Barry Cowen
Ceist:133. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the estimated full year cost of increasing the threshold for the over 70s medical card announced in budget 2020. [43665/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMedical Card Expenditure
Ceisteanna (133)
Freagraí scríofa
As announced in Budget 2020, medical card gross income limits for those over 70 will be increased to €550 per week for a single person aged over 70 (currently €500 per week) and to €1050 for a couple aged over 70 (currently €900 per week).
It is estimated that up to 56,000 persons aged over 70 may be eligible to benefit from the increased medical card income limits which will apply from July 2020.
The cost of this measure will be dependent on a number of factors, including the number of additional applications made to the HSE, the timescale within which these are made and the number of applicants who are deemed eligible. Funding in respect of the measure has been provided for within the Budget 2020 package of family friendly measures, which amounts to €45m in total.
Vaccination Programme
Ceisteanna (134)
Eugene Murphy
Ceist:134. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Health if there is a black triangle status on the 'flu vaccine for this season quadrivalent influenza vaccine split virion inactivated by a company (details supplied) and the HPV vaccine Gardasil 9 by another company; if so, the procedures put in place to advise healthcare professionals and members of the public of the black triangle status; the procedures in place for additional monitoring of the products; the procedures in place for the reporting of all adverse reactions to the vaccines, both serious and non-serious to the Health Products Regulatory Authority, HPRA, to allow quick identification of new safety information; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43675/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Both Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine (split virion, inactivated) and Gardasil 9 are subject to additional monitoring requirements as they are biological medicines. Medicines subject to additional monitoring requirements carry a black symbol (inverted black triangle) on their product information (Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) and Package Leaflet (PL)). The purpose of this symbol is to actively encourage patients and healthcare professionals to report any suspected adverse reactions observed with their use, as well as letting healthcare professionals and patients know that these medicines are being closely monitored by European regulatory authorities. The inclusion of the black symbol on product information does not mean that the product is unsafe but rather that, for example, the medicine contains an active substance that is new to the market, or that the medicine is a biological medicine. All newly authorised biological medicines, including vaccines, are subject to additional monitoring requirements, usually for the first five years following authorisation.
In addition to the identification of these medicines via the black symbol, the product information also includes text indicating the status of the medicine and a request for reporting of any suspected adverse reactions observed with use. Following the introduction of the concept of additional monitoring as part of legislative updates across the EU in 2012, the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) highlighted these updates in a special edition of its Drug Safety Newsletter (DSN) primarily intended for healthcare professionals and in a document describing the updates for patients and consumers, both of which were published on its website, following distribution. Reminders about additional monitoring have been issued in the DSN on a number of occasions since then, most recently in December 2018 (91st edition).
Ongoing monitoring of the safety of medicines, including those which are subject to additional monitoring is carried out in a number of ways. This includes review and evaluation of suspected adverse reaction reports, published literature, epidemiological studies and any additional clinical trial/study results. As part of this process, EU regulators continuously monitor safety, and routine ongoing pharmacovigilance activities are in place to review any new safety signals, should they arise from the EudraVigilance database of adverse reactions, published literature, or from any other source of information. In addition, Periodic Safety Update Reports (PSURs) are reports providing regular evaluation of the benefit-risk balance of a medicinal product following authorisation, which marketing authorisation holders submit at regular intervals to the competent medicine’s regulatory authority in the EU as long as a medicine is available on the market.
As part of the system for monitoring the safety of medicines, the HPRA operates a spontaneous reporting system by which patients/consumers and healthcare professionals can report any suspected adverse reactions (serious/non-serious) through various reporting options, including an on-line option accessible via the HPRA website, downloadable and post-paid report cards, or by telephone. All reports of suspected adverse reactions received by the HPRA, including those subject to additional monitoring requirements are routinely transmitted to the EMA’s EudraVigilance database, referred to above, within defined timelines for inclusion in ongoing monitoring activities, at EU level.
Special Educational Needs Service Provision
Ceisteanna (135)
Joan Burton
Ceist:135. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health his plans to provide a proposed school (details supplied) in Dublin 15 with full-time speech and language and occupational therapists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43678/19]
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.
Medicinal Products Supply
Ceisteanna (136)
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:136. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health when a medication (details supplied) will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43679/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The HSE is the decision-making body on the reimbursement of medicines under the Health
(Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.
