Written Answers Nos. 1770-1796
1770. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health the details of the schools in which children's disability network teams are providing one-to-one therapy supports; the number of children assigned to each of the 91 children's disability network teams that are being provided with one-to-one therapy supports within their school setting in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30228/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1771. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health the number of clinical therapists that were based within a school setting in the past five years prior to the introduction of children's disability network teams; the number of clinical therapists currently based within a school setting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30229/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1770 and 1771 together.
As these are service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1772. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a list of all section 38 organisations; if he will provide a list of all section 39 organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30230/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have asked the HSE to review and respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
1773. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health with reference to Parliamentary Question No. 214 of 2 December 2021, if he will provide this Deputy with a copy of the report of the national psychology project team; the status of the establishment of a national psychology placement office; the status of the workforce plan for psychology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30231/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Report of the Psychology Review Implementation Group in 2017 expanded the care group employment available to counselling and educational psychologists. The report’s recommendation led to the establishment of a Project Team to implement this recommendation.
In February 2019, HSE Community Operations convened a Project Team, chaired by Dr Cathal Morgan, comprised of representatives from Clinical, Counselling and Educational Psychology; Social Care, Disability, and Mental Health services; Community and Acute services; Operational and National HR; and the Health and Social Care Professions office.
The Project Team was tasked with, inter alia , considering the preparation of a workforce plan for psychological services in the HSE, including an examination of the current framework for training psychologists for the health service, and the type, and skill-mix, required for the future. The work of the Project Team has been informed by a thorough stakeholder consultation process.
The Report of the National Psychology Project Team – Establishment of a National Psychology Placement Office and Workforce Planning was completed in January 2021 and is available on the HSE website at Report of the National Psychology Project Team: (hse.ie). The Report contains a plan to address a range of matters in relation to psychology through the establishment of a placement office and a workforce plan for psychological services.
Implementation of the report’s recommendations and the creation of a National Psychology Placement Office are a matter for the HSE to prioritise in the context of available resources and as part of the wider HSCP practice placement challenges in the context of their service planning processes for 2022 and beyond.
1774. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Health if a replacement wheelchair will be expedited for a child (details supplied) given that the child has outgrown their current chair for a period of two years. [30244/22]
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.
1775. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive treatment in Letterkenny University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30245/22]
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.
1776. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 668 of 31 May 2022, if the national designation for a hospital is not a policy matter and it does not rely on standards, specifications or custom and practice established by his Department; and if it is entirely a service matter that is made by the HSE or by bodies under the remit of same. [30298/22]
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.
1777. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health the funding that has been allocated to the midland region for the treatment of eating disorders in the past five years; the training that is being given to specialist staff in these units; if there are assessment facilities for autism in these units; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30299/22]
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.
1778. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health when contract cleaners working in public hospitals will receive the pandemic bonus payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30310/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn January 19th, the Government announced a COVID-19 pandemic recognition payment for frontline public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. Following extensive engagement with healthcare unions on the matter, the HSE published eligibility guidelines and FAQs on 19th April, which are available on its website:
www.hse.ie/eng/staff/resources/hr-circulars/hr-circular-012-2022-pandemic-special-recognition-payment.
The HSE and the Department are currently examining progressing the rollout to the list of 6 non-HSE/non-Section 38 organisation types covered by the Government Decision. Rolling out the payment to eligible non-HSE and non-Section 38 employees is a complex task, particularly as these employees are not normally paid by the public health service, duplicate payments need to be avoided, and there are many organisations to be covered.
Officials in my Department and the HSE are prioritising the work needed to progress this. They shall shortly publish information for those certain non-HSE/S38 healthcare employees that are covered by the Government Decision and the process available to their employers to implement this measure for their eligible staff. This shall cover eligible staff in:
- Private Sector Nursing Homes and Hospices (e.g. Private, Voluntary, Section 39 etc.);
- Eligible staff working on-site in Section 39 long-term residential care facilities for people with disabilities;- Agency roles working in the HSE;
- Health Care Support Assistants (also known as home help / home care / home support) contracted to the HSE;
- Redeployed members of Department of Defence to work in frontline Covid-19 exposed environments for the HSE;
- Paramedics employed by the Department of Local Government, Housing and Heritage.
1779. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health when workers (details supplied) will receive the pandemic bonus payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30311/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn January 19th, the Government announced a COVID-19 pandemic recognition payment for frontline public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. Following extensive engagement with healthcare unions on the matter, the HSE published eligibility guidelines and FAQs on 19th April, which are available on its website:
www.hse.ie/eng/staff/resources/hr-circulars/hr-circular-012-2022-pandemic-special-recognition-payment.
