Written Answers Nos. 641-663
641. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter raised in correspondence (details supplied) in relation to the health and social care career pathway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47869/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is an operational issue, I have asked the HSE to respond to the deputy directly.
642. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Health if the Time to Move on from Congregated Settings policy of his Department will facilitate service users to continue to live in congregated settings in circumstances in which it is their will and preference. [47872/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAlmost ten years ago, the Time to Move on from Congregated Settings Report identified approximately 4,000 people with disabilities living in congregated type settings. The 2011 Report expected that decongregation could happen at a much faster pace than was actually possible.
Since 2014, the Transforming Lives Programme provides the framework for implementation and for putting policy into practice across key reports, including Time to Move on from Congregated Settings in respect of residential centres,
Today less than 2,000 people live in congregated settings.
The Programme for Government – ‘Our Shared Future’ includes a commitment to continue with moving people out of old style congregated settings, into new homes within the community, with the necessary supports.
Today, people are being supported to live lives of their choice out in the community. Several congregated settings have closed fully and many more have closed specific units within the centres.
Thoughtful planning, capacity building work with stakeholders and sharing the learning across services is enabling meaningful person-centred planning and transitions that are sustainable.
While the pace of change has been slow in some services, there is momentum and progress is being made.
Budget 2021 provides for an unprecedented level of investment in disability services, with the investment of €100m for new initiatives in 2021. The increased level of funding in 2021 will enable us to build on initiatives currently underway, including the decongregation programme, with a renewed focus on assisting people to move out of congregated settings to homes in the community. The HSE has prioritised the transition of a further 144 people from congregated settings in 2021 under its Service Plan.
As the numbers in the large settings continues to fall, the people still remaining in these services have access to better living conditions and share with fewer people.
The position of the HSE is that it wishes to see all individuals supported to have the option of living independently in the community provided this is in their best interests and in partnership with their families. It is recognised that this will take time to put in place.
As the particular issue raised is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
643. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health when the nursing registration will be completed in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47877/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this matter involves the register of nurses and midwives that is maintained by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI), my Department contacted the NMBI for an update on this registration application.
The NMBI advised has advised that this applicant submitted their online application on 03 August 2021. A review of the application was then carried out and on foot of this NMBI notified the applicant, on 11 August 2021, that further information and documentation was required. On receipt of same , the NMBI will progress the application as quickly as possible.
644. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health if he will report on his recent meeting with a group (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47878/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Drug Strategy, Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery, recognises the role of families affected by drug use in contributing to the planning, design and delivery of effective addiction services.
In Budget 2021, I secured €280,000 in additional funding to support family services. This funding will be used to develop and broaden the range of peer-led, mutual aid and family support programmes in accordance with best practice, in line with action 2.1.16 of the National Drugs Strategy.
The development of family support services is listed as a drug and alcohol priority in the HSE National Service Plan for 2021. It is intended that the HSE will use this additional funding to develop coordinated family support programmes in the following four areas this year:
- Dublin North Inner City,
- Cork/Kerry,
- Louth and Meath,
- Donegal.
Each initiative has been allocated €70,000 and this funding is now available to the HSE.
I am aware of the interest in the allocation of this funding in Louth/Meath and I had a productive meeting with the group referred to by the Deputy in late September. On foot of the meeting, the HSE is issuing a template by which the group (and other interested parties) can apply for funding. I looking forward to hearing from the HSE about the outcome of this application process in the next few weeks.
645. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health if he will provide details on the recently announced funding stream that will be available (details supplied); the timeframe for which funding will be available; the criteria linked to that funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47879/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Drug Strategy, Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery, recognises the role of families affected by drug use in contributing to the planning, design and delivery of effective addiction services.
In Budget 2021, I secured €280,000 in additional funding to support family services. This funding will be used to develop and broaden the range of peer-led, mutual aid and family support programmes in accordance with best practice, in line with action 2.1.16 of the National Drugs Strategy.
The development of family support services is listed as a drug and alcohol priority in the HSE National Service Plan for 2021. It is intended that the HSE will use this additional funding to develop coordinated family support programmes in the following four areas this year:
- Dublin North Inner City,
- Cork/Kerry,
- Louth and Meath,
- Donegal.
Each initiative has been allocated €70,000 and this funding is now available to the HSE.
I am aware of the interest in the allocation of this funding in Louth/Meath and had a productive meeting with the group referred to by the Deputy. On foot of the meeting, the HSE is issuing a template by which the group (and other interested parties) can apply for funding. I looking forward to hearing from the HSE about the outcome of this application process in the next few weeks.
646. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Health if he or his Department have issued the promised invitation to all interested groups, organisations and members of the public to provide their views to inform the review of the operation of abortion legislation; if not, when he plans to do so; the reason he prematurely met with stakeholder groups in early June 2021 to discuss the approach for the review which is being developed by his Department; if an invitation had not yet been issued at that time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47890/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra684. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Health the oversights members of the Houses of the Oireachtas will have over the selection and monitoring of the work undertaken by the organisation or company which he has indicated will be commissioned to oversee the service user and service provider strands as part of the three year review of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48176/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 646 and 684 together.
The Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 was signed into law on 20 December 2018 and commenced on 1 January 2019. Section 7 of the Act states that “The Minister shall, not later than 3 years after the commencement of this section, carry out a review of the operation of this Act”.
The review of the operation of the Act is being progressed this year, in line with statutory and Government commitments.
