Written Answers Nos. 336-351
336. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health if he will address the discrepancy between the current CNM2 and CNS pay scales, which to-date have seen the CNS pay scale being omitted from the additional scale point, and the introduction of the long service increment; the progress being made in addressing this matter as per the recommendation of the expert review body on nursing and midwifery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30644/24]
View answerI would like to acknowledge the very important part that Clinical Nurse and Midwife Specialists (CNS/CMS) play in our health sector.
They have a key role in the effective coordination of care for patients in our Health Service. My Department is committed to the continued and ongoing development and support of the CNS and CMS roles going forward.
Recent increases applied to the Clinical Nurse/ Midwife Manager 2 (CNM2/CMM2) scale were a result of the implementation of recommendation 45 of the Expert Review Body (ERB) on Nursing and Midwifery.
I understand that there are calls for the CNS/CMS grades to now also be included in the implementation of recommendation 45 of the ERB. While I understand that the salary of the CNS/CMS role has historically been aligned with the CNM 2/CMM 2 role, the terms of reference for the ERB did not incorporate the CNS/CMS for pay related considerations.
I can advise that my officials are engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure on this matter.
337. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health the reason the Labour Court recommendation of 20 September 2023 (details supplied) has not yet been implemented across the board; the timeline for its full implementation including proper regard for CNS and CPCs; the reason for delaying the implementation of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30662/24]
View answerFirstly, I would like to acknowledge the important work carried out by all Clinical Nurse and Midwife Specialists and Clinical Placement Coordinators. Their work is of significant value to our services.
Recent increases applied to the Clinical Nurse/ Midwife Manager 2 (CNM/CMM) scale were a result of the implementation of recommendation 45 of the Expert Review Body (ERB) on Nursing and Midwifery and Labour Court recommendation LCR22828.
Recommendation 45 of the ERB set out that the Clinical Nurse Manager 2 and Clinical Midwife Manager 2 pay scales would be extended by an additional scale point making Point 10 the new max of scale. The scale would also gain an LSI at Point 11. As part of the new Public Service Agreement, 2024-2026, it was agreed that the recommendations set out by the Labour Court would be implemented with effect from 1 January 2024.
While it is the case that certain grades in the HSE have similar pay scales, this does not mean that they are linked to one another. LCR22828 refers only to the implementation of recommendations 44-46 of the ERB and their encompassed grades.
338. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the reason clinical nurse midwife specialists have not received the long service increment and additional scale point, as CNM2 grades have, given that their payscales are linked [30515/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
339. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health the reason the recommendations of the expert review body on nursing and midwifery, relating to the extension of CNM2 salary scales by an additional scale point, and the introduction of a long service increment, have not been implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30528/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
340. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 183 of 29 May 2024, if he will expedite a scanning appointment for a child (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30529/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
341. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health when a person in County Kerry (details supplied) will receive a dental appointment for extractions under sedation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30538/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
342. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health when the HSE recruitment freeze will be lifted, given the huge effect on the National Ambulance Service, with crews under immense pressure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30547/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
343. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health the number of assaults recorded against staff at Galway University Hospitals in 2023, by category of worker, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30550/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
344. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that a response issues to concerns raised by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30553/24]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the Medical Council’s Guide to Professional Conduct and Ethics for Medical Practitioners (‘the Guide’) outlines the values and principles that underpin professionalism and good medical practice in the interests of patients and the broader population.
I have been advised that the rationale applied in the Council’s drafting process of the 9th edition of the Guide was to remain at a high level in relation to legislation and produce supplementary guidance where necessary, which I understand is in keeping with the approach taken by other international regulatory bodies.
The decision was made by Council to remove the selected references and add an overarching reference to a doctor’s duty to comply with laws and regulations pertaining to their practice. The Guide is very clear and states that the medical profession must comply with, and operate within, the law. As per legislation, it is illegal for all individuals, including doctors, to take part in the deliberate killing of a person, or to assist a person to end their own life. A doctor also has the ability to consciously object to partake in the carrying out of a lawful procedure which conflicts with their moral values, subject to compliance that is outlined in page 42 of the Guide.
In the Medical Council’s preparation for the drafting of the 9th Edition of the Guide, I understand that a comprehensive public consultation took place. I am advised that there were 568 survey responses and 72% of these responses were from doctors. A roundtable targeted consultation with representative stakeholders was organised and informed by this feedback. These consultations generated significant feedback, and this was utilised by the Ethics Committee to inform the drafting of the 9th edition of the Guide.
My Department has been advised that the review of the Guide was undertaken utilising legal advices and based on agreed methodology by the Committee. When drafting, in addition to the consultation feedback, the Committee also considered existing and newly enacted legislation and policy and how it applies to the protection of the public from medical regulatory and legal perspectives. Furthermore, Committee decisions were informed by international comparisons, extensive research, and discussions.
