Written Answers Nos. 125-147
125. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his views on the delay for a person (details supplied) in accessing an assessment of needs and how this is vitally important in order to enrol in school and receive speech and language therapy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25776/24]
View answerAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
126. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he is aware of security and safety technology that can be provided to age-friendly persons; if there is a mechanism in place currently for people with disabilities to enable them to live independently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25778/24]
View answerThe Seniors Alert Scheme encourages community support for vulnerable older people by providing personal monitored alarms. This scheme falls within the remit of the Department of Rural and Community Development.
127. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm whether dialectical behaviour therapy can now be accessed by persons in Clare; to confirm if it is a pilot scheme; how many places will be available for 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25774/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
128. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the number of job vacancies in Kerry University Hospital as a result of the HSE recruitment freeze (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25620/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
129. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on a home help application (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25629/24]
View answerAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
130. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to expanding access to continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) to those with type 2 diabetes under the long-term illness scheme, given that they can help prevent the deterioration of the condition, support nutrition and influence lifestyle behaviours; the reason a request by the national clinical programme for diabetes for a health technology assessment for CGM for people with type 2 diabetes was refused by HIQA; if the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics is considering making CGM available to all based on clinical need; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25633/24]
View answerDiabetes is a complex condition that can require management across the entire spectrum of healthcare delivery, including self-management support as well as care delivered through general practice, community specialist care and hospital inpatient specialist care.
The HSE has statutory responsibility for pricing and reimbursement decisions under the community drug schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. In making a relevant reimbursement decision, the HSE is required under the Act to have regard to a number of criteria including clinical efficacy, the health needs of the public, cost effectiveness and potential or actual budget impact.
The National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE) are involved in the pharmacoeconomic evaluation of products being considered for addition to the HSE reimbursement list. The NCPE are not involved in reimbursement decision making. The HSE Executive Management Team has the decision-making authority in respect of reimbursement decisions.
To ensure that the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) carry out Health Technology Assessments (HTAs) which are of the maximum benefit to the healthcare system, a prioritisation process is used to select HTA topics. Within the prioritisation process, HIQA gathers high-level information on four areas of impact: clinical, economic, policy and organisational. Topics are then ranked on the basis of the four areas of impact. An advisory group comprising key stakeholders, including the Department of Health and the HSE, is then involved in selecting the most relevant topics.
Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems provide an alternative approach to using blood glucose test strips for self-monitoring of blood glucose, by measuring glucose levels in the interstitial fluid (a thin layer of fluid around the cells). These systems comprise of sensors (self-administered subcutaneously, typically in the upper arm and replaced every 7 to 14 days depending on the system), transmitters (or combined sensors and transmitters), and a mechanism to display the results (readers/receivers or smart device application).
HIQA published a HTA of CGM in adults with type 1 diabetes on 29th September 2023. This is available at: www.hiqa.ie/reports-and-publications/health-technology-assessment/rapid-health-technology-assessment-continuous.
In line with the advice from HIQA, and due to the budget impact associated with CGM sensors, the HSE established a single reimbursement application system from 1 December 2023 for all CGM sensors on the reimbursement list.
Reimbursement support for CGM sensors under the community drug schemes is for people with type 1 diabetes regardless of age. An application for reimbursement support of CGM sensors can be submitted for any patient, and each application is reviewed by the HSE-Medicines Management Programme (MMP) on a case-by-case basis.
To date, a Health Technology Assessment of CGM sensors for people with type 2 diabetes has not been undertaken, and as a result there is limited information available to support the extension of reimbursement support for CGM sensors to those with type 2 diabetes.
However, there has been significant service development and investment by Government in supporting people with type 2 diabetes. There has been a significant shift in the quality and delivery of diabetes care in recent years, with more patients being provided with care in the community and at an earlier stage.
