Kathleen Funchion
Question:588. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Health when a child (details supplied) will receive a new diabetic insulin pump. [61927/22]
View answerMedical Aids and Appliances
Questions (588)
Written answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Home Help Service
Questions (589)
Kathleen Funchion
Question:589. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Health the reason that the home help of a person (details supplied) was removed in December 2021; and the number of home helps in the CHO5 area that were removed at the time. [61928/22]
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
Questions (590)
Ciarán Cannon
Question:590. Deputy Ciarán Cannon asked the Minister for Health when a health care worker working with an organisation (details supplied) throughout the Covid-19 pandemic will receive the pandemic special recognition payment. [61930/22]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly.
Disabilities Assessments
Questions (591)
Eoin Ó Broin
Question:591. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the assessment of need process; if assessments have recommenced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61931/22]
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.
Disability Services
Questions (592)
Jennifer Carroll MacNeill
Question:592. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Health if he will provide support for a person (details supplied), given the considerable length of time that they have been on the CDNT wait list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61932/22]
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.
Disability Services
Questions (593)
Jennifer Carroll MacNeill
Question:593. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Health if he will provide support for a person (details supplied), given the considerable length of time that they have been on the CDNT wait list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61933/22]
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 (594)
Jennifer Carroll MacNeill
Question:594. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on a representation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61935/22]
View answerWritten answers
The issues raised in the representation are outside the remit of the HSE. Professional exams are not managed by the HSE. Recruitment to postgraduate training programmes fall under the remit of the postgraduate training bodies.
The number of medical intern places has increased by 120 since 2019 to 854, providing more opportunities to all medical school graduates. In relation to the July 2022/3 intern year, all eligible candidates who applied were offered an intern post for the July 2022 training year.
We have been informed by the HSE that the Medical Schools inform international medical students prior to enrolling that intern places are not part of the undergraduate curriculum. Potential students are also informed that while internship is the first step in postgraduate training, the intern posts are employment posts and completion of the medical degree in Ireland does not guarantee an employment post with the HSE.
Changes to the Medical Practitioners Act implemented in 2020 have removed the barrier of the requirement for a recognised internship to apply for postgraduate training programmes. Following this amendment, a number of doctors are now eligible to apply to postgraduate training programmes where previously they were not.
Changes to the application of EEA community preference for the allocation to postgraduate training programmes were agreed in Autumn 2021. This change has meant that, following competitive interview, appointable candidates who hold a Stamp 4, along with EEA candidates, will be allocated training in the positions in the first instance following competitive interview.
Selection criteria for postgraduate training programmes, including eligibility and shortlisting criteria, are published on the relevant training body website in advance of the opening of schemes applications (including weighting for various elements of the selection process and marking system for the various elements of the selection process described). Training bodies provide interview feedback to facilitate feedback to applicants to national training programmes.
All postgraduate training bodies are required to apply the principles of the Code of Practice for Appointment to Positions in the Civil Service and Public Service. The Code sets out the principles to be observed in respect of both external and internal appointments to positions in the Health Service Executive. The code is available at www.cpsa.ie/en/Codes-of-Practice/
The average growth rate per year over the last five years of the total number of Training NCHDs is 5.5%. This equates to 24% more NCHDs in training (including interns) in 2021 compared to 2017. Continued growth for the postgraduate training programmes is planned which will provide more opportunities for all doctors.
It is also worth noting the Forum of Irish Postgraduate Medical Training Body postgraduate training strategy specifically outlines a key focus over the duration of this Strategic Framework will be the enhancement of organisational enablers to support diversity, inclusion and equity within postgraduate training with the objective to design, develop and implement a Forum Diversity and Inclusion Strategy for Training. Further information can be found at www.theforum.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Strategy-22-10.pdf
Further information on the HSE equality, diversity and inclusion policies can be found at: healthservice.hse.ie/staff/procedures-guidelines/diversity-equality-and-inclusion/
Health Services
Questions (595)
Neale Richmond
Question:595. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to reports that Ireland is a laggard in the European Union for the numbers of diseases tested in the newborn heel-prick test; the steps that he is taking to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61938/22]
View answerWritten answers
I am fully committed to supporting our population screening programmes which are a valuable part of our health service, enabling early treatment and care for many people, and improving the overall health of our population. The expansion of the National Newborn Bloodspot Screening (NBS) Programme is a priority for me.
