Tuesday, 20 Sep 2022

Written Answers Nos. 531-552

Budget 2023

Ceisteanna (531)

Kieran O'Donnell

Ceist:

531. Deputy Kieran O'Donnell asked the Minister for Health if he will consider a Budget 2023 submission from a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45687/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

My officials review and consider pre-budget submissions received as part of the budgetary planning process each year. Currently, the 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.

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.

The additional once off €10 million for mental health supported the following work. €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.

Budget 2023

Ceisteanna (532)

Kieran O'Donnell

Ceist:

532. Deputy Kieran O'Donnell asked the Minister for Health if he will consider the pre-budget submission by an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45690/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

My officials review and consider pre-budget submissions received as part of the budgetary planning process each year. Currently, the 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.

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.

The additional once off €10 million for mental health supported the following work. €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.

Home Help Service

Ceisteanna (533)

Seán Canney

Ceist:

533. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health when an invitation to tender for home support services will be published; when tender arrangements will be in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45754/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

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

Hospital Admissions

Ceisteanna (534)

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

534. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on a case (details supplied); and when the person concerned can expect an appointment for admission to the National Rehabilitation Hospital, Dun Laoghaire, County Dublin. [45769/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Pharmacy Services

Ceisteanna (535)

Holly Cairns

Ceist:

535. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the way in which pharmacies will be reimbursed for medications and items distributed under the free contraception scheme. [45799/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

In accordance with the Programme for Government and Women’s Health Action Plan commitments to providing free contraception for women, starting with the 17-25 age cohort, the free contraception scheme for women aged 17-25 was launched by Minister Donnelly on Wednesday 14th September.

Funding of approximately €9m has been allocated for the scheme in Budget 2022. The scheme is now open to all 17-25 year-old women ordinarily resident in Ireland and provides for:

- The cost of prescription contraception;

- The cost of necessary consultations with medical professionals to discuss suitable contraception for individual patients and to enable prescription of same;

- 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 training and certifying additional medical professionals to fit and remove LARCs;

- The cost of providing the wide range of contraceptive options currently available to GMS (medical) card holders, which are also 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 legal framework for the scheme is provided by the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) (No. 2) Act, 2022, which was enacted in July, 2022. The contraception provisions of the Act were commenced on the 14th September, 2022.

Citizen engagement information and publicity campaigns to support and promote the roll out of the scheme were launched on the 14th September by 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.

Digital information regarding the scheme, how to access it and wider information on contraceptive options is available through www.sexualwellbeing.ie; printed contraceptive choices materials will be placed in GP surgeries from later in September.

Following discussions with organisations representing service providers, the HSE has set up claims pathways and systems for both pharmacies and medical practitioners providing services under the scheme. In order to provide a more detailed response on the processes involved, and as this is a service matter, I have also asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Pharmacy Services

Ceisteanna (536)

Holly Cairns

Ceist:

536. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the steps that he is taking to address the shortage of pharmacists. [45800/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Pharmacists wishing to practise in Ireland must be registered with the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI – the Pharmacy Regulator). The number of registered pharmacists on the Register of Pharmacists held and maintained by the PSI has continued to grow steadily, with an average increase of 187 registrants each year over the past five years. As at 4 May 2022, 6848 pharmacists are currently registered with the PSI, under established processes based in Irish and EU law.

I understand that currently there are reports of a current workforce issue, particularly in relation to community pharmacy. The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI) has been liaising with stakeholders, including the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU), on efforts being taken within the sector to understand and address the issue. In February 2022, PSI met with a number of superintendent pharmacists and the IPU. The PSI also circulated a survey on behalf of the IPU to all registrants to support efforts to understand and address the issue in the short term. The fieldwork on the research was undertaken online by the IPU between 22 March and 8 April 2022. The results of which have just been finalised and recommendations have been prepared by the IPU based on their findings. The report is currently under review by the Department of Health who will continue to liaise with relevant stakeholders on this matter.

