Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Tuesday, 15 Sep 2020

Written Answers Nos. 664-683

Health Services Access

Ceisteanna (664)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

664. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) has been told she must wait another two years for an eye test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23381/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Dental Services

Ceisteanna (665)

Brian Stanley

Ceist:

665. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that dentists in Portlaoise, County Laois, are refusing to take medical card patients even though they are already patients and as a result there are no dental services for public patients in Portlaoise; the efforts being made to address same; and the location public patients should go to. [23382/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

General Practitioner Services

Ceisteanna (666)

Maurice Quinlivan

Ceist:

666. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health the future plans for Shannon Doc offices across the mid-west region of counties Limerick, Clare and Tipperary in view of ongoing concerns for the future of the network of Shannon Doc offices. [23383/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this question relates to a service matter, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Pharmacy Services

Ceisteanna (667)

Colm Burke

Ceist:

667. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if a minor ailments service will be instituted in community pharmacies here similar to the system which operates in Northern Ireland in order to alleviate pressure on general practitioners and the health system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23387/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Community pharmacy is recognised as the most accessible element of our health service with an unequalled reach in terms of patient contact and access. Therefore community pharmacists play a vital role in the Irish Health Service in the delivery of holistic patient care. I also fully acknowledge that community pharmacy has played a pivotal role in responding to the health needs of the public during the COVID-19 crisis. It is recognised that community pharmacists have ensured the continued availability of a professional, accessible service for the public and have successfully managed to alleviate the worries and concerns of the population around continuity of medicine supply in the face of great uncertainty.

This has been a period of unprecedented difficulty for the country and pharmacists have been at the forefront of the response. Accordingly, commitment has been given to commence a strategic review of the role of community pharmacists and to engage with the Irish Pharmaceutical Union to develop revised contractual terms. On 5 December 2019, my predecessor met with the Irish Pharmacy Union and communicated this intention.

The existing GMS pharmacy contract dates from 1996 and it is accepted that it is substantially outdated. It has not kept pace with developments that have taken place over the course of recent years including the increasing emphasis on maximising the proportion of people’s healthcare needs met in primary care, interdisciplinary collaboration and the skillset that pharmacists have by virtue of their education and training.

The comprehensive review of the pharmacy contract will address the role to be played by community pharmacy in the context of Sláintecare. It will consider all aspects of pharmacy service provision including initiatives such as a Minor Ailment Scheme, and the delivery of a multi-disciplinary model of service delivery for patients, ensuring clarity of roles and achieving optimum value for money. However, any publicly funded pharmacy service expansion should address unmet public healthcare needs, improve access to existing public health services or provide better value for money or patient outcomes.

Drugs Payment Scheme

Ceisteanna (668, 805)

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

668. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if the reduction in the drugs payment scheme is going ahead in September 2020 as announced in budget 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23390/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

805. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health when the changes under budget 2020 to reduce the maximum expenditure of €124 on prescription drugs will be reduced to €114 in view of the fact that this reduction was to come into effect on 1 September 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24062/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 668 and 805 together.

Budget 2020 provided for a reduction in the monthly threshold of the Drugs Payment Scheme from €124 to €114. Although it was intended that this measure would be implemented from 1 September, funding of this Budget 2020 commitment was contingent on the realisation of certain savings within the health budget.

However, these savings have not been realised as the Pandemic has placed a significant demand on public finances, a substantial proportion of which has been allocated to the health system. In that context, decisions on the associated funding and a potential implementation date are being actively considered.

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services

Ceisteanna (669)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

669. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health when diabetes reviews of hospitals and prairie care settings resume; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23393/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Disability Support Services

Ceisteanna (670, 671, 748, 781)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Ceist:

670. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health the status of the motorised transport grant; when it will be reopened to applicants; if there is an alternative scheme being prepared; when it can be expected to be open to applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23395/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Rose Conway-Walsh

Ceist:

671. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health the status of the mobility allowance; if and when it will be reopened to applicants; if there is an alternative scheme being prepared; when it can be expect to be open to applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23396/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

748. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health his plans to reinstate the mobility allowance and the motorised transport grant, which has been closed to new applicants since 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23810/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Thomas Pringle

Ceist:

781. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health if the mobility allowance scheme will reopen to new applicants; if so, when; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23947/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 670, 671, 748 and 781 together.

By way of background, two schemes, the Mobility Allowance and Motorised Transport Grant, were put in place in 1979 and 1968 respectively, for operation by the Health Service Executive (HSE) at a time when there was limited availability of accessible public transport. The Government decided to close these administrative schemes in 2013, on foot of the reports of the Ombudsman in 2011 and 2012 regarding the legal status of both Schemes in the context of the Equal Status Acts.

