David Stanton
Question:36. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health to outline his plans for the future use of a centre (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17483/23]
View answerDisability Services
Questions (36)
Written answers
As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (37)
James O'Connor
Question:37. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the proposals to support healthcare workers who have long-Covid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18206/23]
View answerWritten answers
I am keenly aware that the temporary Special Scheme of Paid Leave that was introduced in the public health sector in respect of long-Covid is due to conclude at the end of June. At present, those who remain unwell beyond that date may utilise the provisions of the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme, however I have asked my officials to look at options in this regard.
The EU Advisory Committee on Health & Safety have recommended the recognition of Covid as an occupational illness in health and social care, however Member States vary in respect of their treatment of Covid in this regard.
I understand that my colleague, Minister Humphreys has committed to reviewing the EU Committee recommendation regarding the occupational recognition of Covid in respect of the Department of Social Protection Benefits Schemes, and the list of prescribed diseases/illnesses set out in the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005. The outcome of this review is awaited.
Dental Services
Questions (38)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Question:38. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the significant backlogs in dental screening services for schoolchildren up to ten years of age, as some school children are not getting their first dental check until secondary school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17480/23]
View answerWritten answers
At present, the HSE Public Dental Service provides a screening and necessary treatment for children approximating to second and sixth class and, in some cases, fourth class. Emergency care is provided for children of all ages up to 16 and for those with complex and additional needs.
There are challenges in the provision of oral healthcare services and patients of all ages are waiting longer than they should have to, to access care. I am responding to this by an unprecedented allocation of an additional €15 million in Budget 2023 to enhance the provision of oral healthcare services. This includes €5 million allocated on a one-off basis to support the HSE Public Dental Service to provide care this year, including to address backlogs in the targeted primary school programme.
In the longer term, the Government recognises that substantive reform of oral healthcare services is required, as set out in the National Oral Health Policy, Smile agus Sláinte. The Policy sets out that all Irish people will have their own ‘dental home’ where they build a life-long relationship with a local dental practice or practices of their choosing for continuity of care from birth to old age, reflecting how services are provided in general medical practice. For the majority of the population, this ‘dental home’ will be a local general dental practitioner. General dental practices who participate will have a State contract reflecting how general medical services provide care for children. Therefore, parents will be able to choose where and when to bring their child to access crucial, prevention-focused oral healthcare.
€4.75m has been allocated in Budget 2023, as part of an unprecedented additional allocation of €15m for oral healthcare services in 2023, for the development and roll-out of these comprehensive oral healthcare packages to the first cohort of children, aged from birth to 7 years.
General Practitioner Services
Questions (39)
Brian Stanley
Question:39. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on efforts to increase the number of GPs in training. [17837/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Government is aware of the workforce issues currently facing general practice and in particular the need to increase the number of GPs practising across the country to ensure patients continue to have access to GP services.
A number of measures have been taken to make general practice in Ireland a more attractive career choice for doctors, and the positive impact of these measures is being seen in the increased number of doctors both applying for and undertaking GP training.
The 2019 Agreement provides for an additional €211.6 million in expenditure for general practice. This provides for significant increases in capitation fees for participating GMS GPs, and new fees and subsidies for additional services. Improvements to GP’s maternity and paternity leave arrangements and a support for GPs in disadvantaged urban areas have been provided for, and the supports for rural GP practices have also been increased.
The number of doctors entering GP training has increased approximately ten percent year on year from 2019, rising from 193 in 2019 to 258 in 2022, and a further large increase is planned for this year. Following the transfer of responsibility for GP training from the HSE to the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP), it is aimed to have 350 training places available for new entrants per year by 2026.
In addition, the number of applications from doctors to undertake GP training has also increased year on year from 2019, with 446 applications received in 2019 rising to a record 968 applications received this year.
Furthermore, I recently published the Terms of Reference for a Strategic review of General Practice which is to commence shortly and will be completed this year. The review, with input from key stakeholders, will examine the broad range of issues affecting general practice, and will set out the measures necessary to deliver a more sustainable general practice. GP training and the need to ensure an adequate supply of general practitioners to meet the changing needs of the population is one of the key issues to be examined under the review.
Hospital Services
Questions (40)
Catherine Connolly
Question:40. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 832 of 14 February 2023, for an update on the development of the new elective hospital in Merlin Park; the status to date of the development by the HSE of the detailed project brief, procurement strategy and pre-tender business case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17291/23]
View answerWritten answers
I have asked the HSE, as Sponsoring Agency with day-to-day responsibility for the delivery of the new Elective Hospital in Galway, to respond to you directly in relation to the matters raised.
Health Strategies
Questions (41)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Question:41. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the progress made in developing a successor plan to the existing National Rare Disease Plan 2014 – 2018 as per his recent announcement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18484/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Government and I are fully committed to doing everything possible to assist people living with a rare disease.
I have asked my Department to develop a new plan and officials have started their initial work to prepare a new successor plan to the National Rare Disease Plan 2014- 2018.
