Written Answers Nos. 1732-1751
1732. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to declaring a retail pharmacist as a critical skills shortage in order to expedite the process of registering European Union and non-European Union pharmacists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43348/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s employment permits system is managed by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. It is designed to attract highly skilled workers from outside the EEA to Ireland, to meet skills demand in the economy where those skills can’t be accessed through the resident labour force, in the short to medium term. This objective must be balanced by the need to ensure that there are no suitably qualified Irish/EEA nationals available to undertake the work and that the shortage is a genuine one. The system is vacancy led and managed through the operation of the Critical Skills and Ineligible Occupations Lists which determine employments that are either in high demand or are ineligible for an employment permit where it is evidenced that there is more than sufficient availability of those skills in the domestic and EEA labour market.
The Deputy will be pleased to hear that I supported the inclusion of pharmacists on the critical skills occupations list and that Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, Damien English TD, announced on the 20th June of this year changes made by Statutory Instrument to the employment permits system which includes adding the occupation of Pharmacist to the Critical Skills Occupations List. This means that Pharmacists are now eligible for a Critical Skills Employment Permit.
1733. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to a growing trend which has been reported of dentists not accepting medical cards (details supplied); if he will take steps to address this issue; and if he will implement supports for medical cards patients that are patients of a dentist who is not accepting them. [42872/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) provides dental care free of charge to medical card holders aged 16 and over. Services available annually include an examination, two fillings and emergency extractions. More complex care and a broader range of treatments for patients with special needs and high-risk patients is also provided, some of which requires prior approval.
I have been concerned for some time that medical card patients in some parts of the country have been experiencing problems in accessing dental services.
To help address this issue, an additional €10 million in Budget 2022 was secured to provide for expanded dental health care for medical card holders including the reintroduction of Scale and Polish. In addition, an estimated €16 million of an underspend in this year’s estimate allocation (€56 million) is being used to award fee increases across a number of items including fillings.
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. I would hope that this significant additional investment in the Scheme will encourage more and more dentists to treat medical card patients.
These measures are designed to address immediate concerns with the DTSS, pending a more substantive reform of the Scheme. It is my intention that this is addressed in the context of the implementation of the National Oral Health Policy, which sets out a body of substantial services reform. Work is underway on a governance framework for this root and branch service reform.
I have been assured by the HSE that their local services on the ground will assist any persons who are still experiencing problems in accessing a service.
1734. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Sláinte an bhfuil sé i gceist ag Feidhmeannacht na Seirbhíse Sláinte ionad cúraim phríomhúil a thógáil ar an gCeathrú Rua, Co. na Gaillimhe don cheantar láidir Gaeltachta sin; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [42878/22]
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.
1735. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the full cost of all services, assessments or interventions to children provided by non-HSE organisations through primary care services in each of the years from 2016 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42881/22]
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.
1736. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an appointment for a child (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42882/22]
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.
1737. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Health when the €1,000 healthcare recognition payment will be made to non-HSE staff, that is, section 39 workers; and the process to access this payment for staff who are not directly employed by the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42885/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.
The HSE and the Department have been examining progressing the rollout of the Pandemic Recognition Payment to the list of 6 non-HSE/non-Section 38 organisation types covered by the Government Decision. This measure will be ring fenced to staff working ordinarily onsite in COVID-19 exposed healthcare environments. 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;
Members of the Defence Forces redeployed to work in frontline Covid-19 exposed environments in the HSE;
Paramedics employed by Dublin Fire Brigade to deliver services on behalf of the HSE.
The above 6 areas only are covered by this Government Decision and all eligible workers will be paid in accordance with the overarching eligibility criteria in place.
Information will be published shortly for those certain non-HSE/non-Section 38 healthcare employees that are covered by the Government Decision and the process available to their employers to implement this measure for their eligible staff.
1738. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if travel assistance to and from St John of God's, Moyglare Road, County Kildare can urgently be provided in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42886/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy's question relates to a service issue, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
1739. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated amount that the health service would save if the State applied a zero rate of VAT to non-oral medicines by service in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42887/22]
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.
