Written Answers Nos. 297-316
297. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health for an update on accommodation for adult ADHD services in Kerry/Cork west; if the accommodation is up to standard; if new accommodation is being sought and for an update on this process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51612/23]
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.
As the Deputy may be aware, management and administrative grade staff in the Fórsa union in the HSE commenced industrial action on Friday, 6 October. As a consequence of this industrial action, members in these grades are not engaging with political forums or processes. As a result, the question asked by the Deputy may be delayed in receiving a response directly from the HSE.
298. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health for an update on the provision of accommodation for adult ADHD services in CHO7; what sites are being considered; when the service will be in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51613/23]
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.
As the Deputy may be aware, management and administrative grade staff in the Fórsa union in the HSE commenced industrial action on Friday, 6 October. As a consequence of this industrial action, members in these grades are not engaging with political forums or processes. As a result, the question asked by the Deputy may be delayed in receiving a response directly from the HSE.
299. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the medication that is prescribed for ADHD; what measures are being taken to address shortages of these medications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51614/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraTakeda Pharmaceuticals International AG Ireland Branch has advised of shortages of some strengths of Tyvense (20mg, 40mg and 70mg) due to an unexpected increase in demand and manufacturing challenges. These shortages are affecting multiple EU countries, not just Ireland. The company has informed the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) that resupply of all strengths is expected on 4th December 2023. The company has provided a letter to healthcare professionals detailing this information. To date, there have not been any notifications of shortages of the 30mg, 50mg or 60mg Tyvense capsules.
Accord Healthcare Ireland Ltd has advised of shortages of some strengths of Atomoxetine (10mg, 18mg, 25mg, 40mg and 80mg) due to an unexpected increase in demand. These shortages are affecting multiple EU countries, not just Ireland. The company anticipates resupply of the 18mg and 80mg strengths on 1st December 2023 and the 10mg, 25mg and 40mg strengths on 31st December 2023.
InfectoPharm Arzneimittel and Consilium GmbH has advised of shortages of all strengths of Ritalin LA prolonged release capsules (20mg, 30mg and 40mg) due to an unexpected increase in demand. The company anticipates resupply of the 30mg strength on 11th December 2023 and the 20mg and 40mg strengths on 15th December 2023.
Janssen, the company that places the Concerta XL products on the market, has also advised that it is encountering global supply chain issues related to component availability and increased demand in multiple markets. The company has stated that there are allocations in place 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.
Unfortunately, there are a multitude of reasons why a medicine may not be available including: shortages of raw materials; manufacturing difficulties; sudden unexpected increase in demand; or product recalls due to potential quality issues. Medicine shortages are, unfortunately, a feature of modern health systems worldwide and a global health problem. Shortages of medicines are not unique to Ireland and there is no evidence that shortages disproportionately impact patients in Ireland compared to other countries.
The Department of Health is progressing several workstreams for management of shortages, including primary legislative amendments to make regulations for management of shortages via the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2023.
Ireland is heavily involved in work by the European commission and the European Medicines Agency to address European wide issues relating to medicines shortages. This includes work to ensure adequate supplies of medicines, for the coming Winter period. On the 24th October, the EU Commission published a communication, entitled Addressing medicine shortages in the EU. It reinforced the Commission’s plan to introduce a suite of short-, mid- and long-term actions to be undertaken to strengthen security of medicines supply in Europe.
Ireland has a medicines shortage framework in place which is operated by the HPRA on behalf of the Department of Health. The Medicines Shortages Framework’s aim is to help avert potential shortages from occurring and to reduce the impact of shortages on patients by co-ordinating the management of potential or actual shortages as they arise. The multi-stakeholder framework includes representation from the pharmaceutical industry, healthcare professionals, the HSE, the Department of Health and patients.
The HPRA publishes a list of medicines currently in short supply on its website (Shortages List (hpra.ie) with the reason for the shortage and expected dates for the return of supply. The information is available to assist healthcare professionals in managing medicine shortages when they arise and reduce their impact on patients. The webpage is updated daily as the HPRA receives new information.
Alternative medicines are authorised for the treatment of ADHD. If patients or their carers cannot source their usual medicine at present, they are encouraged to discuss alternatives with their healthcare provider pending the resumption of normal supply.
The Department and HPRA maintains regular contact regarding medicines shortages.
300. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Health the number of posts removed from profile as a result of memorandums (details supplied), by grade, for Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda; the number of headcount posts and the WTE to which these relate; the number which were new posts; the number which were replacement posts or vacant posts; and the number which were related to absence/leave cover, in tabular form. [51616/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently not in a position to answer PQs due to industrial action. It is hoped that normal services will resume soon. In the meantime, this Department will continue to refer PQs to HSE for their direct reply as soon as possible
301. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Health the number of posts removed from profile as a result of memorandums (details supplied), by grade, for CHO8; the number of headcount posts and the WTE to which these relate; the number which were new posts; the number which were replacement posts or vacant posts; and the number which were related to absence/leave cover, in tabular form. [51617/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently not in a position to answer PQs due to industrial action. It is hoped that normal services will resume soon. In the meantime, this Department will continue to refer PQs to HSE for their direct reply as soon as possible
302. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Health the number of job offers that have been withdrawn as a result of memorandums (details supplied), by grade, for Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda; the number of headcount posts; and the WTE to which these relate, in tabular form. [51618/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently not in a position to answer PQs due to industrial action. It is hoped that normal services will resume soon. In the meantime, this Department will continue to refer PQs to HSE for their direct reply as soon as possible
303. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Health the number of job offers that have been withdrawn as a result of memorandums (details supplied), by grade, for CHO8; the number of headcount posts; and the WTE to which these relate, in tabular form. [51619/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently not in a position to answer PQs due to industrial action. It is hoped that normal services will resume soon. In the meantime, this Department will continue to refer PQs to HSE for their direct reply as soon as possible
304. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) in County Donegal is on the routine or urgent waiting list for a consultation in Galway University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51622/23]
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.