It should be noted that the Medical Council is an independent statutory body, and as Minister I have no role in the Council’s production of the Guide to Professional Conduct and Ethics for Medical Practitioners. Under section 9 of the Medical Practitioners Act 2007, the Minister is precluded from giving policy directions to the Council in relation to the performance of its functions relating to the professional conduct and ethics of registered medical practitioners.
I hope this information is of assistance.
345. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health if he will intervene in the matter of a nursing home closure (details supplied) in the interests of residents, who are extremely concerned and distressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30557/24]
View answerLucan Lodge is a private nursing home, located in South Dublin, which was operated by Passage Healthcare International (Ireland) Limited.
The HSE was notified on Thursday 16th May 2024 by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA), that HIQA had cancelled the registration of Lucan Lodge Nursing Home with the agreement of the Directors of Passage Healthcare International (Ireland) Limited, who was the registered provider of Lucan Lodge Nursing Home. Since 10am on Friday 17th May, the HSE, in accordance with its statutory requirement under Section 64 of the Health Act 2007, is required to take charge of the nursing home and carry on its business as if it were still registered, pending alternative arrangements.
This means the HSE is performing its function as provider of last resort.
The HSE assessed the nursing home and has engaged with all relevant parties to explore all options as it relates to Lucan Lodge. This assessment has generated a number of significant issues of concern.
Several fire safety concerns have been identified within the existing infrastructure. In line with its obligations, the HSE have put mitigation measures in place to address immediate risks.
As part of the HSE’s responsibilities, routine water quality sampling was undertaken in Lucan Lodge. Positive Legionella results were returned across the site at very high levels.
In consultation with Public Health, a Water Quality Committee meeting was convened on the 21st June 2024 and an immediate plan was put in place to urgently address the situation including the implementation of immediate control measures noting that further permanent water and heating works are required.
Unfortunately, these measures can only address the immediate risk and will not support the safe provision of ongoing care in Lucan Lodge. Extensive infrastructural works are required to remedy both the fire and the water safety concerns. The necessary work could not be done while people remain in the building.
Due to these issues, the HSE plan is to support residents to relocate from Lucan Lodge with immediate effect with the aim of relocation of all residents to be achieved over the next 4 weeks. There are currently 40 residents in situ. Over recent weeks, with assistance from the HSE, 29 residents have transferred of their own choice to 12 other nursing homes.
I am deeply concerned to learn of the challenges facing Lucan Lodge and understand how upsetting this information may be for residents and family members. The HSE team on site in Lucan Lodge are committed to working closely with residents and family members to explore options regarding a move to a new nursing home. The HSE will work with residents and family members to ensure the transition to new nursing homes respects their will and preference.
The HSE team will be available onsite to residents and family members over the coming weeks to answer any questions. Please be assured that residents’ safety and ongoing care always remains the highest priority.
I would like to thank residents, families, and staff for their continuing co-operation at this difficult time.
346. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of persons (details supplied) regarding the administrative structuring of their pay scale; the actions he will take to address these concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30560/24]
View answerI would like to acknowledge the very important part that both Clinical Nurse and Midwife Managers (CNM/CMM) and Clinical Nurse and Midwife Specialists (CNS/CMS) play in our health sector. They have a key role in the effective coordination of care for patients in our Health Service. Recent increases that were applied to the Clinical Nurse/ Midwife Manager 2 (CNM/CMM) scale were a result of the implementation of recommendation 45 of the Expert Review Body (ERB) on Nursing and Midwifery.
Recommendation 45 of the ERB set out that the Clinical Nurse Manager 2 and Clinical Midwife Manager 2 pay scales would be extended by an additional scale point making Point 10 the new max of scale. The scale would also gain an LSI at Point 11. As part of the new Public Service Agreement, 2024-2026, it was agreed that the recommendations set out by the Labour Court would be implemented with effect from 1 January 2024.I understand that there are calls for the CNS/CMS grades to also be included in the implementation of recommendation 45 of the ERB. While I understand that the salary of the CNS/CMS role has historically been aligned with the CNM 2/CMM 2 role, the terms of reference for the ERB did not incorporate the CNS/CMS for pay related considerations.
I can advise that my officials are engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure on this matter.
347. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Health the staffing levels in CAMHS in CHO6 and CHO7 in each month of 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30571/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly as soon as possible.
348. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Health the budgetary allocations to CAMHS psychology in CHO7 and CHO6 in 2022, 2023 and 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30572/24]
View answerThe Department sought clarification from the Deputy and it has been has been confirmed that the question relates to CAMHS teams. As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly as soon as possible.
349. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Health the full staff available on each of the CAMHS teams in CHO6 and CHO7; 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. [30573/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly as soon as possible.
350. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Health the current waiting times for a CAMHS consultation/assessment, by CHO, in the years 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30574/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly as soon as possible.
351. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Health when the legislation will be enacted to reimburse parents who have to pay private practitioners to assess their children for special needs, in order to bypass long HSE primary care psychology or CAMHS waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30575/24]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that this is a matter for the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.