On 11 June 2019, the HSE Leadership Team approved access to the drug Nusinersen (Spinraza) for children with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type I, II or III on an exceptional and individualised basis.
The HSE decision process in relation to Nusinersen involved a full Health Technology Assessment followed by detailed consideration by the HSE expert groups on new drug therapies, including the HSE Drugs Group and the Rare Diseases Technology Review Committee. Evidence of the clinical effectiveness of this new drug therapy was also reviewed.
After a thorough review of all the data it was decided to approve access for children with genetically confirmed SMA Type I, II or III, in accordance with the controlled access criteria recommended by the Rare Diseases Technology Review Committee. The actual patient assessment and approval process is the means for determining access, on an individual case-by-case basis, to this complex treatment.
The HSE has indicated that since July, 11 children have been approved for Spinraza treatment in Temple Street Hospital. Application for approval is based on clearly defined criteria and clinical guidelines being followed in each case. All patients who have been recommended clinically have been approved to date.
All of the patients which have been approved for Spinraza treatment are being treated under special care under Children’s Health Ireland at Temple Street Hospital. Detailed clinical guidelines have been developed for this service which include specific patient criteria which must be fulfilled in order for the treatment to safely commence and continue.
The actual delivery of this drug to approved patients in a safe and sustainable way requires very specific and quite complex service arrangements to be put in place in Temple Street Hospital.
Spinraza is injected during a procedure known as lumbar puncture. There are two categories of patients with regard to the administration of Spinraza. For category 1, where the administration of Spinraza is deemed not too technically difficult, the Consultant Paediatric Neurologist and Lead Clinician need access to the day ward as administration is performed under local anaesthetic. Each of these patient will also require a physiotherapy assessment pre- administration and recovery time in the Day Ward.
Category 2 are the more complex patients who have already undergone spinal fusion surgery and insertion of spinal rods, which makes the administering of Spinraza potentially more complex. For these patients, the delivery of Spinraza will require specialist care to include input by an Anaesthetist and an Interventional Radiologist with associated nursing and the availability of capacity in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit.
The Deputy will appreciate therefore that a considerable amount of service planning and assessment of patients at an individual level is required in order for treatment with Spinraza to be safely undertaken.
I have been advised by the HSE that Children’s Health Ireland is currently engaging on an individual basis with the families involved regarding each child’s treatment plan. I have asked the HSE to keep me updated on this matter.
Health Services Provision
Ceisteanna (137)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:137. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive treatment with Spinraza; and when the necessary resources will be made available in Temple Street Children's University Hospital for the person to access Spinraza treatment. [43682/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this refers to an individual case, I have referred this matter to the HSE for their attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (138)
Pat Deering
Ceist:138. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be seen by a knee consultant in County Waterford. [43689/19]
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.
Long-Term Illness Scheme Data
Ceisteanna (139)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:139. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the long-term illness scheme aged under 16 years of age by LHO in each of the years 2008 to 2016. [43690/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community drug schemes; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
General Medical Services Scheme Data
Ceisteanna (140)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:140. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the number of persons availing of the GMS, drugs payment scheme and the long term illness scheme, respectively by local health office area in each of the years 2008 to 2011. [43691/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community drug schemes; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Alcohol Pricing
Ceisteanna (141)
Patrick O'Donovan
Ceist:141. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Health when the minimum unit pricing for alcohol is proposed to come into effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43693/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 2013 Government Decision which approved a minimum pricing regime envisaged its introduction in Northern Ireland and in this jurisdiction simultaneously. It is my intention to seek a revised Government Decision to implement minimum unit pricing of alcohol here by the end of the year in order to address the very significant health harms and financial costs of the way alcohol is currently consumed here.
Statutory Instruments
Ceisteanna (142)
Jack Chambers
Ceist:142. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health if he is considering an extension to the 1 January 2022 deadline for compliance with SI 293 of 2016; if he has identified and is overseeing works needed to be carried out to public nursing homes to comply with the legislation; if funding is available to nursing homes which require works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43694/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Community Nursing Units are an essential part of our national infrastructure. However, many public units are housed in buildings that are less than ideal in the modern context. The Government’s Building on Recovery: Infrastructure and Capital Investment 2016 to 2021 programme provided the framework to allow for an enhanced programme to replace, upgrade and refurbish these long term care facilities.
