Pádraig O'Sullivan
Question:1552. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health when adult ADHD services will be in place in CHO4; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17192/23]
View answerHealth Services
Questions (1552)
Written answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Health Services
Questions (1553)
Róisín Shortall
Question:1553. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to a campaign (details supplied); his views on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17204/23]
View answerWritten answers
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
Questions (1554)
Paul Kehoe
Question:1554. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health the reason for delays of up to six months in Wexford patients receiving hysteroscopy results; what measures are being undertaken to reduce the waiting time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17206/23]
View answerWritten answers
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
Questions (1555)
Holly Cairns
Question:1555. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health to outline the steps he has taken to alter policy and practices in response to decisions by the Coroner's Court relating to infant deaths whereby the HSE and-or publicly-funded hospitals were found to be partially or wholly responsible for the deaths; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17220/23]
View answerWritten answers
The delivery of high quality, safe services is a priority within the Irish healthcare system. This is in line with the Sláintecare vision of Right Care. Right Place. Right Time. Serious adverse events when they occur in the health service have a devastating impact on the families concerned.
It is vital that our health services take steps to ensure serious adverse events are appropriately reviewed and responded to at a national level, including the provision of appropriate supports for patients and families throughout the process. An integral part of this is the appropriate and timely reporting of adverse events when they do occur. This information is important for healthcare services to learn so that care and experiences for patients and their families can continuously improve.
The Coroners are independent, quasi-judicial office holders whose core function is to investigate sudden and unexplained deaths so that a death certificate can be issued. The exercise of these statutory powers by a Coroner during an inquest is entirely a matter for the relevant Coroner.
Within this context the HSE has systems and procedures in place to respond when an adverse incident occurs. This approach to incident management is cognisant of the needs of those affected and supports services to learn and improve. I have referred this to the HSE for a response on the operational matters.
Primary Care Centres
Questions (1556)
Holly Cairns
Question:1556. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the amount spent annually on rent for each of the following facilities (details supplied) for the years 2020 to 2022, inclusive, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17221/23]
View answerWritten answers
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 directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Departmental Schemes
Questions (1557)
Holly Cairns
Question:1557. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health his views on increasing the rate nursing homes receive on the fair deal scheme to address the rise in operating costs over the past year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17222/23]
View answerWritten answers
Funding to support people to access services in the sector continues to be provided in line with the long-established statutory mechanisms under the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act 2009. This is the mechanism established by the Oireachtas to provide for the processes relating to funding under the NHSS and the negotiation of prices for services for private and voluntary providers with the designated State agency, the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF). Maximum prices for individual nursing homes are agreed with the NTPF following negotiations and based on the NTPF’s cost criteria. These criteria include costs reasonably incurred by the nursing home, local market prices, historic prices and overall budgetary capacity.
The NTPF carry out this role independently under the NHSS Act 2009. The NTPF has statutory independence, and there is no role for Ministers or the Department of Health in these negotiations. The Department of Health published a review of the NTPF pricing system in June 2021.
A steering group has been established to oversee the delivery of the recommendations; this group has met on a regular basis since publication of the review and continues to work on taking these recommendations forward.
In addition to the work being advanced by the NTPF pricing review, important strands of reform to the nursing home sector are also being, or have been, brought forward. The Government remains committed to delivering on the 86 recommendations of COVID-19 Nursing Homes Expert Panel, especially those recommendations related to long-term sectoral reform, the nine recommendations of the Value for Money Review on Nursing Home Costs and the 16 recommendations of the Strategic Workforce Advisory Group on Home Carers and Nursing Home Health Care Assistants which I have fully endorsed. Work continues within the Department of Health to deliver on all of these recommendations, as well as analysis of the outcomes of the Skills Mix and Safe Staffing pilots which will inform future policy.
The Government is committed to seeing greater public sector involvement in the residential care of older people in Ireland and to move over time towards a needs-based model of funding and pricing for the nursing home sector. It is essential that all future plans for the nursing home sector continue to prioritise the best interests of residents while seeking value for money for the Exchequer.
Budget 2023 saw over €40 million in additional funding for the Nursing Home Support Scheme (NHSS) which will provide for an uplift in the maximum prices chargeable by private and voluntary nursing homes, as negotiated.
I encourage eligible providers to avail of the €10m Temporary Inflation Payment Scheme (TIPS) announced last year, which covers up to 75% of year-on-year energy and heating cost increases in private and voluntary nursing homes up to a monthly cap of €5,250 per month per nursing home over the period of July to December 2022 (€31,500 per nursing home for 2022). This scheme was extended to the end of March 2023 and further extension is currently under consideration.
Since the start of the pandemic, private and voluntary nursing homes have received a wide range of non-financial supports, including over €74m in free PPE and oxygen, as well as almost €149m of financial support through the Temporary Assistance Payment Scheme (TAPS). TAPS COVID-19 Outbreak Assistance will continue until the end of April 2023.
The Government remains committed to ensuring that long-term residential care for older people continues to place residents’ care, well-being, standards and best interests at the centre of development.
The Department of Health continues to engage with the NTPF to examine ways in which funding can also continue to be used to provide support, where necessary and appropriate, to those nursing homes who are not scheduled to renegotiate their Deeds of Agreement this year. Other options to support nursing homes are also being explored.
Health Strategies
Questions (1558)
Holly Cairns
Question:1558. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health if he will provide details of when the review of the long-term illness scheme will commence under the Sláintecare Implementation Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17223/23]
View answerWritten answers
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 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.
My Department is examining all of the issues around the scope of the Scheme.
However, it is also 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.
