Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:233. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health when a child (details supplied) who is 7 years of age and was only recently diagnosed with autism will receive much needed supports. [52252/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraDisability Diagnoses
Ceisteanna (233)
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.
Medicinal Products
Ceisteanna (234)
John Paul Phelan
Ceist:234. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Health when he intends to outline Ireland's national position in respect of the revision of the EU pharmaceutical strategy; if his Department intends to meet with representatives of the pharmaceutical industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52267/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe, published on 25 November 2020 is the second major building block of the new EU Health Union, and is fundamentally about ensuring safe, affordable medicines for all citizens and patients.
The strategy has four key aims that are focussed on
- ensuring access to affordable therapies for patients, and addressing unmet medical needs (in the areas of antimicrobial resistance and rare diseases, for example)
- supporting competitiveness, innovation and sustainability of the EU’s pharmaceutical industry and the development of high quality, safe, effective and greener medicines
- enhancing crisis preparedness and response mechanisms, establishing diversified and secure supply chains and addressing medicines shortages
- ensuring a strong EU voice in the world, by promoting a high level of quality, efficacy and safety standards
The Strategy identifies challenges and lays down high-level policy objectives to mitigate these, setting these out in a multi-year vision under a number of different work streams. It is also cognisant of the challenges that were highlighted and intensified at the early stages of the pandemic and seeks to learn from these experiences, including access to medicines.
I understand that significant progress has been made to date on the delivery of actions laid out in the Implementation Plan, with some of the mechanisms of delivery addressing more than one of the desired actions. (55 outlined actions both legislative and non-legislative which will operationally realise the objectives of the strategy). This includes ongoing work on the revision of the General Pharmaceutical Legislation, Orphan and Paediatric legislation, work to define/set criteria for unmet need, creation of the Health Emergency Response Authority, Structured Dialogue Initiative, and Clinical Trials Regulation. There is a delay in the timeline of the proposals related to the revision of the General Pharmaceutical legislation with these now expected in early 2023.
Ireland welcomes and eagerly anticipates the actions that will emanate from and underpin the delivery on the aims of the Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe, which is premised essentially on ensuring access to safe, affordable effective medicines for all European patients.
The current action being taken by the EU Commission to review the general pharmaceutical legislation, and the orphan and paediatric legislation is a welcome opportunity to introduce potential streamlining and rationalisation of the regulatory processes. New and innovative medicines will continue to be a key element of improving health outcomes, but it is equally important to ensure continued access to older, off-patent medicines, especially in smaller Member States. There is an opportunity, as part of the Strategy, to streamline and simplify our medicines legislation to minimise regulatory hurdles to placing products on smaller MS markets. The opportunity to potentially enhance market and patient access, through exploration of technological adaptive solutions, such as electronic product and patient information, and multi-country packs is welcome.
The Department of Health has established a Cross Departmental/Agency Group with key stakeholders, with differing perspectives so as to be best equipped and informed to react holistically from a national perspective as the implementation of the strategy progresses. The Group has already held three meetings with a fourth one planned in early December. To ensure all views are heard the Department of Health will engage further with key Stakeholders at a later stage as the implementation of the Strategy progresses.
Disability Services
Ceisteanna (235)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:235. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 227 and 228 of 28 September 2022, if he will provide a further breakdown of the total current HSE residential budget for disabled persons, including the number of individuals supported in residences directly funded by the HSE; the current budget for this provision; the number of individuals supported in residences funded through Section 38 and 39 organisations; the current budget for this provision; the number of individuals supported in residences through private providers; and the current budget for this provision, in tabular form. [52273/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this relates to a service matter, I am referring it to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
Disability Services
Ceisteanna (236)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:236. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 227 and 228 of 28 September 2022, if he will provide a further breakdown of the full current HSE residential budget for disabled persons, including the number of individuals and amounts of funding provided for residential funding allocated to the 2400 persons living in congregated settings and or group homes; and the amount of residential funding allocated to persons living in community homes of four persons or less, in tabular form. [52274/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this relates to a service matter, I am referring it to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
Cost of Living Issues
Ceisteanna (237)
Mary Lou McDonald
Ceist:237. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health the supports that the Government is putting in place to help support a vital service during the cost-of-living crisis (details supplied). [52276/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A significant fund of up to €100m has been allocated this year to support community-based service providers who are such an essential pillar in the provision of Health services across country. This fund is being made available in recognition of the challenges being faced by the sector in delivering and maintaining key health and social care services against a backdrop of increased inflationary pressures affecting energy, heating and related costs. These organisations are funded through the HSE to deliver a range of health and social care services on behalf of the HSE to communities around Ireland. This includes residential, day and ancillary services for people with a disability, older people, mental health services, palliative care services, addiction services and other health and social care services provided in the community.