The HSE and the Department are currently examining progressing the rollout to the list of 6 non-HSE/non-Section 38 organisation types covered by the Government Decision. Rolling out the payment to eligible non-HSE and non-Section 38 employees is a complex task, particularly as these employees are not normally paid by the public health service, duplicate payments need to be avoided, and there are many organisations to be covered.
Officials in my Department and the HSE are prioritising the work needed to progress this. They shall shortly publish information for those certain non-HSE/S38 healthcare employees that are covered by the Government Decision and the process available to their employers to implement this measure for their eligible staff. This shall cover eligible staff in:
- Private Sector Nursing Homes and Hospices (e.g. Private, Voluntary, Section 39 etc.);
- Eligible staff working on-site in Section 39 long-term residential care facilities for people with disabilities;
- Agency roles working in the HSE;
- Health Care Support Assistants (also known as home help / home care / home support) contracted to the HSE;- Redeployed members of Department of Defence to work in frontline Covid-19 exposed environments for the HSE;
- Paramedics employed by the Department of Local Government, Housing and Heritage.
1780. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health when workers (details supplied) will receive the pandemic bonus payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30312/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn January 19th, the Government announced a COVID-19 pandemic recognition payment for frontline public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. Following extensive engagement with healthcare unions on the matter, the HSE published eligibility guidelines and FAQs on 19th April, which are available on its website:
www.hse.ie/eng/staff/resources/hr-circulars/hr-circular-012-2022-pandemic-special-recognition-payment.
The HSE and the Department are currently examining progressing the rollout to the list of 6 non-HSE/S38 organisation types covered by the Government Decision. Rolling out the payment to eligible non-HSE and non-Section 38 employees is a complex task, particularly as these employees are not normally paid by the public health service, duplicate payments need to be avoided, and there are many organisations to be covered.
Officials in my Department and the HSE are prioritising the work needed to progress this. They shall shortly publish information for those certain non-HSE/S38 healthcare employees that are covered by the Government Decision and the process available to their employers to implement this measure for their eligible staff. This shall cover eligible staff in:
- Private Sector Nursing Homes and Hospices (e.g. Private, Voluntary, Section 39 etc.);
- Eligible staff working on-site in Section 39 long-term residential care facilities for people with disabilities;
- Agency roles working in the HSE;
- Health Care Support Assistants (also known as home help / home care / home support) contracted to the HSE;
- Redeployed members of Department of Defence to work in frontline Covid-19 exposed environments for the HSE;
- Paramedics employed by the Department of Local Government, Housing and Heritage.
1781. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the number of new patients with severe asthma that the HSE expects to treat with anti-IL-5 therapies for 2022; if there is a limit in place on the number of eligible patients accessing same for 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30337/22]
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.
1782. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if the number of patients accessing anti-IL-5 therapies for severe asthma via the HSE’s high-tech hub is subject to a capped budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30338/22]
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.
1783. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 716 of 17 May 2022, if any meetings were held by Cork HSE management between the issuing of a HSE estates departmental report on a centre (details supplied) on 18 June 2021 and the announcement by management to residents on 28 June 2021 of its intention to close the service; if there are records of any such meetings from this ten-day period; the managers who attended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30340/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1784. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 716 of May 17 2022, if there are records of any communications between Cork HSE management in relation to the proposed closure of a centre (details supplied) between the issuing of a report by the HSE estates department on the premises of the centre on 18 June 2021 and the closure announcement on 28 June 2021; the managers who featured in these communications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30341/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1783 and 1784 together.
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1785. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 716 of May 17 2022, the dates that the HSE estates department carried out its assessment of premises (details supplied) which led to its conclusion on 18 June 2021 that the building was irreparable; the exact nature of the building assessment; its duration; the qualifications of personnel carrying out the assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30342/22]
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.
1786. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if there has ever been a pilot screening programme for cardiovascular or structural heart disease in Ireland; if so, if he will provide details of that pilot; if not, if will he consider introducing one given that cardiovascular disease is one of the biggest causes of deaths in Ireland every year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30343/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI 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.
It is important to be aware that any decisions about changes to our national screening programmes, or the introduction of new programmes, such as screening for cardiovascular diseases, 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.
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 and the Committee are currently reviewing the submissions received. 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.
It is important to remember that screening is for healthy people without symptoms. If anyone becomes aware of symptoms, or if they have concerns or worries, they should contact their GP who will arrange appropriate follow-up care.
Moreover, in 2018, the National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services was established by the Minister for Health to review the delivery of cardiac services nationally. The Review seeks to achieve optimal patient outcomes at population level with particular emphasis on the safety, quality, and sustainability of the services that patients receive. The Review considers the delivery of all cardiac services nationally.
The Steering Group is currently working on the development of the proposed recommendations of the draft Report with the next meeting planned for late June 2022. Any newly proposed cardiovascular health screening recommendations resulting from the Review will be subject to consideration and advise of NSAC.
