Cathal Crowe
Ceist:1691. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in securing a dialectical behavioural therapy team for the midwest region. [42687/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraHealth Services Staff
Ceisteanna (1691, 1692)
Cathal Crowe
Ceist:1692. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health if he will work with the HSE to ensure that there are no delays in appointing a dialectical behavioural therapy team for the midwest region. [42688/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1692 and 1691 together.
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 (1693)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:1693. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when the case of children (details supplied) will be treated as a high priority given that both suffer from cystic fibrosis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42691/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community drug schemes. This question also relates to two individual cases; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (1694, 1695)
Maurice Quinlivan
Ceist:1694. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide the details regarding the number of private ambulances being used in each hospital group for the years 2011 to 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42696/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMaurice Quinlivan
Ceist:1695. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide the details regarding the cost of using private ambulances per hospital group for the years 2011 to 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42697/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1694 and 1695 together.
As these are service matters I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Question No. 1695 answered with Question No. 1694.
Departmental Correspondence
Ceisteanna (1696)
Michael Lowry
Ceist:1696. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health if he will address concerns raised by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42699/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Programme for Government, 2020 commits to providing free contraception for women, starting with the 17-25 age cohort. My Department has been working with partners, including the HSE, towards ensuring that the scheme will commence in September, 2022. Funding of approximately €9m has been allocated for this in Budget 2022.
The scheme will be open to all 17-25 year-old women ordinarily resident in Ireland and will provide for:
- The cost of prescription contraception;
- The cost of consultations with medical professionals to discuss suitable contraception for individual patients and to enable prescription of same. Consultations will include both initial discussions of suitable contraception for each patient, and necessary check-ups to provide repeat prescriptions;
- The cost of fitting and/or removal of various types of long-acting reversible contraception (LARCs) plus any necessary checks, by medical professionals certified to fit/remove same;
- The cost of providing the wide range of contraceptive options currently available to GMS (medical) card holders, which will also be available through this scheme, including contraceptive injections, implants, IUS and IUDs (coils), the contraceptive patch and ring, and various forms of oral contraceptive pill, including emergency contraception.
- The cost of training and certifying additional medical professionals to fit and remove LARCs;
The legal framework for the scheme is provided by the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) (No. 2) Act, 2022, which was enacted in July, 2022. It is envisaged that the Act will be commenced, and the scheme launched, once the Regulations setting the terms and conditions relating to the provision of services and fees, etc., are expected to be enacted later this week. It is envisaged that the scheme will go live next week (the week commencing 12 September 2022).
The Department of Health and the HSE are working with service providers in term of preparations for scheme commencement. It is typically the case that formal agreement with the main medical and pharmacy representative organisations is reached regarding the detail of service provision, prior to engagement with other smaller providers.
I can confirm that officials in the Department have contacted smaller specialist service providers, with a view to discussing possible engagement with the scheme and to discuss any issues they may wish to raise.
With specific regard to telemedicine, it will be necessary to have the provision of prescription contraception in this manner reviewed by clinical experts, prior to inclusion in the scheme. Advice from the relevant clinical experts has been sought in this regard. If the clinical advice is that it is appropriate in terms of patient safety, etc., for prescriptions for oral contraceptives to be issued through online consultations under a State sponsored scheme (i.e. without the ability to carry out physical checks using calibrated equipment, etc.), amendments will be required to the Regulations that will lay out the terms and conditions of scheme participation for providers, following negotiations with providers to agree these.
Completing these requirements may take a little additional time; therefore it may not be possible to include such providers in the scheme from the outset. However, their inclusion is being actively worked on and we are hoping to include these options as soon as the appropriate clinical and regulatory processes have been completed.
The design of citizen engagement information and publicity campaigns to support and promote the roll out of the scheme is currently being finalised by officials in the Department’s Press and Communications Team, the HSE’s Communications team and relevant subject matter experts in the Department and HSE Sexual Health and Crisis Pregnancy Programme.
