Written Answers Nos. 733-752
733. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will consider a request in relation to a diabetes monitoring system (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35640/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drugs schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, I have asked the HSE to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
734. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of dietitian and psychologist vacancies across children’s disability network teams following the CDNT census and the additional posts to which funding was allocated under budget 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35645/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra735. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the current wait time and length of wait to see a dietitian in a children’s disability network team; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35646/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra736. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the current wait time to see a psychologist in a children’s disability network team; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35647/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 734 to 736, inclusive, together.
As these are service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
737. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if a hospital appointment will be expedited for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35651/22]
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.
738. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if CoaguChek meters and self-test strips will be provided free of charge to persons who require long-term oral anticoagulant therapy with warfarin (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35655/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the 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, I have asked the HSE to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
739. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of hiring four additional administrative staff per children’s disability network team, in tabular form. [35661/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra740. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of filling all whole-time equivalent posts in each children’s disability network team, in tabular form. [35662/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 739 and 740 together.
As these are service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
741. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Health if he will address matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35668/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.
On 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, on 19th April the HSE published eligibility guidelines and FAQs, as apply to the HSE and Section 38 agencies, which are available on its website: www.hse.ie/eng/staff/resources/hr-circulars/hr-circular-012-2022-pandemic-special-recognition-payment.html. Payment is currently receiving priority across all Hospital Groups and Community Services in the HSE.
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. It is hoped that information will be published shortly 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:
1. Private Sector Nursing Homes and Hospices (e.g. Private, Voluntary, Section 39 etc.);
2. Eligible staff working on-site in Section 39 long-term residential care facilities for people with disabilities;
3. Agency roles working in the HSE;
4. Health Care Support Assistants (also known as home help / home care / home support) contracted to the HSE;
5. Redeployed members of the Defence Forces to work in frontline Covid-19 exposed environments for the HSE;
6. Paramedics employed by the Department of Local Government, Housing and Heritage.
The Government is mindful of other workers who played their own part during this difficult period in sustaining other services. It is tough to draw a line on this matter, but the Government based its decision on the risks which the above frontline workers faced. In recognition of the efforts of all workers, volunteers, and the general public during the COVID-19 pandemic, and in remembrance of people who lost their lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government announced a public holiday which took place on 18 March 2022. From February next year there will also be a new permanent public holiday established to mark Imbolc/St Brigid’s Day.
742. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the number of Irish patients awaiting initial assessment for a sleep disorder screening appointment in either a respiratory clinic or specific sleep disorder clinic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35675/22]
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.
743. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the number of patients awaiting an inpatient or domiciliary sleep disorder test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35676/22]
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.
744. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the number of patients awaiting initiation of continuous positive airway pressure therapy. [35677/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines and medical goods, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. The HSE also has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community health schemes. Therefore, this matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy, as soon as possible.
745. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the number of Irish patients who have been commenced on continuous positive airway pressure therapy in each of the years 2017 to 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35678/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines and medical goods, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. The HSE also has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community health schemes. Therefore, this matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy, as soon as possible.
746. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health if the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund have given specific recognition to safety implications in the staffing of sleep services and in particular in relation to prior, current and future HSE and NTPF initiatives to reduce waiting times and waiting lists for sleep disorders given its public health and road safety implications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35679/22]
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.
747. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the number of Irish patients who currently have their continuous positive airway pressure device rental covered under the medical card scheme; the current expenditure on respiratory sleep therapy services through this scheme in each of the years 2017 to 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35680/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines and medical goods, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. The HSE also has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community health schemes. Therefore, this matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy, as soon as possible.
748. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the number of Irish patients who currently have their continuous positive airway pressure device rental covered under the drugs payment scheme; the current expenditure on respiratory sleep therapy services through this scheme in each of the years 2017 to 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35681/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines and medical goods, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. The HSE also has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community health schemes. Therefore, this matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy, as soon as possible.
749. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the governance structure of the two separate schemes being used by the HSE to fund the same respiratory sleep therapy services including continuous positive airway pressure therapy including procurement controls, comparative value-for-money and policy reviews, comparative cost-benefit analyses or comparative cost-effectiveness analyses which have been performed, if any, to ensure that the public spending code is adhered to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35682/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines and medical goods, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. The HSE also has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community health schemes. Therefore, this matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy, as soon as possible.
750. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health if he will specifically confirm that the maximum cost to the public purse of the same device funded by each scheme is largely comparable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35683/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines and medical goods, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. The HSE also has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community health schemes. Therefore, this matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy, as soon as possible.
751. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health if a value-for-money and policy review has been performed of the continuous positive airway pressure therapy funding schemes with particular focus on the impact of treatment non-compliance in Ireland given the potential for substantial cost savings through the rolling costs of device rental schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35684/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines and medical goods, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. The HSE also has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community health schemes. Therefore, this matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy, as soon as possible.
752. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the developments to date in the provision of a statutory home scheme as promised in the programme for Government; the number of staff in his Department involved in the development of this scheme; the Civil Service grades of each; the expected timeline for implementation of this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35694/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraWork is ongoing to progress the development of the new home support scheme within the broader context of the ongoing reform of our health and social care system, as envisaged in the Sláintecare Report. The scheme will provide equitable access to high-quality services based on a person’s assessed care-needs.
Work is ongoing across three workstreams:
(i) Regulation of home-support providers
The Department is currently developing a regulatory framework for home-support providers with the aim of ensuring that all service-users are provided with high-quality care. This framework will comprise primary legislation for the licensing of providers, secondary legislation in the form of regulations (minimum requirements), and HIQA national standards.
On 27 April 2021, Government gave approval to the Minister for Health to draft a General Scheme and Heads of Bill to establish a licensing framework for home-support providers. The Heads of a Bill are at initial draft stage. There are 44 Heads. We are currently receiving legal advice on the wording. This is being progressed by the Department with a view to bringing it through the Houses of the Oireachtas at the earliest opportunity.
Development of regulations and standards are at an advanced stage. The Department has completed a targeted stakeholder consultation on draft regulations (minimum requirements) that will form the criteria against which a provider’s eligibility to hold a license will be determined. Draft regulations for home support providers have been developed by the department and amended following targeted stakeholder consultation. This has been enhanced by regular discussions with HIQA, HSE, Private Providers' representative groups and legal expertise assisting with legal text and interpretation of core issues, such as, capacity legislation, employment laws and health and safety issues. A 6-week public consultation was launched on 16th June. www.gov.ie/en/consultation/81506-public-consultation-on-draft-regulations-for-providers-of-home-support-services/
HIQA have conducted an evidence review on home support which was published on May 30th. HIQA have developed standards for home care and home support services which will be the focus of a public consultation in September. The Department is represented on HIQA advisory group.
A regulatory impact analysis is being undertaken by the Department in 2022 to ensure effectiveness and mitigate risks.
(ii) Financing of home-support services
The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) undertook a programme of work on behalf of the Department on the potential demand for, and cost of, home support which culminated in two reports:
Demand for the Home Support Statutory Scheme (30 March 2021).
Home Support Services in Ireland: Exchequer and Distributional Impacts of Funding Options (24 February 2022).
This research will form an important part of the evidence base for the development of a sustainable funding model for home support services in the context of our ageing population.
An internal consultation process on a range of potential funding options is underway. Targeted external consultation will follow in due course.
(iii) Reformed model of service delivery
The Pilot for testing of a reformed model of service for the delivery for home support is now fully operational. It commenced in November 2021 in CHO 8 and the three other sites CHO2, CHO 4 and CHO 7 became operational in January 2022. The interRAI outputs and pilot site evaluation will be critical to the development of the new home support scheme.
Funding has been approved for 128 interRAI care needs facilitators This will help to progress the national rollout of interRAI as the standard assessment tool for care-needs. Recruitment of the Care Needs Facilitator posts will commence with a view to having the posts in place by the end of Q3 2022.
Approval and funding were provided in 2021 for the new National Older Persons Services Offices, that will encompass the National Home Support Office to be located in Tullamore. Funding is provided for 15 full time jobs including 9 Community Healthcare Organisation home support manager/coordinator posts. Recruitment of the Head of Service of the new National Home support Office has been advertised.
There are 9 staff in the Department working on the Statutory Home Support Scheme across the grades of EO to Assistant Secretary.
