Written Answers Nos. 1624-1643
1624. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health if he will review the resources currently available in County Kildare in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20332/22]
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.
1625. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the expected timeline for the publication of a national Traveller health action plan, as set out in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20358/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1686. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the publication and implementation of the national Traveller health action plan, as set out in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20599/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1691. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the way that the planned national traveller health action plan will combat Traveller health inequalities, which were particularly highlighted during the pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20621/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1693. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Health the impact the planned national traveller health action plan is aiming to have on the health and well-being of Travellers nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20632/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1761. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the budgetary supports that have been allocated by his Department to the HSE since May 2020 to progress the publication and implementation of the national Traveller health action plan in view of the urgency of this matter, due to the generally poor health outcomes for members of the Traveller community; his plans to fully implement the action plan and provide the resources to do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20861/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1625, 1686, 1691, 1693 and 1761 together.
I wish to acknowledge the severe health needs of Travellers, who die younger, have more illnesses, and are at greater risk of substance misuse and mental ill-health. These health inequalities are rooted in the social determinants of health, which encompass poverty and social exclusion, poor living conditions, low education attainment, unemployment and discrimination. In addition, Travellers can face difficulties in accessing healthcare services.
The National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy (NTRIS) is the Government policy framework for addressing the health and other needs of Travellers. It contains over 30 health-related actions across four themes. The Dept of Health and the HSE are represented on the steering committee for NTRIS and report on a regular basis on the various health actions.
A key health action in National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy (#73) is to develop and implement a detailed action plan to address the specific health needs of Travellers, using a social determinants approach. The lead role in developing the action plan rests with the HSE, in conjunction with Traveller organisations. The HSE established a steering committee, which included relevant stakeholders and representatives of Traveller organisations, to finalise the development of a Traveller Health Action Plan, to address the specific health needs of Travellers, be it physical, mental and social well-being needs.
Covid-19 has brought into focus the health inequalities faced by Traveller communities, and from the outset, the Government has recognised the increased risks facing this community. A range of additional measures were put in place to support the Traveller community during the Covid crisis by local authorities and the HSE. The new Traveller Health Action Plan reflect the lessons from the public health response to Covid-19. The finalisation and publication of the National Traveller Health Action Plan (NTHAP) is a priority area for action in the HSE Service Plan for 2022. As an initial step towards implementing the plan, the Department provided €270,000 to expand Traveller health units in 2021. Further measures will be considered in the context of Budget 2023.
The Department of Health is fully committed to providing the leadership and resources to ensure the implementation of the Traveller health action plan, once agreed.
1626. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health his plans to ensure that a person (details supplied) has access to an MRI. [20359/22]
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.
1627. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the manner in which Health Research Board funding is allocated and expended; the manner in which an individual may gain access to Health Research Board funding; the official or unit in the Department responsible for sanctioning or authorising such expenditure; if all appointments under health research board funding are subject to an open competition; the manual which lays out the operating standards for the health research board and awarding of funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20375/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Research Board (HRB) is the lead agency in Ireland responsible for funding and commissioning research in the areas of clinical and translational medicine, population health sciences and health services research.
Health Research Board Funding Allocation and Expenditure
Like all public sector agencies, the HRB submits requests to The Department of Health, through the Research Services and Policy Unit, for funding to deliver on its strategic goals each June as part of the estimates process. This funding supports all aspects of the current Strategy (www.hrb.ie/strategy-2025/), which is designed to address current national and European health policy objectives. In 2022, the total recurrent allocation is €35.85 million and the total capital allocation is €10 million. It is not unusual for some additional funding to be allocated to themed or targeted initiatives. Some examples include:
- Funding that was provided to the HRB to support the Government response to Covid-19, including for a national covid biobank, participation in the WHO Solidarity trial for Covid-19 treatments and a series of supports for Expert Advisory Group on Rapid Antigen Testing;
- Targeted funding to support the National Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), valued at €1.5m per annum;
- Funding of €400K per annum to conduct research to support the National Drugs Strategy;
- Funding in 2022 to advance research and research capacity building aligned with Sharing the Vision, the National Mental health strategy.