The inclusion of diabetes as one of four chronic diseases in respect of which adults who hold a medical or a GP visit card receive ongoing, planned care from their GP through the Chronic Disease Management Programme also represents a major step forward in assisting those living with diabetes to manage their condition.
Significant resources have been allocated under the Enhanced Community Care Programme to establish Specialist Diabetes teams within community hubs to better support GPs to manage people with complicated Type 2 diabetes.
Where necessary, GPs can refer these patients into ECC Chronic Disease teams, where further specialist services are provided, such as podiatry, dietary advice, and if necessary, access to consultant-level care in the community.
Research into the Chronic Disease Management Programme has shown that over 90% of patients with chronic diseases, including diabetes, are now successfully managing their conditions in community settings.
131. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if his Department will engage with a group (details supplied) regarding the use of a building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25639/24]
View answerThe HSE has a significant property portfolio extending to c.4,400 buildings across c.2,600 locations throughout the country. These buildings range in age from pre-18th century to modern purpose-built facilities. The health estate is varied and complex, ranging from small health centres in rural locations to very large acute hospitals. The estate is actively managed and changes constantly. The HSE actively manages this portfolio including the disposal of identified surplus assets.
The HSE adheres to its statutory obligations and is required to offer surplus assets in the first case to the LDA and then to other State stakeholders (including Local Authorities) under Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Circulars 11/15 Protocols for the Transfer and Sharing of State Property Assets & 17/16 Policy for the Property Acquisition and for Disposal of Surplus Property.
The HSE must follow the official process for the disposal of properties by State bodies and agencies. When a HSE property has been vacated by a service it is necessary to establish if it is surplus to requirements and decide to retain the property in the healthcare estates. If the property is to be disposed of, the process hierarchy is set out as follows:
• Offer the property to the LDA via written notification.
• Should the LDA not choose to take up the property, under DPER Circulars 11/2015 & 17/2016 the HSE must then offer the property to other State Stakeholders via the State Property Register.
• Should no other State Stakeholders take up the property, the HSE then places the property for sale on the open market.
The HSE owned property at Shandon Street, Cork was under review by HSE for the potential provision of health care services. However, the said Service have confirmed that the said property was deemed not required. The property was found to be surplus to health care needs, it is currently in the process of being offered to the LDA, in the process as outlined above.
Should a local authority identify HSE property which they believe could be repurposed for community use, the local authority should contact the HSE in the first instance to determine the potential use of the property.
132. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the consideration been given to alternative pathways to registration for non-EAA dentists on Stamp 4 permits (details supplied); the consideration been given to a new process for recognition of qualifications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25642/24]
View answerThe Dentists Act 1985 establishes the Dental Council as the regulatory body for the dental profession in Ireland. The Dental Council is responsible for establishing, maintaining, and publishing a Register of Dentists and a Register of Dental Specialists and other Dental auxiliary roles. As the regulator, issues concerning the registration of Dentist’s are a matter for the Dental Council to consider.
133. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive the recommended equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25643/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
134. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health if they are aware of the lack of dietitians in the CHO7 area; if they will make allowances under the ongoing recruitment embargo to fill specialist posts such as this, particularly where there are no posts filled; the alternatives available to individuals who require diagnosis and treatment by a dietitian in the CHO7 area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25649/24]
View answerAs this is an operational matter for the Health Service Executive, the HSE has been asked to respond directly to the Deputy.
135. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the number of formal and informal Council of the European Union meetings that have been held since 27 June 2020 under the remit of his Department; and the number of formal and informal meetings, respectively held virtually and the corresponding number held in person; if he or his predecessor attended each meeting, or a Minister of State or ambassador represented the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25672/24]
View answerThe table below includes the information requested in relation to the Health-related meetings of the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (EPSCO), which is a configuration of the Council of the European Union, since 27 June 2020.
|
Council |
Date |
Attendee |
Format |
|
Informal Videoconference of Health Ministers |
16 Jul 2020 |
Minister, Stephen Donnelly |
Online |
|
Short-term EU health preparedness for COVID-19 outbreaks |
22 Jul 2020 |
Acting Secretary General, Colm O’Reardon |
Online |
|
Informal EU minister VC on quarantine/testing and vaccines |
4 Sep 2020 |
Minister, Stephen Donnelly |
Online |
|
Informal Meeting of Health Ministers |
2 Oct 2020 |
Minister of State Frank Feighan |
Online |
|
Meeting of EU Heads of Mission in Ireland |
27 Oct 2020 |
Minister, Stephen Donnelly |
Online |
|
Informal Meeting of Health Ministers |
30 Oct 2020 |
Minister, Stephen Donnelly |
Online |
|
Informal Meeting of Health Ministers |
2 Dec 2020 |
Minister, Stephen Donnelly |
Online |
|
Deputy-Level Meeting, state of play, authorisation procedures for COVID-19 vaccines |
16 Dec 2020 |
Acting Secretary General, Colm O’Reardon |
Online |
|
Informal Meeting of Health Ministers |
13 Jan 2021 |
Minister, Stephen Donnelly |
Online |
|
Informal Meeting of Health Ministers |
1 Mar 2021 |
Minister, Stephen Donnelly |
Online |
|
Informal Meeting of Health Ministers |
16 Mar 2021 |
Minister of State, Frank Feighan |
Online |
|
Informal Meeting of Health Ministers |
7 April 2021 |
Minister, Stephen Donnelly |
Online |
|
EPSCO Meeting of Health Ministers |
15 Jun 2021 |
Minister, Stephen Donnelly |
In-Person |
|
Informal Meeting of Health Ministers |
12 Oct 2021 |
Minister, Stephen Donnelly |
Online |
|
EPSCO Meeting of Health Ministers |
7 Dec 2021 |
Minister of State, Frank Feighan |
In-Person |
|
Ministerial Conference of Foreign Affairs and Health Ministers |
9 Feb 2022 |
Minister of State for Overseas Development Aid and Diaspora, Colm Brophy TD |
In-Person |
|
Informal Meeting of Health Ministers |
10 Feb 2022 |
Principal Officer, Jonathan Patchell |
In-Person |
|
Informal Meeting of Health Ministers, extraordinary meeting on Ukraine |
15 Mar 2022 |
Deputy Permanent Representative to the EU, Barbara Cullinane |
In-Person |
|
EPSCO Meeting of Health Ministers |
29 Mar 2022 |
Minister, Frank Feighan |
In-Person |
|
EPSCO Meeting of Health Ministers |
14 Jun 2022 |
Minister of State , Frank Feighan |
In-Person |
|
Informal Meeting of Health Ministers |
6-7 Sep 2022 |
Minister, Stephen Donnelly |
In-Person |
|
EPSCO Meeting of Health Ministers |
9 Dec 2022 |
Minister, Stephen Donnelly |
In-Person |
|
EPSCO Meeting of Health Ministers |
14 Mar 2023 |
Deputy Permanent Representative to the EU, Barbara Cullinane |
In-Person |
|
Informal Meeting of Health Ministers |
4-5 May 2023 |
Assistant Sec, Muiris O'Connor |
In-Person |
|
EPSCO Meeting of Health Ministers |
13 Jun 2023 |
Minister, Stephen Donnelly |
In-Person |
|
Informal Meeting of Health Ministers |
28 Jul 2023 |
Minister, Stephen Donnelly |
In-Person |
|
EPSCO Meeting of Health Ministers |
30 Nov 2023 |
Deputy Permanent Representative to the EU, Barbara Cullinane |
In-Person |
|
Informal Meeting of Health Ministers |
24 Apr 2024 |
Assistant Sec, Muiris O'Connor |
In-Person |
|
EPSCO Meeting of Health Ministers |
21 June 2024 |
Minister, Stephen Donnelly |
In-Person |
136. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health if his Department and each body and agency under the remit of his Department has achieved the Government-mandated public sector remote working target of 20%; when this was achieved in each instance; the current percentage of staff working remotely; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25690/24]
View answerIn respect of the Department of Health, the 20% target was achieved in 2022 when the Department of Health Blended Working policy was launched and currently 89% of the staff are availing of blending working. Blended working is available to all staff except those whose presence is required onsite due to the nature of their role.
