Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:913. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the estimated additional cost of extending free prescription medicines to the entire population and of abolishing prescription charges. [18088/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraPrescriptions Charges
Ceisteanna (913)
Freagraí scríofa
The annual estimated cost of abolishing prescription charges for all medical card holders is €82m.
In relation to the Deputy's question regarding the extension of free prescription medicines to the entire population, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
Neuro-Rehabilitation Services
Ceisteanna (914)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:914. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of providing a community neuro-rehabilitation team. [18089/20]
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.
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
Home Care Packages
Ceisteanna (915)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:915. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of putting home care entitlements on a statutory footing. [18090/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A high-quality, consistent home-support service, focused on keeping people well in their homes and communities for as long as possible, is a key enabler to ensuring that people across a continuum of care get the right care, in the right place, at the right time. In this regard, my Department is in the process of developing a statutory scheme for the financing and regulation of home support.
As part of this, work is on-going to determine the optimal approach to the development of the scheme within the broader context of the Sláintecare reforms. Work undertaken in 2019 focussed on the design of the scheme, the options for regulation, and a review of existing services. In 2020, work is focussing on piloting a reformed model of service delivery for home support services, the development of the evidence base for the financing of home support services; and the development of a framework for the regulation of these services.
While Sláintecare commits to the establishment of the scheme by the end of 2021, progress on the development of the scheme, including the planned testing of a pilot scheme in 2020, has been impacted by the ongoing work and diversion of resources as part of the response to COVID-19. However, my Department remains committed to bringing forward this work as a priority, taking on board the learning from the response to COVID-19, in order to support people to age well and continue to live independently in their homes for as long as possible.
The development of a statutory scheme for the financing and regulation of home support is an ambitious programme of reform which will require costing, and this work is currently on-going.
Hospital Data
Ceisteanna (916)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:916. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of ceasing private activity in public hospitals in the event that lost revenue was replaced with public funding. [18091/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In 2019 the HSE generated €515m from private practice in public hospitals. However the Report of the Independent Review Group to examine the removal of private practice from public acute hospitals, published in August 2019, sets out other factors critical to the successful removal of private practice from public hospitals to be considered, including the introduction of a Sláintecare consultant contract.
Information and Communications Technology
Ceisteanna (917)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:917. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of increasing the information technology budget of the HSE by 1%. [18092/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The HSE ICT Capital budget is €95 million for 2020 up from €85m in 2019. Investment objectives are in line with Project Ireland 2040 and support health digitisation activities agreed in the Programme for Government and support the cross-party reform priorities of Sláintecare as well as a continuing body of work on national ICT maintenance and upgrades A 1% increase in the 2020 HSE ICT capital funding of €95 million represents an additional investment of €950,000. Proposed funding for 2021 is currently €120m which represents a planned increased funding provision of €25m over 2020, an increase of approximately 26%.
Hospital Data
Ceisteanna (918)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:918. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the estimated additional cost of ensuring each maternity hospital has access to foetal anomaly screening, including a breakdown in terms of equipment and staff. [18093/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Maternity Strategy is very clear that all women must have equal access to standardised ultrasound services. The Strategy is being implemented on a phased basis and this work is being led by the National Women and Infants Health Programme. The Programme's Implementation Plan for the Strategy includes a number of actions to facilitate the provision by all maternity hospitals/units of dating and anomaly scans to all pregnant women.
In relation to the specific queries raised by the Deputy regarding access to anomaly scanning, I have asked the Health Service Executive to reply to you directly.
Midwifery Services
Ceisteanna (919)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:919. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the estimated additional cost of ensuring all maternity hospitals meet the birthrate plus standard for midwifery staffing. [18094/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The HSE Midwifery Workforce Planning Project Report modelled on Birthrate Plus methodologies was published in April 2016. This Report recommended a range of midwifery staffing ratios across the 19 maternity hospitals/units taking into account the variability in working arrangements and clinical practices between the different sites and services. This Report also acknowledged that the implementation of the National Maternity Strategy 2016 – 2026 would have a significant impact to the way midwifery services are delivered and will consequently have a further impact on workforce requirements.
The National Women & Infants Health Programme in the HSE, is leading on the implementation of the National Maternity Strategy, which includes identifying and resolving requirements in relation to staffing. Therefore, I have asked the HSE to reply to your query directly.
General Practitioner Services
Ceisteanna (920)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:920. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the estimated additional cost of extending free general practitioner care to the entire population, by age groups (details supplied). [18095/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
GMS contractors receive a range of capitation rates, fee per service payments and practice supports. Extending GP care without charges to all citizens who do not currently hold a medical card or GP visit card would encompass a further 2.85 million people approximately. It is not possible to definitively calculate the cost of universal GP care without charges, as a whole or by age groups, given the wide range of payments and variables that have to be accounted for.
Such a calculation would require a complex and detailed modelling exercise to account for a range of demographic changes, future projections of service demands and variation in the number of GPs and the allowances that could be paid.
Additionally, the fees payable to GPs could only be determined following agreement with the IMO on the scope and content of the general practitioner service to be provided, as well as on the future of the various other supports provided to general practice.
