Written Answers Nos. 603-627
603. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the number of patients who have been treated for cataracts at Nenagh Hospital in 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022; the number waiting for cataract treatment in County Tipperary; the number of patients from each county being treated for cataracts at Nenagh Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58697/22]
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.
604. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 760 of 1 March 2022, if he accepts that it is now impossible for medical card holders to find a dentist who will treat them in County Wexford; if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied) who has contacted all eight dental practices in the county that accept medical card patients and has been informed that they are not accepting new patients; the steps that he intends to take to address this urgent matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58703/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) provides dental care, free of charge, to medical card holders aged 16 and over.
I have been concerned that medical card holders in some parts of the country have been having difficulty in accessing a local dentist, including in Co. Wexford. Therefore, following consultation with the Irish Dental Association, I introduced a package of measures from 1 May 2022 to expand the Scheme and increase the fees paid to contractors. This has led to an increase in the numbers of patients being seen and the numbers of treatments being provided under the DTSS in recent months.
The HSE is available to assist anyone who is struggling to access a dentist. In exceptional circumstances, the HSE directly assists patients to access emergency dental treatment by contacting private contractors or arranging treatment through HSE employed dentists.
I have awarded €5 million in Budget 2023 to support the HSE to continue to provide this emergency care service across the country next year, as well as to provide care to the targeted primary school class programme, and preparation is underway in the HSE for the use of this funding.
While this is a once-off measure, I am also committed to improving access to oral healthcare services in the longer term through implementation of the National Oral Health Policy, Smile Agus Sláinte. This €5m award is part of an unprecedented additional allocation of €15 million in Budget 2023 to enhance the provision of oral healthcare services next year and support substantial service reform, through policy implementation. This is additional to the €148 million that is already provided for oral healthcare each year across the DTSS, the HSE Public Dental Service and orthodontic services provided by the HSE.
On top of this €15 million allocation, resources will also be made available in 2023 for new clinical leadership posts and for other supporting staff to allow substantive reform of the provision of public oral healthcare services to all ages to commence, including through work on the development of a new medical card scheme. The implementation plan for Smile Agus Sláinte will prioritise the alleviation of access issues for oral healthcare.
I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly regarding the case of the person mentioned, as soon as possible.
605. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the progress that has been made in relation to the expansion of the heel prick test for babies, in view of the fact that up to 40 medical conditions can be identified using this test in some European countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58722/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am fully committed to supporting our population screening programmes which are a valuable part of our health service, enabling early treatment and care for many people, and improving the overall health of our population.
Any decisions about changes to the screening programmes, such as the expansion of newborn screening, will be made on the advice of our National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC). This independent expert group considers and assesses evidence in a robust and transparent manner, and against internationally accepted criteria. It is important we have rigorous processes in place to ensure our screening programmes are effective, quality assured and operating to safe standards, and that the benefits of screening outweigh the harms.
The Committee's first Annual Call in 2021 for proposals for new screening programmes or changes to our existing programmes, received a significant response with a total of 53 submissions received, including in relation to newborn blood spot screening. Submissions were received from various sources, including members of the public and patient advocates, and have been undergoing consideration by the committee at its scheduled meetings during 2022. The NSAC intends to publish its full work programme in the coming weeks.
The expansion of newborn blood spot screening is a priority for the NSAC and significant work is underway on this. Progress has already been achieved in the expansion of the National Newborn Blood spot Screening (NBS) programme. A ninth condition (ADA-SCID) was added to the NBS programme in May 2022, following a recommendation from the National Screening Advisory Committee which I approved in 2020.
A Health Technology Assessment (HTA) to look at the evidence for the addition of a tenth condition (called SCID) is currently underway, and I am looking forward to receiving a recommendation from the Committee before the end of 2022.
The second NSAC Annual Call is expected to open in November 2022 and will welcome proposals from the public and healthcare professionals. Further details will be published on the NSAC website shortly.
606. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the total number of recommendations set out in the MacCraith Review of the Cervical Check Screening Programme that have been implemented; if he will provide details of the recommendations which have not been implemented; the timescale for when all of the recommendations of the report will be fully in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58723/22]
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.
607. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health if he will reconsider his Department's policy to supporting HSE employees with long-Covid; if he will ensure that payment continues for an advanced nurse practitioner (details supplied) whose salary is due to conclude on 28 November 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58732/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Public Expenditure and Reform have provided for Special Leave with Pay (SLWP) for the recommended isolation period (currently 7 days), for civil and public servants nationally who contract Covid. SLWP provides for paid leave, including full pay, any fixed allowances payable as well as premium payments.
For those staff who remain unwell beyond the recommended isolation period, the provisions of the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme may be utilised.
608. 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. [58733/22]
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.
609. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the details of the awarding of a radiology contract, specifically, a DEXA scanner, to a company (details supplied); if a tendering process was required for the award; the date that this agreement was signed; the total cost of the agreement on a yearly basis; the timeline for when the agreement will finish; and if local DEXA scan providers that were contracted before Covid-19 will be in a position to tender for the service into the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58735/22]
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.
610. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health if a review of the boarding out model of care has been carried out recently; if so, if it comprised a review of the financial supports available to those providing this service; the findings of this review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58743/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Boarding Out Scheme facilitates older people to remain in their communities where they may otherwise be accommodated in residential care. It can also help to reduce social isolation. While the use of the Boarding Out Scheme by the HSE has traditionally been small I consider there is value in exploring it further.
As I have previously advised the Deputy, I have requested that officials in the Department consider this model of care in the context of our overall commitment to enhancing opportunities for older people to stay in their homes and communities for longer. Unfortunately, due to competing pressures, there has been a delay in commencing this piece of work, however preliminary scoping work of the Scheme is expected to commence shortly which will include consideration of the Regulations and the financial arrangements in place with the providers
611. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if he plans to take any measures to increase awareness of developmental co-ordination disorder, commonly known as dyspraxia, among medical and nursing staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58744/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra612. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated full-year cost to increase awareness of developmental co-ordination disorder, commonly known as dyspraxia, and to fund research in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58745/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra613. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the services and or supports that are available to children with developmental co-ordination disorder, commonly known as dyspraxia; if there are plans to increase current supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58746/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 611 to 613, inclusive, together.
As these are service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
614. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health if workers in Section 39 organisations, who provided day services throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, will receive the Covid recognition payment that has and is still to be paid to healthcare workers who worked at that time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58755/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
615. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health if workers in Section 39 organisations will qualify for the proposed building momentum increases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58756/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly, I would like to acknowledge the important role that Section 39 organisations and staff play in our health sector. They have a key role in providing services to people with disabilities and older people.
While the Government does provide assistance, under Section 39 of the Health Act 2004, to organisations that provide services similar or ancillary to services that the HSE may provide, it must be acknowledged that these organisations are privately owned and run and that their terms and conditions of employment, once in line with employment legislation, are strictly between private sector employers and their employees. They were not and are not party to the Public Service Agreements and are therefore not covered by the pay restoration or pay rises provided for in these Agreements, including Building Momentum.
An agreement was reached at the WRC in October 2018, in relation to a process of pay restoration for staff employed by 50 Section 39 agencies. Pay restoration commenced in April 2019 with an annual pay increase of up to €1,000. Any outstanding balance was paid in 2020 and 2021. A further WRC engagement followed in December 2020 in relation to a final phase of 250 organisations who were identified as part of the earlier agreement. A payment arrangement consisting of three phases was agreed with the first two payments to be made in 2021, and the third and final payment due to be made in 2023.
A process along these lines could play a useful role in providing solutions to the current pay related issues that Section 39 organisations have raised.
616. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the case of a person (details supplied) who was referred in 2019 to the University Hospital Limerick for a tonsillectomy and is yet to receive an appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58765/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder 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.
617. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Health when cleaners that worked at UHL will receive their pandemic bonus payment (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58771/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
618. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who have been on a waiting list for emergency neurosurgery in each of the past five years; the length of time that people are waiting on average; the longest wait for emergency neurosurgery in each of the past five years; the number of beds which exist for neurosurgery patients in the whole country; and the number of neurosurgery operations that have been carried out in each of the past five years. [58782/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraEmergency neurosurgery patients would not be placed on waiting lists. Waiting lists for scheduled appointments, by specialty (including neurosurgery) are published monthly by the NTPF and are available at www.ntpf.ie.
