Written Answers Nos. 440-459
440. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health how many international qualifications were recognised by CORU in 2021 and 2022 for physiotherapists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20517/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraA total of 133 international qualifications in physiotherapy were recognised by CORU in 2022. The number in 2021 was 130.
It should be noted that every application for recognition of non-Irish qualifications to CORU is assessed on a case-by-case basis .In 2022, CORU’s Registration Boards made 48% more decisions in total on applications for recognition of international qualifications than they had in 2021.
Delivering a recognition decision is a complex process and includes checking and verifying of all evidence supplied such as: evidence of eligibility to practice; degree certificates; transcripts and course curriculums/syllabi/module descriptors; additional training and/or education; and relevant work experience. CORU require this information to be notarised/verified by the relevant body to ensure it is true and authentic. Applicants are advised of the documentation and notarisation/verification requirements in the guidance notes available.
Following the submission of a complete application, there is a portfolio-style assessment of all of the required information, formulation of a recommendation by a team of experts, and consideration of that recommendation and final decision by the Registration Board. In some cases, this involves a request for, and analysis of, additional information. This is to ensure that professionals meet the standards of proficiency (the minimum standards required for entry to the profession in Ireland) and to ensure public protection and safety.
Applicants submit their applications via an online portal and can communicate with the team via email or telephone, as needed, to clarify issues as the process progresses.
Applicants are given extensive guidance notes on CORU's website and online application portal. CORU's phone lines are open daily from 10am to 1pm and emails are responded to as per service level agreements as set out in CORU's customer charter (2 days). Telephone calls are also facilitated outside of these times where necessary.
441. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health if he is satisfied that processing times in CORU, particularly for the international recognition process, are acceptable and that such applications are dealt with in a timely manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20518/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt should be noted that every application for recognition of non-Irish qualifications to CORU is assessed on a case-by-case basis and I am satisfied that CORU deal with all applications in a timely manner from receipt of application through providing a final decision. In 2022, CORU’s Registration Boards made 48% more decisions on applications for recognition of international qualifications than they had in 2021.
Delivering a recognition decision is a complex process and includes checking and verifying of all evidence supplied such as: evidence of eligibility to practice; degree certificates; transcripts and course curriculums/syllabi/module descriptors; additional training and/or education; and relevant work experience. CORU require this information to be notarised/verified by the relevant body to ensure it is true and authentic. Applicants are advised of the documentation and notarisation/verification requirements in the guidance notes available.
Following the submission of a complete application, there is a portfolio-style assessment of all of the required information, formulation of a recommendation by a team of experts, and consideration of that recommendation and final decision by the Registration Board. In some cases, this involves a request for, and analysis of, additional information. This is to ensure that professionals meet the standards of proficiency (the minimum standards required for entry to the profession in Ireland) and to ensure public protection and safety.
Applicants submit their applications via an online portal and can communicate with the team via email or telephone, as needed, to clarify issues as the process progresses.
Applicants are given extensive guidance notes on CORU's website and online application portal. CORU's phone lines are open daily from 10am to 1pm and emails are responded to as per service level agreements as set out in CORU's customer charter (2 days). Telephone calls are also facilitated outside of these times where necessary.
CORU has undertaken numerous measures aimed at reducing timeframes which are listed below:
- The process for recognition of international qualifications has been fully digital since September 2021.
- Guidance notes were updated and guidance has also been incorporated into the front-end online application portal which should assist applicants to submit a complete application when undertaking the application process.
- Work has also been ongoing to identify possible new approaches for recognition of international qualifications. In addition, new systems operable within the law as it stands are being researched and tested to speed up the process.
- CORU also invite applicants whose files are considered complete to apply for registration so that the recognition and registration tasks can processed in parallel.
The frequency of Registration Board meetings has also been increased to allow for quicker decision-making.
442. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will provide information on excessive delays in the processing of the qualifications of an international recognition applicant (details supplied) by CORU. [20519/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraCORU have confirmed that they have received confirmation of eligibility to practise the profession from the applicant’s Competent Authority. The applicant is now deemed file complete as of the 28-04-23 and will progress on to the assessment stage of the recognition process. The applicant has been updated on his status.
CORU has been in contact with the applicant and has advised of the further action taken in this instance to progress the application for recognition.
443. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health when details of State subvention for IVF treatment due to start in September 2023 will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20520/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the Model of Care for Fertility was developed by the Department of Health in conjunction with the HSE’s National Women & Infants Health Programme (NWIHP) in order to ensure that fertility-related issues are addressed through the public health system at the lowest level of clinical intervention necessary.
