Written Answers Nos. 1308-1332
1308. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to an urgent medical case (details supplied); the action he will take to ensure adequate care is put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14024/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1309. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if and when an appropriate appointment and treatment in early date can be offered to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14026/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1310. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an appointment for a primary medical certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14027/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1311. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health if he will initiate the (European Infrastructure For Translational Medicine Research) membership process for Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14028/24]
View answer1428. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health what steps are being taken to initiate discussions around the EATRIS membership process for Ireland considering the potential benefits for Ireland's translational research sector such as enhanced collaboration and access to specialised resources across Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14543/24]
View answer1429. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the Government's position on Ireland's potential membership of the European Infrastructure for Translational Medicine; whether he intends to engage with the translational research sector in Ireland about such members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14544/24]
View answer1430. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health to provide insight into the Government's perspective on Ireland's possible membership with EATRIS given its expected advantages for Ireland's translational research community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14545/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1311, and 1428 to 1430, inclusive, together.
The European Advancement Translational Research InfraStructure (EATRIS) aims to provide resources and services for research communities to translate scientific discoveries into benefits for patients.
We already have experience of benefiting from membership of other European Research Infrastructure Consortia (ERICs) and the proposed EATRIS membership has the potential to provide benefits for patients, the healthcare system, and the economy.
It is important to note that an ‘ERIC’ is a non-profit European Research Infrastructure Consortium that is a legal entity established with legal personality and full legal capacity recognised in all EU Member States. As such it important that membership is considered carefully and would be subject to a Government decision.
1312. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Health if he will consider extending special leave with pay for those who worked on the front line during the pandemic and contracted long-Covid and whose health and lives have been badly damaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14034/24]
View answerIn the public health sector, a temporary Special Scheme has been in place since July 2022 for eligible staff in respect of long Covid.
This Special Scheme has been extended a number of times, most recently in October 2023, when the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP and Reform (DPENDPR) granted a final extension, permitting the Special Scheme to run until 31st March 2024.
DPENDPR's sanction to extend the Special Scheme to that date was contingent on it being the final sanction that would be provided, and as such the Special Scheme will conclude on 31 March 2024.
The conclusion of the Special Scheme has been the subject of a claim from health sector staff representative bodies, and the Labour Court has recently recommended that persons with long Covid in the health service should be supported by taking account of the availability of the range of support arrangement already in place, including the provisions of the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme.
The circa 118 employees currently on the Special Scheme have been supported on full pay for close to four years to date (depending on the date they initially contracted Covid) having moved from DPENDPR’s Special Leave with Pay to the Special Scheme in July 2022. Any employee remaining unwell after the Special Scheme concludes, may utilise the full provisions of the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme, and employees have received personal notification of this from their employer.
The supports available under the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme include:
Full pay sick leave for three months.
Followed by half pay sick leave for three months, and after that, Temporary Rehabilitative Remuneration, which if granted, provides up to a 547 days of paid sick leave.
The Critical Illness Protocol may also provide further supports if granted.
1313. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if the HSE Dublin south primary care teams provide occupational therapy report services for housing assessment needs; the avenues for a local authority tenant to access HSE primary care teams OT services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14042/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1314. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health what short-term and long-term plans are in place to care for those awaiting eye surgery at Letterkenny University Hospital. [14058/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1315. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health the spring due to be removed from a patient (details supplied) at Temple Street Hospital will be retained for examination; and if so, what examination will be conducted. [14059/24]
View answerAs this is an operational matter, I have referred the question to the HSE for their attention and direct response to the Deputy.
1316. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Health if the meeting of the National Termination of Pregnancy Service Improvement Group held on 4 October 2023 recorded any minutes; if so, if a copy can be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14083/24]
View answerAs the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have referred it to the HSE for direct reply.
1317. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Health what steps will be taken to achieve accountability, transparency, and parliamentary oversight with regards the work of the National Termination of Pregnancy Service Improvement Group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14084/24]
View answerThe final Report of the Review of the operation of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 was submitted to me at the end of February 2023. It made a range of recommendations, most of which are operational in nature, with some proposing legislative change.
The Report was considered by Government on 25 April 2023. As agreed by Government the HSE has established a service improvement group to progress the operational recommendations. There is regular engagement between my Department and the HSE in relation to the work of this group.
1318. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the timeline for current and continued investigations on providing approval for a medication (details supplied) on the drugs payment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14085/24]
View answerUnder the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on the pricing and reimbursement of medicines, therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
1319. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the Government’s response to the recently launched policy paper by an organisation (details supplied); if he intends to adhere to the promises for reform of dentistry in Ireland; if so, what specific steps will be taken to ensure these reforms are implemented; if he will meet with representatives of the organisation to discuss its strategy for reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14089/24]
View answerIt is a top priority for the Government to improve patient access to oral healthcare services through implementation of the National Oral Health Policy, Smile Agus Sláinte. Regarding service reform, the priorities for 2024, as captured in the HSE's National Service Plan, include:
• Development of a comprehensive phased policy implementation plan for the range of actions identified in the policy, including stakeholder engagement and resource identification;
• Progression of oral health and care packages for children aged from birth to seven years of age; and
• The design of clinical elements for reformed preventative care for adult medical cardholders as referenced in the policy.
As part of ongoing engagement with the Irish Dental Association (IDA), officials from my Department will be meeting IDA representatives on Friday, 12 April to provide them with an opportunity to present their paper.
1320. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health for an update on the primary care centre in Tullow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14101/24]
View answerAs 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.