The other parts of the Deputy's question has been referred to the HSE as this is a service matter. I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
619. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the current status of an outpatient clinic appointment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [58813/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder 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.
620. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the current position in respect of the permitted duties of home helps; and if he will make available the guidelines that are provided to staff who are providing home care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58816/22]
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.
621. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a detailed breakdown of dental treatments that are covered under the Northern Ireland planned healthcare scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58817/22]
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.
622. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health if dental treatments under the Northern Ireland planned healthcare scheme have to be carried out in an acute hospital setting, as opposed to a dental clinic, in order to qualify for reimbursement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58818/22]
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.
623. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the status of the public inquiry into nursing home deaths during Covid-19. [58827/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra624. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the last date that he met with bereaved families of those who died in nursing homes during the Covid-19 pandemic. [58828/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra625. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health if he will meet with the bereaved families of residents of a nursing home (details supplied). [58829/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 623 to 625, inclusive, together.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to an unprecedented challenge across our health services and none more so than in our nursing homes. The pandemic has been a hugely difficult time for all residents, relatives, and staff of nursing homes and I would like to express my condolences to all those who have lost a loved one during this period.
In relation to the meeting request referred to by the Deputy, I held a meeting with the group Care Champions and some of those who had lost loved ones in the nursing home specified by the Deputy on Monday 12 July 2021. The concerns raised by family members were heard at the meeting and a comprehensive response issued. My Department has also received, and continues to receive and respond to, ministerial representations from family members of those who died during COVID-19 outbreaks in nursing homes.
Since the start of the pandemic, the national response has continuously evolved to take account of emerging evidence and learnings both nationally and internationally. Throughout, this has included a specific focus on older people, in particular, those resident in nursing homes.
Significant supports were put in place for nursing homes, and the situation at both a local and a national level was kept under ongoing and active review. An independent Nursing Homes Expert Panel was established early in the pandemic to examine the management of COVID-19 in nursing homes and provide real-time learnings and recommendations to inform the ongoing response. The Expert Panel reported in August 2020 and significant progress has been made in implementing its recommendations.
The Taoiseach has indicated that a comprehensive evaluation of how the country managed COVID-19 will be undertaken which will provide an opportunity to learn lessons from our experiences in dealing with a pandemic over the past 2 years. This will help ensure that we are in a better, stronger position if another pandemic or another similar type of emergency arrives. Consideration is being given as to what the best model for this evaluation will be.
Separately, the Minister for Health has stated that he believes that a review of the management and impact of COVID-19 in nursing homes is warranted. He has asked the Department to consider the options available for undertaking such a review, taking account of the experience of, and learnings, from other review processes undertaken in recent years.
626. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a breakdown of persons who are waiting to be seen in the national gender service by CHO, LHO and age group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58840/22]
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.
627. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if he will provide the name and contact details of the relevant officials within his Department and the HSE that can be contacted by a company to propose solutions to the urgent home care assistant shortages being seen across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58841/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAddressing the shortage of care-workers in Ireland is an urgent priority for the Government. To this end, I established the cross-departmental Strategic Workforce Advisory Group in March 2022 to examine, and formulate recommendations to address, the challenges in front-line carer roles in the home-support and long-term residential care sectors. Working closely with key stakeholders, the Group examined the recruitment, retention, training, career-development, and pay and conditions of care-workers.
The Report of the Strategic Workforce Advisory Group on Home Carers and Nursing Home Healthcare Assistants was published on 15 October 2022. Providing an overview of the work of the Group and its key findings, the report presents a suite of 16 recommendations spanning the areas of areas of recruitment, pay and conditions of employment, barriers to employment, training and professional development, sectoral reform, and monitoring and implementation.
The Strategic Workforce Advisory Group was chaired by Mr. Paul Rowe, Principal Officer in the Older Persons’ Strategy Unit within the Department of Health. With on-going responsibility for this policy area, Mr. Rowe can be contacted at Older_Persons_Strategy_Unit@health.gov.ie in relation to this area.
I trust that this information will be of assistance to you.
