Niamh Smyth
Question:481. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if he will review correspondence (details supplied) regarding disposable vapes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43562/23]
View answerHealth Promotion
Questions (481)
Written answers
My current legislative priority is the Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill, which will prohibit the sale of all nicotine inhaling products to children and introduce a requirement for a licence for their sale. The Bill completed Second Stage on 15 June 2023 and is next at Committee Stage on 12 October 2023. It is expected to be enacted in this legislative session.
My colleague Ossian Smyth, Minister of State in the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, recently held a public consultation on disposable vaping devices to examine what action should be taken, from an environmental perspective, as disposable vaping devices present several environmental challenges. The options being considered include introducing legislation to ban the manufacture, sale, distribution, or free offer of disposable vaping devices. I await the results of this consultation with interest.
Regarding the concerns raised relating to educating children on the dangers on vaping through the SPHE modules, I have referred this part of the query to the HSE for answer.
Healthcare Infrastructure Provision
Questions (482)
Matt Shanahan
Question:482. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Health the status of a HSE tender (details supplied); if he will give a guarantee that the Waterford surgical hub will be nominated first to be constructed and awarded the highest priority, given the high level of surgical activity at University Hospital, Waterford and in its subsidiary unit in Kilcrene, County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43565/23]
View answerWritten answers
I have asked the HSE, which has responsibility for the delivery of the new Surgical Hubs, to respond to you directly in relation to developments in Waterford.
Mental Health Services
Questions (483)
Mark Ward
Question:483. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the number of people on CAMHS waiting lists by CHO and length of wait for September 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43566/23]
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.
Mental Health Services
Questions (484)
Mark Ward
Question:484. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the waiting times for Jigsaw services, by area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43567/23]
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.
Mental Health Services
Questions (485)
Mark Ward
Question:485. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the number of people waiting on primary care psychology services, by age and the length of time waiting, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43568/23]
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 (486)
Marc MacSharry
Question:486. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Health if CMTX1 can be added to the list of conditions covered by the long-term illness scheme in view of the fact that it is similar to muscular dystrophy, which is already on the list (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43572/23]
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 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 covered, 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 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.
In 2023, a further range of measures facilitated better access to affordable, high-quality healthcare. These include 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.
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.
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%.
As the HSE has responsibility for the administration of the community drug schemes, including the LTI Scheme, I have also referred this matter to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Staff
Questions (487)
Holly Cairns
Question:487. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the status of the recruitment process for new genomic resource associate roles at the department of clinical genetics at CHI Crumlin; and when it is expected to fill these posts. [43576/23]
View answerWritten answers
As this relates to service level recruitment please refer to HSE for answer.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (488)
Seán Canney
Question:488. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health if an organisation has been appointed by the Government to review the criteria set out to pay the pandemic bonus payment to front-line workers and make recommendations regarding the potential expansion of the criteria to include other workers; if so, if they have made any recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43585/23]
View answerWritten answers
In January 2022 the Government announced a once-off, ex-gratia COVID-19 pandemic recognition payment for certain front-line public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. The payment of €1,000 is not subject to income tax, USC, or PRSI. The announcement also made provision for a pro-rata application of the payment.Eligibility criteria for the payment were set following significant consideration and consultation, the Government made its decision based on the substantial risk which certain healthcare workers faced. Eligibility guidelines were first published online by the HSE on the 19th of April 2022.The HSE and external contractor KOSI Corporation remain responsible for processing applications for eligible non-public sector employees.Only those staff who meet all the eligibility criteria as set out below are covered for this payment.In order to receive the recognition payment, staff must have:
•Been in COVID vaccination cohorts 1 or 2, and
•Worked ordinarily on-site in a COVID-19 exposed healthcare environment, and
•Worked for at least 4 weeks in the 1/3/2020 – 30/6/2021 period, and
•Worked in a HSE/Section 38 organisation, or one of the following:
1.Private Sector Nursing Homes and Hospices (e.g. Private, Voluntary,Section 39 etc.);
2.Section 39 long-term residential care facilities for people with disabilities, working on-site;
3.Agency roles working in the HSE;
4.Health Care Support Assistants (also known as home help / home care / home support) contracted to the HSE;
5.Members of the Defence Forces redeployed to work in front-line Covid-19 exposed environments in the HSE;
6.Paramedic staff employed by Dublin Fire Brigade to deliver services on behalf of the HSE.The Government appreciates that those organisations and staff who are not encompassed for this particular payment may feel disappointed. It was tough to draw a line on this matter, but the Government based its decision on the risks which eligible front-line workers faced, following careful consideration.The Department of Health has no mandate to include other groups or employers other than those who qualify based on the set eligibility criteria . The Department also has no responsibility in receiving or processing applications, it is also against Department policy to comment on individual cases.Finally I want to again express my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during what has been a challenging period for our health services.
