Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:120. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health how many management staff were employed in the health service in each of the past 15 years. [21949/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraHealth Services Staff
Ceisteanna (120)
Freagraí 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 Services Staff
Ceisteanna (121)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:121. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health how many psychiatrists were employed in the health service in each of the past 15 years. [21950/24]
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 Services Staff
Ceisteanna (122)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:122. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health how many occupational therapists were employed in the health service in each of the past 15 years. [21951/24]
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 Services Staff
Ceisteanna (123)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:123. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health how many physiotherapists were employed in the health service in each of the past 15 years. [21952/24]
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 Services Staff
Ceisteanna (124)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:124. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health how many speech and language therapists were employed in the health service in each of the past 15 years. [21953/24]
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 Services
Ceisteanna (125)
Brian Stanley
Ceist:125. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health if eye specialist services currently centralised to Athlone will be reinstated in Portlaoise, and if funding is available to locate a service in County Laois. [21954/24]
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 Services
Ceisteanna (126)
Paul Murphy
Ceist:126. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the positive reports in relation to the pathfinder service (details supplied); if there are plans to make this service available nationwide; and, if so, when. [21955/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, Pathfinder involves the National Ambulance Service (NAS) and health and social care professionals working together to respond and treat people in the comfort of their home. The service enables staff to treat and assess the patient as well as provide the appropriate supports and follow up care to the patient, so that the patient does not need to be transported to a busy Emergency Department to receive care when there is no clinical need.
I am indeed aware of the case enclosed by the Deputy with his question and was pleased to read of this excellent example of the Pathfinder care pathway in action.
In regard to the wider availability of Pathfinder I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy with any further pertinent information it may have.
Medicinal Products
Ceisteanna (127)
Paul Murphy
Ceist:127. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that PCSK9 inhibiting medication is being denied to those who need it; if he will update the criteria to ensure those who have an intolerance to oral statins can avail of this medication, as in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21965/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this refers to an individual case, I have referred this matter to the HSE for their attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (128)
Réada Cronin
Ceist:128. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health if he can examine the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21980/24]
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.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (129)
Barry Cowen
Ceist:129. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health for an update on a case (details supplied); and when the person concerned can expect an appointment. [21987/24]
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.
Substance Misuse
Ceisteanna (130)
Neasa Hourigan
Ceist:130. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the north inner city drug and alcohol task force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21988/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Dr Austin O'Carroll has been appointed as the independent chairperson of the North Inner City Task Force. This is a key step in the reconstitution of the task force, as announced last year.
The chairperson is the process of recruiting members of the new board of the task force. The North Inner City Drug and Alcohol Task Force will be operating out of a new office located at 490 North Circular Road. It is anticipated that the taskforce will begin identifying local priorities and work on strategic planning shortly.
See the following press release: www.gov.ie/en/press-release/3d8a7-minister-hildegarde-naughton-announces-new-chairperson-of-north-inner-city-drugs-and-alcohol-task-force/
Dr O’Carroll has worked as a GP for a long time in the north inner city and is well aware of the challenges posed by drug use. His leadership skills will bring together a range of stakeholders, including statutory agencies, voluntary service providers and community representatives, in a common purpose for the benefit of individuals and families affected by drug use. He will work closely with the chairpersons of the other government structures for the area, Jim Gavin of the NEIC Programme Implementation Board and Eddie Mullins of the NIC Local Community Safety Partnership.
As the task force enters a new era, I look forward to working with Dr Austin O’Carroll in his role as independent chairperson of the north inner city drug & alcohol task force.
General Practitioner Services
Ceisteanna (131)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:131. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 614 of 30 April 2024, the number accessing Midoc in Tullamore on a weekly basis in 2024; to provide a breakdown of the number travelling from the Birr, Banagher, Cloghan, Kinnitty and Ferbane areas, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22012/24]
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 Services
Ceisteanna (132)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:132. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the steps his Department is taking to provide additional resources for survivors of stroke and other cardiovascular conditions in the community who are supported by an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22013/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
General Practitioner Services
Ceisteanna (133)
Patricia Ryan
Ceist:133. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health if being put on a waiting list for a GP practice would qualify as a refusal (details supplied); and, if not, the reason for same, as the applicant is still without a GP until the practice accepts them from the waiting list, which could take considerable time. [22018/24]
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.