At their request, I held online meetings with stakeholder groups in early June to discuss the approach for the review being developed by my Department. I also met with clinicians to seek their views.
As I have stated previously, an independent expert will be appointed to lead the review, which will comprise a three-part approach to appraise the operation of the Act, with strands focusing on service users, service providers and a public consultation.
An opportunity will be provided in the coming months for interested groups, organisations and members of the public to provide their views to inform the review.
Upon completion of the review, a full report with any necessary recommendations, will be submitted to me, as Minister, for consideration. I will submit my recommendations, with the report, to Government.
647. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health when the group home for persons with physical and sensory disabilities at Carrickmacross, County Monaghan, will be operational; the number of residents that will be accommodated when the home opens; the number of staff that will be based at the home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47895/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy's question relates to a service matter, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.
648. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the number of children under 18 years of age awaiting a first-time appointment since being switched to the new children's disability network team for Galway (details supplied) by age, intervention type, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and physiotherapy in tabular form. [47982/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra649. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the number of children under 18 years of age awaiting a first-time appointment since being switched to the new children's disability network team for the Galway region (details supplied) by age, intervention type, SLT, occupational therapy and physiotherapy in tabular form. [47983/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra650. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the number of children under 18 years of age awaiting a first-time appointment since being switched to the new children's disability network team for west Galway (details supplied) by age, intervention type, SLT, occupational therapy and physiotherapy in tabular form. [47984/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra651. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the number of children under the age of 18 years awaiting a first-time appointment since being switched to the new children's disability network team (details supplied) in Galway by age, intervention type, SLT, occupational therapy and physiotherapy in tabular form. [47985/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 648 to 651, inclusive, together.
As these are service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
652. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the number of children under the age of 18 years awaiting a first-time appointment since being switched to the new children's disability network team for Sligo and south Donegal children’s disability network team by age, intervention type, SLT, occupational therapy and physiotherapy in tabular form. [47986/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
653. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the number of children under the age of 18 years awaiting a first-time appointment since being switched to the new children's disability network team for Mayo early intervention service by age, intervention type, SLT, occupational therapy and physiotherapy in tabular form. [47987/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
654. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the number of children under the age of 18 years awaiting a first-time appointment since being switched to the new children's disability network team for the early intervention team in County Laois by age, intervention type, SLT, occupational therapy and physiotherapy in tabular. form [47989/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra655. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the number of children under the age of 18 years awaiting a first-time appointment since being switched to the new children's disability network team for school age team in County Laois by age, intervention type, SLT, occupational therapy and physiotherapy in tabular form. [47990/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 654 and 655 together.
As these are service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
656. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the number of children under 18 years of age awaiting a first-time appointment since being switched to the new children's disability network team (details supplied) by age, intervention type, SLT, occupational therapy and physiotherapy in tabular form. [47991/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
657. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the number of children under 18 years of age awaiting a first-time appointment since being switched to the new children's disability network team for the Kilcreen children’s disability service, County Kilkenny by age, intervention type, SLT, occupational therapy and physiotherapy in tabular form. [47992/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra659. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the number of children under 18 years of age awaiting a first-time appointment since being switched to the new children's disability network team for the north Kildare network disability team by age, intervention type, SLT, occupational therapy and physiotherapy in tabular form. [47994/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra660. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the number of children under 18 years of age awaiting a first-time appointment since being switched to the new children's disability network team for the mid Kildare network disability team by age, intervention type, SLT, occupational therapy and physiotherapy in tabular form. [47995/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 657, 659 and 660 together.
As these are service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
658. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the number of children under 18 years of age awaiting a first-time appointment since being switched to the new children's disability network team for an organisation (details supplied) in County Cavan by age, intervention type, SLT, occupational therapy and physiotherapy in tabular form. [47993/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
661. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the number of children under 18 years of age awaiting a first-time appointment since being switched to the new children's disability network team for the south Kildare west Wicklow network disability team by age, intervention type, SLT, occupational therapy and physiotherapy in tabular form. [47996/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
662. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the cost of the type 2 diabetes cycle of care programme since its inception; the number of persons that currently avail of the programme; the number of general practitioners that provide the programme; if the programme has been evaluated; if an audit of the programme has been completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47998/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra663. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if he is considering extending the type 2 diabetes cycle of care programme to all persons with type 2 diabetes (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47999/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 662 and 663 together.
People who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be entitled to a medical card. In the assessment process, the HSE can take into account medical costs incurred by an individual or a family. People who are not eligible for a medical card may still be able to avail of a GP visit card, which covers the cost of GP consultations.
Diabetes is one of the conditions covered by the Long Term Illness Scheme. Under this scheme, patients with Diabetes can receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness free of charge, whether or not they hold a medical card.
In October 2015, the Diabetes Cycle of Care programme was introduced nationally by the HSE. Under this programme, adult GMS patients, those who hold a medical card or GP visit card, with a diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes are eligible to be managed as part of the programme by their GP.
The 2019 GP Agreement introduced a new Chronic Disease Management programme for GMS patients who have one or more specific chronic diseases, of which Type 2 Diabetes is one. The structured programme commenced in 2020 and is being rolled out to all adult GMS patients over four years (2020 to 2023). This year the programme has been rolled out to those aged 65 years and over. The Chronic Disease Management programme will replace the Diabetes Cycle of Care programme as it is rolled out.
As the specific issues raised are service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