The details of the plan are being finalised. It is proposed that the inflation support fund will be administered by the HSE utilising the mechanisms in place for funding eligible organisations in receipt of Service Level Arrangements and Grant Aid Agreements. These arrangements are already in place with organisations that provide key health and social care services for people in Ireland. It is proposed that payments will be made to eligible organisations in the final quarter of 2022 to meet the pressures of this coming winter. Many eligible organisations may be already operating within a context of increased inflationary pressures.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (238)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:238. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite an appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52279/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
Gender Recognition
Ceisteanna (239)
Charles Flanagan
Ceist:239. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health the number of children referred from Ireland to a clinic (details supplied) for gender identity treatment in each of the past ten years. [52287/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Gender Recognition
Ceisteanna (240)
Charles Flanagan
Ceist:240. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the contractual relationship and service agreement entered into between Our Lady's Children's Hospital Crumlin and a clinic (details supplied); and if such an agreement remains in place to date. [52288/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Gender Recognition
Ceisteanna (241)
Charles Flanagan
Ceist:241. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health if representatives of a clinic (details supplied) attended on site at Our Lady's Children's Hospital Crumlin for the purposes of treating children with gender identity issues; and if so, when; and under which legal arrangement. [52289/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Gender Recognition
Ceisteanna (242)
Charles Flanagan
Ceist:242. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the process, practice and procedure in respect of medical and psychological assessment undertaken in respect of children referred by the HSE to a clinic (details supplied). [52290/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Gender Recognition
Ceisteanna (243)
Charles Flanagan
Ceist:243. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the nature and form of appropriate and accepted published long-term scientific studies or sources relied upon in respect of referrals of children from Ireland with gender identity issues to a clinic (details supplied). [52291/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Programme for Government commits to create and implement a general health policy for transgender people, based on a best practice model for care, and to deliver a framework for the development of national gender clinics and MDTs for children and adults.
A steering committee produced a report on the development of HSE transgender identity services in 2020. The committee included representatives of all stakeholders, including advocacy representatives, and was chaired by Dr Siobhan Ni Bhriain on behalf of the chief clinical officer. The report acknowledged the additional funding made available to develop services in recent years. It advised on the development of seamless interfaces between agencies providing gender services. The committee agreed a job description for a consultant psychiatrist in child and adolescent psychiatry in CHO 7 and CHI to develop the service for those aged under 18 (and to replace the current system of psychological support provided by the Tavistock Clinic). The consultant psychiatrist would develop and lead a MDT to support the delivery of gender identity services. Subsequently, this position was advertised twice but has not yet been filled.
In lieu of the consultant psychiatrist and MDT, the Tavistock Clinic provides psychological assessments for Irish children seeking gender identity services, under the Treatment Abroad Scheme. The TAS enables a public healthcare consultant to refer a patient to the public health service in the EU, UK or Switzerland for treatment not available in Ireland. Once the criteria are met, the HSE is obliged to fund the care.