The campaign will target 17-25 year olds with a broader reach to all adults through an extensive media engagement and outreach programme on broadcast and video on demand services; digital out of home advertising in a variety of locations including third level institutes, retail settings etc; targeted and an organic social media campaign. Digital information regarding the scheme and how to access it will be available through www.sexualwellbeing.ie shortly and contraceptive choices materials will be placed in GP surgeries from later in September.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (1697, 1699)
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:1697. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health when he expects the citizen engagement information and publicity campaigns to support and promote the rollout of the free contraception scheme; the expected date for commencement of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42703/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFergus O'Dowd
Ceist:1699. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if he will respond to concerns raised by an organisation (details supplied) in respect of the rollout of free contraception for 17 to 25 year olds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42707/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1697 and 1699 together.
The Programme for Government, 2020 commits to providing free contraception for women, starting with the 17-25 age cohort. My Department has been working with partners, including the HSE, towards ensuring that the scheme will commence in September, 2022. Funding of approximately €9m has been allocated for this in Budget 2022.
The scheme will be open to all 17-25 year-old women ordinarily resident in Ireland and will provide for:
- The cost of prescription contraception;
- The cost of consultations with medical professionals to discuss suitable contraception for individual patients and to enable prescription of same. Consultations will include both initial discussions of suitable contraception for each patient, and necessary check-ups to provide repeat prescriptions;
- The cost of fitting and/or removal of various types of long-acting reversible contraception (LARCs) plus any necessary checks, by medical professionals certified to fit/remove same;
- The cost of providing the wide range of contraceptive options currently available to GMS (medical) card holders, which will also be available through this scheme, including contraceptive injections, implants, IUS and IUDs (coils), the contraceptive patch and ring, and various forms of oral contraceptive pill, including emergency contraception.
- The cost of training and certifying additional medical professionals to fit and remove LARCs;
The legal framework for the scheme is provided by the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) (No. 2) Act, 2022, which was enacted in July, 2022. It is envisaged that the Act will be commenced, and the scheme launched, once the Regulations setting the terms and conditions relating to the provision of services and fees, etc., are expected to be enacted later this week. It is envisaged that the scheme will go live next week (the week commencing 12 September 2022).
The Department of Health and the HSE are working with service providers in term of preparations for scheme commencement. It is typically the case that formal agreement with the main medical and pharmacy representative organisations is reached regarding the detail of service provision, prior to engagement with other smaller providers.
I can confirm that officials in the Department have contacted smaller specialist service providers, with a view to discussing possible engagement with the scheme and to discuss any issues they may wish to raise.
With specific regard to telemedicine, it will be necessary to have the provision of prescription contraception in this manner reviewed by clinical experts, prior to inclusion in the scheme. Advice from the relevant clinical experts has been sought in this regard. If the clinical advice is that it is appropriate in terms of patient safety, etc., for prescriptions for oral contraceptives to be issued through online consultations under a State sponsored scheme (i.e. without the ability to carry out physical checks using calibrated equipment, etc.), amendments will be required to the Regulations that will lay out the terms and conditions of scheme participation for providers, following negotiations with providers to agree these.
Completing these requirements may take a little additional time; therefore it may not be possible to include such providers in the scheme from the outset. However, their inclusion is being actively worked on and we are hoping to include these options as soon as the appropriate clinical and regulatory processes have been completed.
The design of citizen engagement information and publicity campaigns to support and promote the roll out of the scheme is currently being finalised by officials in the Department’s Press and Communications Team, the HSE’s Communications team and relevant subject matter experts in the Department and HSE Sexual Health and Crisis Pregnancy Programme.
The campaign will target 17-25 year olds with a broader reach to all adults through an extensive media engagement and outreach programme on broadcast and video on demand services; digital out of home advertising in a variety of locations including third level institutes, retail settings etc; targeted and an organic social media campaign. Digital information regarding the scheme and how to access it will be available through www.sexualwellbeing.ie shortly and contraceptive choices materials will be placed in GP surgeries from later in September.
