Written Answers Nos. 694-715
694. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the reported rate of elder abuse incidences in each community healthcare organisation, CHO, area; the total national reported incidence rate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24693/24]
View answerAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
695. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if his Department will be prioritising the progression of any specific pieces of legislation prior to the Dáil summer recess; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24704/24]
View answerMy Department has seven Bills on the priority list for the Summer Legislative Programme.
Three Bills are included as priority for publication as follows:
Priority for Publication:
Health (Miscellaneous Provisions No. 2) Bill
Mental Health Bill and
Health Information Bill.
The Health (Miscellaneous Provisions No. 2) Bill was initiated in the Dail on the 2nd of May and is currently awaiting Committee Stage. Work is ongoing on both Mental Health Bill and the Health Information Bill and the drafting of both of these Bills is at an advanced stage.
My Department has four Bills included as priority for drafting as follows:
Priority for Drafting:
Health (Amendment) Bill 2024
Health (Amendment) (Licensing of Professional Home Support Providers) Bill
Health (Amendment) (No..2) Bill 2024 and
Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) (Amendment) Bill 2024.
Drafting is at an advanced stage for The Health (Amendment) Bill 2024 and it is envisaged that this bill will be drafted by the end of the summer session. General Schemes for both the Health (Amendment) (Licensing of Professional Home Support Providers) Bill and the Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) (Amendment) Bill 2024 have been approved and drafting will commence shortly. Work is ongoing on progressing the General Scheme of the Health (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2024.
My Department also has three Bills which are currently before the Oireachtas, as follows:
Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Bill 2022
Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2024 and
Health (Miscellaneous Provisions No. 2) Bill.
The Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Bill 2022 has passed Report Stage and it is envisaged that this will be completed in the Oireachtas by the end of the summer session. The Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2024 is currently awaiting Report Stage and as discussed above the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions No.2) Bill is currently awaiting Committee Stage.
Work is also continuing on the other legislation set out on the Summer Legislative Programme across my Department.
696. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the fund for those suffering from the long-term effects of Covid; if this fund is currently in operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24722/24]
View answer697. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the reason the medical card section is not accepting notices of assessment for couples, that shows both the taxpayer and spouse’s income as proof of self-employment income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24732/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
698. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the reason the medical card section is not accepting an applicant’s notices of assessment, that shows both the taxpayer and spouse’s income as proof of self-employment income (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24733/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
699. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health the reason a 68-year-old lady (details supplied) has been on a waiting list for breast surgery for over two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24735/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
700. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the existing policies to support medical staff who have contracted long-Covid and are now unable to work; his plans to introduce such a scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24736/24]
View answerIn the public health sector, a temporary Special Scheme was put in place for 12 months in July 2022 to support eligible staff who were impacted by Long-Covid. At my request this Special Scheme was extended several times, most recently in March 2024, when the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP and Reform (DPENDPR) granted a final extension, permitting the Special Scheme to run until the end of June 2024. DPENDPR have been very clear that this was the final extension that would be granted.
Any employee of the public health sector remaining unwell beyond that date, may utilise the full provisions of the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme which will provide further support. Employees who did not qualify for the Special Scheme but are also impacted by Long-Covid may also utilise the supports of the sick leave scheme.
The sick leave scheme provides full pay for three months, followed by half pay for three months, and after that, Temporary Rehabilitative Remuneration may be applied for, which, if granted, provides up to a further 547 days of paid leave. The Critical Illness Protocol that forms part of the sick leave scheme may also provide additional supports if granted.
Supports for employees impacted by Long-Covid (both those who qualified for the Special Scheme and those who did not qualify) has been the subject of an industrial relations claim from health sector staff representative bodies. The Labour Court recommended that the parties engage to explore the 'existing supports available' for impacted staff. Engagements have taken place in that context, however the matter has again been referred to the Workplace Relations Commission where further conciliation is ongoing.
701. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health to sanction pay increases to child care employees (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24747/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
702. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on his Department's request to HIQA to carry out a health technology assessment examining the cost benefits of an enhanced vaccine for the over-65s; when the formal consultation with interested stakeholders will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24750/24]
View answerThe National Influenza Vaccination Programme ensures that those most vulnerable to the effects of influenza have access to the flu vaccine, free of charge. By providing vaccination to those most at risk, and those most likely to require admission to hospital should they contract influenza, the programme aims to prevent, as far as possible, the need for influenza-related hospital admissions, as well as to reduce the overall spread of influenza in the community.
As part of the National Influenza Vaccination Programme, the flu vaccine is available to those aged 65 and over and individuals in specified at-risk groups.
To inform decision making in relation to the current Influenza Vaccination Programme, my Department requested that HIQA carry out a Health technology assessment (HTA) in relation to vaccination with an enhanced quadrivalent influenza vaccine for those aged 65 and older.
A HTA is a multidisciplinary research process that collects and summarises information about a health technology to provide information regarding clinical effectiveness and safety, cost-effectiveness and budget impact, organisational and social aspects, and ethical and legal issues. The information is collected and presented in a systematic, unbiased and transparent manner to inform policy decision making.
HIQA is currently holding a public consultation which is open until 11 July 2024 on its draft health technology assessment (HTA) on the use of an enhanced inactivated influenza vaccine in those aged 65 years and older, as part of the HSE’s Influenza Vaccination Programme.
Following the closure of the public consultation, HIQA will assess the feedback received in order to inform its final report. The report will then be presented to the HIQA Board and following approval, the report will then be provided as advice to my Department to inform a decision on whether enhanced influenza vaccines (instead of standard influenza vaccines) should be funded as part of the HSE Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Programme for those aged 65 years and older.
703. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Health if plans exist to make bowel cancer screening available to all persons aged 70 years and over; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24751/24]
View answerI 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.
