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Tuesday, 18 Oct 2022

Written Answers Nos. 831-850

Pharmacy Services

Ceisteanna (831)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

831. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 768 of 11 October 2022, the engagements that his Department has had with relevant stakeholders regarding the guidelines and regulations for the sale of codeine containing medicinal products since January 2022; if further engagements are planned in view of reports of widespread abuse of guidelines and regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51903/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I can confirm that my Department officials have met with and will continue to meet officials in the Health Products Regulatory Authority, Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland and HSE to monitor the evolving evidence in relation to codeine-containing medicines, including the merits of any potential further steps to support the safe and effective use of these medicines. This includes full consideration of any policy changes that may be required regarding the regulation of codeine-containing medicinal products.

Ambulance Service

Ceisteanna (832)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

832. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health in relation to the ambulance service for counties Offaly, Westmeath, Laois, Longford and Kildare, the number of ambulances serving each county; the ratio of ambulance to population for each county; the number of times that each ambulance service for each has had to travel 50 km or more for each month to date in 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51904/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As these are service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to reply to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Mental Health Services

Ceisteanna (833)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

833. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51909/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government approved, in April last, a scheme to compensate persons who suffered harm or injury whilst in the care of Kerry CAMHS, as identified through the Maskey Report and who have been notified by CAMHS, in the period 1 July 2016 to 19 April 2021. The scheme is managed by the State Claims Agency (SCA) which has a statutory remit to manage personal injury claims on behalf of Delegated State Authorities, including the HSE. Arising from various representation over recent times, the Minister and the SCA agreed to an increased forward payment of €10,000 in general damages, in addition to the €5,000 payable on account for up-front costs for applicants under the Scheme. Minister Butler does not propose any further extension of the scheme.

If any individual has queries about the Scheme, they should contact either the HSE at local level in CHO4 or their legal advisors.

Health Services

Ceisteanna (834)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

834. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if he will advise which State body, if any. monitors the residential service providers to ensure if they are implementing the family forum guidelines (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51913/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this relates to a service matter, I am referring it to the HSE for a direct reply to the Deputy.

Health Services

Ceisteanna (835)

Duncan Smith

Ceist:

835. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will examine favourably on a submission from the CHI when submitted to provide chest bracing service for children under the public healthcare system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51922/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The planning and management of proposed future health developments is considered as part of the annual estimates and budgetary process.

This process seeks to balance available funding across all service areas to achieve the best possible outcomes for the greatest number of service users and prioritise areas of greatest need.

As part of this process, on an annual basis, the HSE submits its National Service Plan, which sets out the type and volume of new measures to be provided, to my Department for approval .

Mental Health Services

Ceisteanna (836)

Jim O'Callaghan

Ceist:

836. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the reason counselling psychologists have been favoured over educational psychologists for funding even though both trained and are qualified for work in mental health services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51928/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As indicated in my response to the Deputy's question of 11 October last, a total of over €1.2 billion for Mental Health was provided in Budget 2023. This significant investment will enable continued improvement for the HSE Mental Health care programme over next year.

As I also indicated in my reply, €750,000 was provided in Budget 2023 to allow the HSE to support counselling psychology training places. This funding demonstrates the Government’s commitment to strengthen access to psychology training. This is a new and specific initiative, prioritised by the HSE to enhance mental health care overall. As happens each year following the Budget, detailed discussions are progressing between the Department and HSE to improve Mental Health care arising from Budget 2023 and in the context of preparing the HSE Service Plan for next year.

In addition, the Department of Health has been advised by the Department of Education that the Minister for Education and her Department very much value the work of all educational psychologists across the education system. I understand they are working proactively and intensively to find a positive resolution for the issue of fees for trainee educational psychologists.

The Department of Health will continue to work collaboratively with the Department of Education and other Government Departments as required on the issue of workforce planning for health and social care professionals, including on future planning in terms of psychology education, training, and placement. This approach will support the implementation of Sharing the Vision.

Home Help Service

Ceisteanna (837)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

837. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be allocated their full 28 home support hours in order that they may leave hospital step-down; if his attention has been drawn to such cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51931/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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

Hospital Staff

Ceisteanna (838)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Ceist:

838. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the chronic shortage of radiation therapists which is leading to even longer waiting lists; the efforts that are being made to address the recruitment and retention crisis; if he has engaged with the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51937/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

An independent review of the Radiation Therapist profession has been agreed under the auspices of the Workplace Relations Commission. Discussions are ongoing between the parties to finalise a Terms of Reference and appoint an independent chair.

