Written Answers Nos. 780-804
780. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health his plans to commence legislation on minimum unit pricing provisions of the Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5195/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
781. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the supports in place for those with epidermolysis bullosa; the efforts being made to support nursing care and care packages for persons living with the condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5197/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly, as soon as possible.
782. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health his plans to update the Dentists Act 1985; the steps he is taking to allow dental hygienists and clinical dental technicians to work directly with the public as recommended by The Competition Authority report of October 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5201/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is preparing new legislation to replace the Dentists Act 1985. The current Act provides for the establishment of the Dental Council, which is the regulatory body for the dental profession in Ireland, and which is charged with promoting high standards of professional education and professional conduct among dentists. The Act also provides for the registration of dentists and dental specialists, education and training requirements, fitness to practise procedures, and the creation of auxiliary dental health professions.
The drafting of the Scheme of a new Dental Bill to modernise the Dentists Act has begun within my Department. However priority has had to be given to the Regulated Professions (Health and Social Care) (Amendment) Bill, which is currently at Seanad Committee Stage. This Bill provides for amendments to all five health professional regulatory Acts, including the Dentists Act, as a consequence of the transposition of the Modernised Professional Qualifications Directive, and to address a number of other issues.
While work on the Dental Bill is still at the early stages of preparation, considerable work has been undertaken in formulating the policy to underpin it. It includes a provision that certain allied dental health professionals, including Clinical Dental Technicians and Dental Hygienists, will be permitted to work without being supervised by a dentist once they are working within their scope of practise.
The work on the modernisation of the Dentists Act in its entirety will progress once the Regulated Professions Bill has completed its passage through both Houses of the Oireachtas, and has been enacted.
783. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the status of the consideration of the scientific advisory committee of the Health Protection Surveillance Centre of the report of the lyme borreliosis sub-committee October 2019; the steps taken to improve testing, treatment and management of lyme borreliosis based on its consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5203/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) is responsible for the surveillance of notifiable infectious diseases such as Lyme disease. The Scientific Advisory Committee of the HPSC established a Lyme Borreliosis Subcommittee to look at ways of increasing public awareness. Part of the work of the Subcommittee is to ensure that all GPs are familiar with identifying and managing Lyme disease. The HPSC website (hpsc.ie) provides extensive information on Lyme disease diagnosis, treatment and how to avoid tick bites for the general public and health professionals.
As this PQ refers to operational matters regarding Lyme disease, I have referred it to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
784. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health his plans for dedicated Huntington's disease clinics, staffing and funding; if his attention has been drawn to the inappropriate placing of younger persons with neurological conditions in nursing homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5204/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraHuntington's Disease is an inherited disease that causes the progressive breakdown (degeneration) of nerve cells in the brain and can cause a range of symptoms. This disease has a broad impact on a person's functional abilities and usually results in movement, thinking (cognitive) and psychiatric disorders. Diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms and signs in an individual with a parent with proven Huntington's Disease and is confirmed by confirmation of the presence of the Huntington's Disease gene. There is no cure. Management is multi-disciplinary and is based on treating symptoms with a view to improving quality of life.
General medical services are provided by GPs. If the patients clinical condition warrants a referral to a Consultant then their GP will organise that for them. A patient's Local Health Office is the entry point to access wider community health and personal social services. In addition to GP services these also include public health nursing, community welfare, speech therapy, social work, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, chiropody, psychiatric services and home help. The Department of Health also supports a non-condition specific approach to the delivery of health and personal social services to people with a disability. The overarching principle governing the planning and delivery of health services and supports for adults and children with disabilities, is that they should be integrated as much as possible with services and supports for the rest of the population. The Government’s policy in this regard is set out in the National Disability Inclusion Strategy (NDIS) which was published by the Department of Justice and Equality in July 2017.
This question also concerns service matters and as such it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
785. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to make Kuvan available through Temple Street Children’s University Hospital and the Mater Hospital for phenylketonuria patients; if his attention has been drawn to the distress caused to such patients and their families because of a lack of testing in public hospitals providing children's and adult metabolic services to establish if they may respond to Kuvan and the need to travel abroad to avail of testing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5205/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly, as soon as possible.
786. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health his plans to restore funding to the baby friendly hospital initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5217/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the question refers to a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
787. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health when funding and a care package approved but not delivered will be provided in respect of a person (details supplied) in view of the conditions of the person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5225/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
788. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health his plans to introduce a national children’s eye care programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5231/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
789. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health his plans regarding the number of persons waiting to receive appointments for eye care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5232/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra790. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the number of persons waiting for eye procedures to be carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5233/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 789 and 790 together.
Reducing waiting time for patients for hospital operations and procedures is a key priority for Government. In recent years, my Department has worked with the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) and made considerable improvements to access for patients waiting for high volume procedures and life limiting procedures including cataracts.
At the end of July 2017, the number of people waiting for a cataract procedure was 10,024. Since then the numbers waiting have consistently improved and at the end of December 2019, they stood at 4,388. Of these, 396 patients are waiting over 9 months which represents a reduction of 91% when compared to July 2017, when the number waiting over 9 months stood at 4,371. A key development in improving access to Ophthalmology services was the opening of a stand-alone high-volume consultant-led cataract theatre by the University of Limerick Hospital Group in Nenagh Hospital in 2018, with the intention that it would facilitate patients from surrounding geographical areas to avail of their treatment there.