Mental Health Services
Ceisteanna (134)
Patricia Ryan
Ceist:134. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health the reason funding has been cut to the Kildare mental health day hospital in Kildare primary care centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22020/24]
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.
Medicinal Products
Ceisteanna (135)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Ceist:135. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the reason saw pallmeto is not reimbursed under the medical card scheme; if he will consider including same in the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22023/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the 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.
Medical Cards
Ceisteanna (136)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:136. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the current process for cancer patients to obtain a medical card; if the emergency medical card application via a GP in the only avenue; if his Department plans to review this scheme regarding cancer patients who need supports like a medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22024/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Medical Card provision is primarily based on financial assessment. In accordance with the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE, which assesses each application on a qualifying financial threshold.
The issue of granting medical or GP visit cards based on having a particular disease or illness was previously examined in 2014 by the HSE Expert Panel on Medical Need and Medical Card Eligibility. The Group concluded that it was not feasible, desirable, nor ethically justifiable to list medical conditions in priority order for medical card eligibility. In following the Expert Group’s advice, a person’s means remains the main qualifier for a medical card.
However, every effort is made by the HSE, within the framework of the legislation, to support applicants in applying for a medical card and, in particular, to take full account of the difficult circumstances in the case of applicants who may be in excess of the income guidelines. The HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, for example:
• Discretionary medical cards for patients with significant medical expenses but who do not satisfy the means test.
• Emergency medical cards are issued to patients that are terminally ill, or are seriously ill, and in urgent need of medical care that they cannot afford.
• Medical cards issued to patients who are terminally ill with a prognosis of 24 months or less do not require subsequent means assessment and are not reviewed.
Separately, I can advise the Deputy that, since 2015, medical cards are awarded without the need of a financial assessment to all children under 18 years of age with a diagnosis of cancer. Further information can be found on the HSE’s website at www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/medical-cards/other-types-of-medical-card/emergency-medical-cards/
I can assure the Deputy that, to ensure the medical card system is responsive and sensitive to people's needs, my Department keeps medical card issues under review and any changes are considered in the context of Government policy and other issues which may be relevant.
Dental Services
Ceisteanna (137)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:137. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health a breakdown, in tabular form, of the number of special care dentists, by county, and the numbers of dental patients with additional needs and-or anxiety attending special care dentists who required a general anaesthetic, for each of the past five years, by county. [22049/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
Mental Health Services
Ceisteanna (138)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:138. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No.1542 of 9 April 2024, when a full HSE reply will be issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22050/24]
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.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (139)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:139. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will receive a date for an operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22051/24]
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.
Healthcare Policy
Ceisteanna (140)
James Lawless
Ceist:140. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health if Huntington's disease will be added to the long-term illness scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22077/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Huntington’s Disease is a rare, complex, hereditary neurological condition. There are an estimated 1,000 people suffering from the disease in Ireland. Supports for people with Huntington’s Disease are provided across acute hospital, primary care and community service settings.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) funds a range of community services to people with a disability, to enable each individual to achieve their full potential and maximise independence, including persons with Huntington’s Disease. These include Personal Assistant Services and Home Support, Therapy Services, Respite Care and Medical Aids and Appliances. Services are provided either directly by the HSE or through a range of voluntary service providers, and in line with policy, are provided based on individual need rather than on diagnosis.
The 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 conditions 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 conditions, 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 in-patient 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.
In 2023, further measures have facilitated better access to affordable, high-quality healthcare, including an expansion of GP care without charges to children aged 6 and 7, 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 (extended to those aged 31 from 1 January 2024). 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%.
Medicinal Products
Ceisteanna (141)
James Lawless
Ceist:141. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health if his Department will increase the medications available on prescription to sufferers of Huntington's disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22078/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for pricing and reimbursement decisions, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. Therefore, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.