1740. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the status of the special pandemic recognition award for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42897/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
1741. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the reason that the extension of special leave with pay by the HSE is restricted to those receiving the payment for 84 days prior to 7 February 2022; the reason for the 84 days and the cut-off date of 7 February 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42898/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFor all civil and public sector employees, access to DPER's Special Leave with Pay re Covid, was capped at just 10 days paid leave with effect from 7th February this year, and this was further reduced by DPER to paid leave for the required isolation period only (currently 7 days) with effect from 1st July this year.
While a temporary Scheme for Paid Leave for Public Health Service Employees unfit for work post Covid infection had been introduced for eligible public health sector employees in recognition of the increased level of risk faced by some of our staff in clinically exposed settings, it was necessary to include some criteria in respect of access to the Scheme, particularly noting that the Scheme is specific to the public health sector only, and will provide paid leave for an additional period to those who faced the highest risks at the most challenging phases of the pandemic.
The HSE have issued the full details of the Scheme to all public health service employers by circular, and eligible employees will have been notified by their employer that they are transferred to the new Scheme retrospectively from 1st July 2022.
1742. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if the provisions and rulings of HSE HR circular 004/2012 apply to section 38 organisations in general and to the Central Remedial Clinic in specific; if so, and in cases in which the circular has not been implemented, the recompense that will be offered to employees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42900/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
1743. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the current waiting time for an immunology out-patient in Galway University Hospital; the number of patients on the waiting list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42903/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is recognised that waiting times for scheduled appointments and procedures have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. While significant work continues to positively impact on waiting times and improve pathways to elective care, acute hospitals are still impacted by operational challenges arising from the pandemic.
The HSE has confirmed to the Department that patient safety remains at the centre of all hospital activity and elective care scheduling. To ensure services are provided in a safe, clinically-aligned and prioritised way, hospitals are following HSE clinical guidelines and protocols.
The Department of Health continues to work with the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) to identify ways to improve access to care, including through increased use of private hospitals, funding weekend and evening work in public hospitals, funding “see and treat” services, providing virtual clinics, and increasing capacity in the public hospital system.
The 2022 Waiting List Action Plan allocates €350 million to the HSE and NTPF to reduce waiting lists. Under this plan the Department, HSE, and NTPF will deliver urgent additional capacity for the treatment of patients, as well as investing in longer term reforms to bring sustained reductions in waiting lists.
This is the first stage of an ambitious multi-annual waiting list programme, which is currently under development in the Department of Health. Between them, these plans will work to support short, medium, and long term initiatives to reduce waiting times and provide the activity needed in years to come.
In relation to the particular query raised by the Deputy, this information is published monthly and is available on the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) website at: www.ntpf.ie/home/nwld.htm
1744. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health when the €1,000 pandemic bonus will be paid to HSE staff (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42906/22]
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.
While some HSE/S38 employees may have not received payment, this may be due to a number of factors, including ineligibility, delays or non-submission of the declaration form from those who are required to submit one, or other possible local operational matters affecting payroll. Officials across HSE services are giving this matter priority attention to ensure that all eligible staff who have yet to receive the payment will do so very shortly.
1745. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health when the €1,000 pandemic bonus will be paid to HSE staff (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42907/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
1746. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive the Covid pandemic bonus. [42915/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.
While my Department does not comment on individual cases, I can advise that 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 have been examining progressing the rollout to the list of 6 non-HSE/non-Section 38 organisation types covered by the Government Decision. This measure will be ring fenced to staff working ordinarily onsite in COVID-19 exposed healthcare environments. 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;
Members of the Defence Forces redeployed to work in frontline Covid-19 exposed environments in the HSE;
Paramedics employed by Dublin Fire Brigade to deliver services on behalf of the HSE.
Information will be published shortly for those certain non-HSE/non-Section 38 healthcare employees that are covered by the Government Decision and the process available to their employers to implement this measure for their eligible staff.
I would like to remind the Deputy that it is against Department policy to comment on individual cases.
1747. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that certain section 38 workers have not received the pandemic payment; the reason they did not receive the payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42916/22]
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.
While some HSE/Section 38 employees may not have received payment, this may be due to a number of factors, including ineligibility, delays or non-submission of the declaration form from those who are required to submit one, or other possible local operational matters affecting payroll. Officials across HSE services are giving this matter priority attention to ensure that all eligible staff who have yet to receive the payment will do so very shortly.
