Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:303. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) can receive payments from the HSE by post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9769/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraHealth Service Executive
Ceisteanna (303)
Freagraí scríofa
As this is an administrative matter for the Health Service Executive, the HSE has been asked to respond directly to the Deputy.
Vaccination Programme
Ceisteanna (304)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:304. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the promised compensation scheme for people who had adverse reactions to Covid 19 vaccines; the reason the scoping of such a scheme is taking so long; the timescale for the completion of this exercise; when he expects to be in a position to announce details of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9770/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Work is ongoing to design a proposed model for a vaccine damage scheme and officials in my department are working through related policy matters. The development of such a model needs detailed consideration to ensure that it is appropriately designed to meet the needs of all stakeholders. Once the model is developed I will bring it to Cabinet for approval.
Home Care Packages
Ceisteanna (305)
Pauline Tully
Ceist:305. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health if a care package will be put in place for a person (details supplied); the timeframe within which this patient will be discharged with their care package in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9773/24]
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.
Health Service Executive
Ceisteanna (306)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:306. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the reason the HSE did not attend a meeting with a person (details supplied); the reason there is no proper engagement with the community; the reason the HSE has not provided the necessary funding and support to stop the closure of the centre; and where are the clients of the centre. [9778/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I welcome the statement from HSE Mental Health Services released on 8 March confirming that, following meetings with the HSE, Tusla and the Raphoe Diocesan Counselling Services, an interim funding proposal has been agreed by all parties.
This proposal addresses the immediate issues that were highlighted by the Raphoe Counselling Service and it ensures the delivery of the Raphoe Diocesan Counselling Services for the foreseeable future.
The HSE looks forward to continuing to work in collaboration with TUSLA and the Raphoe Diocesan Counselling Services to meet the needs of service users.
Health Service Executive
Ceisteanna (307)
Michael Ring
Ceist:307. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health if interest payments and penalties are now being paid to product and service suppliers to the HSE; the cost of such interest and penalties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9781/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
Hospital Investigations
Ceisteanna (308)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:308. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the status of HIQA's independent statutory review into governance and oversight of the use of surgical implants and implantable medical devices in Children's Health Ireland; the timeline for completion of this review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9791/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The HIQA review is well underway and making good progress. While concluding this review in a timely manner is important for all concerned, it is my understanding that a timeline for completion of this review cannot yet be confirmed by HIQA
Hospital Procedures
Ceisteanna (309)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:309. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 600 of 13 February 2024, the grounds upon which the decision was taken to widen the independent review into spinal surgeries at Temple Street Children's Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9792/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the CCO is the Commissioner of the independent review I have referred this question to his office for reply to the Deputy directly.
Tobacco Control Measures
Ceisteanna (310)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:310. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if he was aware of a promotion run by a vaping retailer offering €20 credit to its customers if they took part in his Department's public consultation regarding further regulation of tobacco and nicotine inhaling products (details supplied); his views on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9793/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am aware of instances of industry campaigns, both in Ireland and internationally, regarding the recent consultation on tobacco and nicotine inhaling products. This will be taken into consideration in the analysis of the responses, which is ongoing.
The elements of any proposed legislation will be guided by the consultation, as well as by evidence reviews, legal advice and regulatory impact assessment to ensure that any regulation is achievable and effective. This process is being further informed by engagement with other EU Member States, Government Departments and the HSE.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (311)
Robert Troy
Ceist:311. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will urgently expedite an appointment for surgery for a person (details supplied). [9796/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
EU Funding
Ceisteanna (312)
Holly Cairns
Ceist:312. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health to provide a breakdown of all EU funding made available to his Department which has not yet been allocated; and the purpose for which this funding has been made available by the EU. [9808/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The information requested by the Deputy is not immediately available. My Department is currently collating the information requested and a reply will issue directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Health Services Staff
Ceisteanna (313)
Paul Murphy
Ceist:313. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health whether the due diligence on therapists offered positions in the HSE is being outsourced to a private company; how long the average wait is from the time of application to completion of due diligence; how much the private company is being paid; whether there was a tender process for this company; and the reason the HSE is not itself verifying the qualifications and experience of applicants. [9825/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
Medical Cards
Ceisteanna (314)
Claire Kerrane
Ceist:314. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health the reason a service (details supplied) is unavailable under the medical card scheme at a local hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9830/24]
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.
Hospital Staff
Ceisteanna (315)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:315. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that housekeeping staff in CUH have been informed that they are not entitled to take annual leave in the coming months unless necessary due to the recruitment embargo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9838/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the deputy on this matter.
Medicinal Products
Ceisteanna (316)
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Ceist:316. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health if the drug phesgo can be administered by GPs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9856/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As 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.
Mental Health Commission
Ceisteanna (317)
Peter Fitzpatrick
Ceist:317. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Health if he agrees with the Mental Health Commission’s Report that the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services should be regulated in order to address the unacceptable waiting list crisis for high risk referrals, the highlighted lack of follow up, lack of monitoring of psychiatric medicines and many more operational issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9822/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Of the 49 recommendations made by the Mental Health Commission (MHC) in their Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) report, the HSE have reported that approximately 40 of the 45 recommendations that fall under their remit are in progress. A number of these recommendations also relate to new service developments which are dependent on further investment.
