Tuesday, 5 Jul 2022

Written Answers Nos. 794-813

Health Services

Ceisteanna (794, 795)

Neasa Hourigan

Ceist:

794. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 716 of 17 May and 1785 of 14 June 2022, the exact dates on which a building survey was carried out by the HSE estates department on a centre (details supplied) which led to a report on 18 June 2021 that the premises was beyond repair; the exact dates on which an independent survey referenced in the response was carried out by personnel external to the HSE; the nature and duration of the independent survey; the findings and authors of this independent survey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35942/22]

Neasa Hourigan

Ceist:

795. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1785 of 14 June 2022, the exact features of the premises (details supplied) were such that no amount of building works could be guaranteed to bring those premises to a building regulation standard; the way that these features were identified; the person or body that identified same; when the features were identified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35943/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 794 and 795 together.

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Question No. 795 answered with Question No. 794.

Departmental Investigations

Ceisteanna (796)

Neasa Hourigan

Ceist:

796. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 539 of 16 June 2022, the way that the review team for the Kerry CAMHS look back review was selected; if he will provide clear details of the exact process of appointment undertaken for the entire review team; when each appointment to the team took place; the person in the CHO 4 management team who was responsible for the selection of the review team lead and the other team members; the number of the review team members who were HSE staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35944/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Primary Medical Certificates

Ceisteanna (797)

Seán Canney

Ceist:

797. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a breakdown of refusal rates for primary medical certificates by county; his views on the discrepancy in the approval rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35961/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.

Health Service Executive

Ceisteanna (798)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

798. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 391 of 7 April 2022, the number of doctors who completed internship in Ireland in each year from 2015 to date in 2022; the number of interns who graduated and since left Ireland in each year for at least one, two, three, four, and five or more years in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35963/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

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.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (799)

Seán Canney

Ceist:

799. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health if nurses working in private nursing homes are covered by the pandemic bonus payment in recognition of their crucial role in terms of dealing with the pandemic; if he has plans to increase the numbers of those eligible for the payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35969/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Firstly I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.

As the deputy is aware, 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. Officials in the Department and the HSE are prioritising the work needed to progress this. 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.

Disability Services

Ceisteanna (800)

Seán Canney

Ceist:

800. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health when the action plan for the disability capacity review will be published; if he will confirm that it will be included in the budgetary plan for 2023 to ensure that another year does not pass with families and individuals left without any indication of when or the way that the urgent needs that they are experiencing will be met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35971/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The Department of Health published the Disability Capacity Review in July 2021. This report set out the capacity requirements for health-funded disability services for the period up to 2032. In order to drive the process of implementing the recommendations of the Capacity Review, a Working Group was set up to develop an Action Plan for Disability Services for the period 2022-2025. This Group, whose membership consisted of senior officials from the Departments of DCEDIY, Social Protection, Housing, Further and Higher Education, Health, and the Health Service Executive, has now completed its work and the draft Action Plan is currently being finalised.

Disability Services

Ceisteanna (801)

Seán Canney

Ceist:

801. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health if he intends to have an accessible budget for disability in order that individuals with disabilities and their supporters can understand the number of existing and new residential supports, day places and respite supports that will be provided for in Budget 2023; the way that this relates to the needs outlined in the capacity review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35972/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The arrangements for announcements and communications pertaining to Budget 2023 are the responsibility of my colleague the Minister for Finance. It is of course hugely important to ensure that Government communications are made as accessible as possible for people with disabilities. I can confirm the Disability Action Plan 2022-2025 when published, will be available in a range of accessible formats, in the same way as the Disability Capacity Review to 2032.

Disability Services

Ceisteanna (802)

Cathal Crowe

Ceist:

802. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on plans to address the lengthy waiting lists for public speech and language therapy assessments and treatment blocks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36000/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (803)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

803. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if a child (details supplied) in County Donegal was referred to Sligo University Hospital; if the referral was routine or urgent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35995/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Under 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.

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (804)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

804. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if a child (details supplied) in County Donegal was referred to Our Lady's Hospital, Crumlin, Dublin; if the referral was routine or urgent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36012/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Under 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.

Health Services Staff

Ceisteanna (805)

Eoin Ó Broin

Ceist:

805. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been further drawn to staff shortages in the public health nursing service in Dublin West; if his attention has been drawn to persons receiving correspondence from the HSE advising that the PHN service cannot deliver child health services for developmental assessments at 3 months, 9-11 months, 21-24 months and 46-48 months; and the action that his Department is taking to ensure that staff shortages are addressed in order that these services can be provided. [36014/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Public Health nurses fulfil a valuable role within the Community Health system.

There are staff shortages in the Public Health Nursing (PHN) Service across CHO7 Dublin South, Kildare & West Wicklow. This is having an impact on delivering routine, non-priority developmental screening assessments. This means that the service can no longer carry out Developmental Assessments for 3 month, 9-11months, 21-24 months and 46-48 months in vacant PHN caseloads.