Such targeted initiatives are typically identified for additional funding by the Department of Health to support the policy priorities of the Department, as well as wider Government commitments.
Application Processes for Health Research Board Awards
The HRB has rigorous, transparent policies and processes in relation to both the application for, and assessment of, research awards. All applications for HRB funding are subject to international peer review, and the outcome of any application process is never predetermined. The HRB provides funding through several funding instruments (projects and programmes, individual or group-based career awards, funding for networks, research infrastructure) that are appropriate to its strategic objectives. The HRB strives for a balanced portfolio of awards that address its five-year strategic plan along with the needs of the Irish health and research and innovation systems. The design, objectives, funding envelope, eligibility criteria and desired outcome of funding schemes must be approved by the HRB Executive and Board before they are opened to applicants.
For health researchers wishing to access HRB funding support, there are different ways in which applications for funding are invited, depending on the nature of the scheme/objective topic. The vast majority of HRB funding involves an open competition. However, because Ireland is a small country, it is sometimes practical to make just one award for a national consortium or national research programme in a particular area to avoid duplication of effort or research. For example, the HRB funds just one, national network to support public, patient, and carer involvement in research. In this case the universities were invited to work together to submit one application and, as with all applications to the HRB, this single application was subject to international peer review.
In addition to the review of any application, an award can only be made to a recognised HRB Host Institution that can comply with HRB Grant Terms and Conditions. To achieve/retain Host Institution status, research performing institutions must apply to the HRB by completing a detailed application and providing supporting financial and policy documentation and this must be approved to the Executive Team.
Detailed guidance notes are provided for applicants for each funding scheme that set out the scope, objectives, eligibility and assessment criteria, the expected contribution of partners and co-applicants, budget availability (and requirements for co-funding where appropriate), award duration, governance requirements, and knowledge transfer and dissemination requirements, public/patient involvement, open access to outputs/data, and other matters as appropriate. These factors are assessed in a robust and systematic way throughout the review process.
Health Research Board Governance Structures
The HRB Board ensures the highest standards of governance to manage all aspects of its business, achieve its mission and objectives, and to meet the necessary standards of accountability, integrity, and propriety. It complies fully with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies.
The work and practices of the HRB are subject to an annual audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General. The HRB has pro-actively participated in a number of Organisational Reviews by international panels in recent decades to ensure that its policies, practices and procedures remain fit-for purpose and aligned with best international practice. The HRB is an active member of Science Europe, the association representing major public organisations that fund or perform excellent, ground-breaking research in Europe.
As the HRB is a publicly-funded organisation, there is an onus to account to Government and the public, for the funds allocated and the returns on that investment. The HRB maintains an Evaluation Strategy and this comprises (i) ongoing monitoring and review of all awards through annual reports and interim reviews, (ii) the collection of a detailed set of evaluation metrics, based on the Payback Framework of Buxton and Hanney, at the end of all awards and (iii) periodic reviews/evaluations of particular initiatives, scheme or fields of research (the most recent evaluation report may be viewed here: Outputs, outcomes, and emerging impacts: Results from HRB-funded awards that completed in 2018–19). Finally, the Research Strategy and Funding Directorate of the HRB has a suite of policies that it keeps under regular review, to underpin all aspects of its work, from application review to award management.
All HRB policies referenced in this response are fully available at the Health Research Board website: Home (hrb.ie). This information includes a list of open and closed funding schemes, a full description of how to access funding applications, the names and affiliations of review panels, and a list of funded awards.
