Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:895. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an assessment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35160/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraHospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (895)
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 (896)
Maureen O'Sullivan
Ceist:896. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if the respite needs of a person (details supplied) will be addressed. [35164/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí 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 (897)
Ruth Coppinger
Ceist:897. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health the ages of women having their first BreastCheck appointment; the number of women offered subsequent appointments at two year intervals; the geographical participation levels in BreastCheck; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35166/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
BreastCheck, the National Breast Screening Programme, currently offers routine breast screening to women aged 50 to 67 every two years. The programme is being extended on a phases basis to all eligible women aged 50 to 69 and this extension will be completed by the end of 2021.
The following table (from the latest programme report for BreastCheck 2016-2017), shows the number of women screened by age group for those attending BreastCheck for the first time in 2016.
|
Screening Age |
Number of Women |
|
50-54 |
22,075 |
|
55-59 |
1,238 |
|
60-64 |
616 |
|
65+ |
104 |
The programme report also indicates that over 50% of women were re-invited for subsequent screening within 24 months of invitation at previous round, while 80% were re-invited within 27 months.
As indicated in the following table, uptake rates in all counties surpassed the standard of 70% during the period of the report.
|
Uptake Rate |
Counties |
|
70% to <80% |
Carlow, Clare, Cork, Donegal, Dublin, Galway, Kerry, Kildare, Laois, Leitrim, Limerick, Longford, Mayo, Meath, Offaly, Sligo, Tipperary, Waterford, Westmeath |
|
80% to <90% |
Cavan, Louth, Monaghan, Roscommon, Wexford, Wicklow |
|
90%+ |
Kilkenny |
Meals-on-Wheels Services
Ceisteanna (898)
Seán Fleming
Ceist:898. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the funding available for projects (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35171/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Rehabilitation Training Allowance Payments
Ceisteanna (899)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:899. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if the decision to cut the rehabilitative training allowance will be reviewed with a view to fully reinstating same; the reason for the decision to cut the allowance; if his attention has been drawn to a national petition (details supplied) regarding the allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35179/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
This 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. The 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 payment of the Rehabilitative Training (RT) Bonus came into place on the transition of Rehabilitative/Training Programmes to the HSE following the dissolution of the National Rehabilitation Board in June 2000.
The decision to phase out the Rehabilitative Training (RT) Bonus payment is designed to bring equity and consistency between people with a disability attending HSE funded rehabilitative training programmes who receive the payment, and those attending similar HSE funded Day Services or in other State schemes such as further education and training, who do not.
This action will ensure all HSE funded Day Services are provided on an equitable basis and will also ensure that the use of finite resources is maximised.
The Rehabilitative Training (RT) Bonus Payment is a historical payment, introduced in July 2001, aligned with a similar FÁS Training Bonus. However, during 2011 the FÁS Training Bonus was reduced to €20.00 and then eliminated the following year while to date the RT Bonus Payment has continued to be paid in the Health Sector
It is worth remembering that:
- There is no cut in the number of RT places available
- There is no cut in payment of the bonus - those who have it will continue to receive it for the remainder of their RT Placement
- All participants continue to be eligible for Disability Allowance of €203 per week
- All participants continue to be eligible for a free travel pass
- No expectation of an additional RT bonus payment has been created by HSE for 2019 participants
The redirected funding (€3.7 m over 4 years), which will be ring-fenced, will facilitate 148 full day placements or 370 enhanced day places nationally based on priority need.
Each CHO will have the flexibility to redirect its own savings to address local service requirements. The HSE will put in place a monitoring system and regularly report the additional placements realised to the Department of Health.
Medical Aids and Appliances Applications
Ceisteanna (900)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:900. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of footwear for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35185/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Consultant Contracts
Ceisteanna (901)
Seán Haughey
Ceist:901. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Health his plans to restore pay equality for hospital consultants appointed post-2012; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that health authorities are unable to secure sufficient numbers of senior staff and that many posts are not filled on a permanent basis as a result of this issue; if a process will be put in place to deal with the problem in consultation with an organisation (details supplied) and other relevant bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35187/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Resolving this issue will require engagement with the IMO reflecting the recommendation of the Public Service Pay Commission that the parties to the Public Service Stability Agreement jointly consider what further measures could be taken over time to address this difficulty, beyond the incremental steps introduced generally for new entrants in 2018.
I published the Report of the Independent Review Group established to examine private activity in public hospitals on the 26 August 2019. The Recommendations of the Group have implications for the contracts under which consultants working in the health service would be employed. When the Report was launched, I committed to consulting with key stakeholders and with my colleagues in Government to examine the implications in more detail. Engagement with the consultants representative bodies will arise following on from the decisions of the Government on the Report's recommendations.
