Written Answers Nos. 415-439
415. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health if the State has invested either in capital or current funding in a clinic (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43507/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has not provided any direct funding to the clinic in question. The Deputy will be aware that funding for public health services is generally channelled through the HSE. As such, this query has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply.
416. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) is waiting so long for a cataract operation at the Mater hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43511/19]
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.
417. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an appointment will be expedited for a person (details supplied). [43514/19]
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.
418. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health if the €1.5 million funding required for core funding and rehabilitation services provided by an organisation (details supplied) will be allocated. [43515/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for a Partnership Government includes a commitment to publish a plan for advancing neuro-rehabilitation services in the community.
The Health Service Executive recently published its implementation framework in respect of the recommendations of the National Policy and Strategy for the provision of Neuro-Rehabilitation Services in Ireland 2011-2015. This was the culmination of the work of the National Steering Group established in 2017, which included representation from stakeholder groups including the Neurological Alliance of Ireland.
The focus of the Neuro-Rehabilitation Strategy is on achieving best outcomes for people, by providing safe, high quality, person-centred care at the lowest appropriate level of complexity. This must be integrated across the care pathway and provided as close to home as possible or in specialist centres, where necessary.
The framework will guide the reconfiguration and development of neuro-rehabilitation structures and services at national and local level, through a 10-step Framework. It proposes the formation of Managed Clinical Rehabilitation Networks (MCRNs), with the set-up of one demonstration MCRN suggested as the first step. The ultimate goal of this approach is to put in place a national framework of acute, inpatient and specialist community services.
The Managed Clinical Rehabilitation Network (MCRN) model acknowledges that different service users need different input and different levels of expertise and specialisation at different stages in their rehabilitation journey. The critical point of this model is that, although service users may need to access different services as they progress, the transition between services should be facilitated by appropriate communication and sharing of information between services so that they progress in a seamless continuum of care through the different stages:
- Acute hospital;
- Complex specialist rehabilitation services;
- Post-acute specialist inpatient rehabilitation services;
- Community based specialist rehabilitation services;
- Primary care; and
- Voluntary organisations.
This National Implementation Framework is evidence-based and informed by population needs. It addresses the continuum of care for those in need of neurological rehabilitation services. It describes the requirement for a whole system approach and provides the blueprint for how we should deliver care and services for those who suffer from neurological conditions who require individualised, goal focused rehabilitation
The implementation framework covers an initial period from 2019 into 2021. However, it is recognised that continued investment in and development of neuro-rehabilitation services will need to be prioritised beyond the three-year implementation period of this Implementation Framework.
As the Deputy's question is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy.
419. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health if €5 million will be invested to fund the start-up, staffing, programme and infrastructural development for a regional rehabilitation centre for an organisation (details supplied). [43516/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for a Partnership Government includes a commitment to publish a plan for advancing neuro-rehabilitation services in the community.
The Health Service Executive published its implementation framework in respect of the recommendations of the National Policy and Strategy for the provision of Neuro-Rehabilitation Services in Ireland 2011-2015, earlier this year. This was the culmination of the work of the National Steering Group established in 2017, which included representation from stakeholder groups including the Neurological Alliance of Ireland.
The focus of the Neuro-Rehabilitation Strategy is on achieving best outcomes for people, by providing safe, high quality, person-centred care at the lowest appropriate level of complexity. This must be integrated across the care pathway and provided as close to home as possible or in specialist centres, where necessary.
The framework will guide the reconfiguration and development of neuro-rehabilitation structures and services at national and local level, through a 10-step Framework. It proposes the formation of Managed Clinical Rehabilitation Networks (MCRNs), with the set-up of one demonstration MCRN suggested as the first step. The ultimate goal of this approach is to put in place a national framework of acute, inpatient and specialist community services.
The Managed Clinical Rehabilitation Network (MCRN) model acknowledges that different service users need different input and different levels of expertise and specialisation at different stages in their rehabilitation journey. The critical point of this model is that, although service users may need to access different services as they progress, the transition between services should be facilitated by appropriate communication and sharing of information between services so that they progress in a seamless continuum of care through the different stages:
- Acute hospital;
- Complex specialist rehabilitation services;
- Post-acute specialist inpatient rehabilitation services;
- Community based specialist rehabilitation services;
- Primary care; and
- Voluntary organisations.