Responsibility for 4 recommendations (Recs. 1, 2, 14 and 19) lie with the Department of Health. Broadly, these relate to:
Recommendation 1: The immediate and independent regulation of CAMHS by the Mental Health Commission must be put in place to ensure that all children have access to evidence-based and safe services, regardless of geographical location or ability to pay.
• The Government recognises the importance of ensuring all mental health services, both inpatient and community, and both adult and child and adolescent, are fully registered, regulated, and inspected by the Mental Health Commission in its role as the independent regulator of mental health services.
• Under the Mental Health Act 2001, the Mental Health Commission registers, inspects, and regulates all inpatient mental health services, including inpatient CAMHS. The current Mental Health Act 2001 does not include any provisions for the registration or regulation of community mental health services and therefore, it is not considered that the Act provides the necessary legal basis to expand the Commission’s regulatory remit.
• The expansion of the Mental Health Commission’s role into regulating all community mental health services, including community CAMHS, is being addressed in the forthcoming Mental Health Bill. This new Bill is a complex and lengthy piece of legislation. It will provide the necessary legal underpinning to ensure that the Mental Health Commission can regulate all community services. Additionally, the Bill will overhaul the involuntary admission and detention process, modernise provisions related to consent to treatment, provide enhanced safeguards for people accessing inpatient treatment, and provide a new, discrete Part that relates exclusively to the care and treatment of children and young people.
• Drafting of this Bill has been prioritised and it is now in its final months of drafting. It will be introduced to the Oireachtas in the summer legislative session, which begins in April.
Recommendation 2: The implementation of these recommendations must be monitored by the Mental Health Commission who must publish a yearly report on progress of implementation.
• The Mental Health Commission play a vital role in the independent monitoring of mental health services in Ireland. The Department welcomes the Commission’s focus on service improvement in CAMH services, particularly on foot of this report, however it is the role of the Department of Health to ensure that key performance metrics for HSE services are met, that investment is used for agreed service developments, and that policy recommendations are reviewed and enacted as appropriate. The functions of the Commission, as set out in section 33 of the Mental Health Act, do not include a function to oversee or monitor the performance of the HSE outside of services registered as approved centres nor do they grant an implementation function on the Commission. It is for the Minister and Department to either accept or not accept the recommendations arising from the Inspector’s report and for the Minister and Department to set any targets or goals for the implementation of any such recommendations, in consultation with the HSE and the Commission as appropriate.
• The Department of Health has a key role in policy development, service development, and performance management. Officials in the Department of Health meet with senior HSE executives every month in the context of performance monitoring. A standing item on the performance agenda is child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS), as well as progression and publication of the HSE audits arising from the Maskey Report. The Department have reviewed the 49 recommendations and in collaboration with the HSE continues to discuss the recommendations from this report at performance meetings as deemed appropriate.
Recommendation 14: The budget allocated to CAMHS must be increased to develop adequately resourced teams and appropriate facilities within CAMHS.
• The HSE in their response to the Commission indicated that this was a matter for the Department of Health. It should be noted that the operational prioritisation and financial allocation of the HSE’s Budget is a matter for the HSE, which is reviewed and sanctioned by the Department as part of the annual estimates and National Service Plan processes.
• Year-on-year funding for mental health services increased from €1.221 billion in Budget 2023 to nearly €1.3 billion in 2024, and with a strong focus on investing in child and youth mental health. This is the fourth consecutive year of an increase for mental health services, and highlights in real terms the importance this Government places on the mental health of those living in Ireland.
• CAMHS receives €146.5 million in dedicated funding annually. In addition to this, approximately €110 million in funding is provided by the Government to community-based mental health organisations and NGOs each year to deliver supports and services. A significant proportion of this is dedicated to supporting young people. I recently announced a further €10 million in funding for mental health to support the delivery of clinical programmes and youth mental health. This again highlights the Government’s recognition of mental health as a central component to overall health, and to reform youth mental health care in line with the policies Sharing the Vision and Connecting for Life.
• Examples of service initiatives under Budget 2024 for Mental Health include:
- Additional staffing for CAMHS teams to improve access to services and reduce waiting lists.
- Expansion of multi-disciplinary CAMHS Hubs Teams to complement traditional service models.
- Further development of specialist mental health teams providing essential services.
- A new Youth Mental Health app.
Recommendation 19: The Draft Overarching National Standards for the Care and Support of Children using Health and Social Care Services, jointly produced by MHC and HIQA should be finalised at Ministerial level and implemented in practice.
• Separate to the MHC Report process, HIQA and the Mental Health Commission developed the Draft Overarching National Standards for the Care and Support of Children using Health and Social Care Services standards and submitted them for Ministerial approval in July 2022. These high-level draft standards relate to all children using the health service (i.e., Acutes, Disability, Primary Care, Mental Health etc.) and are designed to complement any current standards or guidelines.
• I have met with Officials in the Department in relation to the standards to consider the impacts around legislation, monitoring, future resource provision, and draft standards that are wider than just mental health.
