Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:552. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20407/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraHospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (552)
Freagraí scríofa
Under 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.
Medical Cards
Ceisteanna (553, 554)
Gary Gannon
Ceist:553. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Health to explain precisely the differences between the ‘enhanced medical card’ and the ordinary medical card. [20409/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraGary Gannon
Ceist:554. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Health how many institutional survivors, who are eligible for the ‘enhanced medical card’, are already in possession of the ordinary medical card; and the difference the ‘enhanced’ card will make to them. [20410/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 553 and 554 together.
Eligibility for a medical card is primarily based on a financial assessment which is conducted by the HSE in accordance with the Health Act 1970. The HSE assesses each medical card application on a qualifying financial threshold. Medical card holders are eligible for a range of services including general practitioner services, prescribed drugs and medicines, public in-patient services in public hospitals, public hospital out-patient services, dental, ophthalmic and aural services. Apart from prescribed drugs and medicines, which are subject to a prescription charge, public health services are provided free of charge to medical card holders.
Government has previously approved the provision of health services and supports (sometimes referred to as “enhanced medical card”) in certain specific circumstances, for example the Magdalene Restorative Justice Ex-Gratia Scheme and the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme, which are provided to defined groups in acknowledgement of circumstances experienced while resident in relevant institutions.
There is relevant legislation in each case, for example the Redress for Women Resident in Certain Institutions Act 2015 (RWRCI Act) and the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme Act 2023, which make provision for a range of primary and community health services in Ireland for eligible persons who qualify under each Scheme, including general practitioner services, acute inpatient services, drugs, medicines and surgical appliances, nursing services, home help services, dental, ophthalmic and aural services, counselling, chiropody and physiotherapy services.
Information on the number of institutional survivors eligible for the ‘enhanced medical card’ who may already be in possession of a medical card is not available at this time. As of 1 April 2024, 1,598,479 hold eligibility for a medical card and 660,487 hold eligibility for a GP visit card.
Question No. 554 answered with Question No. 553.
Medical Cards
Ceisteanna (555)
Gary Gannon
Ceist:555. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Health what are, or will be, the differences between the entitlements of HAA card holders and holders of the ‘enhanced medical card’. [20411/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Eligibility for HAA services is based on the Health Amendment Act 1996. The purpose of the 1996 Act was to meet the health care needs of persons who contracted hepatitis C from a blood product or blood transfusion. It is generally accepted that these hepatitis C patients are a particularly vulnerable group who have specific health needs as a result of their infection.
Separately, Government has previously approved the provision of health services and supports (sometimes referred to as “enhanced medical card”) in certain specific circumstances, for example the Magdalene Restorative Justice Ex-Gratia Scheme and the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme, which are provided to defined groups in acknowledgement of circumstances experienced while resident in relevant institutions. There is relevant legislation in each case, for example the Redress for Women Resident in Certain Institutions Act 2015 (RWRCI Act) and the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme Act 2023, which make provision for a range of primary and community health services in Ireland for eligible persons who qualify under each Scheme, including general practitioner services, acute inpatient services, drugs, medicines and surgical appliances, nursing services, home help services, dental, ophthalmic and aural services, counselling, chiropody and physiotherapy services.
Medical Aids and Appliances
Ceisteanna (556)
James Lawless
Ceist:556. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health to examine an issue (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20414/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service issue it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for a direct reply to the Deputy.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (557)
Claire Kerrane
Ceist:557. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on funding allocation for a programme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20422/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Seeking Safety Programme is an internationally recognised manual for establishing safety in the lives of women with a dual diagnosis. Seeking Safety Ireland is rolling out the valuable Seeking Safety Programme to women in Ireland who were experiencing the dual diagnosis of mental health difficulties and addiction, in addition to domestic and sexual gender-based violence and associated issues.
I met with Seeking Safety Ireland and the HSE recently to discuss the programme. Seeking Safety Ireland has been allocated €250,000 in recurring funding, to be allocated across 7 organisations. This forms part of a suite of supports funded under the additional €10 million funding allocation for mental health which I announced in January.
This programme previously received pilot funding through the Department of Health Women’s Health Fund in 2022, and the announcement of permanent funding today ensures that this programme can continue its work on a recurring basis.
Medicinal Products
Ceisteanna (558)
Michael Collins
Ceist:558. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Health based on the fact that melatonin and circadin tablets which are used in the treatment of insomnia are ineffective in many patients, and that GPs are prescribing slenyto more frequently for these patients with a very high success rate; when will this drug be put on the discretionary hardship scheme. [20431/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 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 licenced 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 the pricing and reimbursement application process at the moment. The HSE further advise that reimbursement support under the Community Drug Schemes or any arrangement cannot be provided in advance of the conclusion of the formal processes.
Hospital Facilities
Ceisteanna (559)
Seán Fleming
Ceist:559. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health to reconsider the position regarding neurological services at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20432/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (560)
Willie O'Dea
Ceist:560. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Health if he intends to establish a tribunal to deal with cases of people who have been injured as a result of taking the Covid vaccines; if so, when the tribunal will be established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20436/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Work is ongoing to design a proposed model for a vaccine damage scheme and officials in my department are working through related policy matters. The development of such a model needs detailed consideration to ensure that it is appropriately designed and it is not possible at this stage to pre-empt the form the scheme will take once it is delivered. Once the model is developed, I will bring it to Cabinet for approval.