Since October 2023, the National Bowel Screening Programme, invites men and women aged between 59-69 to take the free at-home screening test. This is an important part of a phased approach to expanding the screening age, in line with available capacity and resources. When full expansion is complete, people aged 55-74 will be invited for screening.
It is important to be aware that any further decisions about changes or expansion of our screening programmes will be made on the advice of the National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC). This is an independent expert group that considers and assesses evidence in a robust and transparent manner, and against internationally accepted criteria. It is important that 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.
In this regard, I am pleased to report that NSAC is already progressing work to consider the further expansion of our cancer screening programmes. In 2023, the Committee asked the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) to evaluate the evidence for the further expansion of the age range eligibility for the BowelScreen programme to those aged 50-54. HIQA will complete a Health Technology Assessment and this process takes considerable time. Work has already commenced in this regard and a report is expected to be submitted to NSAC for consideration in 2025.
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to ensure that we continue to encourage everyone aged 59-69 to sign up to take the screening test. The BowelScreen test can help prevent cancer from developing. If bowel cancer is found early, it is easier to treat and there's a better chance of recovery. As with any cancer screening programme, BowelScreen is for healthy people without symptoms. It is vital that anyone who has symptoms they are concerned about, at any age, contacts their GP for appropriate follow-up care.
704. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health when a child (details supplied) will be supplied with an insulin pump. [24758/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
705. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health to provide a breakdown of the number and current waiting times for insulin pumps at each diabetes clinic, including children’s hospitals; and the actions being taken to speed up the provision of pumps, in tabular form. [24759/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
706. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Health the services that exist for patients with complex immune deficiencies, auto-immune diseases and allergic disorders given that demands for clinical immunology and allergy services are increasing; his plans to develop these services in line with demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24763/24]
View answer707. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the exorbitant prices being charged for melatonin which has been prescribed for adolescents, as much as €60 per month, but is not covered by the drugs payment scheme, DPS, or medical card; the reason for this; and the steps he will take to resolve the hardship being caused. [24775/24]
View answerThe Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for medicine pricing and reimbursement decisions, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.
In line with the 2013 Act and the national framework agreed with industry, a company must submit an application to the HSE to have a new medicine added to the reimbursement list. Only medicines with licensed indications which have been granted market authorisation by the European Medicines Agency or the Health Products Regulatory Authority can be added to the reimbursement list.
In making a relevant reimbursement decision, the HSE is required under the Act to have regard to a number of criteria including efficacy, the health needs of the public, cost effectiveness and potential or actual budget impact. HSE decisions on which medicines are reimbursed by the taxpayer are made on objective, scientific and economic grounds, on the advice of the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE).
Slenyto® (Melatonin) is a licensed for the treatment of insomnia in children and adolescents aged 2-18 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and / or Smith-Magenis syndrome, where sleep hygiene measures have been insufficient. The HSE advise that it is undergoing a pricing and reimbursement application process at the moment and that reimbursement support under the community drug schemes or any arrangement cannot be provided in advance of the conclusion of the formal processes.
The HSE advise that an application for Circadin (Melatonin) can be made on an exceptional basis under Discretionary Hardship Arrangements for medical card holders. All applications under these arrangements are reviewed on an individual patient basis. The HSE must be satisfied that the patient requires the item for clinical reasons, and that there is no item on the reimbursement list which is a suitable alternative for that patient.
708. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that children who are prescribed fluoxetine under 30mg are not covered by the DPS or medical card scheme; the reason for this, considering 30mg tablets are not available; and the steps he will take to resolve the hardship this is causing people in mental health distress. [24776/24]
View answerThe HSE has statutory responsibility for medicine pricing and reimbursement decisions, under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
709. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health his plans to reduce the cost of medicines related to the treatment or management of autism and ADHD given increasing diagnosis at adult ages and the prohibitive costs of treatment for many adults who do not have medical cards, given the fact that the drugs payment scheme, DPS, may not cover any of their monthly costs or only a small part. [24777/24]
View answerThe Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for medicine pricing and reimbursement decisions, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.
In line with the 2013 Act and the national framework agreed with industry, a company must submit an application to the HSE to have a new medicine added to the reimbursement list. Only medicines with licensed indications which have been granted market authorisation by the European Medicines Agency or the Health Products Regulatory Authority can be added to the reimbursement list.
In making a relevant reimbursement decision, the HSE is required under the Act to have regard to a number of criteria including efficacy, the health needs of the public, cost effectiveness and potential or actual budget impact. HSE decisions on which medicines are reimbursed are made on objective, scientific and economic grounds, on the advice of the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE).
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. In circumstances where an applicant is still over the income limit for a medical card, they are then assessed for a GP visit card, which entitles the applicant to GP visits without charge.
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%.
710. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure orthodontal surgery is expedited for a patient (details supplied). [24788/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible
711. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24796/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible
712. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health the number of children accessing speech and language therapy in community healthcare organisation, CHO 7; the number of children awaiting assessment for therapy; the number of children who have been assessed and await therapy; and the average waiting time for both assessment and post-assessment access. [24806/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
713. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health the number of adults accessing speech and language therapy in community healthcare organisation, CHO 7; the number of adults awaiting assessment for therapy; the number of adults who have been assessed and await therapy; and the average waiting time for both assessment and post-assessment access. [24807/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
714. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he will lift the HSE's recruitment embargo, considering the negative impact it is having on the already lengthy waiting lists within the HSE, and specifically speech therapy for children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24813/24]
View answerAs this is an operational matter for the Health Service Executive, the HSE has been asked to respond directly to the Deputy.
715. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health to outline the medical trials in which a person (details supplied) was involved in the Eastern Health Board between 1981 and 1998; to outline the uses of several medications and trials; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24837/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
