Written Answers Nos. 662-676
662. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the number of eating disorder mini hub teams that currently exist; if he will provide a breakdown of each eating disorder mini hub team by staff and funding; the capital cost per hub by CHO area in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21771/23]
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.
663. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the reasons for the ongoing shortages of the medication concerta; the action he will take to ensure the regular supply of the medication is restored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21773/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraJanssen, the company that places the Concerta XL products on the market, has advised that it is encountering global supply chain issues related to component availability and increased demand in multiple markets.
Supplies of Concerta XL are currently available on the Irish market. However, Janssen has stated that it is managing the supply of existing stock to ensure equitable distribution to mitigate the impact on patients in Ireland and that it is working closely with pharmacies to ensure patients receive their medication.
The company has advised that if there are any localised supply issues, pharmacies can contact Janssen medical information, on 1800709122, to release the required quantity for the patient.
Janssen has requested that orders are limited to the amount of Concerta XL needed in a given month as the company attempts to build stock levels back up. Ordering more than necessary could increase pressure on the supply levels at a national level and inadvertently impact on other patients.
664. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health for an update on when the long-Term Illness scheme will be reviewed in relation to the age restriction of 16 years of age on the mental illness category of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21774/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Long-term Illness (LTI) scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). Regulations were made in 1971, 1973 and 1975, prescribing 16 illnesses covered by the scheme.
These are: acute leukaemia; mental handicap; cerebral palsy; mental illness (in a person under 16); cystic fibrosis; multiple sclerosis; diabetes insipidus; muscular dystrophies; diabetes mellitus; parkinsonism; epilepsy; phenylketonuria; haemophilia; spina bifida; hydrocephalus; and conditions arising from the use of Thalidomide.
Under the LTI Scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge.
Statutory Instrument No. 277 of 1971, put a limitation on Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970, in respect of the provision of medicines to those suffering from mental illness:
"Arrangements for the supply of drugs and medicines to persons suffering from mental illness in pursuance of section 59 (3) of the Act shall be made only in respect of persons under the age of 16 years."
My Department is currently examining all of the issues around the scope of the Scheme, including this issue.
665. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the number of vacant physiotherapy roles in children's primary care services in CHO 1; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21794/23]
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.
666. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the number of vacant physiotherapy roles in children's primary care services in CHO 2; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21795/23]
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.
667. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the number of vacant physiotherapy roles in children's primary care services in CHO 3; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21796/23]
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.
668. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the number of vacant physiotherapy roles in children's primary care services in CHO 4; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21797/23]
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.
669. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the number of vacant physiotherapy roles in children's primary care services in CHO 5; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21798/23]
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.
670. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the number of vacant physiotherapy roles in children's primary care services in CHO 6; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21799/23]
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.
671. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the number of vacant physiotherapy roles in children's primary care services in CHO 7; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21800/23]
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.
672. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the number of vacant physiotherapy roles in children's primary care services in CHO 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21801/23]
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.
673. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the number of vacant physiotherapy roles in children's primary care services in CHO 9; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21802/23]
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.
674. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the number of vacant speech and language therapy roles in children's primary care services in CHO 1; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21806/23]
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.
675. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the number of vacant speech and language therapy roles in children's primary care services in CHO 2; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21807/23]
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.
676. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the number of vacant speech and language therapy roles in children's primary care services in CHO 3; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21808/23]
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.
