Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:168. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an application for home help by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43910/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraHome Help Service Eligibility
Ceisteanna (168)
Freagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Assisted Human Reproduction
Ceisteanna (169, 170)
Stephen Donnelly
Ceist:169. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the commissioning of an evidence review of international public funding models for fertility treatment. [43911/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraStephen Donnelly
Ceist:170. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the funding his Department and the HSE are providing for fertility treatment. [43912/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 169 and 170 together.
In parallel with the ongoing drafting of assisted human reproduction (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 models are being finalised and I expect to be in a position to make an announcement in the coming weeks.
The Health Research Board (HRB) report “Assisted reproductive technologies: International approaches to public funding mechanisms and criteria – An evidence review” was commissioned by the Department and published in March 2017.
This review examined the public funding mechanisms for AHR in different countries. It looked at the associated costs and benefits for the funder, provider and patient, the criteria for accessing the public funded service and the basis for these criteria in different jurisdictions.
The review did not indicate a recommendation or preference for a specific funding model; rather, it outlines the pros and cons of such funding models, the different aspects of models in different jurisdictions, as well as the different rationales underpinning such funding models. The evidence from the review has been informing the work undertaken by the officials in my Department in the context of considering policy options for a potential public funding model for AHR.
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 for infertility 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.
Food Labelling
Ceisteanna (171)
Stephen Donnelly
Ceist:171. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health his plans for the introduction of mandatory calorie posting. [43915/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department is developing a General Scheme of a Public Health (Calorie Posting and Workplace Wellbeing) Bill and will conduct a consultation and regulatory impact analysis as part of that process. It is anticipated that the General Scheme will be developed by end of year.
The objective of this legislation is to require food premises to display calories on menus and to require all public sector employers to have in place a Health and Wellbeing policy and to report on same.
Maternity Services
Ceisteanna (172)
Stephen Donnelly
Ceist:172. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the status of the relocation of the National Maternity Hospital to St. Vincent’s University Hospital; the timeframe for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43918/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Health Service Executive recently published its Capital Plan for 2019-2021 outlining the projects to be progressed over the three-year period.
The Capital Plan includes the relocation of the National Maternity Hospital from Holles Street to the St Vincent's University Hospital campus.
The Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects and has advised that the enabling works for this project are currently underway, including the construction of the decant facility comprising the new pharmacy block and an extension to the carpark at St Vincent's Hospital. These works will facilitate the construction of the new hospital, which is expected to commence in late 2020 or early 2021.
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 final decision to proceed with the construction of a project cannot be made until the tender process has been completed and the costings reviewed to ensure that the proposal delivers value for money and remains affordable, and that sufficient funding is available to fund the project to completion, including equipping and commissioning costs.
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.
HIQA Remit
Ceisteanna (173)
Stephen Donnelly
Ceist:173. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health when HIQA will be given powers to regulate private health care. [43919/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) was established in 2007. HIQA is an independent authority established to drive high-quality and safe care for health and social care services in Ireland. HIQA’s mandate extends across a range of public, private and voluntary sector services. Reporting to the Minister for Health and the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, HIQA’s role is to develop standards, inspect and review health and social care services and support informed decisions on how services are delivered.
HIQA operates under the Health Act 2007, which sets out the functions which the Authority is to carry out. HIQA has responsibility for setting standards for healthcare services, and monitoring compliance with those standards. It also regulates facilities providing care for the elderly and those with disabilities, and has a role with regard to inspecting some of the social care services which are accessed by children to determine if they are meeting the relevant National Standards. In addition, it undertakes functions in relation to Health Information and Health Technology Assessment.
Section 9 of the Act sets out the grounds under which HIQA may undertake an investigation into a particular service, or may be requested to undertake such an investigation by the Minister for Health.