The significant investment in Budget 2023 will facilitate better access to affordable, high-quality healthcare for people at a time when the cost-of-living crisis is impacting on everyone.
In 2023 this will mean:
an expansion of GP care without charges to people earning no more than the median household income
all public in-patient hospital charges will be abolished
an extension of free contraception to 26-year-old women since 1 Jan 2023, and further extension to 27-30 years old women from 1 September 2023.
These measures will continue to create a health and social care service that offers affordable access to quality healthcare.
In addition, 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. 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%.
Health Services
Questions (1559)
Holly Cairns
Question:1559. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to improve public adult ADHD services in CHO4, including details of when adult ADHD services will be operating in each LHO in CHO4; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17224/23]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Departmental Schemes
Questions (1560)
Holly Cairns
Question:1560. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to ensure individuals who otherwise qualify for the long-term illness scheme can avail of the scheme for mental illness over the age of 16 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17225/23]
View answerWritten answers
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 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."
Therefore, this limitation on age currently applies to persons eligible for the LTI scheme under the category of "mental illness". My Department is currently examining all of the issues around the scope of the Scheme, including this issue.
However, it is also 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 will facilitate better access to affordable, high-quality healthcare for people at a time when the cost-of-living crisis is impacting on everyone.
In 2023 this will mean:
an expansion of GP care without charges to people earning no more than the median household income
all public in-patient hospital charges will be abolished
an extension of free contraception to 26-year-old women since 1 Jan 2023, and further extension to 27-30 years old women from 1 September 2023.
These measures continue to create a health and social care service that offers affordable access to quality healthcare.
In addition, 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.
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%.
Health Services
Questions (1561)
Eoin Ó Broin
Question:1561. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health if he will provide information on care pathways available to 16- and 17-year-olds with a diagnosis of gender dysphoria. [17231/23]
View answerWritten answers
As this relates to service delivery I have referred this PQ to the HSE for direct reply.
Question No. 1562 answered with Question No. 1475.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Questions (1563)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:1563. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17238/23]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly as soon as possible.
Covid-19 Tests
Questions (1564)
Patrick Costello
Question:1564. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health the reasoning for the closure of PCR testing centres; and if he will consider reopening them should health conditions require same. [17241/23]
View answerWritten answers
The public health advice is that testing for COVID-19 is no longer recommended for most of the population. We have now moved from extensive testing and tracing of infection to reduce transmission, towards a focus on mitigation of the severe impacts of COVID-19 in those people most vulnerable to its effects.
The current approach to COVID-19 testing is facilitated by the high level of vaccine-induced and naturally acquired population immunity in Ireland. This is mitigating against the worst impacts of infection.
Based on the public health advice, community swabbing and supply of antigen tests are no longer a feature of our COVID-19 response. As and from 30 March 2023, self-referral for PCR testing and ordering of antigen tests by members of the public is now closed. Routine serial testing in long-term residential care facilities is also discontinued.
Testing remains available in long-term residential care facilities in the event of an identified public health need, such as for example, where deemed necessary in relation to the management of an outbreak or specific public health risk based on Public Health advice. Testing also continues to be provided in acute settings according to prevailing public health advice in those settings. Since 9 December 2022, GPs are providing swabbing for COVID-19 where the result is required to contribute to the diagnosis and management of an individual patient, such as for patients for whom treatment with Paxlovid is currently recommended.
Should the need arise, the HSE has developed testing and tracing surge and emergency response plans which provide for a roll-out of temporary testing centres across the country and establishment of an appropriately targeted contact tracing model.
Additional resources have been provided to the HSE to ensure enhancements are put in place to existing infectious disease surveillance systems. This will ensure effective monitoring and signalling of virus activity, transmission, and severity at population level.
Anybody who has symptoms of a respiratory infection such as COVID-19 should stay at home until 48 hours after the symptoms are mostly or fully gone. Anybody who has concerns about an underlying condition or their level of risk in relation to COVID-19 is advised to seek advice from their GP or treating clinician. Public health advice continues to be made available on www.hse.ie.
The Department of Health, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) and the National Virus Reference Laboratory (NVRL), overseen by the Chief Medical Officer, continue to review the COVID-19 epidemiological situation in Ireland and internationally. This includes the on-going close monitoring of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants and assessment of any potential threat to population health.
Health Services
Questions (1565)
Kathleen Funchion
Question:1565. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Health if he will outline what progress has been made in regard to access to hormone replacement therapy for trans people in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17247/23]
View answerWritten answers
In 2020, a steering committee was established to address specific issues in relation to the development of transgender healthcare services. The committee had a wide range of stakeholders from the agencies involved in delivering care, as well as service user representatives, including a representative from TENI.
Further to the Cass Interim Report on the Tavistock Clinic, the HSE held an event recently with Dr Hillary Cass, which was attended by a wide range of stakeholders from the HSE, the Department of Health, Children’s Health Ireland, the Ireland East Hospital Group and others involved in providing services.
The HSE is committed to developing a seamless and integrated service for those with gender identity issues on an ongoing basis, with the support of all relevant stakeholders, and are focused on providing a high quality and safe service to an often extremely vulnerable patient group. Throughout this process, the HSE will be consulting with a wide range of stakeholders in the development of the new model of care. Including those who provide and use these services, and advocacy groups.
The Minister for Health has met with the national gender service to hear it views and proposals for service design and delivery and I understand that the HSE chief clinical officer has also engaged with the service as part of the development of a new model of care.
I am committed to the development by the HSE of a well-governed and patient-centred health care service for adults and children in the transgender community.
Hospital Procedures
Questions (1566)
Niamh Smyth
Question:1566. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) is waiting so long on surgery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17252/23]
View answerWritten answers
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.