The programme provides for a phased approach, with new builds and larger projects sequenced towards the end of the six-year period. Most of the funding comes from the Exchequer Capital Plan, with €150m to be sourced through Public Private Partnership.
Since 2009 the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has statutory responsibility for the independent registration and inspection of all designated centres for older people, private & public.
To achieve registration, all designated centres must be fully compliant with Regulations made under the Health Act 2007 and in line with National Standards. The first National Standards were approved in February 2009. At the time a distinction was made between new builds (which had to comply from the outset), and existing nursing homes (that were given 6 years, i.e., to 2015, to meet certain infrastructural requirements, including in relation to single rooms, floor space per resident, communal facilities, etc. However, this period coincided with the country’s economic crisis and the funds were not available to deliver compliance by 2015.
The Government’s Capital Plan, Building on Recovery: Infrastructure and Capital Investment 2016-2021, committed to a major multi-annual programme of capital investment in public and voluntary social care facilities.
As a result, revised policy and legislation was brought forward in 2016 to secure the continuation of public bed availability to the end of 2021.
The ongoing engagements between the Department of Health and the HSE have identified that by the end of 2021 over 80% of the projects will be complete or under construction. While this represents substantial progress on the Programme, it is recognised that not all centres are likely to be completed within the originally planned timeframe. At the request of my Department, the HSE is undertaking an integrated package of work to examine each of the CNU projects as to their current status, next stages of development, timelines and additional costs, and any measures that could be adopted to mitigate challenges arising. Once this work is complete the HSE is expected to submit an overarching report on the status of the programme to my Department. The content of this will be considered, along with further engagement with the HSE as necessary and my officials will consider the appropriate next steps. While the regulatory changes are over 2 years away, the Department and the HSE are in early engagement which allows for the issues to be worked through to determine the best course of action.
Medical Aids and Appliances Applications
Ceisteanna (143)
Kevin O'Keeffe
Ceist:143. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health if a medical device will be made available to a person (details supplied). [43699/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Assisted Human Reproduction Legislation
Ceisteanna (144)
Peter Fitzpatrick
Ceist:144. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Health the status of the assisted human assisted reproduction Bill in view of the fact that it has been two years since the announcement of the Bill with public funding proposed to start in January 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43707/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government approved the drafting of a bill on assisted human reproduction (AHR) and associated areas of research, based on the published General Scheme of the Assisted Human Reproduction Bill. This comprehensive piece of legislation encompasses the regulation, for the first time, of a range of practices, including: gamete (sperm or egg) and embryo donation for AHR and research; surrogacy; pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) of embryos; posthumous assisted reproduction; and embryo and stem cell research. The General Scheme also provides for an independent regulatory authority for AHR.
The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health published the report of its review of the General Scheme on 11 July 2019, as part of the pre-legislative scrutiny process, which began in January 2018. The Committee makes 11 main recommendations, which include proposals both related to broad policy objectives and more technical amendments.
Given the comprehensive scope of the legislation and the ethical, legal and social issues which arise from AHR practices, it is anticipated that certain areas of the General Scheme will require further consideration and refinement during the ongoing process of drafting the bill in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General. The Joint Committee’s Report and its recommendations will be considered as part of this process.
In parallel with the ongoing drafting of the AHR legislation, officials in my Department, in conjunction with the HSE, have been developing a model of care for infertility, which incorporates a public funding element. This work has also included examining proposals for the allocation of a related €1 million fund which was announced by An Taoiseach in December 2018.
Accordingly, options in relation to the parameters of such a model are still under consideration, and I expect to be in a position to make an announcement in the coming weeks.
It should be noted that while AHR treatment is not currently funded by the Irish Public Health Service, a defined list of fertility medicines needed for fertility treatment is covered under the High Tech Arrangements administered by the HSE. Medicines covered by the High Tech Arrangements must be prescribed by a consultant/specialist and authorised for supply to the client’s nominated community pharmacy by the High Tech Hub managed by the Primary Care Reimbursement Service. The cost of the medicines is then covered, as appropriate, under the client’s eligibility, i.e., Medical Card or Drugs Payment Scheme. I understand that the impact on the total cost of AHR treatment for individuals who avail of these schemes is not insignificant.
