Written Answers Nos. 649-668
650. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a list of the categories of public sector workers and civil servants under his Department whose contracts fall under the Croke Park Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60733/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Croke Park Agreement encompassed all civil and public servants under my Department. No distinction was made between categories of civil servants under the Agreement.
I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to their workforce. Information for other agencies under the aegis of my Department is being collated and will be provided directly to the Deputy once available.
651. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the roll out of a community neuro-rehabilitation team in CH07; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60743/22]
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.
652. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the roll out of a community neuro-rehabilitation team in CH04; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60744/22]
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.
653. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health when a community neuro-rehabilitation team will be set up in CHO8 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60758/22]
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.
654. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health when a community neuro-rehabilitation team will be established for CHO2 given a team was promised to every CHO area but only two of nine have being delivered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60768/22]
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.
655. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health when frontline staff at a healthcare company (details supplied) will receive their Covid bonus payment. [60782/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
656. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the number of self-assessments issued to employers in relation to the Covid-19 recognition payment to eligible workers in non-HSE and non-Section 38 organisations; the number returned to the HSE, by category of eligible staff (details supplied) in tabular form; the number of funding transfers which have taken place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60783/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly, I would like to thank all healthcare workers for their extraordinary efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly. The HSE is working on rolling out the payment with assistance from KOSI Corporation, and as such they would be best placed to answer operational queries about expected timeframe and process details in relation to groups 1 to 4.
The Department has transferred funding to the Department of Defence and Dublin City Council to enable funding of eligible Defence Forces and Dublin Fire Brigade staff. These organisations are now rolling out the payment to eligible staff. More detailed queries in relation to local payroll figures and processes for these staff would be best directed to those bodies.
I have instructed officials to ensure an efficient and expeditious rollout to all remaining staff. Once again, I would like to thank all healthcare workers for their extraordinary efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
657. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on arrears owed to serving and retired senior HSE and voluntary hospital managers (details supplied) as provided for in the HSE budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60790/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe final round of pay restoration provided for by section 20 of the Public Service Pay and Pensions Act 2017 to civil and public servants earning above €150,000 for 1 July 2022 is sanctioned for implementation, and the Department of Health has issued consolidated salary scales for those pay adjustments.
The HSE has advised that these adjustments will be implemented in the first quarter of 2023, between January and the end of March. HSE Human Resources staff will communicate locally, ensuring that all staff are aware of how the pay adjustment will be made in between now and the end of March. All eligible staff will receive pay retrospection to 1 July 2022 as appropriate.
659. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health if he has plans to investigate procurement procedures within the HSE to determine if there are any instances of the HSE being overcharged by private and voluntary service providers. [60800/22]
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.
660. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who contracted Covid-19 in a hospital setting on a monthly basis since the start of the pandemic. [60801/22]
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.
661. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of lung cancer diagnoses in Ireland in each of the past ten years and to date in 2022. [60802/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra662. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of breast cancer diagnosis in Ireland in each of the past ten years and to date in 2022. [60803/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra663. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of cervical cancer diagnosis in Ireland in each of the past ten years and to date in 2022. [60804/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra664. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of ovarian cancer diagnosis in Ireland in each of the past ten years and to date in 2022. [60805/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra665. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of brain cancer diagnosis in Ireland in each of the past ten years and to date in 2022. [60806/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra666. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of skin cancer diagnosis in Ireland in each of the past ten years and to date in 2022. [60807/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 661 to 666, inclusive, together.
The National Cancer Registry of Ireland (NCRI) has a statutory obligation to collate information in relation to national cancer incidence across all tumour types. This information will typically only be made available 2 to 3 years after the year of incidence, in keeping with international standards.
Successive National Cancer Strategies have delivered continuing improvements in outcomes for Irish cancer patients in terms of earlier diagnosis, better treatment, and improved rates of survival.
NCRI data shows substantial progress being made to control the four major cancers (prostate, breast, lung and colorectal), with mortality rates falling or stabilising for each. These comprise over half of all invasive tumours (not including rarely fatal nonmelanoma skin cancers).