A NHS-commissioned review of the Tavistock clinic has recommended closure and a move to a local/regional approach to service provision, in line with other paediatric services. The HSE is reviewing the NHS report and assessing the potential impact for existing pathways of care and service delivery. The HSE national clinical advisory and group lead for mental health meets regularly with Tavistock Clinic to discuss waiting list issues. The HSE has not received any complaints about the services provided by the clinic. The HSE is actively seeking services in other countries to replace the Tavistock Clinic.The Department received a report on the Cass report from the Office of the National Clinical Director and Lead for Integrated Care in the HSE, which is currently being considered.
Minister Donnelly and Minister Butler recently held a constructive meeting with a number of clinicians from the National Gender Service. Further meetings are planned with the HSE and other stakeholders to hear their views and proposals.
My fellow ministers and I are committed to working with the HSE to provide a gender identify service that meets the health needs of children and young people.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (244)
Mairéad Farrell
Ceist:244. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on and projected timeframe for payment of the pandemic bonus for frontline workers in eligible organisations outside of the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52292/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí 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.
The HSE has tendered for an external contractor to assist with rolling out the payment, particularly with data collection from the large number of organisations involved, checking of data, and corresponding with the organisations, for cohorts 1-4 listed above.
The Department is aware that the deadline for the HSE's tender process on this matter was extended to 23 September. In accordance with public procurement guidelines, from the time a preferred tenderer is selected by the HSE, a standstill period of 14 days must be observed before any contract can come into effect.
Dental Services
Ceisteanna (245)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:245. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that additional resources are provided, without delay, to enhance an inadequate health service at present (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52306/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The HSE Public Dental Service provides care for children up to 16 years of age, including emergency care for all, a fissure sealant programme for 2nd and 6th classes and referral and care for orthodontics. Care is also provided for patients with special needs.
There have long been significant delays in the provision of these services, that have been further exacerbated by the emergence of Covid-19. It is not acceptable that patients are facing considerable waiting periods for access to oral healthcare. It is a top priority for myself and for the Government to address this issue.
An unprecedented allocation of €15 million has been made in Budget 2023 to enhance the provision of oral healthcare services in 2023. A dedicated €4.75 million has been provided to develop comprehensive oral healthcare packages for children aged from birth to seven years, aligned with the National Oral Health Policy. An additional €9 million has been provided to address waiting lists in orthodontics and for the Public Dental Service to provide care to its eligible children and adult patients.
On top of this €15 million allocation, resources will also be made available to recruit more consultant orthodontists, for new clinical leadership posts and for other supporting staff. These latter staff will allow substantive reform of the provision of public oral healthcare services to all ages to commence.
Hospital Services
Ceisteanna (246)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:246. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the date on which the CervicalCheck testing of samples will resume at a hospital (details supplied); the reason for the delay in resuming services at this location: the number of staff that have been recruited for the testing of samples at this location; the number of vacancies that are outstanding [52312/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Services
Ceisteanna (247)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:247. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a schedule of hospitals that export CervicalCheck samples for testing to other jurisdictions; and the number of samples that have been exported by hospital in 2022. [52313/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Health Services Staff
Ceisteanna (248)
Jim O'Callaghan
Ceist:248. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the number of doctors were recruited by the HSE in 2021 and 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52318/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 (249)
Mattie McGrath
Ceist:249. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the number of children waiting to access child development services with the Brothers of Charity in County Tipperary; the number of child development services places available to pre-school children in County Tipperary; the supports that are available for children who cannot access pre-school childcare due to their disability and lack of appropriate services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52321/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Primary Care Centres
Ceisteanna (250)
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:250. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 230 of 25 May 2022, the status of the development of a primary care centre on Inisbofin; if he will provide a progress update on the site acquisition; the details of his and the HSE’s engagement with Galway County Council and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media since June 2022, with regard to progressing with the purchase of the identified site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52323/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As 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.
Care of the Elderly
Ceisteanna (251)
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:251. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 943 of 12 July 2022, the number of respite beds currently operational within Merlin Park community nursing unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52324/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí 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 (252)
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:252. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the number of physiotherapists currently employed in Clifden District Hospital; the details of any recruitment campaign or plans for same for physiotherapist roles in Clifden District Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52325/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.