While there are significant recruitment and retention challenges, particularly in certain specialties and less attractive locations, the number of consultants employed (whole time equivalents) has continued to increase on an annual basis, typically by over 100 each year.
It is my view a process should be commenced with the various bodies in the near future. However, any solution has to be realistic and affordable.
Rehabilitation Training Allowance Payments
Ceisteanna (902)
Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:902. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if consideration is being given to abolishing the training allowance paid to persons who have a disability and are enrolled in training programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35190/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
This 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. The 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 payment of the Rehabilitative Training (RT) Bonus came into place on the transition of Rehabilitative/Training Programmes to the HSE following the dissolution of the National Rehabilitation Board in June 2000.
The decision to phase out the Rehabilitative Training (RT) Bonus payment is designed to bring equity and consistency between people with a disability attending HSE funded rehabilitative training programmes who receive the payment, and those attending similar HSE funded Day Services or in other State schemes such as further education and training, who do not.
This action will ensure all HSE funded Day Services are provided on an equitable basis and will also ensure that the use of finite resources is maximised.
The Rehabilitative Training (RT) Bonus Payment is a historical payment, introduced in July 2001, aligned with a similar FÁS Training Bonus. However, during 2011 the FÁS Training Bonus was reduced to €20.00 and then eliminated the following year while to date the RT Bonus Payment has continued to be paid in the Health Sector
It is worth remembering that:
- There is no cut in the number of RT places available
- There is no cut in payment of the bonus - those who have it will continue to receive it for the remainder of their RT Placement
- All participants continue to be eligible for Disability Allowance of €203 per week
- All participants continue to be eligible for a free travel pass
- No expectation of an additional RT bonus payment has been created by HSE for 2019 participants
The redirected funding (€3.7 m over 4 years), which will be ring-fenced, will facilitate 148 full day placements or 370 enhanced day places nationally based on priority need.
Each CHO will have the flexibility to redirect its own savings to address local service requirements. The HSE will put in place a monitoring system and regularly report the additional placements realised to the Department of Health.
Eating Disorders
Ceisteanna (903)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:903. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter regarding the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35191/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Rehabilitation Training Allowance Payments
Ceisteanna (904)
Peter Fitzpatrick
Ceist:904. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Health if a reply will issue to correspondence (details supplied). [35192/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
This 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. The 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 payment of the Rehabilitative Training (RT) Bonus came into place on the transition of Rehabilitative/Training Programmes to the HSE following the dissolution of the National Rehabilitation Board in June 2000.
The decision to phase out the Rehabilitative Training (RT) Bonus payment is designed to bring equity and consistency between people with a disability attending HSE funded rehabilitative training programmes who receive the payment, and those attending similar HSE funded Day Services or in other State schemes such as further education and training, who do not.
This action will ensure all HSE funded Day Services are provided on an equitable basis and will also ensure that the use of finite resources is maximised.
The Rehabilitative Training (RT) Bonus Payment is a historical payment, introduced in July 2001, aligned with a similar FÁS Training Bonus. However, during 2011 the FÁS Training Bonus was reduced to €20.00 and then eliminated the following year while to date the RT Bonus Payment has continued to be paid in the Health Sector
It is worth remembering that:
- There is no cut in the number of RT places available
- There is no cut in payment of the bonus - those who have it will continue to receive it for the remainder of their RT Placement
- All participants continue to be eligible for Disability Allowance of €203 per week
- All participants continue to be eligible for a free travel pass
- No expectation of an additional RT bonus payment has been created by HSE for 2019 participants
The redirected funding (€3.7 m over 4 years), which will be ring-fenced, will facilitate 148 full day placements or 370 enhanced day places nationally based on priority need.
Each CHO will have the flexibility to redirect its own savings to address local service requirements. The HSE will put in place a monitoring system and regularly report the additional placements realised to the Department of Health.
Medical Aids and Appliances Provision
Ceisteanna (905)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:905. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the reason a supplier of hair pieces and wigs (details supplied) is not listed on the information pack of approved suppliers which is given to patients at Letterkenny University Hospital who wish to avail of the dedicated scheme of the HSE for wigs and hair pieces and which is available for certain patients experiencing medical hair loss; if this omission is an oversight; if so, when the supplier will be added to the list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35197/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
Newborn Screening Cards
Ceisteanna (906)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:906. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the level of access a company has to Guthrie cards in the archives of Temple Street Hospital; if he has granted the company access and-or view and-or use of Guthrie cards for purposes in each of the years 2016 to 2018 and to date in 2019; if so, the name of the companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35198/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The policy for the National Newborn Bloodspot Screening Programme requires parental consent for the primary use of screening (a baby) for 8 rare conditions. Any secondary use (including research) requires explicit parental consent for that secondary use.
