Written Answers Nos. 340-363
340. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Health his views on the requirement of an individual’s eye report for each application for reimbursement for low vision aids and the change in support for one magnifier and one pair of cocoons every year to every three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25971/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
341. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health if he will consider reducing the age of eligibility for breast cancer screening from 50 to 30 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25972/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am fully committed to supporting our population screening programmes, which are a valuable part of our health service. They enable early treatment and care for many people and improve the overall health of our population.
BreastCheck, the National Breast Screening Programme, currently invites women aged 50 to 69 years at regular periods to have a routine mammogram. Under commitments in the Programme for Government, BreastCheck eligibility has been expanded to women aged 69 years since 2021.
I would highlight that any decisions about further changes in cancer screening, including further extension of the age ranges, will be made on the advice of the National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC). This independent expert group 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.
Regarding proposals for the expansion of breast cancer screening. NSAC previously submitted a request to the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) to consider the evidence for a further expansion of the age range eligibility for the BreastCheck programme.
Health Technology Assessments (HTA) facilitate the assessment of relevant evidence and knowledge on the effects and consequences of healthcare technologies to guide decisions regarding the appropriate use of technology and efficient allocation of resources. They involve a multi-disciplinary assessment of the clinical, economic, ethical, legal and societal perspectives that may be impacted by the introduction of a new technology. They are time intensive and rigorous processes.
HIQA is currently focused on two HTA processes underway to examine the expansion the BowelScreen programme and the potential development of a population-based screening programme for Abdominal Aortic Aneurism (AAA). The evidence review for the expansion of the BreastCheck programme remains a key priority for NSAC and is expected to commence once the ongoing HTAs have concluded.
Finally, I would like to emphasise that population-based screening programmes are for healthy people without symptoms. If anyone becomes aware of symptoms, or if they have concerns or worries, they should contact their General Practitioner (GP) immediately.
342. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied); if he will provide an update on this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25973/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder 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.
343. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to staff shortages in radiography roles in Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin; if he is concerned by the knock on impact this is having for child patients and their families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25976/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
344. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the special scheme of paid leave for healthcare workers who are suffering with long-Covid, which is due to expire at the end of this month; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25990/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Special Scheme is the subject of ongoing conciliation talks at the Workplace Relations Commission, it would be inappropriate for me to provide an update ahead of those talks concluding.
345. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to concerns related to the high costs of registering to a board (details supplied) and other administrative costs; if he is concerned that this puts an undue financial burden on those who must pay these mandatory charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25992/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraResponsibility for the regulation of nurses and midwives in Ireland rests with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI). The NMBI is an independent regulatory body established under the Nurses and Midwives Act, 2011.
As the query raised by the Deputy is a matter for the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI), I have referred the question to the NMBI for its attention and direct response to the Deputy.
346. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health when an appointment will be scheduled for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26002/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra“As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.”
347. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health when a particular service (details supplied) will be operational again in view of the fact that it has been out of service for at least three weeks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26003/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
348. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the lack of paediatric dieticians in the Dublin southwest area; if he will confirm where residents should go in the absence of local services; and if he agrees that the HSE’s response is inadequate; if he will provide a more detailed response (details supplied). [26004/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
349. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health the percentage of medical card holders under review at any one time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26009/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the medical card review process is a matter for the HSE, a copy of the Deputy's question has been forwarded to the HSE with a request to reply directly to the Deputy.
350. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1536 of 17 January 2024, if the move to a new site for the National Gender Service has since been confirmed, as indicated in a recent newspaper article (details supplied). [26010/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
351. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of National Gender Service patients who have stated that they regretted starting medical treatment at 16 years, as referenced in a recent newspaper article (details supplied). [26011/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
352. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Health when employees of a section 39 company (details supplied) which tendered for homecare work will receive an increase in their standard hourly rate of payment which also takes into account auto enrolment, increases in sick pay, licencing costs, insurance costs and inflation, having regard to a recent Workplace Relations Commission decision on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26012/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
353. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health if his Department is still committed to providing the services of a public health nurse in Fahan, County Donegal, following his confirmation that there were no plans to relocate same (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26019/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra“As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.”
354. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health if melatonin can be provided on the medical card to children with additional needs for whom it has been prescribed as the cost of accessing this is prohibitive for many families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26020/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 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
355. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health the status of the medical cards for two children (details supplied); the reason they are being reviewed given the HSE said it would not be doing this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26035/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
356. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Health the reason pharmacies are experiencing a shortage of ipramol; the measures being taken to ensure there is a significant supply in pharmacies and hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26041/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraTeva B.V., the company responsible for supplying Ipramol Steri-Neb Nebuliser Solution, has notified of a shortage of Ipramol Steri-Neb 0.5mg/2.5mg per 2.5ml Nebuliser Solution due to a manufacturing delay impacting multiple markets, not just Ireland. The company anticipates resupply of Ipramol Steri-Neb Nebuliser Solution on 15th July 2024.
I recognise that medicine shortages can be challenging for patients, carers, healthcare professionals and their teams. Medicine shortages are a feature of modern health systems worldwide which have been exacerbated by recent worldwide events. There are a multitude of reasons why a medicine may not be available including: shortages of raw materials; manufacturing difficulties; sudden unexpected increase in demand; or product recalls due to potential quality issues.
Ireland has a multi-stakeholder medicine shortage framework in place, coordinated by the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA), to prevent, wherever possible, and to manage medicine shortages when they occur. The Department of Health maintains regular contact with the HPRA regarding medicines shortages. The HPRA maintains a list of current and resolved shortages on its website . The webpage is updated daily as the HPRA receives new information.
In the event that patients or their carers are unable to source a medicine, they are advised to discuss possible alternatives with their doctor pending the resumption of normal supply
357. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Health the reason over-the-counter probiotic berberine is now unavailable and only available as a prescription or over the counter in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26042/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe matter outlined relates to a borderline product issue between a food supplement and a medicine. There are currently no medicines containing berberine authorised for the Irish market. Food supplements containing Berberine are available on the EU market.
Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) Guidance ‘Food Supplements – Legislative Guidance 2024’ clarifies that the definition of a food specifically excludes medicinal products. This guidance also goes on to highlight that the responsibility of retailers to ensure that food supplements under their control would not meet the definition of a medicine.
It also advises the use of the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) classification process as a tool to address questions prior to placing a food on the market. Separately, the HPRA is aware that the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is conducting a safety review of products containing berberine which remains ongoing. To date EFSA has noted general concerns regarding the use of these products including potential interactions with medicines which could modify their effects and/or lead to adverse effects.
The HPRA recently requested market action on products containing berberine brought to its attention that were placed on the market in Ireland as food supplements. This action was taken having regard to previous considerations by the HPRA’s Borderline Products Classification Committee which had considered certain products containing berberine to be more appropriately classified as medicines given the identified pharmacological effects, in addition to an identified concern regarding potential carcinogenicity.
The HPRA continues to review this position and is engaging directly with relevant stakeholders with regard to products containing berberine in the management of this borderline issue.
358. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Health if he plans to provide further supports and services for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia; if the HSE plans to recognise these Illnesses as physical illnesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26047/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
359. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Health if the HSE will recognise ankylosing spondylitis as a disease, as those suffering receive a disease modifying drug, however under the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005, this illness is not recognised as a disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26048/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
360. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE physiotherapists, by grade, working in Clontarf Orthopaedic Hospital in the years of 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form. [26095/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
361. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the amount collected in public car-parking charges at Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown in the years of 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form. [26096/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
362. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the average waiting time for admission to the National Rehabilitation Hospital, Dún Laoghaire. [26097/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
363. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE consultant paediatric neurosurgeons at CHI Temple Street in the years 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form. [26098/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