General Practitioner Services
Ceisteanna (921)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:921. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the status of operations at an out-of-hours general practitioner centre (details supplied). [18098/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this question relates to a services matter, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Vaccination Programme
Ceisteanna (922)
Paul Murphy
Ceist:922. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he has received a full breakdown of the legal costs of fighting court cases in relation to the administration of the Pandemrix vaccine; and his views on whether the State should continue to spend fighting court cases against persons that suffered narcolepsy after receiving the vaccine. [18101/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The management of litigation against the State by persons alleging Narcolepsy and/or Cataplexy following the receipt of the H1N1 vaccine, Pandemrix, is delegated to the State Claims Agency. I do not have any legal authority to direct the State Claims Agency to deal in any particular way with a claim which falls to the State Claims Agency to manage.
I am advised that this litigation is on-going and is being case-managed by a Judge of the High Court who has assigned a lead case a specially fixed date for hearing on the 14th November 2020. Therefore, the legal costs have not been finalised.
In the first case, in this cohort of similar claims, which was settled in November 2019, the State Claims Agency received a legal costs bill from the plaintiff’s solicitor, in the sum of 6,302,318 Euro, which is now subject to a costs adjudication process.
In relation to the State’s legal costs, I am advised that these have been front-loaded in respect of the two lead cases and have not been finalised.
An Expert Group was established in June 2018, chaired by Mr Justice Charles Meenan, to examine the law in relation to personal injuries arising in the healthcare context and to explore alternative mechanisms by which claims could be managed more effectively, particularly from the perspective of the person on whose behalf a claim has been made.
Judge Meenan submitted the Final Report of the Expert Group to the Minister for Health and the Minister for Justice and Equality earlier this year. All recommendations of the Group are currently being considered by both Departments, with a view to bringing a joint Memo to Government, for its consideration, as soon as possible.
Addiction Treatment Services
Ceisteanna (923)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:923. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the number of drug and alcohol detoxification and rehabilitation beds by region, in tabular form. [18102/20]
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.
Medical Cards
Ceisteanna (924, 942)
Danny Healy-Rae
Ceist:924. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health when the over 70 years of age threshold for the medical card will be increased as promised in Budget 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18127/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Eoin Ó Broin
Ceist:942. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health when the enabling legislation raising the threshold for medical card eligibility for over 70 years of age will be in place. [18198/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 924 and 942 together.
The Health (General Practitioner Service and Alteration of Criteria for Eligibility) Bill 2020 was published on 1 July. This Bill provides, amongst other things, for the necessary legislative amendments to increase the weekly gross medical card income limits for those aged 70 and over to €550 per week for a single person (currently €500 per week) and to €1,050 for a couple (currently €900 per week). The Bill completed its passage through the Houses of the Oireachtas on July 24th and is now being prepared for signature by the President.
Disability Services Funding
Ceisteanna (925)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:925. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the way in which the funding for day services for a person (details supplied) is being spent; his plans to restore the services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18129/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As part of the overall effort to contain the spread of COVID-19 and in line with public health advice, day service locations closed in March.
Since then, HSE Disability Services have been working to develop national guidance on the part of the disability sector to direct how all day services can be delivered. The Guidance to support the Framework for the Resumption of Adult Disability Day Services was published by the HSE on 9 July 2020.
In developing the guidance document to guide providers, the HSE worked closely with service providers through representative organisations such as the National Federation of Voluntary Service Providers, Disability Federation of Ireland and the Not for Profit Association, in addition to Inclusion Ireland, who represent people with intellectual disabilities and their families.
The guidance document seeks to support the safe return of services in the context of ongoing public health guidance. It also recognises that the impact of public health guidance will result in services being provided at a reduced level and will require changes in how people are supported, increased use of technology where appropriate and more use of outreach supports.
Day services will gradually resume during the month of August. Service providers are already working to get day services ready to reopen safely, and in line with public health guidance. Service providers will be in touch with all families and service users during the month of July to discuss when they may expect the resumption of their service and what that service will consist of.
I want to acknowledge the many challenges experienced by individuals and their families over this difficult time. Families across the country have had their routines upended due to the impact of COVID-19 and I hope that this will be the first step towards returning to some sense of normalcy.
The Guidance to support the Framework for Resumption of Adult Disability Day Services is available on the New Directions website: www.hse.ie/newdirections. The HSE have also issued monthly communications updates for service users and their families, the latest leaflet “Adult Disability Day Services and COVID-19 - What’s Happening? July 2020” is available at the above link.
An information portal that will contain the dates on which the 966 disability day service locations will reopen around the country is being developed. After August 4th service users and families will be able to access this information on www.hse.ie/newdirections
As the Deputy's question refers to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (926)
David Cullinane
Ceist:926. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of persons that applied to the Be On Call For Ireland initiative that were available to take up positions in the health service including a breakdown by relevant occupational skillsets; the number taken and not taken on board; and the number that received and did not receive contracts; the number that returned here who got and did not get contracts. [18133/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (927)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:927. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health when surgery will take place for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18136/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to pause most elective scheduled care activity with effect from the end March 2020. This was to ensure patient safety and that all appropriate resources were made available for Covid-19 related activity and time-critical essential work. This decision was in line with the advice issued by National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) and in accordance with World Health Organisation guidelines, and the National Action Plan.