Health Services
Questions (42)
Violet-Anne Wynne
Question:42. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health if he will give consideration to the establishment of a national register of persons with neurodevelopmental disorders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18586/23]
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.
Hospital Equipment
Questions (43)
Robert Troy
Question:43. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health to engage with HSE regarding provision of staffing for the new MRI scanner which is due to be delivered within next six weeks at the Mullingar Regional Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17944/23]
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.
Abortion Services
Questions (44)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:44. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health if his Department has sought to ascertain the reason there has been a 26% increase in abortions undertaken in Ireland in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17710/23]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 permits termination to be carried out in cases where there is a risk to the life, or of serious harm to the health, of the pregnant woman; where there is a condition present which is likely to lead to the death of the foetus either before or within 28 days of birth; and without restriction up to 12 weeks of pregnancy.
It is a priority for the Minister that those experiencing unplanned pregnancy in Ireland should be in a position to assess their options without bias or judgment.
To support an individual in making an informed decision, the My Options service offers non-directive counselling and information for people experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. Information is available about all options, including continued pregnancy supports and abortion services. The ethos of the service is client centred and counsellors take their lead from the person contacting them for information and support.
Those experiencing an unplanned pregnancy who contact MyOptions are provided with a service staffed by experienced accredited counsellors. All counselling is provided in a non-judgemental, non-directive manner, which allows the individual experiencing the pregnancy (and their partner) the time and space to make the best decision for them. The individual is supported by the counsellor in whatever decision is made and counselling can continue throughout a pregnancy.
Home Help Service
Questions (45)
Holly Cairns
Question:45. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to provide home support hours to individuals assessed to need them in CHO4. [18354/23]
View answerWritten answers
As this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Primary Care Centres
Questions (46)
Paul McAuliffe
Question:46. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Health to provide and update on the new primary healthcare centre for Finglas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17947/23]
View answerWritten answers
As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
Health Services
Questions (47)
John Lahart
Question:47. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health about the preventative measures in healthcare for addiction; the level of spending planned on these services for this coming year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18482/23]
View answerWritten answers
Drug prevention is a key pillar in our health-led approach to drug and alcohol use, that seeks to reduce the harmful use of drugs and alcohol from an early age. Prevention is a collaborative effort, which involves a range of stakeholders, including parents and families, those working in education, Drug and Alcohol Task Forces (DATFs), family support networks, youth services, student unions, sporting organisations and networks of people who use drugs. Prevention should be evidence-based, adhere to quality standards, and involve participants in programme design and in implementation.
One of the strategic priorities for the remaining years of the national drugs strategy, 2021-2025 is to strengthen the prevention of drug and alcohol use and the associated harms among children and young people. To progress this priority, the Department of Health has established a new drug prevention and education programme with funding of €1.5 million over three years. This is the first-time the national funding for drug prevention has been provided by a government department.
The programme supports the delivery of actions in the EU drugs strategy and the Programme for Government. It builds on local and sectoral initiatives, such as Know the Score, and will draw on evidence from Europe to professionalise and elevate the practice of drug prevention in Ireland. In particular, the programme will promote the European Prevention Curriculum and international prevention standards. It will also contribute to the work of the citizens' assembly on drug use, especially its term of reference on international best practice and practical case studies in relation to reducing supply, demand and harm, and increasing resilience, health and well-being.
I will shortly announce the successful applicants for the funding, which will support up to five prevention initiatives with funding of up to €100,000 per year, for a period of three years. I believe these initiatives will significant advance the practice of drug prevention and education in Ireland.
Home Help Service
Questions (48)
Róisín Shortall
Question:48. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if the new home care tender will be in place by 1 May 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18119/23]
View answerWritten answers
As this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (49)
Ruairí Ó Murchú
Question:49. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the payments to healthcare workers of the pandemic recognition payment to include an update on the estimated number of workers who are still awaiting payment; when they might expect payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18496/23]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
Health Promotion
Questions (50)
Paul McAuliffe
Question:50. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Health his plans to raise awareness of sepsis with an emphasis on the patient experience; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17946/23]
View answerWritten answers
This matter relates to the work of the HSE National Sepsis Programme which was established in 2014. Placing a focus on sepsis awareness, and promotion of early recognition of sepsis are key elements of the programme.
While the initial priority was on raising awareness among healthcare staff, the focus has since moved to raising awareness in the community. To support this, several patient focused resources (including patient information leaflets, booklets, and posters) have been developed, along with educational and clinical management resources for healthcare staff. These are available on the HSE website under the webpages of the National Sepsis Programme. The work of the programme also supports the implementation of the National Clinical Guideline No. 26: Sepsis Management for Adults (including maternity) and the International Guidelines for the Management of Septic Shock & Sepsis-Associated Organ Dysfunction in Children (SSCGC).
The Department are working with the HSE to increase sepsis awareness. This includes a project to capture the experiences of those affected by sepsis to inform policy and operational responses; and awareness initiative supported by the Women's Health Taskforce.