Health Services
Questions (489)
Neasa Hourigan
Question:489. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 465 of 27 September 2022, if he will outline which five recommendations are still in progress as part of the full implementation of the Chief Medical Officer’s report on The Use of Uro-Gynaecological Mesh in Surgical Procedures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43586/23]
View answerWritten answers
The HSE published a detailed Implementation Plan to progress the recommendations outlined in the Chief Medical Officer’s report on the Use of Uro-Gynaecological Mesh in Surgical Procedures. The Acutes Operations Division in the HSE continue to lead out on this work and I am referring this question to the HSE so that they can update the Deputy directly on this matter.
Hospital Staff
Questions (490)
Joan Collins
Question:490. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE consultant rheumatologists at St. James's Hospital in 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [43589/23]
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 (491)
Joan Collins
Question:491. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health the way the €2.1 million allocated in 2023 for the full resumption of dementia specific day care services will be spent, in tabular form. [43590/23]
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.
Hospital Procedures
Questions (492)
Joan Collins
Question:492. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health the number of craniosynostosis surgeries performed at CHI Temple Street in 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [43591/23]
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 Strategies
Questions (493)
Joan Collins
Question:493. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health the way the €2.7 million allocated for the implementation of the national strategy for accelerating genomic medicine in Ireland will be spent in 2023, in tabular form. [43592/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Government and the Department of Health are fully committed to improving genetics services in Ireland. Our vision for Irish genetics and genomics is to develop a patient and family-centred service, that aligns with the values of Sláintecare, through its focus on equity of access and enhanced patient outcomes. In 2023, I allocated €2.7 million to implement the National Strategy for Accelerating Genetics and Genomics Medicine in Ireland, including the establishment of a National Office of Genetics and Genomics and the recruitment of key staff within the National Office and the wider genomics service. Details are supplied in the following table.
|
- |
Details |
Allocation 2023 |
|
Recruitment of staff for the National Office of Genetics and Genomics and frontline workforce (16.5 WTEs) |
1 National Director of the National Office 1 Bioinformatics Lab Director 2 General Managers 6 Genetic Counsellors 2 Clinical Genetic Consultants 3 Administrators (Grade VI) 2 Genomics Resource Associates (Grade V) |
€1.2m |
|
Non-pay costs |
Patient support, health promotion, and external PMO support |
€1.5m |
|
Total |
€2.7m |
Health Services
Questions (494)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:494. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43593/23]
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 (495)
Joan Collins
Question:495. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health the counselling services offered within the adolescent addiction services; and the number of staff within these services. [43606/23]
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.
Care Services
Questions (496)
Joan Collins
Question:496. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health the number of respite centres in CHO7 in 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [43605/23]
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.
Medical Research and Training
Questions (497)
Joan Collins
Question:497. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost in 2024 to provide an additional 120 GP training places. [43610/23]
View answerWritten answers
The HSE takes several factors into consideration when making its annual assessment of the number and type of specialist training places required within each specialty including but not limited to, future medical workforce planning projections, the number currently in training and the training capacity within the health system.
Annual intake of doctors to the GP training scheme has been increased by over 80% since 2015. The number of new entrants to GP training has been increased to 287 for this year, with 350 places planned for new entrants for next year.
The annual year one cost of a doctor on the GP Training Scheme is approximately €105,000. Based on this figure, the cost in 2024 of providing for an additional 120 GP training places would be €12.6 million.
Health Services
Questions (498)
Joan Collins
Question:498. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health his plans to establish a centre of excellence for adult deficit hyperactivity disorder; and the costs of these plans. [43611/23]
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 Procedures
Questions (499)
Joan Collins
Question:499. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health the number of vascular stenting procedures carried out in each public hospital in 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [43612/23]
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.
Care Services
Questions (500)
Bernard Durkan
Question:500. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if assistance can be given to persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43614/23]
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.
Healthcare Infrastructure Provision
Questions (501)
Joan Collins
Question:501. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the establishment of a National Psychology Placement Office; and the funding for this establishment, including staff costs. [43615/23]
View answerWritten answers
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.