The Dublin West team have implemented a system which enables them to prioritise the screening services and address those needs while the staffing issue is being addressed. There are a number of reasons for the staff shortages:

The Public Health Nursing Sponsorship Programme is currently the only route for recruitment into Public Health Nursing. The PHN Department supports the sponsorship of approx. 6- 8 standard PHNs annually however as per the National PHN Transfer Agreement (2015) PHNs who train apply for a transfer post their 18 months sponsorship.

Since 2015 40 PHNs have transferred. Despite 3 recent cRGN recruitment campaigns the service has been unsuccessful in attracting candidates to the area. Staff retirement and staff moving to take up promotional opportunities have also reduced the number of PHNs in the area.

From 2021 to 2022, 5 PHNs transferred and 5 PHNs commenced working as ADPHNs. This year the PHN Department has applied for standard PHNs and every effort is being made to recruit nurses. There are 4 PHNs due to qualify in 2022 and these will be assigned to fill vacant PHN areas.

The HSE have confirmed that they will continue to use transfer panels and recruit for Public Health Nurses across the area. The situation is expected to improve in coming months when student PHNs are allocated to the area.

In Budget 2022, the Minister secured annual investment of €195m to enable the continued delivery of the Enhanced Community Care Programme. This investment is supporting a programmatic and integrated approach to the development of the primary and community care sector. The ECC programme represents a significant expansion in primary care capacity, and will see some 3,500 additional staff recruited overall, with a particular focus on nursing and health and social care professionals.

Disability Services

Ceisteanna (806)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

806. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the expected timeline for the publication of the promised action plan covering 2022-2025 in relation to the disability action plan framework 2022-2025; the reason for the delay in the publication of same; the status of the development of the action plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36015/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The Department of Health published the Disability Capacity Review in July 2021. This report set out the capacity requirements for health-funded disability services for the period up to 2032. In order to drive the process of implementing the recommendations of the Capacity Review, a Working Group was set up to develop an Action Plan for Disability Services for the period 2022-2025. This Group, whose membership consisted of senior officials from the Departments of DCEDIY, Social Protection, Housing, Further and Higher Education, Health, and the Health Service Executive, has now completed its work and the draft Action Plan is currently being finalised.

Budget Statement

Ceisteanna (807)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

807. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health his plans to ensure that all information materials associated with his Budget 2023 announcement particularly in relation to existing and new residential supports, day places and respite supports will be accessible to persons with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36016/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The arrangements for announcements and communications pertaining to Budget 2023 are the responsibility of my colleague the Minister for Finance. It is of course hugely important to ensure that Government communications are made as accessible as possible for people with disabilities. I can confirm the Disability Action Plan 2022-2025 when published, will be available in a range of accessible formats, in the same way as the Disability Capacity Review to 2032.

Question No. 808 answered with Question No. 676.

Health Services

Ceisteanna (809)

Emer Higgins

Ceist:

809. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to developmental checks by public health nurses not being offered to families in Lucan, Co. Dublin; the action that he proposes to take to ensure that infants receive these checks to ensure early intervention where required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36022/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Primary Care Centres

Ceisteanna (810)

Emer Higgins

Ceist:

810. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health to report on progress for a primary care centre in Citywest; the services that may be provided there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36023/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As the HSE has responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres and other Primary Care facilities, the Executive has been asked to reply directly to the Deputy.

Health Services

Ceisteanna (811)

Emer Higgins

Ceist:

811. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health to outline the health, disability, counselling, addiction and mental health services accessible to persons, including young persons living in Newcastle, Rathcoole, Saggart, Citywest and Brittas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36024/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Hospital Services

Ceisteanna (812)

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

812. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the locations of the eight outpatient department respiratory medicine initiatives approved for funding so far in 2022 by the National Treatment Purchase Fund; the details of each initiative; the number of patients that each initiative is expected to take from the current waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36040/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

In regard to the information requested by the Deputy, the attached document, provided to my Department by the NTPF, outlines the OPD respiratory medicine initiatives approved for funding so far in 2022, the location of each one and the number of patients to be treated.

The Deputy might note that since he received a reply to representation on this matter at the end of June one further initiative was approved by the NTPF.

NTPF Insourcing Respiratory Medicine OPD Initiatives Approved to date 04/07/2022

Hospital	Volume
St Vincent's University Hospital	1,800
Beaumont Hospital	600
Galway University Hospital	280
Portiuncula University Hospital	200
Mayo University Hospital	500
University Hospital Waterford	158
Tipperary University Hospital	400
Ennis General Hospital	3780
Letterkenny University Hospital	360

Hospital Services

Ceisteanna (813)

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill

Ceist:

813. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Health if there are plans to establish an inter-disciplinary clinic for persons who have the breast cancer gene, consisting at least of an oncologist, gynaecologist and plastic surgeon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36045/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.