In 2013, the Government also decided to continue payment of the monthly Mobility Allowance on an interim basis, to those who were in receipt of the Mobility Allowance at the time that the Scheme closed. Of the 4,700 individuals in receipt of the Mobility Allowance (€9 million per annum) when the Scheme closed in 2013, there were 3,831 people in receipt of the interim payments at July 2019.

At the whole of Government level, the National Disability Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021 sets the overall framework for the equal participation of people with disabilities in society. Monitoring of the implementation of the Strategy is being overseen by the National Disability Inclusion Strategy Steering Group which comprises key Government Departments, the National Disability Authority and the Disability Stakeholders Group.

Under the Strategy, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has responsibility for the continued development of accessibility and availability of accessible public transport and is committed to the continued development of accessible public transport in recognition of the importance of such services to the lives of people with disabilities.

Recent developments which will impact on policy options regarding the provision of transport supports for people with a disability include the following:

- The ongoing progress by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport in providing accessible public transport nationally and that Department's public consultation launched on 14 November last, to review active travel and public transport policy, including accessible public transport;

- The Cost of Disability Study currently underway which was commissioned by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection as part of Budget 2019. The research, when complete, will inform policy direction in relation to the provision of adequate supports to meet the needs of people with disabilities, including transport costs; and

- The Working Group established under Action 104 of the National Disability Inclusion Strategy by the Department of Justice and Equality which states that: - 'We will lead a review of transport supports encompassing all Government funded transport and mobility schemes for people with disabilities, to enhance the options for transport to work or employment supports for people with disabilities and will develop proposals for development of a coordinated plan for such provision. This plan will have regard to making the most efficient use of available transport resources.”

Other transport supports available to persons with disabilities in the State include the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers scheme, operated by the Revenue Commissioners; the Free Travel Scheme operated by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection; and CLÁR funding, approved by the then Minister for Rural and Community Development, to voluntary organisations providing transport for people with significant mobility issues.

Disease Management

Ceisteanna (672, 673)

Joe O'Brien

Ceist:

672. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Health if all new diagnoses of hepatitis C here are immediately being referred to the highly successful treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23402/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Joe O'Brien

Ceist:

673. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Health his views on whether Ireland is on track to eliminate hepatitis C by 2030 as per the WHO commitment given by Ireland. [23403/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 672 and 673 together.

Ireland is committed to the WHO target of eliminating hepatitis C, including making it a rare disease by 2030.

The HSE established a National Hepatitis C Treatment Programme (NHCTP) in 2015 and began the process of providing treatment for Hepatitis C using Directly Acting Antivirals (DAA’s) to patients prioritised according to clinical need. Since 2016, the HSE in its National Service Plans has committed to the continued implementation of a multi annual public health plan for the therapeutic treatment of hepatitis C. The NHCTP goal is to make hepatitis C a rare disease in Ireland by 2026. In order to achieve this, the Programme is allocated funding of €25m each year.

The programme continues to progress the extension of hepatitis C treatment away from the traditional based healthcare within a number of HSE Addiction Treatment Centres with the latest centres opened in the Thompson Centre, Grangegorman and the Tolco Clinic, Cabra in North Dublin. Outcomes from these programmes are extremely positive with each patient engaging fully with their treatment and for those who have completed their treatment they have each received a sustained virological response i.e. a cure.

In tandem the programme is progressing the pilot of extending treatment availability within the community with treatment being provided by General Practitioners and corresponding oral substitution dispensing community pharmacists. Once proof of principle has been determined this project will be stepped up nationally.

In 2014 studies indicated that Ireland had a prevalence of 20,000-30,000. It should be noted that this is an estimate of the prevalence and the true prevalence rate in Ireland is unknown. There is no general screening of the population to determine prevalence rates. To date a national sero-prevalence study has not been undertaken. However, the NHCTP has observed a marked decline in numbers of newly diagnosed infections in recent years and a significant increase in the numbers of patients successfully completing treatment.

It is estimated that at least 50-60% of the potential number of people in Ireland with Hepatitis C are not aware of their diagnosis and so therefore in order for the programme to achieve its aim of making hepatitis C a rare disease by 2026, focus needs to turn to identifying the population and case finding. Globally the availability of Direct Acting Antivirals (DAA) has shifted the focus towards elimination of HCV. The WHO has stated that national testing policies in addition to increased screening are essential so that the goal of elimination can be reached. In this regard, the National Hepatitis C Treatment Programme is commencing a communications campaign ‘Find the missing Millions’ to promote the work of the NHCTP and to find the people who do not realise they are infected with Hepatitis C and offer them the treatment. The NHCTP is committed to treating as many people that are infected with Hepatitis C that are found, and as soon as they are identified.