Commercial companies are not given access to Guthrie cards.
Newborn Screening Cards
Ceisteanna (907)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:907. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he has considered the options paper supplied to him by his officials in the context of the newborn screening card archive forum 2016; the policy decision he has taken since 2017 in this regard based on the options paper; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35199/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Following a complaint made to the Data Protection Commissioner in 2009, the State was found to be in breach of both EU and national data protection legislation in relation to the retention of newborn screening cards without consent.
A policy was developed to review and address the legal and ethical requirements arising for the National Newborn Bloodspot Screening Programme. This came into operation in July 2011.
Specifically this policy requires parental consent for the primary use of screening (a baby) for 8 rare conditions. The policy also allows the card to be retained for a specific period of 10 years. Any secondary use (including research) requires explicit parental consent for that secondary use.
A decision in relation to the archive of blood spot screening cards retained without consent (1984-June 2011) is well advanced and I expect this to be finalised in the coming months.
Disability Services Provision
Ceisteanna (908)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:908. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the regulations regarding the administration of medicines by carers assigned by the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35202/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí 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.
Rehabilitation Training Allowance Payments
Ceisteanna (909)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:909. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health his plans to restore the rehabilitative training allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35206/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
This 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. The 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 payment of the Rehabilitative Training (RT) Bonus came into place on the transition of Rehabilitative/Training Programmes to the HSE following the dissolution of the National Rehabilitation Board in June 2000.
The decision to phase out the Rehabilitative Training (RT) Bonus payment is designed to bring equity and consistency between people with a disability attending HSE funded rehabilitative training programmes who receive the payment, and those attending similar HSE funded Day Services or in other State schemes such as further education and training, who do not.
This action will ensure all HSE funded Day Services are provided on an equitable basis and will also ensure that the use of finite resources is maximised.
The Rehabilitative Training (RT) Bonus Payment is a historical payment, introduced in July 2001, aligned with a similar FÁS Training Bonus. However, during 2011 the FÁS Training Bonus was reduced to €20.00 and then eliminated the following year while to date the RT Bonus Payment has continued to be paid in the Health Sector
It is worth remembering that:
- There is no cut in the number of RT places available
- There is no cut in payment of the bonus - those who have it will continue to receive it for the remainder of their RT Placement
- All participants continue to be eligible for Disability Allowance of €203 per week
- All participants continue to be eligible for a free travel pass
No expectation of an additional RT bonus payment has been created by HSE for 2019 participants
The redirected funding (€3.7 m over 4 years), which will be ring-fenced, will facilitate 148 full day placements or 370 enhanced day places nationally based on priority need.
Each CHO will have the flexibility to redirect its own savings to address local service requirements. The HSE will put in place a monitoring system and regularly report the additional placements realised to the Department of Health.
Nursing Staff Recruitment
Ceisteanna (910)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:910. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the reason pre-registration nurses who trained at considerable expense to the State in Galway University Hospital are not automatically being offered positions in the hospital or in the Saolta group in view of the shortage of nurses in the system and the number being hired on contract at this time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35208/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (911)
Barry Cowen
Ceist:911. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) can expect an appointment with the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Dublin. [35209/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí 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.
Question No. 912 answered with Question No. 887.
Autism Support Services
Ceisteanna (913)
James Browne
Ceist:913. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the decision to move a person (details supplied) to a centre further away from the person's locality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35300/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí 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.
Question No. 914 answered with Question No. 894.
Medicinal Products Reimbursement
Ceisteanna (915, 932)
Jackie Cahill
Ceist:915. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health the reason Duodopa which is very beneficial to Parkinson's sufferers was recently withdrawn by the HSE; if he will engage with a charity (details supplied) on the matter and review the decision made by the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35302/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraJan O'Sullivan
Ceist:932. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health his plans to ensure that patients who have Parkinson’s disease can continue to receive a medication (details supplied) which is no longer available to them despite having been provided to those who have an advanced stage of the condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35373/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 915 and 932 together.
Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the pricing and reimbursement of the community drug schemes; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Orthodontic Services Provision
Ceisteanna (916)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:916. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of orthodontic treatment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35309/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
Orthodontic Services Provision
Ceisteanna (917)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:917. 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. [35311/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
Orthodontic Services Provision
Ceisteanna (918)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:918. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of orthodontic treatment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35312/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
Orthodontic Services Provision
Ceisteanna (919)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:919. 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. [35313/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.