Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Ceist:263. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the estimated full-year cost to introduce a dedicated cancer pathway, especially for access to surgery. [25166/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraHealth Services
Ceisteanna (263)
Freagraí scríofa
As this concerns a service delivery matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (264)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Ceist:264. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the estimated full-year cost for wraparound supports, including counselling, physiotherapy, nutrition advice for each women before, during and after cancer treatment. [25167/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The information requested by the Deputy is being collated by Department officials and a deferred reply will be submitted within ten working days
Health Services
Ceisteanna (265)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Ceist:265. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the estimated full-year cost to reduce the two-year waiting list for cancer genetic screening. [25168/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this concerns a service delivery matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible
Health Services
Ceisteanna (266)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Ceist:266. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the estimated full-year cost to enhance cancer screening programmes by offering self-sampling for HPV screening through CervicalCheck and widening the age for BreastCheck and for bowel cancer screen. [25169/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am fully committed to supporting our population screening programmes which are a valuable part of our health service, enabling early treatment and care for many people, and improving the overall health of our population.
I am pleased to inform that, in line with commitments in the Programme for Government, BreastCheck are now implementing the commitment on age-extension so that all women aged between 50 to 69 years are invited for routine breast screening. BreastCheck invite this age category because international evidence shows the incidence and mortality from breast cancer in this age group means it is effective to screen women in this age range. The National Screening Service (NSS) also advises that BreastCheck delivers its services in line with international criteria for screening programmes, based on the best international evidence, which they kept under constant review.
The BowelScreen programme invite men and women aged 60 to 69, for bowel screening. The programme are aiming to offer bowel screening to all people aged 55 to 74, which is part of their commitment in Ireland’s National Cancer Strategy and in line with commitments in the Programme for Government.
It is important to be aware any further decisions about changes to our national screening programmes, such as widening the age eligibility or changes to screening tests, will be made on the advice of our National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC). This independent expert group considers and assesses evidence in a robust and transparent manner, and against internationally accepted criteria. It is important we have rigorous processes in place to ensure our screening programmes are effective, quality assured and operating to safe standards, and that the benefits of screening outweigh the harms.
A dedicated evidence assessment team in HIQA support the work of the NSAC and conduct evidence reviews and evaluations to inform the decisions of the NSAC. The financial cost is but one factor that is considered in the decision-making process. Due to the complex nature of the evaluation process and the criteria against which a decision is made, it would not be possible to accurately quantify the cost of expanding a screening service until a full evidential assessment was completed.
It may be of interest to note that the NSAC held its first 'Annual Call’ in 2021, which gave the public an opportunity to suggest new screening programmes or modifications to existing ones. The Committee are currently reviewing the submissions received and I am looking forward to receiving recommendations from the NSAC once they have been considered fully. I will be guided by their advice to ensure Ireland’s population-based screening programmes continue to evolve in line with new evidence and developments.
Vaccination Programme
Ceisteanna (267)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Ceist:267. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the estimated full-year cost to provide catch-up for all age groups who missed the HPV vaccine due to the pandemic. [25170/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is an operational matter for the HSE, I have referred the question to the HSE for a direct reply.
Medical Cards
Ceisteanna (268)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Ceist:268. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the estimated full-year cost to ensure that all cancer patients have an automatic right to a medical card while undergoing treatment. [25171/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Health Act 1970, eligibility for a medical card is based primarily on means. The Act obliges the HSE to assess whether a person is unable, without due hardship, to arrange general practitioner services for himself or herself and his or her family, having regard to his or her overall financial position and reasonable expenditure. The issue of granting medical cards based on having a particular disease or illness was previously examined in 2014 by the HSE Expert Panel on Medical Need and Medical Card Eligibility. The Group concluded that it was not feasible, desirable, nor ethically justifiable to list medical conditions in priority order for medical card eligibility. In following the Expert Group’s advice, a person’s means remains the main qualifier for a medical card. However, since 2015 medical cards are awarded without the need of a financial assessment to all children under 18 years of age with a diagnosis of cancer, for a period of five years. With regard to the estimated cost of providing a medical card in the manner sought, this information is not readily available and it is therefore not possible to provide an estimate of the cost of the proposal.
Hospital Charges
Ceisteanna (269)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Ceist:269. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the estimated full-year cost to end the use of debt collectors by the HSE for in-patient charges for cancer patients. [25172/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Patient charges are a key element of the overall funding envelope of the Irish health system and are taken into account when agreeing the Annual Estimates and the subsequent preparation of the HSE’s annual National Service Plan. These charges typically include:Out-patient charges;In-patient charges; andLong-term stay charges.Certain cohorts of people may be exempt from some or all of these charges. In addition, patients who opt for private in-patient services in public hospitals are liable for a range of private in-patient charges. There are no exemptions from these charges. Non collection of debts owed directly impacts on the affordability of services provided by the Health Service Executive in any year. It is therefore incumbent on the HSE to take all reasonable steps to pursue amounts owed for services delivered. Debt collection agencies are engaged when normal billing arrangements have been unsuccessful.
The operational detail of this question is a matter for the HSE and I have asked them to respond to you directly in relation to that detail.