A small cohort of staff have not yet submitted their applications for a variety of reasons including Leaves of Absence, New Hires & Maternity Leave. A further small cohort of staff have declined to apply for blended working.
The HSE will respond directly to the Deputy in respect of the staff of the HSE and Section 38 bodies under their aegis.
In respect of the Non-Commercial State Agencies under the aegis of my Department, responses have been sought from each body, and once collated, this information will be provided to the Deputy by way of separate cover.
137. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health when an appointment for a person (details supplied) will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25704/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
138. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health when an appointment for a person (details supplied) will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25705/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
139. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health when an appointment for a person (details supplied) will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25709/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
140. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health when a child (details supplied) will receive an appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25732/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
141. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health when the 1,500 people living with lupus in Ireland can expect to be given access to belimumab and anifrolumab for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus when the 1,500 people living with lupus in Ireland can expect to be given access to belimumab and anifrolumab for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25738/24]
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.
142. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health to address the delay in issuing an appointment (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25755/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
143. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health when the HSE will recognise plantar fasciitis as an occupational injury (details supplied). [25756/24]
View answerI have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
144. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health to confirm if the recruitment process for the MW dual diagnosis team has been completed; if all refurbishments have been finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25777/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
145. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of formal and informal Council of the European Union meetings that have been held since 27 June 2020 under the remit of his Department; and the number of formal and informal meetings, respectively held virtually and the corresponding number held in person; if he or his predecessor attended each meeting, or a Minister of State or ambassador represented the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25671/24]
View answerSince June 2020, there have been 19 formal and 15 informal Council of the European Union meetings based on the EYCS (Education) and Compet (Research) formations.
Of these, 7 were held virtually and 27 held in person.
Minister Harris attended 7; Minister of State Niall Collins attended 4; and ambassadors represented the Government on 9 occasions. The EYCS (Education) Council is shared between the Ministers for FHERIS and Education, and a recommendation, regarding the Minister best placed to attend, is provided by officials based on an analysis of the agenda.
Please see a breakdown of the EYCS (Education) and Compet (Research) meetings for the period June 2020 to June 2024 attached.
146. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department and each body and agency under the remit of his Department has achieved the Government-mandated public sector remote working target of 20%; when this was achieved in each instance; the current percentage of staff working remotely; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25689/24]
View answerThe majority of staff in the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science are availing of remote working since 2020. The Department's Blended Working Policy was introduced at the end of 2023 and allows staff members to make applications to work remotely for up to 3 days per week. We are now accepting applications from staff members to formalise their blended working arrangements and to date, approximately 32% of staff members have made formal applications to avail of blended working and this number continues to rise.
The information in respect of aegis bodies, within the scope of the Deputy’s question, is not held by my Department. Contact details for these bodies are set out in the attached document, should the Deputy wish to contact the aegis bodies directly with their query.
147. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of formal and informal Council of the European Union meetings that have been held since 27 June 2020 under the remit of her Department; and the number of formal and informal meetings, respectively held virtually and the corresponding number held in person; if she or his predecessor attended each meeting, or a Minister of State or ambassador represented the Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25676/24]
View answerI can confirm that neither I, nor Minister of State O'Brien, have attended any formal or informal Council of the European Union meetings under the remit of the Department of Rural and Community Development since 27 June 2020. I would note that, while my Department engages extensively at European level with regard to EU programmes and on policy issues of relevance to the Department, there are no formal or informal Council formations relating to rural and community development.