In developing its Corporate Strategy 2021-2023, the PSI was aware, through its role as the pharmacy regulator as well as through reports from stakeholders, of an increasing risk to the continued availability of a pharmacist workforce. This highlighted a need to focus on community and hospital pharmacy, with a concern being that the issue might be exacerbated into the future. The PSI are currently undertaking a project, due to run across 2022-’23, titled ‘Emerging Risks to the Future Pharmacy Workforce’. This project is set to “assess emerging risks to the continued availability of a professional pharmacy workforce within community and hospital pharmacy in Ireland”.

The European Commission is also currently supporting a health and social care workforce planning strategy and action plan, a health and social care workforce planning model, health and social care workforce projections and gap analysis project. Support includes recommendations for health and social care workforce reforms.

This is a complex problem with many contributing factors and multiple stakeholders. Workforce challenges are being experienced in other sectors nationally, and in the community pharmacy sector in a range of other countries. However, robust data for Ireland is needed to be able to determine the current landscape, assess future health system needs and understand existing sectoral challenges now and into the future. It will be on the basis of gathering and analysing this up-to-date, robust and relevant data, that recommendations can be proposed to address Ireland’s needs as our healthcare system evolves, and in the context of Sláintecare implementation.

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.

Health Services

Ceisteanna (537)

Ged Nash

Ceist:

537. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Health his views on a policy issue raised by an organisation (details supplied) regarding the closure of sexual health services in the north east; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45805/22]

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.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (538)

Michael McNamara

Ceist:

538. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Health when persons (details supplied) in County Clare will receive their Covid-19 recognition payment for frontline workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45821/22]

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.

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. 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 non-HSE/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. 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. Members of the Defence Forces redeployed to work in frontline Covid-19 exposed environments in the HSE;

6. 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. Once this process is published, the Department is keen that payments to eligible workers will be made as soon as possible thereafter.

As the rollout of payments to the eligible workers in non-HSE/non-Section 38 organisations has not yet begun, and eligibility has not yet been assessed across the private sector, I cannot provide an estimated number of workers who will receive the payment. We expect the rollout to begin shortly and for eligible workers to be paid as soon as possible.

Rolling out the payment to eligible employees of those specific non-HSE/Section 38 organisations covered by the government decision is a complex task, particularly as these employees are not normally paid by the public health service, duplicate payments need to be avoided, and there are many organisations to be covered, but this work is being given priority attention.

I want to reassure you that the Government is prioritising this payment and remains extremely appreciative for all our healthcare workers’ efforts in the fight against Covid-19.

Death Certificates

Ceisteanna (539)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

539. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health to indicate when full death certificate for a person (details supplied) will issue to their daughter which is required for probate given the interim death certificate is no longer acceptable for such purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45825/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I understand that the Oireachtas Co-ordination Unit within my Department has been in contact with the Deputy's office to advise that this is a matter for the Department of Justice.

Hospital Procedures

Ceisteanna (540)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

540. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health to indicate if and when required surgery is likely to be scheduled in the case of a person (details supplied); if all efforts can be made to ensure that the operation takes place as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45831/22]

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.

Healthcare Policy

Ceisteanna (541)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

541. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if he will commit to providing an increase of €600,000 in annual investment in the National Multiple Sclerosis Care Centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45833/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Healthcare Policy

Ceisteanna (542)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

542. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if he will increase sustainable funding for national physiotherapy services for people with Multiple Sclerosis, and other neurological conditions totalling €880,000 per annum across all 9 Community Healthcare Organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45834/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Health Services Staff

Ceisteanna (543)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

543. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that an organisation (details supplied) say there is a need for the provision of a further 100 neurology nurses in order to address unacceptable waiting period, delays with diagnosis and treatment, with at least 20 to be provisioned in Budget 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45835/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I wish to thank the Deputy for her question.

The delivery of services for people with disabilities is a matter for the HSE, funding is provided by way of the agreed annual National Service plan.

At this time, engagement continues between The Department of Health and key stakeholders, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the HSE, in relation to the 2023 Estimates.

These discussions will inform the finalisation of the Estimate for the Health Vote for 2023 over the coming weeks and the final position will be announced in the Budget Communications/speeches on Budget Day (27th Sept 2022).

Pending this, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on specific funding proposals.