Nursing Homes
Ceisteanna (561)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:561. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health to provide summary reports showing which nursing homes were claiming the TAPS scheme for 2020, 2021 and 2022. [20439/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Departmental Policies
Ceisteanna (562)
Marian Harkin
Ceist:562. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Health the status of the promised national safeguarding policy for the health and social care sector, with particular emphasis on the safeguarding of adults and older people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20445/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Safeguarding at-risk adults against abuse is of paramount importance and is taken very seriously by the Department of Health and the Government.
The Department of Health, in liaison with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, is at an advanced stage of developing a national policy on adult safeguarding specifically in respect of the health and care sector (including older people), in order to further strengthen existing protections in this sector. A public consultation closed on 2 April and the consultation feedback report will now be prepared by the Institute of Public Health.
Separately, on 17 April, the independent Law Reform Commission published a Report on ‘A Regulatory Framework for Adult Safeguarding'. The Commission’s recommendations are comprehensive and wide-ranging and have relevance across a range of Government Departments. The Department of Health will carefully consider the recommendations the Commission has made that are relevant to the Department's functions and its recommendations in relation to inter-departmental cooperation and I anticipate that the other key Departments with relevant functions will do the same. The Department of Health looks forward to working in partnership with all relevant Departments in analysing and considering in detail the comprehensive and wide-ranging recommendations and draft civil and criminal legislation that the Commission has published in its Report.
It is expected that this Department's costed sectoral policy proposals will be brought before Government at the end of this year, informed by the consultation process and also the Law Reform Commission’s report.
Health Services Staff
Ceisteanna (563)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:563. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if the HSE will provide a supplementary pension payment to two retired HSE workers in County Kerry who had their pensions reduced (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20449/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is an administrative matter for the Health Service Executive, the HSE has been asked to respond directly to the Deputy.
Medical Aids and Appliances
Ceisteanna (564)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:564. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20451/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Home Care Packages
Ceisteanna (565)
Marian Harkin
Ceist:565. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Health if home care support will be provided for a person (details supplied) in their own home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20452/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Nursing Homes
Ceisteanna (566)
Noel Grealish
Ceist:566. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health if a person's personal financial contribution under the fair deal scheme includes a contribution based on assets, when the person is not the legal owner of the property, but would have succession rights while still alive, but if the applicant passes away before his remaining siblings he will not have any entitlement to a share of the property (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20466/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS), commonly referred to as 'Fair Deal', is a system of financial support for people who require long-term residential care. The primary legislation underpinning the NHSS is the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act 2009. Participants in the NHSS contribute to the cost of their care according to their means while the State pays the balance of the cost. The Scheme aims to ensure that long-term nursing home care is accessible and affordable for everyone, and that people are cared for in the most appropriate settings.
Participants within the NHSS contribute up to 80% of their income (40% if part of a couple) and 7.5% per annum of the value of their assets (3.75% if part of a couple). The first €36,000 (€72,000 if part of a couple) is excluded from assessment. The value of a person's principal residence is only assessed for contributions for their first three years on the scheme.
Assets assessed include cash assets as well as non-cash assets such as the principal private residence, other property and land, including farmland.
For the purposes of financial assessment, income includes:
- Earnings, including income from farming or business activities
- Pension income
- Social welfare benefits/allowances
- Rental income
- Income from holding an office or directorship
- Income from fees, commissions, dividends or interest
- Any income which you have deprived yourself of in the five years prior to application
Transferred assets and income, defined as assets or income transferred to another person up to five years before a person's application to the scheme, are also assessed.
The applicant’s contribution to the cost of care is therefore calculated based on the value of assets owned, or proportional share in an asset, on the date they entered care. The legal basis for the financial assessment of means is contained in Section 10 of the Act and can be viewed by following this link: www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2009/act/15/section/10/enacted/en/html#sec10
The calculation to determine an applicant’s contribution to the cost of their own care is contained in Schedule 1 of the Act and can be viewed by following this link: www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2009/act/15/schedule/1/enacted/en/html#sched1 (this link in the case of a person who is not a member of a couple: www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2009/act/15/schedule/1/enacted/en/html#sched1).
I am precluded by the provisions of Section 10B of the Health Act 2004 (as inserted by Section 6 of the Health Service Executive (Governance) Act 2013) from directing the Health Service Executive (HSE) as regards any function of the HSE relating to the provision of treatment or of a health or personal social service to any particular person, or as regards any decision whether or not a particular person is eligible for a particular health or personal social service or the extent to which and the manner in which a person is eligible for such a service.
Under the Health Act 2004, the day-to-day operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health services is a matter for the HSE.
