Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:755. 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. [5083/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraHospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (755)
Freagraí scríofa
Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The National Waiting List Management Policy, a standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, since January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the HSE, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.
The HSE has advised my Department that, in line with the National Action Plan on COVID-19, there has been a significant reduction in all non-urgent elective scheduled care activity since March. This was to ensure that all appropriate resources, both physical and human, were made available for COVID-19 related activity. The HSE continues to adhere to the best clinical guidance and NPHET’s recommendations, which have now approved the careful re-commencement of scheduled care activity based on strict criteria to ensure the continued provision of safe, patient-centred care to non-Covid patients. Importantly, time-critical essential work continues throughout the system in line with the National Action Plan, the HSE Model of Care, and World Health Organisation recommendations.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (756)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:756. 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. [5084/20]
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.
The HSE has advised my Department that, in line with the National Action Plan on COVID-19, there has been a significant reduction in all non-urgent elective scheduled care activity since March. This was to ensure that all appropriate resources, both physical and human, were made available for COVID-19 related activity. The HSE continues to adhere to the best clinical guidance and NPHET’s recommendations, which have now approved the careful re-commencement of scheduled care activity based on strict criteria to ensure the continued provision of safe, patient-centred care to non-Covid patients. Importantly, time-critical essential work continues throughout the system in line with the National Action Plan, the HSE Model of Care, and World Health Organisation recommendations.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
Speech and Language Therapy
Ceisteanna (757)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Ceist:757. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health when a child (details supplied) will receive an appointment for speech therapy and autism support. [5087/20]
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.
Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland
Ceisteanna (758)
Robert Troy
Ceist:758. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he has given consideration to re-registering nursing staff who have allowed their registration to expire in view of the Covid-19 outbreak; and if the registration fee will be removed for the duration of the outbreak. [5089/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware the Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (Covid-19) Act 2020 was signed into law by the President on 27 March. Section 108 of the Act provides that a previous registrant may make an application to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) to be registered on the register of nurses and midwives. These applications and any registration arising are free of charge to the applicant.
This provision has removed the financial barrier which faced those nurses and midwives who wished to be restored to the register so that they could return to their profession and assist with addressing Covid-19. To date, the NMBI has restored 983 nurses and midwives to the register free of charge to the applicant.
In accordance with the provisions of the Act, section 108 registrations will cease to have effect after 31 July next. However, the Act does give me the authority, as the Minister, to specify a different expiry date and I will be keeping this under review, along with all other matters related to the evolving situation regarding Covid-19, during the coming weeks.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (759)
Robert Troy
Ceist:759. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an application by a person (details supplied) will be expedited. [5090/20]
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.
The HSE has advised my Department that, in line with the National Action Plan on COVID-19, there has been a significant reduction in all non-urgent elective scheduled care activity since March. This was to ensure that all appropriate resources, both physical and human, were made available for COVID-19 related activity. The HSE continues to adhere to the best clinical guidance and NPHET’s recommendations, which have now approved the careful re-commencement of scheduled care activity based on strict criteria to ensure the continued provision of safe, patient-centred care to non-Covid patients. Importantly, time-critical essential work continues throughout the system in line with the National Action Plan, the HSE Model of Care, and World Health Organisation recommendations.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
Nursing Staff Remuneration
Ceisteanna (760)
Robert Troy
Ceist:760. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will provide for an increase in pensions for retired nursing staff in view of the fact this group has not seen an increase in pension rates in over 10 years. [5095/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In 2010 public sector salaries were reduced in accordance with the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009 (FEMPI). Former civil and public servants who were in receipt of public service pensions were not affected by these reductions. In 2017 the Public Service Stability Agreement was introduced which set about unwinding the affects of FEMPI by restoring pay to civil and public servants through a series of salary increases. Because any individuals who were in receipt of pensions prior to the introduction of FEMPI were not affected by it, they do not stand to benefit from the restoration. In addition to pay restoration, the Department of Public Expenditure & Reform (DPER) issued circulars 20/2017, 2/2018 and 19/2019 setting out the treatment of increases to certain public service pensions. Under the provisions of these circulars, a pension increase is applied only in circumstances where the current rate of pay for a serving employee exceeds the pay rate on which the retired staff member’s pension is based. In practical terms, this meant that only a small number of pensioners were due an increase with effect from 1 September 2017 (the effective date of the first circular) as their pension was based on a higher rate of pay than the serving employee on that date. As each of the subsequent phases of pay restoration has come into effect, an increasing number of pensioners have become entitled to an increase and this has been applied where relevant.
The HSE has advised that it is working to ensure that all HSE pensioners who were due increases under the circulars had the correct increase applied at the correct phase of pay restoration. This represents a considerable undertaking as each individual pension must be considered on a case by case basis.
The HSE is satisfied that most people who were due an increase with effect from 1 September 2017 have received that increase and subsequent increases, and that any issue of non-application of an increase is in respect of retirees who were not due an increase on 1 September 2017 but who have become entitled as a result of one of the subsequent rounds of pay restoration. Any pension increases due will be paid to retired staff from the appropriate effective date.
