Thomas Gould
Ceist:302. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the health diversion approach to drugs. [60536/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSubstance Misuse
Ceisteanna (302)
Freagraí scríofa
The National Drugs Strategy, Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery, A health-led response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland 2017-2025, sets out a health-led approach to drug use. It promotes a more compassionate and humane approach to people who use drugs, with drug use treated first and foremost as a public health issue. The Programme for Government endorses this health-led approach.
The Government is committed to pursuing a health-led approach for people in possession of drugs for personal use through the health diversion programme. The programme will divert people caught in possession of drugs for personal use, away from the criminal justice system and connect them with health services.
The Health Diversion Programme Implementation group, chaired by the Department of Health, is finalising plans for the commencement of the programme, including legislative amendments and operational procedures. To support the establishment of the programme, the HSE is expanding its capacity to provide SAOR screening and support for people who are found in possession of any drugs for personal use.
In addition, the Department is engaging with the Department of Justice and An Garda Síochána to clarify the legal basis by which people found to be in possession of drugs for personal use can be referred to the Health Diversion Programme.
We cannot be complacent about the risk to health posed by illicit drugs. The Government is committed to a public health approach to drug use, that will lead to better outcomes for individuals and society.
Ambulance Service
Ceisteanna (303)
Violet-Anne Wynne
Ceist:303. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health if the pathfinder programme from the National Ambulance Service in Limerick will also cover County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61404/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Pathfinder involves the National Ambulance Service and health and social care professionals working together to respond and treat people in the comfort of their home. The service enables staff to treat and assess the patient as well as provide the appropriate supports and follow up care to the patient, so that the patient does not need to be transported to a busy Emergency Department to receive care when there is no clinical need.
The Pathfinder alternative care pathway initiative commenced with Beaumont Hospital and in October 2022 Pathfinder was expanded to locations in Tallaght, Limerick and Waterford. The NAS plans a further expansion of this initiative during 2023.
I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy with any further information it may have.
Dental Services
Ceisteanna (304)
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:304. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the number of patients seen for emergency care only at HSE dental clinics, broken down by county for each of the past four years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61406/22]
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.
Home Help Service
Ceisteanna (305)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:305. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when approved home support will become available for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61412/22]
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 Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (306)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:306. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if a procedure for a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61413/22]
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 (307)
Denis Naughten
Ceist:307. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the plans he has to establish a neuro-rehabilitation community team in CHO 2; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61419/22]
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 (308)
Brian Stanley
Ceist:308. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health if he will address the need for primary care centres in Portlaoise; and if he will outline his plans, if any, in this regard. [61421/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Health Service Executive (HSE) holds responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Healthcare Infrastructure Provision
Ceisteanna (309)
Brian Stanley
Ceist:309. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a progress report on plans for a major extension of, and recruitment for, the health centre in Mountrath, County Laois. [61422/22]
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.