Written Answers Nos. 1776-1795
1776. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if the HSE has plans to introduce a single point of entry triage system for referrals to children's mental health services; how this would operate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38515/23]
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.
1777. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health how a property which has pyrite or other deleterious materials is treated for fair deal purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38518/23]
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.
1778. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that the HSE is requesting final transcripts of a student's final degree undertaken in Northern Ireland earlier than is possible for the university, which means students studying in Northern Ireland will be unable to apply for internship posts and work as doctors here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38523/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra1806. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that there is an extension provided in relation to the date that the HSE requires students to provide their transcript from their final degree in medicine (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38699/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra1816. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health whether students who studied medicine in Ulster University are able to apply for internship posts in the south. [38737/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra1842. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of an issue outlined in (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38877/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra1887. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that due to the HSE requiring transcripts of the final degree of medical students at training institutions in Northern Ireland at an earlier date than is possible for the institution to issue, these medical students cannot apply for internship posts with the HSE in the year they finish their medical degree; and if he will engage with the HSE and medical training institutions in Northern Ireland in order to address this anomaly. [39114/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1778, 1806, 1816, 1842 and 1887 together.
My Department is aware of the eligibility challenges for students graduating from Medical Schools in Northern Ireland in relation to meeting deadlines for Internship in the Republic of Ireland. There has been ongoing engagement with the HSE, the Medical Council and the Northern Ireland universities to address these issues.
The recruitment process for Internship is managed through a single, national, annual recruitment campaign, and a central matching process is undertaken for allocating candidates to Intern posts. This process matches candidates to one of their preselected preferred Intern posts by order of merit using their centile score. A key dependency therefore to conduct the match is the receipt of centiles from medical schools, and the deadlines for centile submission are in late May of each year. This deadline is to ensure that after post offer there is sufficient time for candidates to meet all employment and regulatory requirements before commencing their Internship.
Interns in the Republic of Ireland start employment with the HSE in the last week of June. This allows a week of induction plus one week of shadowing the existing interns. These two weeks are vital to not only support the new interns but also in the interest of patient safety.
The date of release of centiles by Ulster University is later than the other Medical Schools in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland and does not meet the current HSE May deadline. This anomaly has not yet impacted any students seeking to undertake internship in Ireland. The first graduates from Ulster University will be in 2025.
The HSE has already engaged with Ulster University on this issue and further engagement is planned to seek a solution to the issues highlighted.
1779. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) can expect to receive an appointment for a laparoscopy surgical procedure for a chronic health issue that has existed for over two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38530/23]
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.
1780. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health if he intends to include Hashimoto's Thyroiditis on the long-term illness scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38531/23]
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. While there are currently no plans to extend the list of illnesses covered, it is important to remember that the LTI Scheme exists within a wider eligibility framework.
This Government has put a significant focus on improving access to and the affordability of healthcare services, advancing substantial policy, legislation and investment to deliver expanded eligibility.
In 2022, a range of measures were delivered including the abolition of public inpatient charges for children, reductions in the Drug Payment Scheme threshold to €80 per month, and the introduction of free contraception for women aged 17-25.
The significant investment in Budget 2023 also facilitated better access to affordable, high-quality healthcare, including an expansion of GP care without charges to children aged under 8 and to people earning no more than the median household income, the abolition of all public in-patient hospital charges for adults, and the extension of the free contraception scheme to include women aged 26-30. These measures continue to create a health and social care service that offers affordable access to quality healthcare.
People who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be eligible for a medical card under the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme. In accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE. Medical card eligibility is primarily based on an assessment of means and is not granted on the basis of any particular condition.
In certain circumstances the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, even though an applicant exceeds the income guidelines, where he or she faces difficult financial circumstances, such as extra costs arising from illness. In circumstances where an applicant is still over the income limit for a medical card, they are then assessed for a GP visit card, which entitles the applicant to GP visits without charge.
Under the Drug Payment Scheme (DPS), no individual or family pays more than €80 a month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The DPS is not means tested and is available to anyone ordinarily resident in Ireland. The DPS significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals with ongoing expenditure on medicines.
Individuals may also be entitled to claim tax relief on the cost of their medical expenses, including medicines prescribed by a doctor, dentist, or consultant. Relief is at the standard tax rate of 20%.
1781. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the HSE's position with regard to the development of a primary medical care centre in Caherciveen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38541/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1782. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the amount of revenue generated through parking charges within the public car park at Tallaght University Hospital in 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [38549/23]
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.
1783. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE consultants in restorative dentistry and consultants in special care dentistry employed by the HSE in 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form; and the locations where these consultants are located. [38550/23]
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.
1784. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of consultant paediatric nephrologists working in the public health service; his plans to expand this number; and the international recommended best practice ratio for paediatric nephrologist surgeons to population, and current ratios. [38551/23]
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.