The Act provides HIQA with the power to set standards for the healthcare services delivered by the HSE, and then to undertake monitoring programmes to assess compliance with these standards. In this regard, HIQA published the National Standards for Safer Better Healthcare in 2012; they represent the overarching standard which public health services are expected to meet. Flowing from these themes, HIQA have also developed standards for particular services, e.g. National Standards for the prevention and control of healthcare-associated infections in acute healthcare services. HIQA has in turn conducted a thematic inspection programme against these standards since 2012, which has resulted in the publication of over 300 reports of inspection visits to date. In addition, HIQA has also undertaken thematic inspection programmes in relation to nutrition and hydration in acute hospitals, and in relation to medication safety.
In such cases, HIQA typically undertakes both announced and unannounced inspections of healthcare facilities in order to ascertain the degree of adherence to expected standards. A report of the inspection visit will subsequently be published on HIQA’s website, and frequently attracts media attention. In cases where remedial action is required, depending on the severity of the risk identified, HIQA may draw the matter to the attention of hospital management during the inspection and request an immediate response, or in less severe cases, will raise the issue in writing. In either case, an appropriate management response would be expected.
Further standards also continue to be developed i.e. most recently the National Standards for Safer Better Maternity Services and National Standards for the Conduct of Review of Patient Safety Incidents.
The Patient Safety Licensing Bill, in line with the Sláintecare Implementation Strategy, will see HIQA become the licensing authority for all hospitals and certain designated activities. The Bill will, for the first time, introduce a licensing requirement for all hospitals, public and private, and certain designated high risk activities in the community. It was approved by Government in December 2017 and underwent pre-legislative scrutiny at the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health on 13 June 2018.
HIQA will be the licensing body, with statutory powers to require hospitals to undertake improvements and the authority to remove a licence from a service which is failing to meet required standards.
In advance of a formal licensing regime for public and private hospitals it is proposed that the Patient Safety Bill will bring the private/independent healthcare sector within the remit of the Health Act 2007. The proposed bill will extend HIQA’s powers to set and monitor standards, and undertake investigations, where necessary, to the private acute hospital sector. The Patient Safety Bill underwent Pre-Legislative Scrutiny at the Oireachtas Health Committee on 26 September 2018. Officials of my Department and the OPC are continuing to progress this legislation. It is expected that the Patient Safety Bill will be brought to Cabinet next month.
It should also be noted that HIQA is now responsible for the regulation of medical exposure to ionising radiation. This follows my signing of the new Statutory Instrument 256/2018 on 9th January last governing the regulation of medical exposures to ionising radiation.
HIQA was designated to take on the responsibilities of the “Competent Authority” for Medical Ionizing Radiation, as required by European Directive 2013/59/Euratom. These functions formerly resided with the HSE, however the transfer of responsibility was required in order to ensure Ireland complied with the European regulations. Such a move was also recommended by the International Atomic Agency in its review of Irish regulatory practice in this area.
I have set out above the current responsibilities of HIQA, and the additional roles it is expected to acquire in the coming period. However, I can also assure the Deputy that HIQA's role and remit will continue to be kept under review by my Department.
Health Services Staff Data
Ceisteanna (174, 175, 176)
Fiona O'Loughlin
Ceist:174. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health the number of occupational therapists employed in the south Kildare NDT team; if additional personnel will be employed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43933/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFiona O'Loughlin
Ceist:175. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health the number of speech and language therapists employed in the south Kildare NDT team; if additional personnel will be employed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43934/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFiona O'Loughlin
Ceist:176. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health the number of psychologists employed in the south Kildare NDT team; if additional personnel will be employed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43935/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 174 to 176, inclusive, together.
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.
HSE Staff Data
Ceisteanna (177)
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:177. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health if the 1,000 posts for new front-line staff in the HSE primary care services announced in budget 2020 include the positions which were previously offered, accepted and frozen in the HSE’s embargo on starting newly appointed professional staff. [43939/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
HSE Staff Data
Ceisteanna (178)
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:178. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the number, grade and title of all HSE posts in CHO 9 in which interviews have been held, posts offered and accepted but which are awaiting sanction by the HSE for the new staff to begin their work. [43940/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
Medicinal Products Reimbursement
Ceisteanna (179)
Marcella Corcoran Kennedy
Ceist:179. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Health if the drug epliodex is available to medical card patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43981/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The HSE has statutory responsibility for medicine pricing and reimbursement decisions, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. The Act specifies the criteria for decisions on the reimbursement of medicines.