I am aware of how difficult it is for parents whose children have received a diagnosis of a rare disease, and how challenging daily life can be for them, their families and their children. Advances in technology and treatments for many of these rare but serious conditions are continually emerging, which is very welcome for the families and carers of these children.
Decisions about changes to our national screening programmes, such as the NBS Programme, will be made on the advice of our National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC). This independent expert group considers and assesses evidence in a robust and transparent manner, and against internationally accepted criteria. It is important we have rigorous processes in place to ensure our screening programmes are effective, quality assured and operating to safe standards, and that the benefits of screening outweigh the harms. As you will appreciate, these are lengthy and complex processes.
The Committee's first Annual Call in 2021 for proposals for new screening programmes or changes to our existing programmes, received a significant response with over 50 submissions received. Submissions were received from various sources, including members of the public and patient advocates, and have been undergoing consideration by the committee at its scheduled meetings during 2022. The Committee recently published its work programme on its website, and launched its next Annual Call.
Significant progress has been made by the Committee in the past 18 months. Most notably, the NBS Programme was expanded earlier this year and now screens for nine conditions following a recommendation from the NSAC to add ADA-SCID to the Programme.
A number of newborn conditions are undergoing active consideration by the NSAC, and a recommendation regarding further expansion is expected before the end of 2022. The final report from HIQA on its Health Technology Assessment (HTA) for the addition of a tenth condition (SCID), was recently presented to the NSAC at its December meeting. The expansion of newborn bloodspot screening is being continually reviewed across Europe where the number of conditions screened for varies significantly. For example, the UK currently screens for a similar number of conditions (nine) as Ireland.
I look forward to receiving further recommendations from the Committee shortly, and I wish to assure you that I remain committed to the further expansion of screening in Ireland in accordance with internationally accepted criteria and best practice.
Healthcare Policy
Questions (596)
Neale Richmond
Question:596. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health his views on whether the current approximate four-year process to have a disease added to the newborn heel-prick test is sustainable; the steps that are being taken to expedite this process with a view of having new diseases such as spinal muscular atrophy added to the test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61939/22]
View answerWritten answers
I am fully committed to supporting our population screening programmes which are a valuable part of our health service, enabling early treatment and care for many people, and improving the overall health of our population. The expansion of the National Newborn Bloodspot Screening (NBS) Programme is a priority for me.
It is important to be aware that any decisions about changes to our national screening programmes, such as screening for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), will be made on the advice of our National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC). This independent expert group considers and assesses evidence in a robust and transparent manner, and against internationally accepted criteria. It is important we have rigorous processes in place to ensure our screening programmes are effective, quality assured and operating to safe standards, and that the benefits of screening outweigh the harms. As you will appreciate, these are lengthy and complex processes; however, the NSAC timelines for evaluation and decision-making are similar to other jurisdictions.
Once a recommendation for the addition of a condition to the programme is approved, the HSE needs to undertake an extensive body of work to prepare for implementation. This work can include completion of laboratory verification, diagnostic and clinical pathways, as well as development of communication and other resources for parents and health professionals.
Earlier this year, in May 2022, ADA-SCID was added as a ninth condition to the NBS Programme. This was implemented by the HSE less than two years after the NSAC recommendation was approved in August 2020, despite the ongoing challenges over the period including those posed by COVID-19 and the cyberattack.
The NSAC's first Annual Call in 2021 for proposals for new screening programmes or changes to our existing programmes, received a significant response with a total of 53 submissions received. Submissions were received from various sources, including members of the public and patient advocates, and have been undergoing consideration by the committee at its scheduled meetings during 2022. The NSAC recently published its work programme on its website.
A number of newborn conditions are undergoing active consideration by the NSAC, and a recommendation regarding further expansion is expected before the end of 2022. The final report from HIQA on its Health Technology Assessment (HTA) for the addition of a tenth condition (SCID), was recently presented to the NSAC at its December meeting.
The expansion of newborn bloodspot screening is being continually reviewed across Europe where the number of conditions screened for varies significantly. For example, the UK currently screens for a similar number of conditions (nine) as Ireland.
I look forward to receiving further recommendations from the Committee shortly, and I wish to assure you that I remain committed to the further expansion of screening in Ireland in accordance with internationally accepted criteria and best practice.
