Written Answers Nos. 372-384
372. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when the parents of a child (details supplied) can expect to receive an appointment for an assessment of needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49284/22]
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.
373. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health if he has assessed the matter whereby persons suffering certain mental health conditions are only eligible for long-term illness while under the age of 16 years; if this constitutes age discrimination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49286/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.Statutory Instrument No. 277 of 1971 sets out the following limitation on Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970: "Arrangements for the supply of drugs and medicines to persons suffering from mental illness in pursuance of section 59 (3) of the Act shall be made only in respect of persons under the age of 16 years."Therefore, the HSE must regard 16 years as the upper age limit in terms of eligibility under the LTI scheme for those with a diagnosis of mental illness. The LTI scheme will be included in 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. However, it is not possible at this juncture to say what the outcome of this review will be.
374. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Health if he has progressed discussion on the provision of a public inquiry into Covid-19 deaths in nursing homes to examine the nursing homes with high Covid-19 death in order to inform future policy decisions in the sector and provide answers for the many loved ones who lost family members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49289/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere has been a clear national commitment to continue to learn from the pandemic and, where necessary, to ensure that the public health-led approach evolves, as evidence and learning materialises.
The position remains that the Department of the Taoiseach are considering what the best model for a comprehensive evaluation of how the country managed COVID-19 will be. This evaluation will provide an opportunity to learn lessons from our experiences in dealing with a pandemic over the past two years. This will help ensure that we are in a better, stronger position if another pandemic or another similar type of emergency arrives.
Since the start of the pandemic, there has been significant and ongoing consideration of the impact of COVID-19 and the evolution of the response to it, as evidence and knowledge emerged and as national and international understanding of the virus evolved. Throughout, this has included a specific and sustained focus on older persons, and in particular, those resident in nursing homes. Various examinations and reports with a focus on COVID-19, its impact on nursing homes and the pandemic learnings that can inform future policy, regulation and the model of care for older persons have been undertaken.
In particular, the independent COVID-19 Nursing Homes Expert Panel was established in May 2020, on foot of a NPHET recommendation, to examine the complex issues surrounding the management of COVID-19 among this particularly vulnerable cohort in nursing homes and to provide real-time learnings and recommendations to inform the ongoing approach to the management and mitigation of risk to older persons resident in nursing homes as the pandemic evolved. This report outlines the key protective measures that we must ensure are in place across our nursing homes, based on learning from our own and the international experience of COVID-19.
One of the most important things we can take from the experiences of the past two years is our learning and understanding of the challenges facing the nursing home sector. Through engagement with key stakeholders in this sector, including residents, their families and advocacy groups, we are committed to implementing the recommendations of the Nursing Homes Expert Panel and a programme of reform is ongoing across health agencies and stakeholders to ensure an improved quality of service and experience for residents into the future.
Significant progress has already been made in implementing the recommendations of the Expert Panel, particularly those recommendations requiring a priority focus in the response to COVID-19, and work to progress medium and longer term reform recommendations is ongoing. Four Expert Panel Progress Reports have been published, the latest published on 21 June 2022, and all Progress Reports are available on my Department’s website.
375. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health his plans for expanding peer support services as referenced in the Expenditure Report 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49290/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe total allocation for mental health services in 2023 is over €1.2 billion, which is another record budget for mental health services. This significant investment will enable implementation of many of the short and medium-term measures in our national mental health policy, Sharing the Vision, enhancing the provision of mental health supports across a broad continuum from mental health promotion, prevention and early intervention, to acute and specialist mental health service delivery, and enabling us to continue to deliver our vital services to as many people as possible, as we move into 2023.
As occurs each year following the Budget, discussions will now take place with the HSE on details relating to specific service initiatives in the context of preparing the HSE Service Plan 2023, including that for Mental Health.
376. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the availability of streptozocin as a cancer treatment drug for cancer patients in the State; and if he will confirm that a patient (details supplied) in County Cork is eligible for this treatment. [49295/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraHSE decisions on which medicines are reimbursed by the taxpayer are made on objective, scientific and economic grounds, on the advice of the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE). The NCPE conducts health technology assessments (HTAs) for the HSE and makes recommendations on reimbursement to assist HSE decisions. The NCPE uses a decision framework to systematically assess a drug's clinical and cost effectiveness as a health intervention.
Streptozotocin does not currently have marketing authorisation in the European Union or Ireland. The national assessment and decision process cannot commence in the absence of a marketing authorisation for Streptozotocin.
377. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Health the number of neurology nurse specialists currently employed at Beaumont Hospital; if there are plans to increase this number; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49296/22]
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.