In line with the 2013 Act and the national framework agreed with industry, if a company would like a medicine to be reimbursed by the HSE, the company must submit an application to the HSE to have the new medicine added to the reimbursement list.
Reimbursement is for licenced indications which have been granted market authorisation by the European Medicines Agency or the Health Products Regulatory Authority.
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).
I am advised by the HSE that it has not received a formal application for pricing and reimbursement to date for the drug Epidyolex. If an application for reimbursement is received, it will be processed in line with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.
Voluntary Sector Funding
Ceisteanna (180)
Seán Fleming
Ceist:180. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health if funding will be provided to an organisation (details supplied) for a project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44003/19]
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.
Voluntary Sector Funding
Ceisteanna (181)
Seán Fleming
Ceist:181. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health if funding will be provided for an organisation (details supplied) to sustain its activities in the 2020 Estimates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44004/19]
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.
Voluntary Sector Funding
Ceisteanna (182)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:182. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the funding provided for a charity (details supplied) in each year since 2008 to provide services for persons with an intellectual disability; the extra funding that will provided to it in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44009/19]
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.
Significant resources have been invested by the health sector in disability services over the past number of years. This year alone, the Health Service Executive (HSE) has allocated €1.9 billion to its Disability Services Programme, an increase of €346 million since 2016. The overall Budget for disability services in 2020 will be in excess of €2 billion. Discussions in terms of how these monies will be allocated across the Disability Services Programme next year are currently underway as part of the HSE’s National Service Planning process for 2020.
As the Deputy's question relates to a service issue, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
Maternity Services
Ceisteanna (183)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:183. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the progress made in respect of the proposed move of the National Maternity Hospital to a site on the St. Vincent’s campus and his announcement in December 2018 that agreement had been reached by which an organisation (details supplied) would transfer its shareholding in St. Vincent's Healthcare Group and withdraw from the group and that the necessary legal documents would be finalised early in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44030/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The St Vincent's Healthcare Group has confirmed the process by which the Religious Sisters of Charity will withdraw from the Group and transfer their shareholding to a new company St Vincent’s Holdings CLG. The Sisters have of course, already resigned from the Group’s Board. I am advised that Revenue has approved the proposed revisions to the constitution of the St Vincent's Healthcare Group and the Group continues to engage with the Charities Regulator in relation to the constitution of St Vincent’s Holdings CLG.
As the Deputy will be aware, my Department is engaging with the St Vincent's Healthcare Group, the National Maternity Hospital and the HSE in relation to the legal framework which will be put in place to protect the State's significant investment in the new maternity hospital. The overall framework being put in place will unequivocally copper-fasten the principle that patient care in the new hospital will be delivered without religious, ethnic or other distinction and that any medical procedure which is in accordance with the laws of the land will be carried out there.
Home Help Service
Ceisteanna (184)
Stephen Donnelly
Ceist:184. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of home support hours required in the future to meet the recommendations of the health service capacity review in view of the additional home support hours announced in budget 2020. [44031/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Health Service Capacity Review 2018, published in January, outlines projections of demand and capacity requirements for a range of health services to 2031. As our population, particularly our older population continues to grow, key projections from the analysis indicate, for the period 2016-2021
- 12% growth in overall population;
- 59% growth in 65+ population; and
- 95% growth in 85+ population.
The review notes that if key reforms and productivity measures are implemented, a 120% increase in home supports will be required by 2031.
In line with commitments given in the Programme for Government we have made improved access to home support services a priority in Budget 2020. An additional investment of €52 million is being made in 2020 which will provide over 19.2 million hours of home support. This is 1 million hours more than the 2019 target and represents a substantial increase in service provision. This investment is focused on enabling older people to remain at home and, as appropriate, provision of hours will also be targeted at times of peak demand, at the beginning and end of the year, to ensure more timely egress from hospital for older people.