1628. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the status of the plans by his Department to reform the fair deal scheme to incentivise rentals and a timeline for delivery of this plan. [20383/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has approved a policy change to the Nursing Homes Support Scheme “Fair Deal”, to incentivise applicants to the Scheme to rent out their principal residence after they have entered long term residential care. The rate of assessment for rental properties will be reduced from 80% to 40% for income from all principal residences. This will be reviewed after six months of operation, with the potential for further amendment after that point. This policy change addresses the commitments made under Housing For All Action 19.8.
The change will be made through Committee-Stage amendment to the Regulation of Providers of Building Works and Building Control (Amendment) Bill 2022.
1629. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health if funding (details supplied) that has been allocated has been drawn down and spent; if there has been a follow-up or appraisal of the funding given under the various programmes or headings; if any of the allocated funding has been recouped or unspent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20398/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is not immediately available. I will survey the Department and the collated replies will be prepared into a full response to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1630. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health the status of the roll-out of free general practitioner care to children up to age 8; the implementation date of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20407/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1851. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health when children under the age of 8 years can avail of free general practitioner care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21269/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1630 and 1851 together.
My officials and the HSE are engaged in preparatory work for the commencement of the initial stage of the phased expansion of GP care without fees to all children aged 12 years and under, the provision of GP care without fees to all children aged 6 and 7. Consultations with the IMO, representing GPs, are currently underway with the intention of introducing the service this year.
1631. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Health if a psychologist post can be sanctioned for the child and adolescent mental health service based in Grangegorman, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20408/22]
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.
1632. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Health if a psychologist post can be sanctioned for the child and adolescent mental health service or at St. Joseph’s based in St. Vincent’s Day Hospital, Fairview, Dublin 3; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20409/22]
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.
1633. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the planned full-time equivalent staffing, by role, for each county’s children’s disability network teams in 2027 and 2032. [20412/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy's question relates to a service issue, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
1634. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health if he has met with the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to discuss the need to catch up on placement hours missed during Covid-19 for those due to graduate. [20414/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraStudent placements are organised at the level of each individual Higher Education Institution (HEI), as part of their programme offerings to be delivered in conjunction with relevant placement providers. The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science has no direct role in the provision or monitoring of placements.
In the course of the Covid-19 pandemic, significant work was undertaken by a stakeholder group chaired by the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), and included the representative bodies of education providers and students to address issues relating to the maintenance of the quality and standards of:
- teaching and learning,
- assessment,
- qualifications.
This group focused on the implementation of alternative arrangements and methods of delivery, where appropriate and necessary, to meet both these standards and, where applicable, the educational accreditation criteria established by Professional Recognition Bodies (PRBs).
QQI facilitated engagement between members of the stakeholders’ group and CORU, the regulatory body for health and social care professions, which took place in parallel to direct engagements between CORU and individual education providers. The goal of these engagements was to ensure that, where possible, necessary alternative arrangements were in place to maintain the standards of education and training in this area and that these issues were actively managed. These efforts ensured that students could progress in their programmes from one academic year into the next, or, where relevant, graduate with the necessary professional competencies that have been set out by CORU.
1635. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter regarding the case of a person (details supplied). [20415/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1636. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if he will raise concerns (details supplied) in respect of paediatric occupational therapist provision in County Louth; the HSE's plans to address such a disparity in services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20419/22]
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.
1637. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health the total staffing levels across all skills, specialities and grades in a centre (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20425/22]
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.
1638. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health the total target for staffing levels across all skills, specialities and grades in a centre (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20426/22]
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.
1639. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health if a review has taken place of the progressive disability programme for the CHO 9 north Dublin area; the gaps in the service that have been identified; his plans to fill those gaps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20427/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1640. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health the services that are currently being provided from a centre (details supplied) as part of the progressive disability programme; the current staffing levels for this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20428/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1641. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health the number of children under the progressive disability programme in CHO 9; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20429/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1642. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health the number of children under the progressive disability programme in a centre (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20430/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1643. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health the current waiting lists for children in a centre (details supplied) to access services under the progressive disability programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20431/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1639 to 1643, inclusive, together.
As the Deputy's questions relate to service issues, they have been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