Medicinal Products
Ceisteanna (1698)
Michael Lowry
Ceist:1698. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health the reason that Glucogel, formerly known as Hypostop, has been removed from the long-term illness card and medical card for persons with diabetes (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42704/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
The HSE have advised that Glucogel (Hypostop) has never been on the formal Reimbursement List.
However, due to the nature of the product for the management of hypoglycaemia, reimbursement support is available for people with Diabetes Mellitus under the Long Term Illness scheme.
Question No. 1699 answered with Question No. 1697.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (1700)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:1700. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) can expect to receive treatment and a care plan from the HSE given that they are suffering severely from illness and family members are currently performing round-the-clock care in the absence of treatment and care. [42712/22]
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.
Medicinal Products
Ceisteanna (1701)
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:1701. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health if he intends to provide funding in Budget 2023 for the provision of the FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system to persons with diabetes aged over 21 years, based on clinical need; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42713/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medical devices in the community drug schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. In making a relevant reimbursement decision, the HSE is required under the 2013 Act to have regard to a number of criteria including clinical efficacy, the health needs of the public, cost effectiveness and potential or actual budget impact. HSE decisions on which medicines and medical items are reimbursed by the taxpayer are made on objective, scientific and economic grounds, on the advice of the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE).
Currently, Consultant Endocrinologists may apply to the HSE, on behalf of specific patients with Type 1 Diabetes, for reimbursement support of FreeStyle Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring (FGM) sensors. The application process is undertaken by means of a dedicated online portal, which has been operational since 3 April 2018. In line with the recommendations of the Health Technology Assessment Group, access to this product was made available to children and young adults, aged between 4 and 21 years of age. The online application process does cater for the Consultant to make an application in very exceptional circumstances for a type 1 diabetic patient who is over 21 years of age.
The HSE requested that the NCPE carry out a full Health Technology Assessment (HTA) on Freestyle Libre, and the company, Abbott, were formally notified of this on 13 April 2021. Abbott had a scoping meeting with the NCPE in July 2021 and committed to submitting their HTA dossier by the end of October 2021. However, on 15 November 2021, Abbott informed the HSE that they would not be submitting the HTA dossier because they did not have the level of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCT) evidence that they stated was required for a full HTA process. Despite the HSE emphasising the importance of engaging with the HTA process to progress matters, the company have not submitted a HTA dossier to date. It remains open to Abbott to re-engage with the NCPE as they indicated they would in July 2021.
Recently, following a request from the HSE, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) held an initial meeting with the HSE Diabetes Clinical Programme to scope out what might be involved in undertaking a system wide HTA across diabetes care. In the absence of a full value assessment of the product to determine cost effectiveness or value for money, the HSE is not in a position to remove the current age restriction.
During the estimates process, deliberations as to the priorities to be progressed within the National Service Plan occur. It is not possible to say at this juncture whether additional funding of the FreeStyle Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring system will be provided.
Medicinal Products
Ceisteanna (1702)
Mary Lou McDonald
Ceist:1702. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the recommendations by the HSE medicines management programme regarding the drug Cariban; his plans, if any, regarding the provision of affordable access to this treatment for persons suffering from hyperemesis who are prescribed this medication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42716/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 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.
In line with the 2013 Health Act and the national framework agreed with industry, a company must submit an application to the HSE to have a new medicine added to the reimbursement list.
Reimbursement is for licenced indications which have been granted market authorisation by the European Medicines Agency or the Health Products Regulatory Authority.
In making a relevant reimbursement decision, the HSE is required under the Act to have regard to a number of criteria including efficacy, the health needs of the public, cost-effectiveness and potential or actual budget impact.
Cariban (doxylamine / pyridoxine) is an unlicensed product that is not reimbursable under GMS and Community Drug Schemes. Only licensed products are added to the formal GMS Reimbursement List in line with the 2013 Act. It is a matter for the marketing company to apply for licensing in Ireland through the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA).