Health Services
Questions (597)
Brendan Griffin
Question:597. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding travelling for cancer treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61946/22]
View answerWritten answers
The model of care for hospital cancer treatment is centred on eight Designated Cancer Centres serving a defined population and geographic area. Cork University Hospital (CUH) is one of the eight Designated Cancer Centres. It provides cancer services predominantly to people who live in the counties of Cork, Kerry, South Tipperary, West Waterford, and South East Limerick.
The centralisation of specialist services into Designated Cancer Centres aims to optimise patient outcomes, through case volume, multidisciplinary working and infrastructural supports. Rapid Access Clinics providing diagnostic services for breast, lung and prostate tumours are located in CUH. It is also a centre for surgical oncology, medical oncology and radiation oncology.
I have been advised by the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) that there are two services administered by the Irish Cancer Society which offer financial supports towards travelling for cancer treatment.
The first of these services is the Travel2Care Scheme – a limited transportation assistance fund, funded by the NCCP. This is available to patients travelling to a designated cancer centre, approved centres, or an approved children’s hospital and will cover part of the associated costs for said travel.
The second scheme available aiding those travelling for cancer treatment is the Volunteer Driver Service. This is a volunteer delivered transport service wherein patients are driven to and from treatment in designated partner hospitals and centres. Drivers are interviewed, trained, Garda vetted and must attend annual Support & Supervision sessions run by the Irish Cancer Society to participate in the service.
The service is free to the patient, with all costs paid by the Irish Cancer Society, and applications are conducted by approaching a healthcare professional in a partnered hospital who will then discuss the suitability of it for the patient's needs and make a decision on referral. Once referred, the patient must book appointments in advance with the Irish Cancer Society to arrange transport.
Further information on both schemes can be obtained from the Irish Cancer Society, via cancer.ie, emailing travel@irishcancer.ie, or by calling 01 231 6643 / 01 231 0522 to request information.
I am advised that the Irish Cancer Society is happy to receive requests outside the guidelines on an exceptional basis.
Health Services
Questions (598)
Jennifer Carroll MacNeill
Question:598. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update in relation to a representation (details supplied). [61950/22]
View answerWritten answers
I thank the Deputy for her question. A reply will issue to her representation in the coming days.
Vaccination Programme
Questions (599)
Joe Flaherty
Question:599. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Health when the HPV catch-up programme for females up to 25 years of age will be introduced as announced in May 2022. [61962/22]
View answerWritten answers
The immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). The committee's recommendations are based on the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland and international best practice in relation to immunisation.
The ages at which vaccines are recommended in the immunisation schedule are chosen by the NIAC in order to give each child the best possible protection against vaccine preventable diseases. As the HPV vaccine is preventative it is intended to be administered, if possible, before a person becomes exposed to HPV infection.
Therefore, the gender-neutral HPV vaccination programme targets all girls and boys in first year of secondary school to provide maximum coverage.
In October 2021, my Department asked the National Immunisation Advisory Committee to consider the clinical effectiveness of providing the HPV vaccine to:
- girls and boys in secondary school who were eligible to receive HPV vaccine in 1st year but who did not receive it; and
- women up to the age of 25 years who have left secondary school and who did not receive the vaccine when eligible.
The NIAC submitted advices in relation to the HPV Vaccination Programme to my Department which noted that HPV vaccination should be prioritised for unvaccinated second level students and females under the age of 25 years.
In line with the NIAC's advice, I have asked the HSE to facilitate and operationalise the Laura Brennan HPV Vaccine Catch-Up Programme.
This programme offers a free HPV vaccines to all boys and girls in second level education who were previously eligible to receive the HPV vaccine and who have not yet, for whatever reason, received it.
Young women, up to the age of 25, who have now left secondary school, and who did not receive the vaccine, are also eligible to receive the vaccine as part of the catch-up programme.
Eligible young people and their parents can register their interest in receiving the vaccine on www.hpv.ie This link also contains detailed information about the HPV vaccine.
Primary Care Services
Questions (600)
Joan Collins
Question:600. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health the reason that the position of a social link provider in the Inchicore, Richmond Barracks primary health clinic has ceased (details supplied). [61977/22]
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.
Health Services Staff
Questions (601)
Patrick Costello
Question:601. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health the number of staff working in the primary care psychology service within the HSE in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61980/22]
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 (602)
Mark Ward
Question:602. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the number of young persons in CAMHS who are being treated online in a different country; the countries in which they are being treated; the way that this consultation was arranged; the length of time that this practice has existed; when these young persons will be treated by a doctor based in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61985/22]
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.