In addition, there is other support available in that patients who access IVF treatment privately may claim tax relief on the costs involved under the tax relief for medical expenses scheme.
Overall, the development of a model of care will help to ensure the provision of safe, effective and accessible infertility services at all levels of the public health system as part of the full range of services available in obstetrics and gynaecology.
Mental Health Act Review
Ceisteanna (145)
James Browne
Ceist:145. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health when legislation to update the Mental Health Act 2001 will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43708/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The report of the Expert Group set up to review the Mental Health Act 2001 was published in 2015. The report contains 165 recommendations and proposes a move away from the often paternalistic interpretation of the existing legislation as well as including provisions which are intended to strengthen the protections for people who are detained without consent in approved centres. The broad thrust of the changes recommended by the Expert Group has been accepted and the previous Government gave approval for the drafting of a General Scheme of a Bill to amend the existing legislation to reflect the recommendations of the Expert Group.
Progress on the comprehensive updating of the 2001 Act has been delayed in part because of the need to deal with a number of Private Members Bills over the past three years, as well a requirement for emergency legislation to cure a finding of unconstitutionality of section 15(3) of the 2001 Act.
A draft of heads of a bill based on the recommendations of the Expert Group Review of the 2001 Act was sent to the Mental Health Commission for their consideration on 2 July 2019. It is essential that the Mental Health Commission, which has a very significant and important role in overseeing the safeguards provided in the Act, has full input into the framing of the many amendments to be included in revised mental health legislation.
This is a phase in a process with the Commission likely to require a period in the region of six months to study and comment on the draft heads. Upon receipt of the Commission's comments, the Department will work with the Commission and other stakeholders on revising the draft where necessary, and then ready the legislation for publication.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (146)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:146. 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. [43711/19]
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.
Health Services Provision
Ceisteanna (147)
Pat Deering
Ceist:147. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Health the entitlements for a person (details supplied); if prosthesis is available; if so, the waiting time for this service; if it is covered under medical card scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43729/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Services for People with Disabilities
Ceisteanna (148)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:148. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the lack of a specialist clinician (details supplied) in the child development team in counties Cavan and Monaghan is causing inadequate support to be provided to families with complex issues; when the post will be filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43733/19]
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.
Hospital Waiting Lists Data
Ceisteanna (149)
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:149. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health his views on a recent report to an organisation (details supplied) from the National Treatment Purchase Fund which refers to the removal of 20,000 persons from hospital waiting lists following a validated audit of the lists. [43735/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Good practice around the management of hospital waiting lists recommends periodic validation of waiting lists.
Validation is the process whereby hospital administration contacts patients on waiting lists at pre-planned intervals during the year to ensure that patients are ready, willing, suitable and available to attend a hospital appointment or wish to be removed.
Importantly, the validation process allows for situations where, if requested by the GP/referring clinician, patients can be reinstated back to their original place on to the Waiting List.
For a number of years validation was conducted at individual hospital level in Ireland but last year, I approved the establishment of the National Centralised Validation Unit (NCVU) within the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF). The new office delivers a standardisation of approach to validation across all waiting lists in line with the best patient-centred practices. The validation of waiting lists better informs the true demand for hospital services and enables improved efficiency and patient scheduling.
The NCVU commenced issuing waiting list validation correspondence on the 2nd November 2018. The core aim of the Validation Unit is to write to all patients waiting more than 6 months for hospital operations and procedures and all patients waiting more than 6 months for an outpatient appointment.
The NCVU advise that as of 27th September 2019, they had completed 124 validation cycles, across 35 hospitals, resulting in 193,092 patients being contacted and 33,720 patients being removed from the Inpatient/Day Case and Outpatient waiting lists.
A report on patients' reasons for requesting a removal from the Inpatient Waiting lists during administrative validation is being finalised by the Department of Health Research Unit and will be published on the Department’s website in November.
Medicinal Products Prices
Ceisteanna (150)
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:150. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health his policy for the approval of new drugs in 2019; if a cost neutral or cost saving approach will be pursued in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43736/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, the Oireachtas put in place a robust legal framework, in the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, to give full statutory powers to the HSE to assess and make decisions on reimbursement of medicines, taking account of a range of objective factors and expert opinion as appropriate. These include the clinical and cost effectiveness of the product, the opportunity cost, the potential or actual budget impact, and the impact on resources that are available to the HSE.