Further detailed consideration of these recommendations will continue.
Healthcare Infrastructure Provision
Ceisteanna (318)
Violet-Anne Wynne
Ceist:318. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health the reason that a site in Limerick as opposed to a site in Clare was selected for a surgical hub; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9881/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have asked the HSE, as Sponsoring Agency with day-to-day responsibility for the delivery of the surgical hubs to respond to you directly in relation to the matters raised.
Medical Cards
Ceisteanna (319)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:319. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when a medical card might be issued in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9904/24]
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.
Hospital Transfers
Ceisteanna (320)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:320. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when a transfer from Naas Hospital to Beaumont Hospital might be arranged for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9906/24]
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.
Hospital Overcrowding
Ceisteanna (321)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:321. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which he foresees an adequacy of supply of hospital beds, including access to accident and emergency throughout the winter months notwithstanding the persistent threat of Covid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9921/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a operational matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
National Children's Hospital
Ceisteanna (322)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:322. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which the construction of the National Children's Hospital is progressing in accordance with projections; when the hospital will be completed and commissioned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9922/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The New Children’s Hospital (NCH) project comprises development of the main hospital on a shared campus at St James’s, and two Outpatient and Urgent Care Centres at Connolly and Tallaght hospitals. Both satellite centres are now open and successfully delivering the new model of ambulatory and urgent care for children and adolescents in the Greater Dublin Area.
As of January 2024, the project is over 90% complete against contract value. Typically, in a building of this size and scale, the last 10% is the slowest to complete. The technical integration of the many systems to control and operate the building, as well as the completion of key areas and rooms to the clinical standards required are ongoing. Medical equipment is being installed and in late December 2023 the heating system was turned on. The 300 inpatient bedrooms, 60 critical care beds and 20 CAMHS beds are taking shape with fit out of fixtures, ensuites, joinery and medical equipment progressing.
The hospital's elevated helipad, to be shared with St James’s Hospital, is complete. It is the first elevated helipad in the country and will have rapid and safe access to key areas of the hospital including Critical Care, Theatres and the Emergency Department.
The areas for pre/post primary and third level education, including lecture theatres, seminar rooms, collaboration spaces and a library for up to 2,500 under- and postgraduate healthcare professionals are also taking shape.
Last September, the main contractor set out its programme for the completion of the construction and fit-out of the hospital by Q4 2024. This programme remains under review by the Employer's Representative (ER) and the NPHDB to determine its validity and compliance with the contract. The ER has issued comprehensive comments on the Programme and a detailed response is awaited from the contractor to support its programme.
The NPHDB considers that Q4 2024 is achievable if there is an improvement in resourcing and activity on the site by the main contractor. It is engaging with BAM to secure and maintain an uplift in productivity. The NPHDB is doing everything it can to hold the contractor accountable for its delivery programme under the contract.
Once substantial completion is achieved, Children’s Health Ireland will undertake the operational commissioning to prepare the hospital for opening.
Whilst there is a focus on the capital project and its delivery, we must not lose sight of the fact that the NCH project will deliver world class facilities that will improve and prioritise medical outcomes for the nation’s sickest children, while bringing about transformational change to the delivery of healthcare for the children of Ireland for generations to come.
Primary Care Centres
Ceisteanna (323)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:323. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the number and location of existing primary care facilities throughout County Kildare including those already operational, and those promised or pending; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9923/24]
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.
Medicinal Products
Ceisteanna (324)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:324. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the current or proposed regime governing new or orphan drugs, the number of such drugs under review or examination at the moment; the number to be approved in the course of the next year; the extent to which reimbursement will be in line with demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9924/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Awaiting reply from Department.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (325)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:325. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health to indicate the total number of children currently awaiting orthodontic treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9925/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
Please reply to the Deputy in this case.
Hospital Procedures
Ceisteanna (326)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:326. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which surgery is readily available for the removal of cataracts in this jurisdiction; the number of such surgical interventions undertaken here in the last twelve months; the plans to extend this service in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9926/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In relation to the particular query raised, the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) has advised my department that the number of cataract treatments arranged by them in the last 12 months are 7,249 with 3,775 outsourced and 3,474 insourced. Regarding treatments undertaken directly by the HSE, the extent to which surgery is readily available and the plans to extend this service, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly as soon as possible on these queries.
Ambulance Service
Ceisteanna (327)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:327. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken to ensure that response times for ambulance services are as fast as possible with particular reference to the north Kildare area; whether the service has enough personnel on hand to adequately respond to all calls in a timely manner from the nearest HSE national ambulance station at all times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9927/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (328)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:328. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the total number of patients currently awaiting cardiovascular treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9928/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Adult and child waiting list information by hospital and specialty is published monthly and is available on the National Treatment Purchase Fund's website at: www.ntpf.ie/home/nwld.htm.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (329)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:329. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the full extent of the number of patients currently on orthopaedic waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9929/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Adult and child waiting list information by hospital and specialty is published monthly and is available on the National Treatment Purchase Fund's website at: www.ntpf.ie/home/nwld.htm.