Written Answers Nos. 1954-1974
1954. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if the mother and baby inpatient perinatal mental health unit will be in place in Q4 of 2024 as outlined in Sharing the Vision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43849/22]
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.
1955. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the plans that he has for medical cards to issue automatically to a child in cases in which the domiciliary care allowance is granted without the need for parents to make an application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43850/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1956. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the significant reduction of dentists in County Wicklow that accept medical card patients; the options that are available to medical card holders who cannot access dental care in their home county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43852/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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. I would hope that this substantial additional investment in the Scheme will encourage more and more dentists to provide care to medical card patients, including in Wicklow.
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.
1957. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health the reason that some pieces of medical equipment are funded in some CHO areas but not in others; and if action will be taken to ensure equality across all CHO areas in this regard. [43854/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive (HSE) provides a wide range of medical and surgical aids and appliances, 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. The HSE currently spends in excess of €250m per annum on these aids and appliances.
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.
Each Community Health Organisation (CHO) operates processes for the allocation of funding for medical and surgical aids and appliances. Each application within a CHO is assessed by the local Resource Allocation Group and a determination is made regarding approval based on clinical priority and the funding availability within local budgets.
Currently, many of these aids and appliances are not provided on a standardised basis across the country and many do not yet have formal contracts in place governing their supply or price. This has resulted in an inequality of access for some aids and appliances in some areas. In addition, it does not allow the HSE to deliver best value for money in the provision of these aids and appliances.
The HSE 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 standards and guidelines for the provision of medical and surgical aids and appliances.
The scale of this Programme is enormous given that many thousands of items are provided from community-based services across the country. While this work was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Programme has now recommenced, and work is progressing.
1958. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health the reason that an application for funding for a piece of medical equipment on behalf of a person (details supplied) was refused; and if the decision will be reconsidered given the lack of services available to the person from the HSE in their area. [43855/22]
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.
1959. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a HSE competition (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43859/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
1960. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in the processing of applications for jobs with the National Ambulance Service; the reason that many persons who are fully qualified are not being offered employment even though there is a shortage of staff in the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43862/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is an operational matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly as soon as possible.
1961. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health when a child (details supplied) will receive an appointment; the current position of the child on the waiting list; the average wait time for an appointment; the supports that are being offered to the family while they wait for an appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43866/22]
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.
1962. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the action that is being taken to expedite the processing of applications for medical card holders who require care under the HSE community ophthalmic services scheme for persons who require eye examination and optical appliances, in view of the fact that the processing of these applications is taking anything up to four months and persons are being denied access to ophthalmic services; if a detailed examination will be carried out in respect of each of the HSE areas to remove the obstacles that are causing the delay in the process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43868/22]
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.
1963. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the action that is being taken to expedite the processing of applications for medical card holders in the Crumlin area who require care under the HSE community ophthalmic services scheme for persons who require eye examination and optical appliances, in view of the fact that the processing of these applications is taking anything up to four months and persons are being denied access to ophthalmic services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43869/22]
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.
1964. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health if he has held any discussions with the RCSI Hospital Group with a view to examining the potential to expand the operational opening times of the minor injuries unit at Monaghan Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43871/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe minor injuries unit at Monaghan Hospital plays a vital role in providing valuable services to the local community and helps to alleviate the pressures on emergency departments.
The opening hours for the minor injuries unit at Monaghan Hospital is within the overall framework for the delivery of care, as part of the integrated operations and governance system for Cavan and Monaghan hospitals. The opening hours for the unit is a matter for the HSE and the RCSI Hospital Group.
1965. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health if he proposes to review the current operation of minor injuries units across the State with a view to expanding the services in order to ease pressure on general practitioner services and emergency departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43872/22]
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.