As this Parliamentary Question also relates to service delivery which is an operational matter for the HSE, it has been referred directly to the HSE for reply.
Medical Aids and Appliances
Questions (51)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Question:51. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if he plans to expand the provision of funding for the Freestyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system to persons with diabetes over 21 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18483/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for pricing and reimbursement decisions under the community schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. Therefore, this matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
General Practitioner Services
Questions (52)
Alan Dillon
Question:52. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Health the measures being taken to increase the numbers of GPs in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18578/23]
View answerWritten answers
GPs are self-employed practitioners and therefore may establish practices at a place of their own choosing. There is no prescribed ratio of GPs to patients and the State does not regulate the number of GPs that can set up in a town or community.
Under the GMS scheme, the HSE contracts GPs to provide medical services without charge to medical card and GP visit card holders. Currently there are 2,539 GPs contracted to provide services under the GMS Scheme.
The Government is aware of the workforce issues currently facing general practice and is working to ensure patients across the country continue to have access to GP services and that general practice is sustainable in all areas into the future.
The 2019 Agreement provides for an additional €211.6 million in expenditure for general practice. This provides for significant increases in capitation fees for participating GMS GPs, and new fees and subsidies for additional services. Improvements to GP’s maternity and paternity leave arrangements and a support for GPs in disadvantaged urban areas, have also been provided for.
An enhanced supports package for rural GP practices was introduced previously to support rural GPs, these supports have been increased by 10% under the 2019 GP Agreement. In addition, practices in receipt of rural practice supports attract the maximum allowable rates for practice staff support subsidies and locum contributions for leave taking. Specific fees are also in place for dispensing doctors (who operate in rural areas), these have been increased by 28% under the Agreement.
The number of doctors entering GP training has increased approximately ten percent year on year from 2019, rising from 193 in 2019 to 258 in 2022, and a further large increase is planned for this year. Following the transfer of responsibility for GP training from the HSE to the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP), it is aimed to have 350 training places available for new entrants per year by 2026.
These measures will make general practice in Ireland a more attractive career choice and will see an increase in the number of GPs working in the State.
Furthermore, I recently published the Terms of Reference for a Strategic review of General Practice which is to commence shortly and will be completed this year. The review, with input from key stakeholders, will examine the broad range of issues affecting general practice in general and in rural areas specifically, and will set out the measures necessary to deliver a better general practice.
Primary Care Centres
Questions (53)
Pearse Doherty
Question:53. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health what decision will be taken regarding the future of the Lettermacaward health centre; if comprehensive remedial actions will be undertaken as a matter of priority to ensure the health centre is open and available for the local community as soon as possible; and if he will provide a timeframe for its reopening. [18612/23]
View answerWritten answers
As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
Mortality Rates
Questions (54)
Eoin Ó Broin
Question:54. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the work of his Department in addressing the issue of premature deaths of single people experiencing homelessness. [11819/23]
View answerWritten answers
Addressing the health needs of homeless persons and improving their access to healthcare services is a priority for the Department of Health and the HSE.
In 2020, the Department of Health asked the Health Research Board to undertake a feasibility study to collect mortality data among people known to be homeless from closed files in the Coroners Service. The purpose of the feasibility study was to strengthen the evidence base for preventing premature death among people who are homeless. A report on the data for 2019 is being prepared for publication. Its findings will inform the response to premature deaths among the homeless population.
Housing for All, the national housing plan, sets out the Government policy for reducing and preventing homelessness by 2030. This will be achieved by a housing-led approach as the primary response to all forms of homelessness. Eliminating homelessness will fundamentally address the social determinants of health for people who are homeless.
As part of the response to Covid-19, the Department of Health provided additional funding of €11 million in 2021 to enhance health services for people who are homeless, and to continue the protective public health measures for the medically vulnerable and Covid positive homeless population. In Budget 2022, a further €10m was provided in Covid funding for people who are homeless. This funding allowed for the continuation of the protective public health measures developed during COVID-19 for the medically vulnerable homeless population, and expansion of GP services for people who living in emergency accommodation in Dublin and regional centres.
I am committed to strengthening integrated care pathways for people who are homeless with chronic health needs based on an inclusion health model, to achieve better health outcomes and to reduce the incidence of premature death.
National Treatment Purchase Fund
Questions (55)
Pauline Tully
Question:55. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the use of the National Treatment Purchase Fund to alleviate the waiting list for assessment of need; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18614/23]
View answerWritten answers
Further to my response to Parliamentary Question No. 1355 of 21 March 2023 and No. 1512 of 18 April 2023, I wish to clarify that the statutory remit of the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) is in respect of the provision of hospital treatment and does not extend to arranging or funding any non-hospital services, including Assessments of Need.
With regard to alleviating the waiting list for Assessments of Need, budget 2023 included €80 million allocated to various HSE primary and community care-related activity under the area of Waiting Lists. Of this funding, €11.7 million has been allocated to address backlogs in disability services in relation to the Assessments of Need.