Written Answers Nos. 448-467
448. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the up-to-date position in respect of the transfer of services from a service (details supplied) to the HSE; when this information will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23725/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
449. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health to detail the services available in each CHO to assess and treat ADHD, in tabular form; to detail which service is available to people living in Cavan-Monaghan; and to detail the process of getting referred to this service. [23730/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
450. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the full staff available on each of the CAMHS teams in south Tipperary; the number and position of staff on leave; the length of leave and reason for leave; the numbers of staff present currently to each team; the number of vacant positions currently on each team; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23747/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
451. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if the reason private health insurance companies only cover the cost of a stay in psychiatric hospitals for maximum 100 days with unwell and vulnerable patients in the middle of a treatment plan having to be discharged on the 100th day will be investigated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23750/24]
View answerHealth insurance in Ireland is provided according to four principles: open enrolment, lifetime cover, minimum benefit and community rating. Minimum benefit means that all health insurance contracts must provide a certain minimum level of cover for inpatient hospital treatment. This approach is designed to be equitable and fair, by ensuring that all consumers obtain an appropriate minimum level of health insurance cover regardless of what plan they purchase.
The Health Insurance Act, 1994 (Minimum Benefit) Regulations 1996, require insurers to offer a minimum benefit to customers in every insurance policy. Regulation 5(3) of the 1996 Regulations provides that health insurers are required to pay for a minimum of 100 days in-patient treatment in a calendar year for an insured person in respect of any psychiatric condition (except for those set out in Regulation 5(4)). Regulation 5(4) reduces that period to 91 days in-patient treatment in 5 years for treatment for alcoholism, drug or other substance abuse. The in-patient services in respect of psychiatric disorders can be provided as a private patient in a publicly funded hospital or in a private psychiatric hospital.
A health insurer is free to provide additional benefits outside of the minimum benefits. This is done on the basis of commercial decision-making and I do not have a role in the commercial decision making of any private health insurer. Customers should check with an insurance company in advance of purchasing a policy to ensure that it meets their needs and requirements.
452. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the number of home support hours being provided in each LHO in CHO 4 as of 1 May 2024 or the latest date available; the number of persons currently on the waiting list for home support hours in each LHO in CHO4; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23751/24]
View answerAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
453. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will provide additional funding to an organisation (details supplied) to help protect its essential and hugely important heart and stroke support services to ensure they continue to operate. [23760/24]
View answerThanks to continued investment in Health Services, Ireland has seen a decline in the number of deaths from cardiovascular disease (CVD). Since 2012, the mortality rate from heart disease has been reduced by 38%, mortality from stroke has been reduced by 48%.
• However, CVD remains a significant challenge claiming 9,000 lives annually.
• The Government acknowledges the vital support, education, and advocacy offered by the Irish Heart Foundation and other patient support groups.
• Many patient services are embedded in policy, including the National Stroke Strategy 2022-2027 for which the government has provided over €7m to date.
• Partnerships and collaboration are and will continue to be, enablers of our commitment to promoting the cardiovascular health of our nation.
• In 2022 and 2023, the HSE's National Heart Programme, supported through the Enhanced Community Care Programme, sponsored two CVD risk prevention projects with the IHF.
• The State, via the HSE, provides funding to the IHF, and other cardiovascular support agencies of approximately €530,000 through Service Level Agreements and Grant Aid Agreements of which €380,000 was allocated to IHF in 2024.
• In 2024, the HSE advise that an additional once-off sum of €400,000 has been allocated to the Irish Heart Foundation's for a High-Risk CVD Prevention Programme which has demonstrated its effectiveness by enhancing healthcare provision, clinical outcomes, and health behaviours in patients living in deprived communities.
454. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the status of plans for a community nursing unit in Cashel; to provide an update on the status of investigations into a site (details supplied); if progress has been made; when a decision is expected to be arrived at; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23767/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
455. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health for an update on the case of a person (details supplied); and when the person concerned can expect an appointment with the orthopaedic department at Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore, County Offaly. [23772/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
456. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the number of occupational therapists employed in the children community services in County Carlow; the number of vacancies that exist; his plans to recruit additional occupational therapists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23775/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
457. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health the reason that inappropriate language in regard to disability is still contained on HSE application forms, such as the long-term illness scheme form, which refers to ‘mental handicap’; and if a review of HSE application forms will take place to ensure the use of appropriate language. [23782/24]
View answerThe 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.
As prescribed in the respective regulations, 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.
Applications to receive an LTI Scheme card are made to the Health Service Executive (HSE). The application form can be found at the following link: www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/lti/apply/.
The HSE application forms notes that one of the 16 conditions eligible under the LTI Scheme is “intellectual disability”, and then notes in parentheses (and in smaller print) how this condition is described in the respective legislation. The HSE is therefore attempting to use appropriate language to describe the condition while also referencing the legislation upon which its rests.
458. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an appointment. [23784/24]
View answer“As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
459. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Health if HSE funding for the provision of wigs for persons with alopecia will remain in place and if he can confirm there are no cuts planned for this very important service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23797/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
460. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health if he will fund refurbishment works for an ambulance base (details supplied) given those working in it are concerned as to the safety of the building and whether it is structurally sound; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23823/24]
View answerAs this is an operational matter for the National Ambulance Service (NAS) I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
461. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the HSE’s mapping exercise undertaken as part of action 2.4.12 of the Implementation Plan for the Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based violence; the gaps that were identified in specialist support services for survivors of female genital mutilation; what strategy has been put in place to address same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23852/24]
View answerAction 2.4.12 of the Implementation Plan for the Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based violence is the responsibility of the HSE and as such, I have asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy on this matter.
462. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if an appointment will be expedited for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23873/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
463. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health to outline the number of beds that have been booked by the HSE in Bartra nursing home in Clondalkin Lodge; the duration these beds have been booked for; the cost of this; when this was first agreed; how many beds were for residents of Willow and Sycamore units in Cherry Orchard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23875/24]
View answerAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
464. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) can expect to be called for bilateral knee replacement; if he has been placed on the NTPF waiting list for surgery in a private facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23919/24]
View answerUnder 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.
The National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) works with public hospitals, as opposed to with patients directly, to offer and provide the funding for treatment to clinically suitable long waiting patients who are on an Inpatient/Day case or Outpatient waiting list. While the NTPF identifies patients eligible for treatment the clinical suitability of the patient to avail of NTPF funded treatment is determined by the public hospital.
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.
465. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health when an appointment for a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23937/24]
View answerUnder 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.
466. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health his views on the discrepancy in access to innovative oncology treatments for Irish cancer patients in the public health system, compared with patients with private health insurance; if he is aware of the extent of this discrepancy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23945/24]
View answer467. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health if his Department is monitoring the discrepancy in access to innovative oncology treatments for Irish cancer patients in the public health system, compared with patients with private health insurance; if he will request the HSE to commence tracking of this data as part of its role in assessing and reimbursing medicines for patients in the public health system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23946/24]
View answer468. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the impact of delays in access to innovative oncology treatments on disease progression; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23947/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 466 to 468, inclusive, together.
The State is committed to providing timely access to new and innovative medicines to all patients. Budgets 2021 - 2023 provided almost €100 million of dedicated funding for new drugs. This enabled the HSE to approve 148 new drugs, 61 of which are for cancer. This brings the total spend on Cancer drugs in the last 3 years to over €600 million.
Budget 2024 made €30 million available for new drugs. €20 million of this will be invested directly by the Government and a further €10 million will come from efficiencies to be identified by the HSE. Efficiencies were identified as a priority for 2024 by the Minister, with a joint HSE-Department of Health Taskforce established to address medicine expenditure.
The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the 2013 Act. Reimbursement is for licensed indications which have been granted market authorisation by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) or the Health Products Regulatory Authority. In line with the 2013 Act, and the national framework agreed with industry, a company must first submit an application to the HSE to have a new medicine added to the reimbursement list.
The timing of company applications for reimbursement in different countries can vary for a number of reasons, not least the available market share in each country. Once a company responsible for the commercialisation of a new medicine receives market authorisation, it can apply for reimbursement in the country (or countries) of its choice. Ireland, by virtue of its size and market share, may not always be prioritised by a company in the first stages of marketing a new product. Describing timelines for reimbursement from EMA approval to HSE reimbursement approval does not consider this important factor and misrepresents the process, as statutorily the HSE cannot add a medicine to the reimbursement list until an application is received from the company holding the market authorisation.
When an application is made to have a product added to the reimbursement list in Ireland, the HSE is required, under the 2013 Act, to decide within 180 days of receiving the application, to either add the medicine to the reimbursement list or refuse to reimburse the medicine. In assessing the application, the HSE is required by statute to consider a range of criteria including the magnitude of the clinical effect, cost effectiveness, budget impact, opportunity cost and unmet need.
In 2024, there will be significant investment in additional staff resources to enhance the HSE’s medicines pricing and reimbursement process. This is a recommendation of the working group established following the publication of the Mazars ‘Review of the Governance Arrangements and the Resources in place to support the HSE’s reimbursement and pricing decision-making process’ in February 2023.
Funding has been allocated for an additional 34 WTE for the agencies involved in the HSE’s medicines pricing and reimbursement system has been granted. This will enable them to conduct timely and efficient evaluations of medicines for reimbursement. It will also maximise the use of this substantial public investment to support access to more medicines for more people. Funding has also been approved for an online tracker which will allow patients and industry to follow the progress of an application through the assessment process. This will enhance transparency for all stakeholders.
Investing in this capacity will support agencies to operate to the fullest of their ability, providing timely and efficient evaluation of medicines for reimbursement.
As Minister for Health, I regulate the private health insurance market. This is a voluntary market, which is underpinned by certain principles, including minimum benefit, that are set out in law. The Health Insurance Act 1994 (Minimum Benefit) Regulations 1996 require insurers to offer a minimum level of cover to every insured person. I do not have a role in the commercial decision-making of any private health insurer.
Private Health Insurance companies operate as commercial entities in a competitive private health insurance market. Beyond prescribing under the Regulations the minimum level of coverage that health insurers must provide, I am not in a position to direct any insurer to provide cover for any particular procedure or service or medicine, or direct how that cover is to be provided.