1787. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if a new post (details supplied) will be filled in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30355/22]
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.
1788. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health if he will provide financial support to amputees who have to pay €15,000 for a prosthetic limb given that these amputees are receiving €208 per week in disability benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30356/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines and medical items, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.
The HSE provides a wide range of medical and surgical aids and appliances, including prosthetics, free of charge to eligible persons (such as medical card holders and people on the Long-Term Illness scheme) following assessment by a relevant health professional. These are provided through community services known as Community Funded Schemes and play a key role in assisting and supporting people to maintain everyday functioning, and to remain living in their homes and local community.
Applications within Community Health Organisations (CHOs) are assessed by the local Resource Allocation Group and a determination is made regarding approval based on clinical priority and the funding available. At times, due to the demand for resources exceeding the available capacity, waiting lists may apply for some categories of items but CHOs undertake a range of initiatives to ensure optimum use of resources.
Amputees, whose amputation arose from either a traumatic or elective event, usually have their primary prosthesis fitted at the hospital where the surgery was undertaken. Subsequent prostheses are provided to eligible clients through the Community Funded Schemes. Rehabilitation services are provided by the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) primarily at their site in Dun Laoghaire and augmented by a number of satellite clinics that they operate throughout the country. There are also a number of smaller services operated at regional level that provide assessment and fitting clinics along with prostheses at a local level.
A HSE Primary Care led National Service Improvement Programme has the aim of improving the equity of access, value for money, and functional processes of the Community Funded Schemes through the establishment of national guidelines for the provision of medical and surgical aids and appliances. While this work was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Programme has recommenced. A review of the current prosthetics service is underway and is due to be completed by early 2023.
The Long Term Illness (LTI) scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). Regulations were made in 1971, 1973 and 1975, prescribing 16 illnesses covered by the scheme. These are: acute leukaemia; mental handicap; cerebral palsy; mental illness (in a person under 16); cystic fibrosis; multiple sclerosis; diabetes insipidus; muscular dystrophies; diabetes mellitus; parkinsonism; epilepsy; phenylketonuria; haemophilia; spina bifida; hydrocephalus; and conditions arising from the use of Thalidomide.
Under the LTI scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge.
People who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be eligible for a medical card. In accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE. Medical card eligibility is primarily based on an assessment of means and is not granted on the basis of any particular condition.
In certain circumstances, the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, even though an applicant exceeds the income guidelines, where he or she faces difficult financial circumstances, such as extra costs arising from illness. The HSE afford applicants the opportunity to furnish supporting documentation to determine whether undue hardship exists and to fully take account of all relevant circumstances that may benefit them in assessment, including medical evidence of costs and certain expenses. In circumstances where an applicant is still over the income limit for a medical card, they are then assessed for a GP visit card, which entitles the applicant to GP visits without charge.
In terms of reducing the cost of other medications, under the Drug Payment Scheme (DPS), no individual or family pays more than €80 a month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The scheme significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals with ongoing expenditure on medicines.
Individuals may also be entitled to claim tax relief on the cost of their medical expenses. This includes medicines prescribed by a doctor, dentist, or consultant. Relief is at the standard tax rate of 20%.
1789. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the status of Lifford Community Hospital; the plans that the HSE has for the hospital; if they include the construction of a new facility on a greenfield site; if so, the time frame for any proposed development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30364/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
1790. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health the status of the recruitment of two additional consultant endocrinologists at University Hospital Limerick whose interviews were scheduled to take place in February 2022. [30366/22]
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.
1791. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health the status of the University Hospital Limerick becoming a DAFNE-licensed diabetes centre; and when persons with diabetes attending the hospital will have access to the programme. [30367/22]
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.
1792. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who are approved for Medtronic insulin pumps through the HSE aids and appliances community funds in each of the years 2016 to 2021; the number who are in age categories, 0-14, 15-17, 18-24, 25-34, 35-44, 45-54, 55-64 and over 65 years of age in tabular form. [30368/22]
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.
1793. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who are approved for YpsoPump insulin pumps through HSE aids and appliances community funds in each of the years 2016 to 2021; and the number who are in age categories 0-14, 15-17, 18-24, 25-34, 35-44, 45-54, 55-64 and over 65 years of age in tabular form. [30369/22]
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.
1794. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health the estimated timeline of the Health Information and Quality Authority's system-wide health technology assessment of all glucose sensors; and when HIQA will identify the key stakeholders and invite persons to form the expert advisory group which will have direct involvement in the assessment. [30370/22]
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.
1795. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Health the full staffing composition of the CAMHS service in County Wexford; the number of vacancies by profession in tabular form; the length of each vacancy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30371/22]
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.
1796. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if an appointment will be expedited for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30377/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder 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.
In 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.