Treatment in our medical oncology, radiation oncology and surgical oncology services also continues to improve, with an estimated 200,000 people in Ireland living with and beyond cancer.
The NCRI published its "2022 Annual Statistical Report: Cancer in Ireland 1994-2020" last week. This report on the status of cancer in Ireland includes updated statistics on cancer incidence, mortality and survival for patients diagnosed in Ireland 1994 – 2020.
Key findings include:
- Over 50% increase in numbers of cancer survivors compared with a decade ago as, for the first time, the number of patients living after an invasive cancer diagnosis has exceeded the 200,000-mark, equivalent to 1 in 24 people in Ireland. This reflects the ongoing improvement in cancer survival.
- More complete data on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer diagnoses indicates that the pandemic resulted in a 10% reduction in cancer diagnoses (based on all cancers) or 11% (based on microscopically verified cancers) in 2020, compared to what was expected that year.
- Median age at diagnosis for all cancer combined (excluding non-melanoma skin cancers) was 69 years in men and 67 years in women, with little change over time. The median age at death for all invasive cancers combined was 74 years in both men and women, an increase compared with the median of 72 years in both men and women during 1994-1998, consistent with improved cancer survival.
- Further evidence of improvements in colorectal cancer control in men, as this cancer drops from 2nd to 3rd most common cause of cancer deaths in men.
In answer to the Deputy's queries a table is provided below with numbers of cases diagnosed each year 2011 to 2020, for the cancers listed, based on the analyses recently undertaken for the latest NCRI annual statistical report, which was published on 29th November 2022. Data provided is up to 2020, as analysis is still underway on cases diagnosed in 2021, and data for 2022 is incomplete.
|
Diagnosis year |
ICD-10 C34 |
ICD-10 C43 |
ICD-10 C44 |
ICD-10 C50 |
ICD-10 C53 |
ICD-10 C56 |
ICD-10 C71 |
|
|
Lung cancer |
Melanoma skin cancer |
Non-melanoma skin cancer |
Breast cancer |
Cervical cancer |
Ovarian cancer |
Brain cancer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2011 |
2,276 |
895 |
9,331 |
2,891 |
339 |
355 |
349 |
|
2012 |
2,376 |
875 |
9,470 |
2,919 |
301 |
389 |
350 |
|
2013 |
2,460 |
1,007 |
9,875 |
3,029 |
286 |
359 |
332 |
|
2014 |
2,458 |
1,056 |
10,370 |
2,949 |
282 |
425 |
384 |
|
2015 |
2,560 |
1,137 |
10,747 |
3,149 |
249 |
418 |
359 |
|
2016 |
2,572 |
1,144 |
10,731 |
3,293 |
291 |
387 |
351 |
|
2017 |
2,713 |
1,113 |
11,521 |
3,387 |
296 |
402 |
374 |
|
2018 |
2,700 |
1,127 |
12,017 |
3,629 |
303 |
396 |
422 |
|
2019 |
2,766 |
1,228 |
12,172 |
3,588 |
272 |
385 |
452 |
|
2020 |
2,539 |
1,154 |
10,306 |
2,959 |
185 |
422 |
460 |
|
National Cancer Registry Ireland, based on data extracted 19/10/2022. |
|
667. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health if he has received correspondence from any charity or organisation expressing concerns over a perceived increase in mental ill health or suicide rate since he took office; if so, the dates upon which he received such correspondence; the bodies he received such correspondence from; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60808/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra668. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health if he has received correspondence from any consultant psychiatrist or college of psychiatry or general practitioner body or individual general practitioners expressing concerns over a perceived increase in mental ill health or suicide rates since he took office; if so, the dates upon which he received such correspondence; the persons or bodies he received same from; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60809/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 667 and 668 together.
The Department of Health, including my Office and that of Minister Donnelly, regularly receives from many sources extensive correspondence in relation to mental health and suicide, including the issues raised in this case. In this context, it would simply not be practical to furnish the detailed information sought by the Deputy.