All questions arising in respect of title, as they pertain to the lawful ownership of property, are matters between the HSE and the applicant and their representatives. In this instance, the family should continue to engage with their Local Nursing Home Support Office in respect of these matters.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (567)
Michael Lowry
Ceist:567. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health if he will address the issues highlighted by a person (details supplied); the steps being considered to address the issues highlighted; when the person will receive a detailed response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20480/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Firstly, as the Deputy will be aware, the Health Service Executive is responsible for providing public health care in hospitals and communities throughout the country.
In that context I am sure you will understand that it is not possible for the Minister for Health to get involved in the care of any individual as my role relates primarily to legislation, national policy, overall budgetary allocation, corporate governance and public relations.
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.
From the correspondence you have sent I can see that the persons involved have already sent a formal complaint to HSE’s Your service Your Say, and I encourage them to continue to interact with the HSE directly.
If you or your constituent are not satisfied the timelines or the content of the response, please feel free to contact my Department again, through ministerial representation, and I will seek further clarification.
Pharmacy Services
Ceisteanna (568)
Robert Troy
Ceist:568. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will clarify whether there is currently an issue regarding delivery drivers delivering medication and prescriptions to patients in cases where prescriptions have been filled by a qualified pharmacist; and to clarify the efforts being made to resolve this issue. [20487/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I thank the Deputy for their question.
Many pharmacies have traditionally provided a delivery service for dispensed medicines whenever this was necessary in the interest of the health, safety and convenience of the patient. It is at the discretion of the individual pharmacy if they wish to offer a delivery service to their customers and patients.
Regulation 9 of the Regulation of Retail Pharmacy Businesses Regulations 2008 (S.I. No. 488 of 2008) requires that a person carrying on a retail pharmacy business ensures that prior to the dispensing of each prescription and prior to the supply of the medicinal product concerned, a registered pharmacist reviews the prescription having regard to the pharmaceutical and therapeutic appropriateness of the medicine therapy for the patient.
In the supply of medicines via a delivery system, pharmacists should apply all the usual professional activities employed in the dispensing of prescriptions including therapeutic review and patient counselling in order that patient care be provided to the usual expected standard. In addition, pharmacists must pay particular attention to the delivery steps in a delivery system to ensure that the medicinal products can be safely supplied.
Whatever method of arranged delivery is used, the pharmacist is fully responsible for ensuring that the system used is suitable having regard to the nature of the medicine concerned and the integrity of the supply chain through which the medicines are to be delivered. The pharmacist retains responsibility throughout for securing the safe delivery of the medicine to the patient and therefore must be satisfied that the delivery system adheres to the guidance set out by the PSI, the Pharmacy Regulator.
Departmental Reports
Ceisteanna (569)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:569. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if a report, believed to have begun in June 2022 into 11 allegations of abuse at a disability centre (details supplied), will be made public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20489/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I wish to advise the Deputy that this is a matter for the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.
Home Care Packages
Ceisteanna (570)
John McGuinness
Ceist:570. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if the hours promised for the care of a person (details supplied) will be provided without delay; if the family will be given clarification on the waiting list process and allocation of home care services and if he will expedite a positive response and immediate engagement with the family. [20496/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (571)
Seán Canney
Ceist:571. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health how many patients are on the podiatry waiting list in Galway; how long the current waiting time is; if the interval between appointments for patients has been changed in the past year; if there are currently any unfilled clinical positions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20498/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible
Medical Cards
Ceisteanna (572)
Marc Ó Cathasaigh
Ceist:572. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Health the number of people who lost access to a medical card due to pension increases in the last Budget; his Department's plans to pre-emptively address the issue in Budget 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20506/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Eligibility for a Medical Card is primarily based on a financial assessment which is conducted by the HSE in accordance with the Health Act 1970 (as amended). The HSE assesses each medical card application on a qualifying financial threshold. This is the amount of money that an individual can earn a week and still qualify for a card. It is specific to the individual’s own financial circumstances.
Persons aged 69 and under are assessed under the general means tested medical card thresholds which are based on an applicant’s household income after tax and the deduction of PRSI and the Universal Social Charge. Certain expenses are also taken into account. Examples of allowable expenses include rent, mortgage, certain insurance costs, childcare, maintenance, nursing home net costs which help to increase the amount a person can earn and still qualify for a medical card. Detailed information on medical card assessment process is available at: Assessment for a medical card - HSE.ie. In situations where a person’s sole income is derived from a social welfare payment, even where this payment is in excess of the current income thresholds, the person will be awarded a medical card.
Persons aged 70 or older are assessed under the over 70s medical card income thresholds which are based on gross income. In November 2020, the weekly gross medical card income thresholds for those aged 70 and over were increased to €550 per week for a single person and €1050 for a couple. This increase helps to ensure that a greater proportion of those aged 70 and over qualify for a medical card. However, it should be noted that those aged over 70 can also be assessed under the general means tested scheme where there are particularly high costs, e.g., medication, nursing home fees. Furthermore, the Deputy may be aware that, since 2015, every individual aged 70 and over has automatic eligibility for a GP visit card.
I wish to assure the Deputy that the current medical card income thresholds are kept under review and any changes that may be required would be considered in the context of broader Government policy, the annual budgetary estimates process and other issues which may be relevant for consideration.
With regards to the number of medical card holders pre and post Budget last year, as this is a service issue it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.