The NCHTP is committed to evolving the changing needs in hepatitis C care for patients. A programme of work to refresh the National Hepatitis C Treatment Programme Strategy and Planning Document 2020-2026 is nearing completion. This will set a clear direction for the further expansion of the programme.

The NHCTP is also supported by a Programme Advisory Group who provide advice, support and strategic direction to the HSE of the successful development and implementation of the programme and a Clinical Advisory Group whose role is to provide clinical advice.

Since 2015 The NHCTP has provided treatment to over 5,500 people in Ireland using DAA Medication with cure rates in excess of 95%. The goal of making Hepatitis C a rare disease in Ireland is a reality since the availability of transformative therapeutic drug regimens to successfully treat and cure people with Hepatitis C.

To ensure we reach our goal of Hepatitis C becoming a rare disease in Ireland by 2026 the programme will:

- Continue treatment using DAA’s which have a significantly higher rate of patients achieving Sustained Virological Response or cure.

- Increase numbers of patients being treated to achieve > 60% reduction in liver related deaths & 90% reductions in total and new infections – actively ‘Seek and Treat’ harder to reach client groups in collaboration with Addiction services

- Expand screening programmes to identify all infected patients

- Expand treatment criteria to treat all infected patients – i.e. treatment as prevention and treatment to elimination.

- Promote the awareness of Hepatitis C and the need to get tested and treated

- Progression of the Community G.P/Pharmacy Dispensing Pilot

- Conduct an epidemiology study to determine the prevalence of Hepatitis C in Ireland to inform the efforts of the programme

With the outbreak of COVID-19 Hepatitis C clinics were significantly impacted. However, clinics are returning to normal and the NHCTP is confident that the programme is on target to eliminate Hepatitis C in Ireland by 2026.

Hospital Staff

Ceisteanna (674)

Violet-Anne Wynne

Ceist:

674. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health when he expects the vacant roles within the diabetes services in the mid-west University Hospital Limerick, UHL, group to be filled to elevate the backlog in appointments and care for diabetes suffers in the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23408/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service issue, I have asked the Health Service Executive to reply to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Family Resource Centres

Ceisteanna (675)

Violet-Anne Wynne

Ceist:

675. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health if he plans to review the funding model for counselling services being run by family resource centres across County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23409/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

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.

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services

Ceisteanna (676)

Violet-Anne Wynne

Ceist:

676. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health the number of youths and adults awaiting counselling services across the mid-west over and under 18 years of age and waiting three, six and more than 12 months by county in tabular form. [23410/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Health Screening Programmes

Ceisteanna (677)

Violet-Anne Wynne

Ceist:

677. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting BreastCheck screening services in the mid-west by county in tabular form. [23411/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Health Screening Programmes

Ceisteanna (678)

Violet-Anne Wynne

Ceist:

678. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health the supports he plans to put in place to ensure adequate resources are made available that when BreastCheck screening recommences that the backlog of checks will be dealt with quickly. [23412/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Hospital Staff

Ceisteanna (679)

Violet-Anne Wynne

Ceist:

679. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health when the UHL group will be receiving funding to hire additional dietitians for diabetic services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23413/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service issue, I have asked the Health Service Executive to reply to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Disease Management

Ceisteanna (680)

Violet-Anne Wynne

Ceist:

680. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health when there will there be a diabetes self-management education programme available in the mid-west. [23414/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service issue, I have asked the Health Service Executive to reply to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Hospital Staff

Ceisteanna (681)

Violet-Anne Wynne

Ceist:

681. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health when we can expect UHL to have adequate diabetes nurse specialists in their adult diabetes service as per the recommendations of the National Survey of Diabetes Care Delivery in Acute Hospitals 2018. [23415/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service issue, I have asked the Health Service Executive to reply to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Health Services

Ceisteanna (682)

Violet-Anne Wynne

Ceist:

682. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health when there will be insulin pump therapy offered to adults with type 1 diabetes in the mid-west (details supplied). [23416/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service issue, I have asked the Health Service Executive to reply to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Disease Management

Ceisteanna (683)

Violet-Anne Wynne

Ceist:

683. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health when he plans to offer diabetes self-management education courses to the adult sufferers of diabetes in the mid-west. [23417/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Barr
Roinn