Home Help Service
Ceisteanna (761)
Robert Troy
Ceist:761. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if suitable home help hours will be put in place as a matter of urgency for a person (details supplied). [5098/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Primary Care Centres
Ceisteanna (762)
Robert Troy
Ceist:762. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the status of works to complete a primary care health centre at Church Street, Moate, County Westmeath; and if this work will be completed within the coming months in view of the fact works on the site have been progressing slowly for a long period of time. [5099/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the HSE has responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres and other Primary Care facilities, the Executive has been asked to reply directly to the Deputy.
Physiotherapy Provision
Ceisteanna (763)
Robert Troy
Ceist:763. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the physiotherapy plans the HSE foresee putting in place for a person (details supplied). [5105/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.
Home Help Service
Ceisteanna (764)
Seán Fleming
Ceist:764. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health if additional home help will be provided to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5117/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (765)
Seán Fleming
Ceist:765. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health when a cataract operation will be allocated to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5118/20]
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.
The HSE has advised my Department that, in line with the National Action Plan on COVID-19, there has been a significant reduction in all non-urgent elective scheduled care activity since March. This was to ensure that all appropriate resources, both physical and human, were made available for COVID-19 related activity. The HSE continues to adhere to the best clinical guidance and NPHET’s recommendations, which have now approved the careful re-commencement of scheduled care activity based on strict criteria to ensure the continued provision of safe, patient-centred care to non-Covid patients. Importantly, time-critical essential work continues throughout the system in line with the National Action Plan, the HSE Model of Care, and World Health Organisation recommendations.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (766)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:766. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an assessment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5123/20]
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.
Pharmacy Regulations
Ceisteanna (767)
Robert Troy
Ceist:767. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will re-examine changes which have recently been made by which pharmacy assistants can no longer cover for the senior pharmacist for a short period of time (details supplied); the reason for this decision; if the matter will be reviewed as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5127/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Pharmacy Act 2007, my role in relation to the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (Temporary Absence of Pharmacist from Pharmacy) Rules is limited to their consideration once submitted to me for my consent.
In this case, the Rules in question are currently subject to legal challenge. As a result, they are not currently under consideration.
I am not in a position to comment any further due to the legal challenge.
Respite Care Services Provision
Ceisteanna (768)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:768. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if an extra week respite can be provided to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5139/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Primary Care Centres Administration
Ceisteanna (769)
Robert Troy
Ceist:769. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the status of the resolution of parking issues at the primary care centre in Mullingar, County Westmeath. [5140/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the HSE has responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres and other Primary Care facilities, the Executive has been asked to reply directly to the Deputy.
Alcohol Pricing
Ceisteanna (770)
Robert Troy
Ceist:770. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the status of legislation governing minimum unit pricing for the sale of alcohol; and the efforts being made to ensure that this legislation is not further delayed to ensure that such sale of alcohol controls are put in place as soon as possible. [5143/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 2013 Government Decision which approved a minimum unit pricing regime envisaged its introduction in Northern Ireland and in this jurisdiction simultaneously in order to allay concerns about an impact on cross-border trade. Earlier this year, I wrote to my counterpart in Northern Ireland, Minister Swann, on minimum unit pricing and we are in alignment on the importance of addressing the harms of alcohol misuse and of the potential for minimum unit pricing to reduce those harms. I look forward to further engagement and cooperation between us so that this important public health measure can be implemented as soon as possible.
Assisted Human Reproduction Legislation
Ceisteanna (771)
Paul Murphy
Ceist:771. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health the way in which Statutory Instrument No. 541/2019 will affect families that began their IVF donor-sperm procedures prior to 4 May 2020 in relation to the commencement of Part 2 of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015; and if consideration will be given to delaying the commencement of the relevant sections of the Act until a later date in view of the suspension of IVF procedures and the lack of clarification given to families up to this point. [5144/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Children and Families Relationship Act 2015 was enacted in April 2015 and represents a significant milestone for families in Ireland as it aligns our family law with the realities of modern family life in Ireland. The rights, welfare and best interests of children is fundamental to the legislation
The recent commencement of Parts 2 and 3 of the Children and Family Relationship Act 2015 (as amended) on 4 May will, for the first time, provide a legal framework for registering the births of children who are born as a result of assisted human reproduction involving donated eggs or sperm or embryos. The legislation also requires donor details to be stored through the establishment of the National Donor-Conceived Person Register. This will enable children to access information on their donor should they so wish thus enabling them to exercise their rights to know their genetic identity.
Commencement of Parts 2&3 also entitles parents of children born in the State as a result of a donor assisted reproduction procedure performed before the 4th of May to apply to the courts for legal recognition of their parental status, subject to certain conditions.
Following commencement, the legislation prohibits the use of non-anonymous gametes in most circumstances, embedding the rights of children to know their genetic heritage in future years.