This National Implementation Framework is evidence-based and informed by population needs. It addresses the continuum of care for those in need of neurological rehabilitation services. It describes the requirement for a whole system approach and provides the blueprint for how we should deliver care and services for those who suffer from neurological conditions who require individualised, goal focused rehabilitation
The implementation framework covers an initial period from 2019 into 2021. However, it is recognised that continued investment in and development of neuro-rehabilitation services will need to be prioritised beyond the three-year implementation period of this Implementation Framework.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond directly, to the Deputy's question.
420. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will have a hip replacement surgery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43525/19]
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.
421. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health the position regarding capital spending for a centre (details supplied); if part of a site has been allocated for a proposed new build for the centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43529/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
422. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health the manner in which prize bonds are treated in the means test of capital in the context of the over-70s medical card; if an actual or notional return is used; if a notional rate of return is used, the rate in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43551/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
423. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health if Cork University Hospital has the most up-to-date radiotherapy equipment in place; if there are plans to invest further in modern radiotherapy equipment at the hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43563/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly as soon as possible.
424. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health when the changes for farmers are coming into effect in regard to the fair deal scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43565/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe proposed policy change to the Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS), to cap contributions based on farm and business assets at 3 years where a family successor commits to working the productive asset, has been approved by Government. The Department developed draft Heads of Bill while considering a number of complex ancillary policy and operational matters which may need to be addressed in the proposed legislation.
The General Scheme of Bill for the NHSS was approved by Government on the 11th June 2019 and subsequently published. The changes to the Scheme will come into effect as soon as the legislative process is successfully complete. The Department will progress this as quickly as possible, however, the timeline for completion of the legislation will also depend on how it passes through the Houses. The General Scheme has been sent to the relevant Joint Committee and the Department looks forward to participating in pre-legislative scrutiny in November.
It is intended that this proposed policy change, the 3 year cap, will be extended to eligible existing participants in long term residential care so that they are not disadvantaged, but that there would be no retrospective recoupment of contributions for those who have paid contributions over and above the 3 year period.
425. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an ENT appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43566/19]
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.
426. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health if he and his officials have discussed the option of removing the definition to vaping on the HSE website in view of the fact that it may be encouraging persons to take it up (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43569/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe definition of vaping on the website of the Health Service Executive is factual and correct. The website page which contains this definition relates to quitting cigarettes and states the following underneath the definition:
E-cigarettes are still fairly new, so we don't yet know how safe they are or if they help people stop smoking. Because of this, we don't recommend e-cigarettes to help you quit smoking.
I will very shortly bring a Memorandum to the Government to seek permission to draft law on tobacco control measures including specific measures on e-cigarettes. These specific measures are: to introduce a licensing system for the sale of tobacco products and nicotine inhaling products such as e-cigarettes, to prohibit the sale of tobacco products and nicotine inhaling products by those under 18 years and, most importantly,to prohibit the sale of nicotine inhaling products to persons under 18 years.
I would welcome the Deputy's support for these and the other proposed and very important tobacco control measures which I intend to bring forward.
427. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the reason for the long delay in providing a bone flap and further medical and or surgical treatments and interventions in the case of a person (details supplied); if it is planned to transfer them from St. Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny, to Beaumont Hospital or for rehabilitation to Dún Laoghaire Hospital; if a long-term care plan will be expedited for them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43576/19]
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.
428. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the action he is taking to respond to the staffing and financial crisis being experienced by a project (details supplied); the actions taken to date arising from the transition plan submitted in 2018 from the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43578/19]
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.
429. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health further to a previous parliamentary question, the long-term care plan for a person (details supplied); the action the HSE has taken to date to resolve the issues and difficulties faced by them on a daily basis; if the HSE will carry out an audit of their needs in view of the fact that the ten minutes allocated in the morning making up a total of one hour is not sufficient; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43579/19]
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.
430. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health the timeline in which he will commence discussions with an organisation (details supplied) regarding a new contract to replace the previous community pharmacy contractor's agreement which dates back to 1996; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43591/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra431. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health his plans to deliver on recommendations contained in the 2008 Dorgan report which recommends tiered fees index-linked to the present day and into the future be paid to community pharmacists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43592/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 430 and 431 together.
I value the role pharmacists play in the Irish health service. As you are aware, the Programme for a Partnership Government and the Sláintecare implementation strategy contain commitments to expanding the role of community pharmacy in managing patient health in the community.