1966. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 827 of 5 April, 492 of 4 May 2022 and 1644 of 26 July 2022, the dates on which declarations of potential conflicts of interest were made by HSE managers to HSE chief officers in each CHO from January 2017 to date relating to particular transactions by the organisation involving the procurement or rent of property, goods or services, separate to annual statements of interest, which do not relate to particular transactions, the contract details in each case, that is, the property, goods and services that pertained to the potential conflict of interest declared per year in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43873/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Health Service Executive is responsible for the management of the public healthcare property estate, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to you in relation to this matter.
1967. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health if the HSE has arranged a valuation of a centre (details supplied) at any stage over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43874/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1968. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health if HSE management discussed proposals to close a centre (details supplied) at any stage in the five years prior to June 2021 when its closure was announced; if so, if he will provide details of those discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43875/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1967 and 1968 together.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1969. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he will make mental health a national priority in the upcoming Budget; and if he will ensure that the recommendations made by an organisation (details supplied) which represents 81 organisations in the voluntary and community sector are implemented. [43877/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department is engaging in dialogue with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the HSE in relation to the 2023 Estimates. Until these discussions are concluded it would not be appropriate for me to comment on this matter. However, I am committed to ensuring the continued enhancement of mental health services through the allocation of additional funding for mental health in 2023.
The Government’s clear commitment to enhancing mental health services, is shown by significant mental health funding increases in recent years. I would note for the Deputy that 2022 saw a record budget for mental health of €1.149 billion, comprising €24 million for new developments, €10 million for mental health initiatives in response to Covid and €13 million for existing levels of service. An additional once off €10 million was announced on Budget Day to further support the mental health sector.
I am pleased to have secured an unprecedented level of funding, totalling, €1.149 billion, for mental health in this year’s budget. This Budget, which is the largest mental health budget in the history of the state, is supporting the continued implementation of new developments under our national mental health policy, Sharing the Vision, including out of hours supports, CAMHS services, crisis resolution team, the national clinical programmes, and specialist mental health services for older people.
Budget Day also saw the addition of once off €10 million for mental health purposes. €1m of this was provided for MyMind to continue to deliver free of charge counselling sessions, to clients impacted negatively by the COVID-19 pandemic. This scheme has been extended to those affected by the Ukrainian crisis and defective concrete blocks in Donegal and Mayo. €1m was also provided to Mental Health Ireland to manage a grant scheme on behalf of the Department for community and voluntary agencies promoting mental health and wellbeing.
Funding allocated to mental health services in recent years has allowed for the continued investment in the mental health national clinical programmes and models of care, which has led to significant service improvements, including the full implementation of specialist perinatal mental health network provided for and the on-going expansion of specialist mental health teams for eating disorders, ADHD in adults, and dual diagnosis.
Importantly, as budgets increase, we need to ensure that we have plans and strategies in place so that those resources are used effectively and efficiently to the benefit of people using our mental health services. All aspects of mental health services are being improved and developed, through Sharing the Vision in the short to longer term. Sharing the Vision aims to enhance the provision of mental health services and supports across a broad continuum, from mental health promotion, prevention, and early intervention to acute and specialist mental health service delivery, during the period 2020-2030.
1970. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a review (details supplied) demonstrates the low amount of dedicated funding that is allocated to much-needed specific alcohol interventions, programmes or services, and indicates that there is a significant gap between treatment demand and actual provision; if he will ensure that his Department analyses the findings presented in the review; and the actions that will be taken by his Department to close the gap between the demand for and the provision of treatment for alcohol issues. [43881/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1971. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the original budget for the construction and operation of a facility (details supplied) that was due to open in December 2021; the final cost of the construction and operation of the facility; when it will open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43888/22]
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.
1972. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health when staff of a front-line health organisation (details supplied) will be in receipt of the pandemic bonus payment. [43890/22]
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. Information will be published shortly for those certain employees that are covered by the Government Decision and the process available to their employers to implement this measure for their eligible staff. Once this process is published, the Department is keen that payments to eligible workers will be made as soon as possible thereafter. 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 non-HSE/non-Section 38 areas only are covered by this Government Decision and all eligible workers will be paid in accordance with the overarching eligibility criteria in place.