I am acutely aware of the difficulties the global Covid pandemic has presented for donor-assisted human reproduction (DAHR). It has led to the closure of fertility clinics for several weeks and some individuals and couples have found themselves in a position where they can no longer use gametes they had previously purchased.
However, it is now over 5 years since the Children and Family Relationships Act was enacted and while I had intended to commence Parts 2 & 3 last summer I allowed a longer lead time for people to make arrangements to use gametes that have already been purchased, where appropriate, and to allow a sufficient pool of donors with the appropriate consent to be acquired in advance of commencement of Parts 2&3.
Further delay to the commencement of Parts 2&3 would have presented an unfair penalty to those parents who have already waited a substantial period of time to have their rights to parentage vindicated in law and most importantly for the State to vindicate the rights of donor conceived persons to information about their genetic identity.
Nursing Homes Support Scheme
Ceisteanna (772)
Robert Troy
Ceist:772. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an application by a person (details supplied) for inclusion on the fair deal scheme will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5148/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
HSE Complaints Procedures
Ceisteanna (773)
Seán Fleming
Ceist:773. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health when an issue that has been referred to the Consumers Affairs Office in accordance with the Your Service Your Say: the Management of Service User Feedback for Comments, Compliments and Complaints policy of the HSE will be fully dealt with and information supplied back to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5162/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
This PQ has been referred to the HSE for direct response to the Deputy.
Question No. 774 answered with Question No. 698.
Home Help Service
Ceisteanna (775)
Seán Fleming
Ceist:775. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health when home help which was granted will be provided to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5172/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Disability Support Services
Ceisteanna (776)
Seán Fleming
Ceist:776. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the social worker availability for persons with a disability over 55 but not yet 65 years of age in Portlaoise, County Laois (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5173/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy's question relates to a service issue, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Cannabis for Medicinal Use
Ceisteanna (777)
Seán Fleming
Ceist:777. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health if persons with Dravet syndrome who have severe intractable epileptic seizures can obtain CBD oil on the medical card system or at least at a price they can afford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5177/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
On 26th June I signed legislation which will allow for the operation of the Medical Cannabis Access Programme (MCAP) on a pilot basis for five years.
The signing of the legislation underpinning the MCAP allows for commencement of the operation of the access programme, the first stage of which is that potential suppliers may now apply to have their cannabis products assessed for suitability for medical use.
Commercial medical cannabis suppliers whose cannabis products meet the specified requirements set out in the legislation, and which have been listed in Schedule 1 of the Misuse of Drugs (Prescription and Control of Supply of Cannabis for Medical Use) Regulations, will be able to supply these products into Ireland. Two cannabis-based products have been deemed to have met the applicable criteria set out in the legislation and have been added to Schedule 1 of the legislation.
As these products will be subject to international export licensing requirements, which are outside the control of the Department of Health, they are not expected to be available in Ireland for a further period.
Once suitable medical cannabis products are made available by suppliers, the MCAP will make it possible for a medical consultant to prescribe a listed cannabis-based treatment for a patient under his or her care for the following medical conditions, where the patient has failed to respond to standard treatments:
- spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis;
- intractable nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy;
- severe, refractory (treatment-resistant) epilepsy.
The Department of Health will make this information available on their website.
Pending full operation of the MCAP, doctors may continue to utilise the Ministerial licencing route to prescribe medical cannabis for their patients, should they wish to do so. In line with the Chief Medical Officer's advice, the granting of a licence for cannabis for medical purposes must be premised on an appropriate application being submitted to the Department of Health, which is endorsed by a consultant who is responsible for the management of the patient and who is prepared to monitor the effects of the treatment over time.
Clinicians may submit an application on behalf of their patients to the HSE for reimbursement approval if the patient has a valid medical prescription for medical cannabis for one of the above medical conditions and have sourced a cannabis-based product which has been prescribed under a Ministerial license.
The HSE has advised that in the previous situations where it considered reimbursement support appropriate, the following steps were completed:
- The patient’s consultant is satisfied that all therapeutic options have been exhausted and is prepared to accept the responsibility for monitoring the patient’s response to the cannabis product.
- A prescriber applies to the Minister for a Ministerial license and this is granted.
- The consultant completes an Individual Reimbursement Form, setting out the therapeutic benefit for the patient. It is important that this is completed in sufficient detail for therapeutic benefit to be demonstrated.
- The Individual Reimbursement Form is considered by the Medicines Management Programme (MMP).
- On review of the documentation, the MMP makes a recommendation for or against reimbursement support for the patient to the HSE, under the patient's eligibility, and informs the Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS) of that recommendation.
If approval is given, the PCRS, when authorised to proceed, will make the necessary arrangements to cover the costs involved for the patient.
Hospitals Building Programme
Ceisteanna (778)
Cian O'Callaghan
Ceist:778. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health when construction of the 20-bed cystic fibrosis unit at Beaumont Hospital will commence; when it is due to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5191/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As 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.
Hospitals Building Programme
Ceisteanna (779)
Cian O'Callaghan
Ceist:779. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health when work is due to commence on the new emergency department at Beaumont Hospital; when it will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5192/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As 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.