In line with the 2013 Act, if a company would like a medicine to be reimbursed by the HSE pursuant to the Community Drugs scheme, the company must first submit an application to the HSE to have the new medicine added to the Reimbursement List.
As outlined in the IPHA agreement, and in line with the 2013 Act, the HSE will decide, within 180 days of receiving the application (or a longer period if further information is sought from the company), to either add the medicine to the reimbursement list or agree to reimburse it as a hospital medicine, or refuse to reimburse the medicine.
HSE decisions on which medicines are reimbursed by the taxpayer are made on objective, scientific and economic grounds, on the advice of the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE). The NCPE conducts health technology assessments (HTAs) for the HSE and makes recommendations on reimbursement to assist HSE decisions.
The HSE National Service Plan 2019 included a provision of €10m for new drugs enabled by an “invest to save” programme. To assist the HSE in creating this financial headroom, the National Service Plan 2019 included a provision of €3m for the establishment of an HSE dedicated pharmaceutical value improvement programme, to bring about greater efficiencies in medicines management and to promote changes in prescribing behaviour in favour of more clinically efficient and cost-effective products in both community and hospital settings.
These new measures are expected to complement existing cost control initiatives which are being undertaken by the HSE under the auspices of the Medicines Management Programme. Among the initiatives already being pursued are improvement in practices for the procurement of drugs in hospitals and the designation of preferred products, with a focus on high cost prescribing areas.
I and officials have also been engaging over the past number of years with a number of voluntary EU forums. In June 2018, I signed the Beneluxa Initiative on Pharmaceutical Policy. This Agreement is in line with my objective to work with other European countries to identify workable solutions, in an increasingly challenging environment, to secure timely access for patients to new medicines in an affordable and sustainable way. In June 2019, Ireland became a Founding Member of the International Horizon Scanning Initiative (IHSI) which is being established as part of the work programme of Beneluxa.
These domestic and international measures are being taken to ensure the greatest possible access to new treatments for patients in Ireland. In 2019 to date, the HSE has approved 29 new medicines and 5 new uses of existing medicines representing a significant investment by the HSE to provide access to new and innovative treatment for Irish patients. It is expected that over 3,000 patients will benefit from access to these new medicines over the next five years.
With regards to 2020, funding is provided to the HSE for health services in accordance with the letter of determination which sets out the approved level of overall HSE expenditure for the year. The letter of determination issued from my Department on 11 October 2019. The NSP which must, under legislation, set out the type and volume of health and personal social services, to be provided during the year in question within the funding allocated.
The HSE is at present working on the development of the National Service Plan 2020 in line with the provisions of its governing legislation.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (151)
Timmy Dooley
Ceist:151. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will have surgery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43737/19]
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.
Medicinal Products Supply
Ceisteanna (152)
Mattie McGrath
Ceist:152. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health when he plans to remove the age restriction on the FreeStyle Libre device and make it available to persons with type 1 diabetes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43739/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community drug schemes; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Medical Aids and Appliances Provision
Ceisteanna (153)
Kevin O'Keeffe
Ceist:153. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health if an item will be made available by the HSE for a person (details supplied). [43741/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Nursing Staff Data
Ceisteanna (154)
Michael Harty
Ceist:154. Deputy Michael Harty asked the Minister for Health the number of whole-time equivalent diabetic nurse specialist posts working in UL hospital group and CHO3; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43742/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
Health Services Data
Ceisteanna (155)
Michael Harty
Ceist:155. Deputy Michael Harty asked the Minister for Health the number of whole-time equivalent dietician posts delivering both hospital based and community diabetic services in the UL hospital group and CHO3; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43743/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
Health Services Staff Data
Ceisteanna (156)
Michael Harty
Ceist:156. Deputy Michael Harty asked the Minister for Health the number of whole-time equivalent consultant endocrinologist posts providing specialist diabetic services in the UL hospital group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43745/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
HSE Staff Data
Ceisteanna (157)
Michael Harty
Ceist:157. Deputy Michael Harty asked the Minister for Health the persons or bodies within his Department and the HSE responsible for the delivery of diabetic care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43747/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.