1748. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Health the number of children and adolescents on the orthodontic waiting list in Limerick city and county in both primary and secondary school in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42917/22]
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.
1749. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the progress made to date with the development of the new emergency department and women’s and children’s block at University Hospital Galway, Newcastle Road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42922/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe new Emergency Department (ED) and Women & Children’s project at University Hospital Galway (UHG) is a large and complex proposal, which is in the early stages of design development.
The delivery of capital projects is a dynamic process and is subject to the successful completion of the various approval stages of the updated Public Spending Code (PSC).
Since there has been a very significant increase in the scale and ambition of the proposals- now estimated to cost hundreds of millions of euro- they are therefore now subject to the full scrutiny of the PSC for projects in excess of €100m. These are defined processes which all Departments and agencies are subject to and must follow to ensure that Government, as the approving authority for all major projects, can be satisfied that the project is the best means to achieve a policy goal and that we achieve maximum value for money for taxpayers.
The Strategic Assessment Report (SAR) for the proposed Emergency Department (ED), Women & Children’s block at UHG has recently been submitted to my Department and is currently being reviewed to ensure that it aligns with strategic policy considerations for the services proposed. If Departmental review is successful, the SAR will be submitted to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for review in line with PSC Gate 0 requirements. This additional scrutiny, required under the PSC, can ensure fuller risk mitigation, early identification of potential obstacles, and smoother execution of later stages of the project lifecycle. If approval-in principle is granted at Gate 0, the preliminary business case can be updated by the HSE and be brought forward for PSC Gate 1 review.
In the meantime, approval was granted for an interim emergency department at UHG, including additional resuscitation spaces, support accommodation and improved infection prevention and control measures. This interim ED and associated works will also serve as enabling works for the larger proposals; freeing up the site required for the proposed new block. Practical completion of the interim ED was achieved in July 2022 and the commissioning/equipping/training phase is now underway. It is anticipated that the interim ED will transition from existing ED and become operational in early Q4 2022.
1750. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the progress made to date with the development of a comprehensive cancer care facility at University Hospital Galway which will enable all cancer services to be located within one block as a hospital within a hospital and which has been escalated in the National Development Plan 2021-2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42923/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe model of care for hospital cancer treatment is centred on eight Designated Cancer Centres serving a defined population and geographic area. University Hospital Galway (UHG) is one the eight centres. The centralisation of specialist services into Designated Cancer Centres aims to optimise patient outcomes, through case volume, multidisciplinary working and infrastructural supports.
The National Cancer Strategy recommends that investment in the Designated Cancer Centres will have the goal of ultimately establishing at least one Comprehensive Cancer Care Centre. The Department of Health and the HSE's National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) have commenced consideration of the steps required towards the implementation of this recommendation. Decisions on the establishment of at least one Comprehensive Cancer Care Centre during the Strategy period will be made in the light of available resources and developments in the best performing centres worldwide.
Under the National Programme for Radiation Oncology (NPRO), a new radiation oncology facility is under construction at UHG. The facility will include seven radiotherapy treatment vaults, a brachytherapy suite, two CT rooms, MRI, on-treatment support, and ancillary physics, treatment planning and administration facilities. Construction will be completed in 2024.
The NCCP also continues to engage with UHG on actions to improve medical oncology and haemato-oncology ambulatory day unit capacity.
1751. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health when the pandemic bonus will be paid to all of the healthcare staff who are still waiting to receive same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42926/22]
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 have been examining progressing the rollout to the list of 6 non-HSE/non-Section 38 organisation types covered by the Government Decision. This measure will be ring fenced to staff working ordinarily onsite in COVID-19 exposed healthcare environments. 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;
Members of the Defence Forces redeployed to work in frontline Covid-19 exposed environments in the HSE;
Paramedics employed by Dublin Fire Brigade to deliver services on behalf of the HSE.
Information will be published shortly for those certain non-HSE/non-Section 38 healthcare employees that are covered by the Government Decision and the process available to their employers to implement this measure for their eligible staff.