However, good progress being made in relation to the implementation of Connecting for Life, our national suicide reduction strategy. I announced, in November 2020, the extension of Connecting for Life, by four years to 2024. This followed a recommendation from the independent strategy review conducted in 2018. It reflects the many achievements to date and the hard work and dedication of multiple stakeholders. The National Office for Suicide Prevention responsible for the implementation of Connecting for Life and overseen by the Department has a €13 million allocation. The extension and continued implementation of Connecting for Life demonstrates the Government’s commitment to addressing suicide and self-harm in our communities. The strategy contains 69 actions with substantial progress on implementation being made throughout 2022. At the end of Q3, the latest reporting cycle showed that 50 actions were on track and 7 required further attention.
In addition, the recently published Health in Ireland report highlighted that age standardised mortality rates have fallen significantly in relation to suicide (-32.6%) over the past decade. Ireland was below the EU average for suicide rates for both men and women up until 2017 (most recent available data), and the Health in Ireland report indicated that between 2017 and 2021 the suicide rate continued to decrease year on year in males and remained low in females.
Similarly, the recently published National Suicide Research Foundation Self-Harm registry report highlights relative stability in self-harm rates. Between 2010 and 2020, self-harm rates mostly decreased, with the male self-harm rate decreasing by 17% and the female self-harm rate decreasing by 5%.
Additionally, from a policy and budgetary point of view, there have been significant improvements in the delivery of our mental health services over the past number of years. The Government is committed to ensuring their continued development throughout this year and into the future.
The Government’s clear commitment to enhancing mental health services, is shown by significant mental health funding increases in recent years. I was pleased to have secured an unprecedented level of funding of €1.2 billion in Budget 2023. This is supporting the continued implementation of new developments under our national mental health policy, Sharing the Vision (2020-30), including out of hours supports, CAMHS services, crisis resolution team, the national clinical programmes, and specialist mental health services for older people.
Sharing the Vision Implementation Plan 2022 – 2024 was published on 23 March 2022. The Plan sets out individual programme pathways of implementation for each of the 100 policy recommendations for the next three years. Additionally, official reporting has commenced with Status Implementation Reports and NIMC Analysis Documents published on a quarterly basis online. As of Q1 2022, 68 of the 100 recommendations are in implementation, with 51 marked on track.
Budget 2023 saw an increase of almost €58 million over core funding from 2022. Additional once-off funding of €10 million for Mental Health capital and €5 million for the Winter Fund will also be made available. €14 million is for new developments.
There are 6 additional Suicide Crisis Assessment Nurses (SCAN) nurse posts funded through the National Clinical Programme for Self Harm and Suicide Related Ideation (NCPSHSI) for 2022, enhancing capacity to provide earlier interventions and person-centred care. This clinical programme has been running since 2014 and since its introduction, it has been rolled out across 25 Emergency Departments with 24-hour service. NCPSHSI which also targets non-Emergency Department services for crisis mental healthcare, improving services for those presenting with self-harm or suicidal ideation regardless of where they seek treatment, and introducing a SCAN to provide assessments in General Practice.
Telehealth services are fully established including YourMentalHealth.ie; the information line 1800 111 888, the crisis textline, 50808, and NGO online supports. These include youth specific supports, such as those provided through Jigsaw, SpunOut, and Turn2Me. The majority of telehealth supports are available seven days per week, with some providing 24hour support. In addition, the HSE has partnered with SilverCloud, on a national roll out of digital cognitive behaviour therapy to address depression and anxiety and to make mental health support more widely available.
In mid-2021, the Government approved a General Scheme of a Bill to amend the Mental Health Act. The General Scheme of a Bill was approved by Government and published in July 2021. Drafting is being progressed with the Office of Parliamentary Council and the Attorney General Office. A Pre-legislative Scrutiny Report was published on 12th October last and recommendations of Joint Sub-Committee on Mental Health are being considered in drafting final text with OPC. The aim is to introduce to the Oireachtas as soon as possible.