As the Deputy may be aware, management and administrative grade staff in the Fórsa union in the HSE commenced industrial action on Friday 6th October. As a consequence of this industrial action, members in these grades are not engaging with political forums or processes. As a result, there may be a delay in the Deputy receiving a response from the HSE.
305. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) in County Donegal can be considered for an earlier appointment through the National Treatment Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51623/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) works with public hospitals, as opposed to with patients directly, to offer and provide the funding for treatment to clinically suitable long waiting patients who are on an Inpatient/Daycase or Outpatient waiting list.
The key criteria of the NTPF is the prioritisation of the longest waiting patients first. While the NTPF identifies patients eligible for NTPF funded treatment, it is solely on the basis of their time spent on a waiting list. The clinical suitability of the patient to avail of NTPF funded treatment is determined by the public hospital.
Under 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.
As the Deputy may be aware, management and administrative grade staff in the Fórsa union in the HSE commenced industrial action on Friday 6th October. As a consequence of this industrial action, members in these grades are not engaging with political forums or processes.
As a result, there may be a delay in the Deputy receiving a response from the HSE.
306. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51631/23]
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.
307. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the number of posts removed from profile as a result of the memorandums CEO ref 09954 and 10166 of 2023 by grade for Letterkenny University Hospital, in tabular form; the number of headcount posts and the WTE to which these relate; the number which were new posts; the number which were replacement posts or vacant posts; and the number which were related to absence/leave cover. [51633/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently not in a position to answer PQs due to industrial action. It is hoped that normal services will resume soon. In the meantime, this Department will continue to refer PQs to HSE for their direct reply as soon as possible
308. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the number of posts removed from profile as a result of the memorandums CEO ref 09954 and 10166 of 2023 by grade for CHO1, in tabular form; the number of headcount posts and the WTE to which these relate; the number which were new posts; the number which were replacement posts or vacant posts; and the number which were related to absence/leave cover. [51634/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently not in a position to answer PQs due to industrial action. It is hoped that normal services will resume soon. In the meantime, this Department will continue to refer PQs to HSE for their direct reply as soon as possible
309. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the number of job offers that have been withdrawn as a result of the memorandums CEO ref 09954 and 10166 of 2023 by grade for Letterkenny University Hospital, in tabular form; and the number of headcount posts and the WTE to which these relate. [51635/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently not in a position to answer PQs due to industrial action. It is hoped that normal services will resume soon. In the meantime, this Department will continue to refer PQs to HSE for their direct reply as soon as possible
310. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the number of job offers that have been withdrawn as a result of the memorandums CEO ref 09954 and 10166 of 2023 by grade for CHO1, in tabular form; and the number of headcount posts and the WTE to which these relate. [51636/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently not in a position to answer PQs due to industrial action. It is hoped that normal services will resume soon. In the meantime, this Department will continue to refer PQs to HSE for their direct reply as soon as possible
311. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51641/23]
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.
As the Deputy may be aware, management and administrative grade staff in the Fórsa union in the HSE commenced industrial action on Friday 6th October.
As a consequence of this industrial action, members in these grades are not engaging with political forums or processes.
As a result, the question asked by the Deputy may be delayed in receiving a response directly from the HSE.
312. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Health the number of posts removed from profile as a result of memorandums (details supplied), by grade, for Our Lady's Hospital in Navan, County Meath, in tabular form; the number of headcount posts and the WTE to which these relate; the number which were new posts; the number which were replacement posts or vacant posts; and the number which were related to absence/leave cover. [51645/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently not in a position to answer PQs due to industrial action. It is hoped that normal services will resume soon. In the meantime, this Department will continue to refer PQs to HSE for their direct reply as soon as possible
313. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Health the number of posts removed from profile as a result of memorandums (details supplied), by grade, for CHO8, in tabular form; the number of headcount posts and the WTE to which these relate; the number which were new posts; the number which were replacement posts or vacant posts; and the number which were related to absence/leave cover. [51646/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently not in a position to answer PQs due to industrial action. It is hoped that normal services will resume soon. In the meantime, this Department will continue to refer PQs to HSE for their direct reply as soon as possible
314. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Health the number of job offers that have been withdrawn as a result of memorandums (details supplied), by grade, for Our Lady's Hospital, Navan, County Meath, in tabular form; the number of headcount posts; and the WTE to which these relate. [51647/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently not in a position to answer PQs due to industrial action. It is hoped that normal services will resume soon. In the meantime, this Department will continue to refer PQs to HSE for their direct reply as soon as possible
315. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Health the number of job offers that have been withdrawn as a result of memorandums (details supplied), by grade, for CHO 8, in tabular form; the number of headcount posts; and the WTE to which these relate. [51648/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently not in a position to answer PQs due to industrial action. It is hoped that normal services will resume soon. In the meantime, this Department will continue to refer PQs to HSE for their direct reply as soon as possible
316. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Health for an update on the case of a child (details supplied) regarding essential hip surgery for dysplasia. [51649/23]
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.
As the Deputy may be aware, management and administrative grade staff in the Fórsa union in the HSE commenced industrial action on Friday 6th October. As a consequence of this industrial action, members in these grades are not engaging with political forums or processes. As a result, there may be a delay in the Deputy receiving a response from the HSE.