As this is an ongoing Industrial Relations process it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.

Medical Aids and Appliances

Ceisteanna (839)

Maurice Quinlivan

Ceist:

839. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health the status of the Freestyle Libre2 application for reimbursement on the HSE’s long-term illness scheme through the community-funded aids and appliances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51952/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for pricing and reimbursement decisions under the community schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. Therefore, this matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Medical Aids and Appliances

Ceisteanna (840)

Maurice Quinlivan

Ceist:

840. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health the status of the 2021 application to HSE to have the NovoPen 6 and the NovoPen echo plus smart insulin pens included for reimbursement on the long-term illness scheme; the reason that this particular application still has not concluded over 12 months after the application was submitted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51953/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for pricing and reimbursement decisions under the community schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. Therefore, this matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Medical Aids and Appliances

Ceisteanna (841)

Maurice Quinlivan

Ceist:

841. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health if the HSE plans to include the omnipod tubeless wireless insulin patch pump on the list of approved insulin pumps that have been added to the insulin pump and transmitter pricing agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51954/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for pricing and reimbursement decisions under the community schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. Therefore, this matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Hospital Services

Ceisteanna (842, 843, 844)

Maurice Quinlivan

Ceist:

842. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health the number of persons attending University Limerick Hospital Group’s paediatric diabetes service and using insulin pump therapy to manage their condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51955/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Maurice Quinlivan

Ceist:

843. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who are waiting on a first appointment to the out-patients' diabetes clinic in the University of Limerick Hospitals group who are aged 18-24, 25-34, 35-44, 45-54, 55-64 and over 65 years of age in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51956/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Maurice Quinlivan

Ceist:

844. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who are registered to attend the University of Limerick Hospitals Group adult diabetes clinics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51957/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 842 to 844, inclusive, together.

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

Question No. 843 answered with Question No. 842.
Question No. 844 answered with Question No. 842.

Dental Services

Ceisteanna (845)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

845. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the reason that there is no dental emergency treatment for adults with disabilities (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51994/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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

Nursing Homes

Ceisteanna (846)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

846. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if any emergency fund exists to assist with gaps in fair deal funding with particular reference to the case of a person (details supplied), who has no family and no assets and no means with which to clear her debt to the facility which now cares for her, who still has a debt outstanding after many months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51995/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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

Hospital Services

Ceisteanna (847)

Joe Carey

Ceist:

847. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health the number of persons attending the adult diabetes service in University Hospital Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52002/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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 (848)

Peter Burke

Ceist:

848. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health when the staff at a nursing home (details supplied) will be awarded the pandemic recognition payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52007/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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.

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.

Please be assured that work on rolling out payment to non-HSE/Section 38 organisations is being prioritised.

I would also like to remind the Deputy that it is against Department policy to comment on individual cases.

Medicinal Products

Ceisteanna (849)

Dessie Ellis

Ceist:

849. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Health if any progress is being made to make the cariban medication free for pregnant women suffering from morning sickness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52009/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As part of Budget 2023, I announced €32.2 million in funding for Women’s Health Initiatives in 2023, to include dedicated funding for Cariban. The dedicated funding for Cariban will help women who experience hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of morning sickness, during pregnancy.

The HSE asked the Medicines Management Programme to examine the appropriateness and feasibility of a patient specific arrangement for the product. The HSE Medicines Management Programme assessment for Cariban has now been completed, and their recommendations will be followed in providing access to patients. Cariban will be funded from January 1st 2023

Mental Health Services

Ceisteanna (850)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

850. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if the HSE intends to downgrade the services in Bantry Hospital centre for mental healthcare and recovery from an 18-bed unit to 12 beds; if resources have been made available to rectify the situation; his views on whether this will have a detrimental impact on the community and the ability in future for the unit to provide acute care; the locations in which the displaced patients will be sent instead; his views on whether this will increase pressure on other frontline services in the area; if he will direct the HSE to implement the recommended changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52034/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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

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