Eating Disorders
Ceisteanna (270)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Ceist:270. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the estimated full-year cost to ensure that ringfenced funding for eating disorder treatment remains in place. [25173/22]
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.
Eating Disorders
Ceisteanna (271)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Ceist:271. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the estimated full-year cost to ensure universal access to mental health supports such as psychotherapy for women dealing with an eating disorder. [25174/22]
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.
Eating Disorders
Ceisteanna (272)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Ceist:272. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the estimated full-year cost to ensure that specialist eating disorder services teams including CAMHS are in place to meet needs across the country. [25175/22]
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.
Eating Disorders
Ceisteanna (273)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Ceist:273. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the estimated full-year cost to educate healthcare workers, including general practitioners on the best way to provide weight-inclusive care to all and provide supports for more eating disorder resources including shorter mental health waiting times, more specialist services to refer to and time for initial general practitioner consultation. [25176/22]
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.
Mental Health Services
Ceisteanna (274)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Ceist:274. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the estimated full-year cost to deliver Ireland’s first in-patient mental health mother and baby unit without delay. [25177/22]
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.
Mental Health Services
Ceisteanna (275)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Ceist:275. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the estimated full-year cost to ringfence sufficient funding for women’s mental health in annual health budgets to meet need and provide for universal access, particularly through primary care. [25178/22]
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.
Mental Health Services
Ceisteanna (276)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Ceist:276. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the estimated full-year cost to ensure access to gender-sensitive appropriate mental services for women without delay and prioritise early intervention. [25179/22]
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.
Mental Health Services
Ceisteanna (277)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Ceist:277. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the estimated full-year cost to ensure that all healthcare workers in mental health services receive gender-specific training. [25180/22]
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.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (278)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Ceist:278. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the estimated full-year cost to tackle waiting lists for gender-based violence recovery, including physical and mental health supports. [25181/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Budget 2022 provided unprecedented funding for measures related to women's health, including funding for the health needs of marginalised women. The Department has not costed the measures identified by the Deputy, and would not be in position to do so pending further details about the envisaged roles and activities. Costing would also require an input from the HSE in terms of the likely level of need for these measures. Funding for new service developments for marginalised women will be considered in the context of Estimates 2023, including the forthcoming national Traveller health action plan and the national domestic, sexual and gender-based violence strategy.
However, as the HSE may have similar measures under its operational remit, I have referred the questions for its input.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (279)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Ceist:279. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the estimated full-year cost to resource sexual assault treatment units according to need and ensure access across the country. [25182/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, currently there are six Sexual Assault Treatment Units (SATUs) in Ireland. These are:
- Cork SATU, located in South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital,
- Donegal SATU, located at Justice Walsh Road, Letterkenny,
- Dublin SATU, located in Rotunda Hospital Campus,
- Galway SATU, located in Brockagh, Co. Galway,
- Mullingar SATU, located in Midlands Regional Hospital, and
- Waterford SATU, located in University Hospital Waterford.
There are currently no plans to increase the number of SATUs.
The details regarding the running costs is a service matter. I have therefore asked the Health Service Executive to provide the detailed information sought by the Deputy and to respond directly to her.
Health Services Staff
Ceisteanna (280)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Ceist:280. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the estimated full-year cost to ensure that all healthcare workers are trained to identify incidences of violence against women. [25183/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The information requested by the Deputy is being collated by Department officials and a deferred reply will be submitted within ten working days
Health Services Staff
Ceisteanna (281)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Ceist:281. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the estimated full-year cost to ensure all healthcare workers are trained to confidently support women to make disclosures including domestic abuse and coercive control. [25184/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Budget 2022 provided unprecedented funding for measures related to women's health, including funding for the health needs of marginalised women. The Department has not costed the measures identified by the Deputy, and would not be in position to do so pending further details about the envisaged roles and activities. Costing would also require an input from the HSE in terms of the likely level of need for these measures. Funding for new service developments for marginalised women will be considered in the context of Estimates 2023, including the forthcoming national Traveller health action plan and the national domestic, sexual and gender-based violence strategy.
However, as the HSE may have similar measures under its operational remit, I have referred the questions for its input.
Health Services Staff
Ceisteanna (282)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Ceist:282. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the estimated full-year cost to ensure all general practitioners and general practitioner practice nurses are be trained to recognise signs of domestic violence and critical situations as part of a structured women’s health lifecourse programme in general practice. [25185/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The information requested by the Deputy is being collated by Department officials and a deferred reply will be submitted within ten working days
Health Services
Ceisteanna (283)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Ceist:283. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the estimated full-year cost to fund universal access to the FGM Treatment Service including wraparound supports including mental health services, sexual and reproductive care and counselling. [25186/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Budget 2022 provided unprecedented funding for measures related to women's health, including funding for the health needs of marginalised women. The Department has not costed the measures identified by the Deputy, and would not be in position to do so pending further details about the envisaged roles and activities. Costing would also require an input from the HSE in terms of the likely level of need for these measures. Funding for new service developments for marginalised women will be considered in the context of Estimates 2023, including the forthcoming national Traveller health action plan and the national domestic, sexual and gender-based violence strategy.
However, as the HSE may have similar measures under its operational remit, I have referred the questions for its input.