Work has been done in recent years on wider healthcare roles for pharmacies, including the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland’s Future Pharmacy report, on the expansion of professional pharmacy practice. It is clear from this and other work that there is potential to increase the range of both private and publicly funded health services delivered through community pharmacy. Important new services, such as influenza vaccination and emergency contraception, have already been introduced.
To be funded by the taxpayer, new public health services in community pharmacy, as elsewhere, should improve health outcomes and provide value for money and benefits for patients. Any new or transferred services should be based on sound evidence, with matching improvements in governance and administration.
I recently met with the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) when these and other issues were discussed. My officials will be engaging with the IPU on new fee regulations before the end of the year and the intention is to broaden the discussions to contractual and service arrangements during 2020.
432. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health his genomics strategy for Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43593/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland currently does not have a genomic strategy. The Department is aware of the significant opportunities and benefits afforded by genetic and genomic research. The key objective for the Department is to ensure that Ireland develops a comprehensive national policy or strategy which ensures that we respond to these opportunities and also overcome the not insignificant challenges of implementing a genomic medicine programme in a health service delivery context. The ultimate goal is for genomic medicine to benefit individuals, the healthcare system and society.
433. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to increase access rates and referral rates for genetic services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43594/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2016 , Professor Owen Smith authored the ‘Report of the National Genetic and Genomic Medicine Network Strategy Group’. On foot of the recommendations outlined in this report, in 2018 the HSE received new service development funding to begin the process of establishing a National Genetics and Genomics Medicine Network. The aim of this Network, once established, is that it would build the effective governance arrangements that recognises the interdependence between corporate, financial and clinical governance across the service and integrate them to deliver high quality, safe and reliable healthcare. Discussions are at an advanced stage to initiate the recruitment of a National Director of this Network.
A HSE Genetics and Genomics Programme is planned that will ensure the sustainable development of clinical and laboratory genetics and genomics services in Ireland.
Currently, the demand for genetic assessment and testing is growing rapidly, due primarily to an increased awareness among the public and among health care professionals.
434. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the number of children or adolescents with mental health problems who have been accommodated by the HSE in nursing homes; and the reason for this practice. [43595/19]
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.
435. Deputy Frank O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the status of the refurbishment of the dental clinic at Celbridge health centre; if the project tender process has been completed and works commenced; if the funding has been approved; the timeline for completion of the refurbished dental clinic and anticipated opening date for the provision of dental services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43610/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects and has advised that the progression of this project to tender stage is being considered for inclusion in the Capital Plan for 2020.
The Health Service Executive will develop a Capital Plan for 2020 having regard to the available funding, the number of large national capital projects currently underway, and the cashflow requirements and priorities attaching to each project. All projects are considered as part of this process. Projects that are currently in construction and are contractually committed will not be affected. Once the HSE has finalised its Capital Plan for 2020, it will then be submitted to me for consideration.
It is important to recognise that all capital development proposals must progress through a number of approval stages, in line with the Public Spending Code, including detailed appraisal, planning, design and procurement, before a firm timeline or funding requirement can be established.
The delivery of capital projects is a dynamic process and is subject to the successful completion of the various approval stages, which can impact on the timeline for delivery of the project and the reopening of the clinic.
436. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an appointment for a hip replacement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43624/19]
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.
437. Deputy Frank O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the status of the provision of psychology services at primary care centres in north County Kildare; if there are vacant psychologist posts at such centres; the waiting lists for patients awaiting primary care psychology services in north County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43626/19]
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.
438. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the amount paid to section 39 health organisations in each of the years 2004 to 2018 and to date in 2019; the number of such organisations that received funding in each year in tabular form; if a list of such organisations and the amount received in each of the years 2016 to 2018 and to date in 2019 will be provided in a separate table; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43646/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a matter for the Health Service Executive, I have asked them to respond to you directly.
439. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason the decision (details supplied) referred to of the Labour Court arising from an appeal of an adjudication officer of the Workplace Relations Commission has not been implemented within 42 days from the date on which the notice was given to the parties in writing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42999/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is currently considering the outcome of a Labour Court ruling that the person concerned should qualify for payment of an allowance on a full-time basis. As this is an ongoing industrial relations matter, it would be inappropriate for me to comment prior to its conclusion.
As soon as my Department has completed its consideration of the matter, a response will issue to Teagasc who will then be in touch with the person concerned.
