finite resources.
1057. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Health when an early intervention assessment will be carried out in respect of a child (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32003/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
1058. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if €18 million in funding will be allocated to an organisation (details supplied) in budget 2020 towards community supports and home care for persons with dementia. [32099/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe aim of the National Dementia Strategy, which was published in December 2014 and is being implemented by the National Dementia Office, is to improve care, services and supports for people with dementia.
The HSE currently provides approximately €9 million per annum for intensive home care packages, including €7.9 million for dementia-specific packages. Since the packages were introduced at the end of 2014, 443 dementia-specific intensive homecare packages have been delivered, with 201 active at the end of March 2019.
A total of €426 million has been allocated for home support services in 2019, which also benefit people with dementia. It is expected that over 17.9 million home support hours will be delivered to over 53,000 people this year.
The HSE provides in the region of €12 million in funding to a range of organisations who deliver dementia-specific respite, home care, day care, cognitive stimulation therapy, social clubs and supports for family carers around the country.
In addition, the HSE provides €400,000 per annum in support for the Dementia Adviser Service which spans 12 counties and is operated by the Alzheimer Society of Ireland. This funding supports 7 of the 9 dementia adviser posts.
The level of funding available for the Department of Health in 2020 and the quantum of services to be provided by the HSE, including for community supports and homecare for people with dementia, will be considered as part of the national Estimates and budgetary process and National Service Planning.
1059. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of implementing the national cancer strategy in its entirety. [32100/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraImplementation of the National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026 will require in the region of €840m additional revenue funds over the 10 year period. The extra funding will be required on an incremental basis.
The allocation of funds will be considered as part of the annual estimates process.
1060. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health the status of an assessment by the network disability team in south County Kildare for a child (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32348/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
1061. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the progress made towards the introduction of a transport support scheme as committed to in A Programme for a Partnership Government; the estimated cost of introducing a transport support scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33274/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be familiar with the background to the closure of both the Mobility Allowance and Motorised Transport Grant schemes in 2013.
With regard to the proposals for a new Health (Transport Support) Bill, the Deputy may be aware that my colleague, the Minister for Health and I, brought a Memorandum to Government on proposals for a new Transport Support Payment Scheme. Following consideration of the matter, it was decided to withdraw the Memorandum from the Cabinet Agenda at that time. I intend to revert to Government in due course with revised proposals to reflect the discussions at that Cabinet meeting and further discussions between myself and Minister Harris, on the best way to progress the Transport Scheme.
As to the Deputy's question regarding projected costs of a new Transport Support scheme, the clear instruction from Government is that eligibility criteria for a new scheme must focus on those with the greatest need who have the least resources available to them. In order to make the eligibility criteria for the scheme very broad, opening up newer categories of eligibility, the effects of which are difficult to estimate, would carry major budgetary implications. Competing demands within the disability budget and elsewhere must be considered.
As of January this year, 3,790 persons who were in receipt of the Mobility Allowance at the time that the scheme closed, have continued to receive the monthly payment in line with the Government decision. I can assure the Deputy of our efforts to find a solution which is fair, financially affordable and legally sound.
It is important to note that the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers scheme, operated by the Revenue Commissioners, remains in place. This scheme provides VRT and VAT relief, an exemption from road tax and a fuel grant to drivers and passengers with a disability, who qualify under the relevant criteria set out in governing regulations made by the Minister for Finance. Specifically adapted vehicles driven by persons with a disability are also exempt from payment of tolls on national roads and toll bridges. Transport Infrastructure Ireland has responsibility for this particular scheme.
There are improvements in access to a range of transport support schemes available to persons with disabilities in the State and on-going work is being carried out by Government Departments, agencies and transport providers to further improve access to public transport services. Under the National Disability Inclusion Strategy, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has responsibility for the continued development of accessibility and availability of public transport for people with a disability.
The Deputy may wish to note that my colleague the Minister for Rural and Community Development recently announced CLÁR funding of €890,632 to 20 voluntary community organisations. This funding will support the purchase and/or fit out of vehicles to provide transport for people in rural areas with mobility issues. It will support voluntary organisations that provide:-
- transport for people with significant mobility issues, including those requiring specialised wheelchair accessible vehicles, to day-care or other medical, therapeutic or respite services; or
- transport to/from designated cancer treatment hospitals/centres under the National Cancer Care Programme.
1062. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health when the new hospice building at University Hospital Waterford will open; the number of public beds that will be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31471/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly as soon as possible.
1063. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health if he is satisfied with the amount providers charge for respite per night (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31473/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1064. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Health the primary legislation enacted since May 2016; and if the legislation in each case placed additional regulatory burdens on small and medium enterprises. [31484/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested is currently being compiled by my Department and will be provided to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1065. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Health the secondary legislation enacted since 1 January 2018; and if the legislation in each case placed additional regulatory burdens on small and medium enterprises. [31492/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested is currently being compiled by my Department and will be provided to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1066. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health if he has given consideration to the benefits of merging organisations (details supplied) into one overarching medical professions regulator. [31510/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are no plans to merge the five regulators into one overarching medical professions regulator. The five regulators of medical professionals carry out a range of functions including setting educational standards for the respective professions, issuing codes of conduct and ethics, registration of professionals and investigation of complaints including in relation to fitness to practise. The Regulated Professions (Health and Social Care) (Amendment) Bill 2019, which is expected to progress to Committee Stage in early October, aims to harmonise certain practices across the regulators. The Bill includes important measures to increase efficiency and streamline processes, particularly in relation to registration and fitness to practise.
1067. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health his plans to address waiting times for disability services for children in south County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31514/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
1068. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health the number of general practitioners practising throughout County Kildare; the extent to which each practice is sufficiently supported to meet growing demands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31515/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question relates to a service matter, I have arranged for it to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1069. Deputy Frank O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health if speech and language therapy services provided by the HSE at the Maynooth clinic will be retained; if not, if the service will be transferred to the Celbridge clinic once the refurbishment is complete; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31538/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.
1070. Deputy Frank O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the timeline and anticipated opening date of the refurbished Celbridge clinic. [31539/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
1071. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) has to reapply for home help that the person had prior to going into hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31540/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1072. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 623 of 8 May 2019, if Children’s Health Ireland facilities are the only facilities in the public health system which allow an organisation (details supplied) to collect data samples from patients attending clinics in order to build a database of genetic information; his views on whether the reason given in the reply is allowable under section 6(2)(e) of the Children's Health Act 2018 is an acceptable reason; if the practice was ongoing prior 20 November 2018 when the Act was signed into law; and if the practice has occurred in adult health facilities not covered by the Act. [31542/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, the Deputy's question has been referred to the Health Service Executive for response.
1073. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the reason for the two week waiting list for children and adults attending Cavan General Hospital and Monaghan medical assessment unit to be seen in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda for casts. [31545/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly as soon as possible.
1074. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be seen by a plastic surgeon in St. James's Hospital. [31546/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder 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.
1075. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health when funding will be provided to HSE community healthcare west to allow it provide respite to a person (details supplied). [31548/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
1076. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an appointment for hip surgery. [31554/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder 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.
1077. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the number of children waiting to receive an appointment for the child and adolescent mental health service by CHO area; the number waiting between zero to three, three to six, six to nine, nine to 12, 12 to 15 and greater than 15 months, respectively, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31571/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1078. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the vacant posts within CAMHS by CHO area; the post title in each case; the date on which the post first became vacant in the case of existing roles for which a successor is being sought in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31572/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1079. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the level of staffing operating within CAMHS by CHO area in tabular form; the staffing levels for each CHO area as recommended under A Vision for Change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31573/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