1785. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE specialist periodontists and implant dentists employed by the HSE in CHO 9 in 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [38552/23]
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.
1786. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if his Department has taken advice in respect of the use of artificial intelligence, AI, within his Department; if any section of his Department currently makes use of AI, and if he will outline the purposes it is utilised for and costs associated with same; and if he has consulted with any consultancy firms in respect of the use of AI. [38569/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraA.I. is not currently used and no consultations have taken place with firms in respect of its use. My Department will continue to follow best practice advice resulting from the Government's "A National Artificial Intelligence Strategy for Ireland" and through regular communications with other departments/public service bodies in relation to the use of artificial intelligence.
1787. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the proposal to develop a 'surgical hub' in Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38585/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have asked the HSE, which has responsibility for the delivery of the new Surgical Hubs, to respond to you directly in relation to developments in Limerick.
1789. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health if there is a standard list of work for those working as home helps that should be carried out in the care of the person they are caring for; if so, if this list is available; and if there has any been any changes in the work to be carried out. [38594/23]
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.
1790. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health the amount of revenue generated through parking charges at Cavan General Hospital in 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form of the money generated; and how it was spent. [38595/23]
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.
1791. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE consultant cardiologists and cardiology registrars attached to Cavan General Hospital in 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [38596/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is an operational matter for the Health Service Executive, the HSE has been asked to reply directly to the Deputy.
1792. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health the steps taken to ensure batches of botulinum toxin products destined for either non-medical use (i.e. aesthetic purposes) or medical use are identified as such by applicants for animal testing project authorisations and the Health Products Regulatory Authority, in order to ensure accurate harm-benefit analyses and evaluations of proposed projects to test such products on animals under Directive 2010/63/EU and SI No.543 of 2012 (as amended); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38617/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMedicinal products for human use containing botulinum toxin are authorised in Ireland and in other EU Member States under Directive 2001/83/EC and Regulation No. 726/2004. In accordance with the terms of the products' marketing authorisations, the safety and potency of product batches must be tested to ensure that the medicines are safe and effective. The same standards apply irrespective of the final use of the medicinal products. Although non-animal test methods have been developed and are already used for quality control of a number of the medicinal products concerned, they are not yet available for all. Furthermore, even when non-animal test methods are available and deployed, some animal studies are still needed to cross-check the validity of in vitro test results, as well as for testing the reference standards against which potency is calibrated. Nonetheless, significant progress has been achieved in this area in Ireland, with, for example, a 20% reduction in the number of animals used for regulatory purposes in 2021 compared to 2020.
The legislation governing the use of animals for scientific purposes in Ireland is based on EU legislation, and is among the world's most advanced legislation in protecting animals. The EU Directive 2010/63/EU on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes was transposed into national law in the European Union (Protection of Animals Used for Scientific Purposes) Regulations 2012 (S.I. No. 543 of 2012). The ultimate goal of this legislation is the complete replacement of animal use for research and testing. However, for the moment, the use of live animals continues to be necessary to protect human and animal health and the environment.
In Ireland, the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) is the competent authority which oversees the conduct of animal studies. Testing of botulinum toxin products can only be carried out when the HPRA has evaluated and approved an application to test such products on animals. The project authorisation process includes:
• Consideration of the justification for conducting the testing, to confirm that it is necessary to use animals to achieve the objectives of the proposal;
• Consideration of whether alternative non-animal test methods that could replace the use of animals are available;
• Consideration of the number of animals proposed for use, to ensure it is the minimum number possible;
• Consideration of the principle of Refinement, to ensure that welfare impacts on animals are minimised and testing is conducted in the most humane manner possible.
The HPRA uploads a non-technical project summary for each project to an EU database, known as ALURES. The reports are unique for each study that is authorised, but full information on the study justification can be accessed from the summary.
1793. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 701 of 11 July 2023, if he will advise how the HSPC is monitoring community transmission of Covid-19, the defined thresholds being used to determine high and low periods of transmission as it relates to universal masking in hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38623/23]
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.
1794. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 701 of 11 July 2023, if he will elaborate on his Department's statement that masks in healthcare settings were being worn in 'various incorrect and ineffectual manners' and risks with inappropriate use offset any purported benefits of universal use; specifically, what incorrect and ineffectual manners are being referred to, what risks inappropriate use carried, how these were weighed up to the benefits of universal masking, how widespread of an issue inappropriate use was, for an outline of any efforts that were made to correct this behaviour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38624/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraPlease note that the 'Department's statement' that is referred to in the above Parliamentary Question is from the HSE's response to PQ 33606/23 (Oireachtas Reference Parliamentary Question No. 701 of 11 July 2023).
As the matter raised is a service delivery matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly as soon as possible.
1795. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 701 of 11 July 2023, the IPC measures that are in place across healthcare settings for airborne pathogens, the effectiveness of these measures at preventing spread of airborne pathogens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38625/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the matter raised is a service delivery matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly as soon as possible.