However, the HSE requested that the Medicines Management Programme examine the appropriateness and feasibility of a patient-specific arrangement for Cariban. The Medicines Management Programme assessment for Cariban has now been completed and its recommendation is under deliberation with the HSE at present.
Dental Services
Ceisteanna (1703)
Sean Fleming
Ceist:1703. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health when the issue of many dentists not providing treatment for persons with medical cards will be resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42717/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) provides dental care free of charge to medical card holders aged 16 and over. Both I and the Government have been concerned for some time that medical card patients in some parts of the country have been experiencing problems in accessing dental services. The problem became particularly acute over the last couple of years as a significant number of contracted dentists chose to opt out of the DTSS.
I secured an additional €10 million in Budget 2022 to provide for expanded dental health care for medical card holders including the reintroduction of Scale and Polish. To address the concerns of contractors about the viability of the Scheme, I am using an estimated €16 million of an underspend in this year’s estimate allocation (€56 million) to award fee increases across a number of items including fillings and restorations. The combination of these two measures represents an estimated total additional investment of €26 million in the Scheme this year over and above what was spent on the Scheme in 2021, €40 million.
Following consultation with the Irish Dental Association, these new measures came into effect on 1st May. These measures are designed to address immediate concerns with the Scheme, pending a more substantive reform of dental services to align with the National Oral Health Policy. The HSE will assist anyone still experiencing problems accessing a service under the Scheme.
Hospital Staff
Ceisteanna (1704)
David Cullinane
Ceist:1704. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 599, 602 and 603 of 5 July 2022, the value of fines issued to each hospital for each relevant period in tabular form (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42718/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter I have asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy with the data sought as soon as possible.
Medicinal Products
Ceisteanna (1705)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:1705. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the reason that a certain medication for a person (details supplied) cannot be covered by the medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42734/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this refers to an individual case, I have referred this matter to the HSE for their attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Departmental Policies
Ceisteanna (1706)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:1706. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if he will clarify the policy position of his Department concerning fetal alcohol spectrum disorder which is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disability that can result from alcohol-exposed pregnancies; the reason that Ireland remains the only country in the developed world that doesn’t recognise FASD and does not have a pathway to diagnosis or the provisions of support to persons living with FASD; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42737/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
All matters relating to the provision of services for the treatment of foetal alcohol syndrome fall within the responsibility of the Health Service Executive and as such, I have referred this question to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply.
Nursing Homes
Ceisteanna (1707)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:1707. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if an appointment for a medical assessment in respect of a review of a nursing home support scheme application will be expedited for a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [42738/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Dental Services
Ceisteanna (1708)
Robert Troy
Ceist:1708. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if a child (details supplied) has been referred to the HSE public waiting list for dental treatment. [42755/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Mental Health Policy
Ceisteanna (1709)
Mark Ward
Ceist:1709. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the Government’s plans in relation to Sharing the Vision for a pilot reconfiguration of services that could ascertain the specific mental health needs of the 0 to 25 years cohort that should be established to inform the staffing requirements of child and adolescent mental health services and general adult mental health service teams; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42764/22]
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.
Medical Inquiries
Ceisteanna (1710)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:1710. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when a reimbursement will issue under the hardship scheme in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42765/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Health Strategies
Ceisteanna (1711)
Neasa Hourigan
Ceist:1711. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health the plans that his Department has to include screening for vasa praevia in prenatal scans given the relative prevalence of the condition and a recent High Court Case (details supplied). [42768/22]
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.
It is important to be aware that any decisions about changes to our national screening programmes, or the introduction of new programmes, will be made on the advice of our National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC) which was established in 2019. 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.
The Committee's first Annual Call for proposals for new screening programmes or changes to our existing programmes, received a significant response with a total of 53 submissions received, including submissions relating to antenatal screening. Submissions were received from various sources and are now undergoing consideration by the committee. The NSAC intends to publish its full work programme later this year once it has considered all proposals submitted.