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to defer all non-urgent elective scheduled care activity, including outpatient clinics. This was to ensure patient safety and that all appropriate resources are made available for Covid-19 related activity and time-critical essential work. This decision was in line with the advice issued by the World Health Organisation, and the National Action Plan published on 16 May. In addition all NTPF activity including validation was suspended in mid March. The trajectory of the disease means there is now an opportunity for increasing provision of non-covid care including more routine care. It is envisaged that the private hospitals will play an important role in this regard.
My Department, the HSE and the NTPF are currently working together to estimate the impact of Covid 19 on Scheduled Care waiting lists, in order to be prepared to address any backlog or pent up demand. My Department continues to ensure that the resources available throughout our health system are best utilised at this unique and challenging time.
The information requested by the Deputy regarding eye procedure waiting lists, is contained in the following tables.
IPDC Ophthalmology Waiting List
|
0-3 Mths |
3-6 Mths |
6-9 Mths |
9-12 Mths |
12-15 Mths |
15-18 Mths |
18-24 Mths |
24-36 Mths |
36-48 Mths |
48+ Mths |
Grand Total |
|
3648 |
3269 |
1174 |
697 |
404 |
275 |
234 |
110 |
10 |
1 |
9822 |
Outpatient Ophthalmology Waiting List
|
0-3Months |
3-6Months |
6-9Months |
9-12Months |
12-15Months |
15-18Months |
18-21Months |
21-24Months |
24-36Months |
36-48Months |
48+Months |
Grand Total |
|
7761 |
6380 |
4976 |
4259 |
3119 |
2492 |
2341 |
2029 |
5414 |
2175 |
455 |
41401 |
791. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health his plans to introduce a register to ensure consistency of qualification and care in the context of care assistants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5234/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraA report entitled 'Review of Role and Function of Health Care Assistants' was published in December 2018. The implementation of the recommendations from this review was agreed as part of the resolution for the Nurses Industrial Action 2019.
Recommendation 14.18 stated that a National Forum should be tasked with engaging the relevant parties to make a final recommendation on the appropriate option for registration (from those options as set out in section 11.6) to the Department of Health. However, as this National Forum has not yet been established, no review has taken place and therefore, no options are available for consideration.
In addition, section 11.1 of the review report outlined above, advises that the Final Report on the EU Project (SANCO/1/2009) states that before a recommendation for registration can be given, it has to be stated that registration without successful completion of HCA education and training is not possible.
Section 11.6 identifies that at present there are variable standards of training for HCAs, very little continuing and in-service education and training as well as a lack of governance and oversight for HCAs in the community. In addition, it notes that there are no parameters of practice set and there is confused accountability and role confusion with other related grades.
It is clear from the above, that there is a body of work required before the Department could be in a position to make a decision in relation to the introduction of a register for care assistants.
792. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if he has engaged with the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board since it made its decision to pursue legal action against a company (details supplied); his views on the action being taken by the board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5251/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraOfficials in my Department engage with the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB) on a regular basis. I have been informed by my officials that the NPHDB, which is the statutory body responsible for the design, build and equipping of the new children’s hospital, has commenced a High Court action in relation to the company mentioned by the Deputy. The decision to issue proceedings rests with the NPHDB. As the matter is now before the Courts I do not wish to say anything that could in any way prejudice those proceedings.
793. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the National Immunisation Advisory Committee has no representative from a society (details supplied); the length of time the position has been vacant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5252/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). The NIAC is an independent committee of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI) comprising experts in several specialties including infectious diseases, paediatrics and public health. The committee's recommendations are based on the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland and international best practice in relation to immunisation. It makes recommendations on vaccination policy to my Department. The NIAC continues to revise recommendations to allow for the introduction of new vaccines in Ireland and to keep abreast of changes in the patterns of disease. Therefore, the immunisation schedule will continue to be amended over time.
Dr Corinna Sadlier is the current representative, on the NIAC, of the Infectious Diseases Society of Ireland and RCPI Council Consultant in Infectious Diseases. Dr Sadlier is a Consultant in Infectious Diseases at Cork University Hospital.
794. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the work being carried out with respect to revising the model of care applied to terminations of pregnancy; the person or body he has assigned to revise the model of care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5254/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to protect public health and limit the spread of COVID-19, the Department of Health and the HSE worked together to put new arrangements in place to temporarily allow termination of pregnancy services in early pregnancy to be provided remotely.
For the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency, where the need for social distancing, reducing personal contacts and reducing the burden on medical practitioners are paramount, it will be possible for a woman to access a termination under section 12 of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 (i.e. before 12 weeks) from her medical practitioner by telephone or video conference consultation.
The arrangement enabling remote consultation will lapse once the public health emergency is declared over, and the normal functioning and requirements of the original Model of Care for early pregnancy will resume (i.e., visits to medical practitioners).
795. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health if funding can be provided for an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5285/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE has a nationwide service level agreement with the Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI), which provides a range of services and supports for people with dementia. The allocation of funds within each region is a matter for the ASI, which can raise any relevant financial issues relating to the provision of services with the HSE in the context of its service arrangements.
As the Deputy may be aware, on Friday 8 May 2020, the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring TD, and Mr Seán Canney TD, the Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development announced the launch of a €40 million package of supports for Community and Voluntary Organisations, Charities and Social Enterprises. The €40 million funding package is being made available through the Dormant Accounts Fund, which is specifically set aside to support initiatives which will benefit the most disadvantaged groups in society. The package includes a €35 million 'COVID-19 Stability Fund' which will provide a level of support to qualifying organisations who are most in need and have seen their trading and/or fundraising income drop significantly during the crisis.
As the particulars of this question refer to a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
797. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of protected disclosures his Department has received since the legislation was introduced; the number of protected disclosures examined to conclusion by year in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5307/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has received 35 protected disclosures since the Protected Disclosures Act was introduced in 2014. Of these 21 have been brought to a conclusion and 14 are ongoing.
The yearly breakdown of the concluded protected disclosures is as follows;
|
Year |
No of PDs closed |
|
2016 |
3 |
|
2017 |
5 |
|
2018 |
7 |
|
2019 |
6 |
798. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health his plans to introduce a specialist to deal with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and hypermobility spectrum disorder; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5316/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this PQ relates to a service matter regarding the employment of a specialist it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
799. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health his plans to support a facility (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5327/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the HSE's Palliative Care Services Three Year Development Framework (2017-2019) includes the development of a 16-bed specialist palliative care inpatient unit, or hospice, which will provide support to patients from across the four counties in the Midlands. Following extensive public consultation, and in partnership with CHO 8 and the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group, a site was identified in the grounds of the Midlands Regional Hospital Tullamore and initial drawings for the unit have been drafted.
The Midlands is fortunate to have a well-developed palliative care service in the community and, whereas the ultimate aim is to care for people appropriately at home for as long as possible, the provision of specialist palliative care inpatient beds will facilitate hospital avoidance and support families in end of life care for their loved ones. It is envisaged that the new inpatient unit, when established, will act as the hub for specialist palliative care services in the Midlands and will be able to provide additional support for residential /community services, including the region’s network of palliative care support beds.
800. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health his plans to introduce a facility in a region (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5328/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraRadiation oncology services in Ireland are provided in line with a national plan. Radiation oncology is available in five public hospitals: St. James's Hospital, Beaumont Hospital, St. Luke's Hospital Rathgar (which three together form the St. Luke's Radiation Oncology Network), Cork University Hospital and University Hospital Galway. Radiation oncology services for public patients are also provided in two private facilities in Waterford and Limerick. Meanwhile, patients from the North West can receive radiation oncology treatment at the North West Cancer Centre in Altnagelvin Area Hospital, Derry.
The model of care for radiation oncology allows for the sufficient volume and concentration of activity and expertise to facilitate high quality radiation oncology treatments in line with best evidence and international best practice. Modern radiation oncology is increasingly complex. Delivery of such complex care requires several key components to ensure safe, high quality treatment. These include appropriate physical infrastructure and equipment, a highly trained multidisciplinary team including specialist doctors, nurses, radiation therapists, physicists and other health and social care professionals and a system of quality assurance that can ensure that radiation oncology services are safe, effective, equitable, efficient, timely and centred on the patients needs.
A new facility in Cork University Hospital was opened recently, and construction will commence shortly on a new facility in University Hospital Galway. Future expansion of the facility in Beaumont is also envisaged. In line with the National Plan for Radiation Oncology, it is not proposed to establish a centre for radiation oncology in the Midlands.
Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy (SACT/Chemotherapy) is delivered in 26 hospitals across the country, including in the Midlands Regional Hospital, Tullamore. In the context of Covid-19 some patients who would normally receive their treatment in Tullamore are now being treated in the Hermitage Medical Clinic, Dublin.
801. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 161 of 13 November 2019, if an independent external facilitator to engage in a consultative process in respect of Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise has been appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5330/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe appointment of an independent external facilitator for the consultation process has not yet been made. I would like to clarify that no decision has been made on the draft Action Plan for Portlaoise Hospital. I am committed to ensuring that the interests of local clinicians and the community are considered before any decision is made.
802. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health the number of home support hours being provided in each LHO area as of 17 April 2020 or the latest date available; the way in which it compares to target in each LHO for the same time period; the number of persons on the waiting list for home support hours in each LHO area; and the number waiting zero to three months, three to six months, six to 12 months and more than 12 months, respectively, in tabular form. [5336/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
803. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health the number of home support hours being provided in each LHO area as of 17 April 2020 or the latest date available; the way in which it compares to target in each LHO for the same time period; the number of persons on the waiting list for home support hours in each LHO area; and the number waiting zero to three months, three to six months, six to 12 months and more than 12 months. [5337/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
804. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting placement under the fair deal scheme as of 17 April 2020 or the latest date available; the average waiting time; the number of persons awaiting placement under the scheme by each local health area; and the length of time waiting in tabular form. [5338/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