1321. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health if there is to be an injury clinic provided in Carlow town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14102/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
1322. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health if there is to be a primary care centre provided in Borris, County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14103/24]
View answerAs 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.
1323. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health for a status update on the provision of a health service building and the occupants of same in Carlow (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14104/24]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that this is a matter for the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.
1324. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health what supports his Department will put in place for those who have been on special leave with pay and whose payments are due to cease, but who cannot return to work (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14118/24]
View answerIn the public health sector, a temporary Special Scheme has been in place since July 2022 for eligible staff in respect of long Covid.
This Special Scheme has been extended a number of times, most recently in October 2023, when the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP and Reform (DPENDPR) granted a final extension, permitting the Special Scheme to run until 31 March 2024.
DPENDPR's sanction to extend the Special Scheme to that date was contingent on it being the final sanction that would be provided, and as such the Special Scheme will conclude on 31 March 2024.
The conclusion of the Special Scheme has been the subject of a claim from health sector staff representative bodies, and the Labour Court has recently recommended that persons with long Covid in the health service should be supported by taking account of the availability of the range of support arrangement already in place, including the provisions of the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme.
The circa 118 employees currently on the Special Scheme have been supported on full pay for close to four years to date (depending on the date they initially contracted Covid) having moved from DPENDPR’s Special Leave with Pay to the Special Scheme in July 2022. Any employee remaining unwell after the Special Scheme concludes, may utilise the full provisions of the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme, and employees have received personal notification of this from their employer.
The supports available under the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme include:
Full pay sick leave for three months.
Followed by half pay sick leave for three months, and after that, Temporary Rehabilitative Remuneration, which if granted, provides up to a 547 days of paid sick leave.
The Critical Illness Protocol may also provide further supports if granted.
1325. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health to address an issue regarding the medical card review scheme whereby persons with disabilities are subjected to arduous regular reviews which can be difficult and taxing for these persons to carry out; if this scheme can be examined and perhaps changed in some way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14158/24]
View answerEligibility for a medical card is primarily based on a financial assessment which is conducted by the HSE in accordance with the Health Act 1970. The Act obliges the HSE to assess whether a person is unable, without due hardship, to arrange general practitioner services for himself or herself and his or her family, having regard to his or her overall financial position and reasonable expenditure.
The issue of granting medical cards on the basis of illness or a disability 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.
The HSE is also required to undertake periodic reviews of eligibility in order to ensure that a person continues to meet the qualifying criteria required to continue holding eligibility. It is important to note that where any medical or GP visit card holder has a review process initiated, he/she will continue to retain his or her eligibility for the duration of the review process (typically three months).
Every effort is made by the HSE, within the framework of the legislation, to provide an eligibility assessment process that is responsive and sensitive to people’s needs, in particular, to take full account of the difficult circumstances in the case of applicants who may be in excess of the income guidelines. Social and medical issues are also considered when determining whether undue hardship exists for an individual accessing general practitioner or other medical services and to that end, the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card where an applicant exceeds his or her income threshold.
Since December 2018, the medical card earnings disregard for people in receipt of Disability Allowance was increased from €120 to €427 per week and applies to the assessment process for single people and to family assessments. This significant policy change gave effect to an important recommendation of the Make Work Pay for People with Disabilities report. This substantial increase in allowable earnings acknowledges that a Medical Card is a particularly significant support and ensures that people with disabilities can continue to be supported to access care when needed.
Furthermore, people who have been on a disability payment for at least a year can retain a Medical Card for a further three years on return to work, provided they were in receipt of the payment for a period of at least 12 months prior to commencing employment.
1326. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health if his Department uses community radio for advertising and public awareness campaigns; if not, the reason, given the vital role community radio often plays in the dissemination of information to local communities; if his Department will consider using community radio for public awareness campaigns in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14166/24]
View answerOn behalf of all Departments, including the Department of Health, the Government Information Service engaged a media buying agency following a competitive tender process. Departments engage with this agency for the purposes of advertisement placement and reaching audiences across a range of mediums including internet, print media, radio, outdoor and TV. The agency considers all methods of advertising to reach the public for each campaign refining recommendations based on target market, message and budget, focused by the Department on providing effective advertising and good value for money.
This agency has recommended radio advertising, including regional radio which communicates to audiences in every county, for the Department's campaigns when appropriate. Most regional radio advertising is purchased by media buying agencies via packages combining a number of different stations spanning various regional areas. Community radio stations aren't generally commercially licensed therefore advertising on these stations isn't usually available within these agency packages. The agency have booked advertising with Raidió na Life for the Department, this station was formerly a non-commercial community radio but went on to secure a commercial license.
The media buying agency reviews and recommends the most appropriate advertising mediums for the target audience and message for each campaign working to provide accessible and effective public communications for the Department.
1327. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Health the status of an appointment with a psychologist for a minor (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14184/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1328. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Health for a progress update on the Programme for Government commitment to examine the possibility of introducing a national immunisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14185/24]
View answerAs this is an operational matter for the HSE, I have referred the question to the HSE for a direct reply.
1329. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health the total spent by the HSE on contractors for maintenance work (details supplied) in 2022 and 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14207/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1330. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the growing concern in the Drimnagh area of Dublin 12 regarding the provision of public PHNMs (details supplied). [14212/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1331. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on a new primary care centre (details supplied) including completion date; and a timeline for the commencement of the various services that will be offered at this location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14213/24]
View answerAs 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.
1332. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health if consideration is being given to increasing the travel allowance for home care support workers given the increased cost of fuel has not been matched with an increase in the travelling allowance; his views on the situation at present regarding the impact of this shortfall on workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14217/24]
View answerAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