1973. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health the current position and plan of action in relation to the use of vaginal mesh products in the HSE specifically the engagement he or his Department has had with campaigners suffering severe side effects from its use; the supports that he presently has or intends to have in place for women in this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43892/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that complications from a mesh implant can be very distressing and painful for the women experiencing them. Since concerns about mesh complications came to the attention of the Department of Health in late 2017, the ongoing priority focus for the Department has been to ensure that all women experiencing mesh related complications receive high quality, multi-disciplinary and patient-centred care.
Uro-Gynaecological (Transvaginal) mesh is used in the surgical treatment of Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) and Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) in women and such mesh devices have been widely used for this over the past two decades. However, in late 2017, in line with emerging international evidence, concerns were raised at national level regarding the frequency and severity of complications associated with the use of transvaginal mesh devices. The then Minister for Health requested the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) to prepare a report on the clinical and technical issues involved.
In November 2018, the CMO’s Report on The Use of Uro-Gynaecological Mesh in Surgical Procedures was published. The Report contains a number of recommendations regarding the safe and effective provision of mesh procedures in urogynaecology and an appropriate response to women who suffer complications as a result of undergoing such procedures. In July 2018, the CMO had asked the HSE to pause all mesh procedures where clinically safe to do so, pending confirmation of the implementation of specific recommendations in the CMO’s Report. This pause remains in place.
In April 2019 the HSE published a detailed Implementation Plan to progress the recommendations detailed in this report and significant progress has been made in relation to the implementation of the CMO’s Report on The Use of Uro-Gynaecological Mesh in Surgical Procedures (2018) and the National Women and Infants Health Programme continue to lead on this work for the HSE. The HSE advised the Department of Health on 13th June 2022 that to date, thirteen of the nineteen recommendations are complete, recommendations relating to consent, guidance and the mesh surgical unit facilities are progressing and my officials continue to engage with the HSE in this regard.
In respect of the service provisions and supports in place to support women experiencing mesh related complications, multidisciplinary specialist services for women suffering from mesh complications are available via the HSE National Mesh Complications Service, based at Cork University Hospital (CUMH) and the National Maternity Hospital (NMH) Dublin. This service has been operational since 1st September 2021. There are designated HSE contact points and associated care pathways to ensure that service needs can be identified and provided for in relation to women’s ongoing care and clinical needs. The HSE has created a dedicated webpage about vaginal mesh implants, including contact information regarding the pathways for women suffering complications.
Since the emergence of this matter, the ongoing priority focus for the Department and the HSE has been to meet the care needs of women experiencing mesh complications. I strongly encourage all women affected by mesh to engage with the relevant HSE contact points and the associated care pathways, to ensure that their service needs can be identified and supports provided for.
Listening to women affected by mesh related complications and their experiences is key to the work of my Department. The establishment of an independent, compassionate process for women affected by mesh to share their experiences is being progressed. This process will be important to help to further drive learning across the health service in relation to women’s experience following mesh.
1974. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will clarify in relation to the use of vaginal mesh products and techniques, the number of women who have sought access to these since the present ban was introduced specifically the numbers awaiting procedures for SUIs and POP and soon using TVT and other mesh techniques; when those women who wish to have these procedures and have a medical recommendation for them can expect to have access to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43893/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraNOTE: As the matters raised refer to clinical and operational matters this has been referred to the HSE.
The focus for the HSE and my Department is the full implementation of the CMO’s Report on The Use of Uro-Gynaecological Mesh in Surgical Procedures and ensuring that women who require aftercare following mesh complications receive high quality, multi-disciplinary patient centred care in accordance with the evidence and supported by robust clinical governance mechanisms.
You have raised a number of matters that are both clinical and operational in nature and these have been referred to the HSE for direct reply to you in respect of same.
I can assure you that the Department of Health is committed to ensuring women’s health services receive consistent expert and focused attention and is actively liaising with the HSE to ensure comprehensive implementation of the Chief Medical Officer’s Report.