378. Deputy Kieran O'Donnell asked the Minister for Health when an employee who is employed by (details supplied) based at University Hospital Limerick who worked all through Covid will receive the Covid recognition payment. [49298/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE and the Department are currently examining progressing the roll-out 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 on-site in COVID-19 exposed healthcare environments.
It is hoped that 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.
At this point, the Department is not in a position to assess or comment on individual cases.
379. Deputy Kieran O'Donnell asked the Minister for Health if there is a funding stream available for those with medical devices that increase their electricity bills to support them in paying these. [49300/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to providing accessible and affordable health care. There are also a range of schemes that assist individuals in meeting their medical costs.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) provides a wide range of medical and surgical aids and appliances, free of charge to eligible persons following assessment by a relevant health professional.
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. In accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE. Medical card eligibility is primarily based on an assessment of means and is not granted on the basis of any particular condition.
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. 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.
The Drug Payment Scheme (DPS) ensures that no individual or family pays more than €80 a month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The DPS significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals with ongoing expenditure on medicines who are not eligible for a medical card.
Individuals may also be entitled to claim tax relief on the cost of their medical expenses, including medicines prescribed by a doctor, dentist, or consultant. Relief is at the standard tax rate of 20%.
The Department of Social Protection administer the Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) Scheme and the Fuel allowance, which may assist individuals with their energy costs. Further information on these can be found at:
www.gov.ie/en/collection/d5554-supplementary-welfare-allowance/.
www.gov.ie/en/service/00aa38-fuel-allowance/.
Finally, as announced in Budget 2023, every household in Ireland will receive three €200 energy credits, totalling €600, towards the costs of their electricity over the coming months.
380. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the date on which staff at a nursing home (details supplied) will receive the Covid recognition payment. [49304/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE and the Department are currently examining progressing the roll-out 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 on-site in COVID-19 exposed healthcare environments.
It is hoped that 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. At this point, the Department is not in a position to assess or comment on individual cases.
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.
381. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health if he intends increasing the rate paid to private nursing homes under the nursing home subvention scheme in view of inflation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49316/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am acutely aware of the specific challenges faced by the nursing homes sector related to price inflation and increased energy costs. It is imperative that nursing homes manage potential cost pressures in line with their regulatory and contractual responsibilities, maintaining their quality of care so that residents’ lived experience and comfort is not affected. The Government has provided substantial supports to the nursing homes sector over the course of the pandemic. The Government has now agreed to extend the Temporary Assistance Payment Scheme for nursing homes (TAPS) to the end of the year. As well as continuing to support nursing homes in the event of a COVID-19 outbreak, the scheme will be refocused on addressing this year's inflationary pressures related to energy and heating. Details are being finalised and these will be communicated in the coming days.
Over €144 million has been claimed by nursing homes under the TAPS scheme since its introduction in 2020. Substantial additional supports have also been provided by the HSE in terms of serial testing, PPE, the deployment of specialist teams and other services. Many of these supports continue. Funding to support people to access services in the sector continues to be provided in line with the long-established statutory mechanisms under the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act 2009. This is the mechanism established by the Oireachtas to provide for the processes relating to funding under the NHSS and the negotiation of prices for services for private and voluntary providers with the designated State agency, the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF). Maximum prices for individual nursing homes are agreed with the NTPF following negotiations and based on the NTPF’s cost criteria. These criteria include:- Costs reasonably incurred by the nursing home- Local market prices- Historic prices- Overall budgetary capacityThe NTPF carry out this role independently under the NHSS Act 2009 and there is no role for Ministers or the Department in these negotiations. It should also be noted that the Department continues to work with the NTPF to take forward the recommended actions that emerged from the review of the NTPF pricing system published in June 2021.In addition, the Department is also taking forward the nine recommendations of the Value for Money Review on Nursing Home costs published last December.
382. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health his plans to update the model of care for long-Covid and to provide extra resources to implement it in view of the evolving information concerning long-Covid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49322/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to reply to the Deputy directly.
383. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when it is intended to recruit a new permanent general practitioner in an Cheathrú Rua, Contae na Gaillimhe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49325/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraGPs are self-employed practitioners and therefore may establish practices at a place of their own choosing. There is no prescribed ratio of GPs to patients and the State does not regulate the number of GPs that can set up in a town or community.
Where a GP GMS vacancy is set to arise in a practice, the HSE is notified in advance and becomes actively involved in the recruitment process to find a replacement GP. As of the 1st of October, there are 25 GMS vacancies across the country, just under 1 percent of the total number of GMS panels.
I have asked the HSE to provide the Deputy with an update on GMS GP vacancy in Cheathrú Rua.
384. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when adequate staff will be recruited to the Galway CAMHS in order that they can provide a comprehensive service in the Connemara region of County Galway; the base from which this service is provided at present; the number of staff employed; the extent of the present delay in providing assessments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49326/22]
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.