This Model of Care comprises three stages, starting in primary care (i.e., GPs) and extending into secondary care (i.e., Regional Fertility Hubs) and then, where necessary, tertiary care (i.e., IVF (in-vitro fertilisation), ICSI (intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection) and other advanced assisted human reproduction (AHR) treatments), with patients being referred onwards through structured pathways. Phase One of the roll-out of the Model of Care has involved the establishment, at secondary care level, of Regional Fertility Hubs within maternity networks, in order to facilitate the management of a significant proportion of patients presenting with fertility-related issues at this level of intervention. The completion of Phase One of the roll-out of the Model of Care, envisaged later this year, will result in fully operational Regional Fertility Hubs at six locations across the country. Phase Two of the roll-out of the Model of Care will see the introduction of tertiary fertility services, including IVF, provided through the public health system. In this regard, funding was secured in Budget 2023 to support access to advanced AHR treatments, including, crucially, to allow the commencement of Phase Two of the roll-out of the Model of Care. This investment will facilitate the first steps to be taken towards the provision of a complete publicly-provided fertility service, which is the ultimate objective of Government. In particular, it will allow the historic development of the first National Advanced AHR Centre, delivering IVF and ICSI through a wholly public clinic and is scheduled to open in 2024. Subject to the provision of additional funding in future, it is envisaged that additional National Advanced AHR Centres will be developed and become operational on a phased basis elsewhere in the country. The 2023 allocation is also being utilised to support the Regional Fertility Hubs in order to expand their scope of services by introducing the provision of IUI (intrauterine insemination), which can, for certain cohorts of patients, be a potentially effective, yet less complex and less intrusive, type of AHR treatment.
Separately, as an interim measure, I have instructed that some funding be made available to support access to advanced AHR treatment via private providers from September 2023.
My officials, in conjunction with NWIHP, are continuing to actively prepare for the operationalisation of both the publicly- and privately- provided service, including finalising a national eligibility framework and determining how the interim funding for private treatments will be provided to individual eligible patients. As the design and scope of this final phase of the Model of Care for Fertility have not yet been finalised, I am not in a position at this juncture to provide more specific details but expect to be in a position to do so shortly.
My Department and the Government is fully committed, through the full implementation of the Model of Care for Fertility, to ensuring that patients always receive care at the appropriate level of clinical intervention and then those requiring, and eligible for, advanced AHR treatment such as IVF will be able to access same through the public health system. The underlying aim of the policy to provide a model of funding for AHR, within the broader new AHR regulatory framework, is to improve accessibility to AHR treatments, while at the same time embedding safe and appropriate clinical practice and ensuring the cost-effective use of public resources.
444. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Donegal can expect to receive an appointment for an operation in Letterkenny University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20560/23]
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.
445. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will address the case of a child (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20566/23]
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.
446. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a list of dentists that take medical cards in east Galway, in tabular form. [20571/23]
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.
447. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a list of dentists that take medical cards in Galway county and city, in tabular form. [20572/23]
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.
448. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health if a national psychology placement office has been established; if funding models have been identified for psychology students at doctoral level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20588/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 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.
449. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health the reason minutes of a meeting from February 2023 of the HSE Board's Safety and Quality Committee, at which the closure of the Owenacurra Centre, Midleton was discussed, had not yet been published as of 25 April 2023; when the minutes of the meeting will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20584/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
450. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure an inpatient hospital charge is removed for a person (details supplied). [20589/23]
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.
451. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the funding and supports available to the charity organisation (details supplied) to fund salaries; the application process for these supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20598/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
452. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 644 of 28 March 2023, the reason for the delay in issuing a response (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20599/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly to provide an update on PQ 14786/23.
453. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on pandemic bonus payments for a person (detail supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20603/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
I would also like to remind the Deputy that it is against Department policy to comment on individual cases.
454. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm whether pharmacies use a different supplier for medical card holders and those who are buying their medications. [20607/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community drug schemes; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
455. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm the number of patients currently under the care of psychology services within the Waterford primary care service; if he is aware that the current psychologist has gone on maternity leave in March 2023 and no alternative or temporary psychologist has been recruited to take- up the position for the duration of her maternity leave; if he will acknowledge that this will have a detrimental effect on patients (details supplied) and that the patients affected simply cannot be left without support for this length of time; if he will commit to immediately ensuring that funds and recruitment procedures are put in place to provide for a temporary replacement psychologist for the duration of the maternity leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20611/23]
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.
456. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Health if he will report on talks with Trinity College Dublin about funds for counselling psychologists; and when he anticipates the details of the agreement will be published. [20613/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, €750,000 has been provided in Budget 2023 to support counselling psychology training places. This funding demonstrates the Government’s commitment to strengthen access to psychology training.
I am focussed on supporting counselling psychology students in an equitable way and that delivers value for money. The structure of this funding is currently being finalised by officials in the Department. The approach will be based on best practice and knowledge gained from other health and social care funded training models.
Further detailed discussions are now taking place between the Department and HSE to progress this. I hope to be in a position to announce the details shortly for academic year 2023-2024.
457. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if a gastroparesis specialist will be immediately recruited to the HSE; and if, in the meantime, patients who need treatment from a gastroparesis specialist will be referred to a specialist outside the State. [20634/23]
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.
458. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20639/23]
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.
459. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) has been waiting on an operation in the Mater hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20640/23]
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.