To ensure services are re-introduced in a safe, clinically-aligned and prioritised way, the HSE launched its Strategic Framework for ‘Service Continuity in a Covid Environment’ on 24th June 2020. Its implementation will ensure service resumption is done in an integrated way. This will involve a phased approach to ensure community services are strengthened. The Framework will also consolidate new ways of working and build on international knowledge. The HSE is currently developing a Service Continuity Roadmap for the resumption of services across the health system. My Department, the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund are currently working together to evaluate the impact of Covid 19 on Scheduled Care waiting lists, in order to be prepared to address pent up demand.
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 is a standardised approach used by the HSE to manage scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures. It sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists and was developed in 2014 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.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to investigate the matter and provide you with a direct response.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (928)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:928. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will have an operation. [18143/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to pause most elective scheduled care activity with effect from the end March 2020. This was to ensure patient safety and that all appropriate resources were made available for Covid-19 related activity and time-critical essential work. This decision was in line with the advice issued by National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) and in accordance with World Health Organisation guidelines, and the National Action Plan.
To ensure services are re-introduced in a safe, clinically-aligned and prioritised way, the HSE launched its Strategic Framework for ‘Service Continuity in a Covid Environment’ on 24th June 2020. Its implementation will ensure service resumption is done in an integrated way. This will involve a phased approach to ensure community services are strengthened. The Framework will also consolidate new ways of working and build on international knowledge. The HSE is currently developing a Service Continuity Roadmap for the resumption of services across the health system. My Department, the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund are currently working together to evaluate the impact of Covid 19 on Scheduled Care waiting lists, in order to be prepared to address pent up demand.
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 is a standardised approach used by the HSE to manage scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures. It sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists and was developed in 2014 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.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to investigate the matter and provide you with a direct response.
Medicinal Products
Ceisteanna (929)
Jennifer Carroll MacNeill
Ceist:929. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Health if a matter raised in correspondence by a person (details supplied) in relation to the prescription of Epilim to pregnant women will be reviewed; his views on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18148/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The issues and risks associated with the use of sodium valproate by women of childbearing age are well recognised by medicines regulators and healthcare professionals. Officials in the Department of Health, the HSE, and the Health Products Regulatory Authority are reviewing these issues at present, and considering the next steps that should be taken to minimise the risks involved in the use of this drug. This will include consideration of communications to patients, healthcare professionals, and other stakeholders.
Health Screening Programmes
Ceisteanna (930)
Mary Lou McDonald
Ceist:930. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the HSE recently amended its public statement of 6 August 2019 in response to the Independent Rapid Review of Specific Issues in the CervicalCheck Screening Programme as a result of a dispute in the accounts of a phone call which took place between a contributor to the report and an official in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18150/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Independent Rapid Review of Specific Issues in the CervicalCheck Screening Programme was commissioned by the HSE and published on 6 August 2019.
Following engagement with one of the contributors to the Review, the HSE published an amendment to its statement on the website on 17 July 2020. I am advised that this statement was agreed between the HSE and the contributor concerned.
Cancer Services
Ceisteanna (931)
Mary Lou McDonald
Ceist:931. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health when persons diagnosed with stage III melanoma will be able to access adjuvant immunotherapy nivolumab pembrolizumab as advised by the National Cancer Control Programme and approved by the HSE for reimbursement in public hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18151/20]
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, a company must submit an application to the HSE to have a 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).
The NCPE conducts health technology assessments (HTAs) for the HSE and makes recommendations on reimbursement to assist HSE decisions. The NCPE uses a decision framework to systematically assess whether a drug is cost-effective as a health intervention.
The HSE at all times ensures that the systems that it has in place are designed to provide equitable access to all medicines across all therapeutic areas, cancer and non-cancer, from the resources provided to it.
In 2019 and 2020, the Vhi decided to extend cover to a number of new cancer medicines. The decision by the Vhi applies only to private care to private Vhi patients in private hospitals. It has no impact on the availability and use of medicines in public hospitals, where there is no distinction between public and private patients.
A number of the medicines, or indications (which includes pembrolizumab and nivolumab), which the Vhi has now decided to cover, are in process with the HSE with a view to making them available in the public hospital system.
I am advised by the HSE that it has received pricing and reimbursement applications for the indications listed below:
- Nivolumab (Opdivo®) as monotherapy is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of adults with melanoma with involvement of lymph nodes or metastatic disease who have undergone complete resection.
- Pembrolizumab (Keytruda®) as monotherapy is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of adults with Stage III melanoma and lymph node involvement who have undergone complete resection.
The HSE has confirmed that health technology assessments have been completed by the NCPE for both these indications. These applications for reimbursement are now been assessed by the HSE in line with the 2013 Health Act.
Nursing Home Accommodation
Ceisteanna (932)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:932. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the pending closure of a nursing home (details supplied); if his attention has been further drawn to the impact the move will have on vulnerable residents and in further view of the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18154/20]
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.