Healthcare Policy

Ceisteanna (544)

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

544. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health if he will include women with gestational diabetes in the long-term illness scheme; the reason there is no provision to cover the costs associated with gestational diabetes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45837/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

The Long-Term Illness (LTI) scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). Regulations were made in 1971, 1973 and 1975, prescribing 16 illnesses covered by the scheme. These are: acute leukaemia; mental handicap; cerebral palsy; mental illness (in a person under 16); cystic fibrosis; multiple sclerosis; diabetes insipidus; muscular dystrophies; diabetes mellitus; parkinsonism; epilepsy; phenylketonuria; haemophilia; spina bifida; hydrocephalus; and conditions arising from the use of Thalidomide.

Under the LTI scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge. Gestational diabetes is not a permanent or long-term illness and is, therefore, not covered by the LTI scheme. The LTI scheme will be included as part of a review of the current eligibility framework, including the basis for existing hospital and medication charges, to be carried out under commitments given in the Sláintecare Implementation Strategy.

There Drug Payment Scheme (DPS) and the General Medical Services Scheme (GMS) scheme offers supports for access to medical approved items that may assist patients with gestational diabetes.

Under the DPS, no individual or family pays more than €80 a month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The scheme significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals with ongoing expenditure on medicines.

People who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be eligible for a medical card under the GMS scheme. In accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE. In certain circumstances the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, even though an applicant exceeds the income guidelines, where he or she faces difficult financial circumstances, such as extra costs arising from illness. The HSE afford applicants the opportunity to furnish supporting documentation to determine whether undue hardship exists and to fully take account of all relevant circumstances that may benefit them in assessment, including medical evidence of costs and certain expenses.

In circumstances where an applicant is still over the income limit for a medical card, they are then assessed for a GP visit card, which entitles the applicant to GP visits without charge.

Patients may also be entitled to claim tax relief on the cost of their medical expenses. This includes medicines prescribed by a doctor, dentist, or consultant. Relief is at the standard tax rate of 20%.

Healthcare Policy

Ceisteanna (545)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

545. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health if and when the new weight loss injections may be covered under the drug payment scheme card (details supplied). [45841/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community drug schemes; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Home Care Packages

Ceisteanna (546)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

Ceist:

546. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Health the number of those who are waiting for home care packages in CHO 9, broken down by each of the three geographical areas within CHO 9. [45843/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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

Health Services

Ceisteanna (547)

Maurice Quinlivan

Ceist:

547. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the case of a person (details supplied) who has been waiting for a physiotherapy appointment at a medical centre having been referred there by University Hospital Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45849/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Hospital Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (548)

Pat Buckley

Ceist:

548. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health the reason that a person (details supplied) who needs urgent surgery will be on a waiting list for the next three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45854/22]

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.

Disability Services

Ceisteanna (549)

Charles Flanagan

Ceist:

549. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health when the new transport support scheme providing supports for persons with disabilities will come into operation; the assistance that will be provided for those holders of primary medical certificates who do not have the finances available to purchase or adapt a suitable vehicle for their transport needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45857/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

Work is continuing on the policy proposals for the provision of transport supports for people with disabilities. Developments which will impact on the policy options include the following:

- The work of the Transport Working Group established under Action 104 of the National Disability Inclusion Strategy, under the remit of the Department of Children, Equality, Disabilities, Integration and Youth, which will inform the development of a co-ordinated plan for the enhancement of Government-funded transport and mobility supports available to people with disabilities. This will include a review of the Department of Finance's Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme;

- The ongoing progress by the Department of Transport in providing accessible public transport nationally and that Department's review of active travel and public transport policy, including accessible public transport; and

- The Cost of Disability Study, commissioned by the Department of Social Protection, which will inform policy direction in relation to the provision of adequate supports to meet the needs of people with disabilities, including transport costs.

Hospital Staff

Ceisteanna (550)

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

550. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the number of whole-time equivalent vacancies by job title currently in the minor injuries unit at Our Lady's Hospital, Cashel; when each of these vacancies will be filled, in tabular form [45862/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Mental Health Services

Ceisteanna (551)

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

551. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the levels of psychologist services that are available in Tipperary; if there are plans to improve the service. [45863/22]

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.

Health Services Staff

Ceisteanna (552)

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

552. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the number of full-time community nurses in County Tipperary in each of the years 2019 to 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form. [45864/22]

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.