While the existing home support service is delivering crucial support to many people across the country, it needs to be improved to better meet the changing needs of our citizens. The Department of Health is currently developing plans for a new statutory scheme and system of regulation for home support services for older people and adults with a disability. Included in this investment is dedicated funding for the testing of the new statutory home-support scheme in 2020.
The design of the new scheme will involve the establishment of a model of service with a streamlined central system of administration to improve and simplify how people access home-support services. While the administration of the scheme will be centralised, the delivery of services will be co-ordinated at local level in line with a person’s assessed need. A core component of the Scheme and the testing phase will be the implementation of InterRAI, as the standardised assessment tool for determining need under the new scheme.
Medicinal Products Data
Ceisteanna (185)
Stephen Donnelly
Ceist:185. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the estimated full year cost of making contraception free in 2021. [44032/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Working Group on Access to Contraception examined the potential costs associated with a State funded contraception scheme. The Working Group submitted its report on 7th October 2019 and I expect to publish it shortly.
General Practitioner Training
Ceisteanna (186)
Stephen Donnelly
Ceist:186. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of general practitioner training places being provided; and the estimated full-year cost of increasing the number to 274. [44033/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As GP training is currently the responsibility of the Health Service Executive, I have arranged for this question to be referred to the Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Medical Card Eligibility
Ceisteanna (187)
Stephen Donnelly
Ceist:187. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the estimated full year cost of his request to the HSE to review and extend the arrangement for giving medical cards to persons with a terminal illness under budget 2020. [44034/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE.
As part of Budget 2020, I announced that the HSE would undertake a review and extend arrangements regarding the provision of emergency medical cards in cases of terminal illness. My Department is in discussion with the HSE about the approach to be taken.
Drugs Payment Scheme Threshold
Ceisteanna (188)
Stephen Donnelly
Ceist:188. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the estimated full year cost of reducing the drugs payment scheme threshold to €100. [44035/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The estimated cost of reducing the Drugs Payment Scheme monthly threshold to €100 in 2019 is €25.2 million.
Drugs Payment Scheme Threshold
Ceisteanna (189)
Stephen Donnelly
Ceist:189. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the estimated full year cost of reducing the drugs payment scheme threshold for single headed households to €72. [44036/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The estimated cost of reducing the Drugs Payment Scheme threshold for a single-headed household to €72 is €8.3 million, where a single headed household is defined as one eligible DPS patient on a family card in a claim month.
Prescriptions Charges
Ceisteanna (190)
Stephen Donnelly
Ceist:190. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the estimated full year cost of abolishing prescription charges. [44037/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The estimated cost of abolishing prescription charges for all medical card holders in 2019 is €82m.
Prescriptions Charges
Ceisteanna (191, 192)
Stephen Donnelly
Ceist:191. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the estimated revenue from prescription charges in 2020. [44038/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraStephen Donnelly
Ceist:192. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the estimated revenue from prescription charges in 2021 allowing for the full-year effects of the changes to be made by budget 2020. [44039/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 191 and 192 together.
As part of Budget 2020 I made a number of announcements in relation to reducing the cost of medicines for individuals and families. These measures are in line with previous commitments given in the Programme for Partnership Government and under Sláintecare.
From 01 July 2020 prescription charges will be reduced for all medical card holders.
Prescription charges for the over 70s will be reduced to €1.00 with a monthly cap of €10. This measure is expected to cost €7m in 2020.
Prescription charges for the under 70s will be reduced to €1.50 with a monthly cap of €15. This measure is expected to cost €7m in 2020.
The estimated revenue from prescription charges in 2020 prior to any reduction is estimated at €82m.
It is not possible to estimate at this point the revenue arising from prescription charge income in 2021 due to further budgetary changes which are due under the medical card thresholds.