Michael McGrath
Ceist:1640. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter raised in correspondence by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34067/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraDepartmental Schemes
Ceisteanna (1640)
Freagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Hospital Procedures
Ceisteanna (1641)
John McGuinness
Ceist:1641. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if urgent eye surgery required for a person (details supplied) will be arranged immediately at Waterford University Hospital as the surgery was to be carried out in January 2024. [34071/24]
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.”
Vaccination Programme
Ceisteanna (1642)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:1642. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will look at expanding the HPV Catch up Vaccination Programme for children who did not receive it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34072/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). The committee's recommendations are based on the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland and international best practice in relation to immunisation. It makes recommendations on vaccination policy to my Department.
The ages at which vaccines are recommended in the immunisation schedule are chosen by NIAC in order to give each child the best possible protection against vaccine preventable diseases. As the HPV vaccine is preventative it is intended to be administered, if possible, before a person becomes exposed to HPV infection.
The HPV vaccine is currently offered, free of charge, to boys and girls in first year of secondary school and is administered through the School Immunisation Programme. It is critical that the HPV vaccine is administered early and before any likely exposure to HPV. Maximising uptake in the schools-based HPV vaccination programme will be necessary to achieve the target of cervical cancer elimination.
My Department is working with the HSE to review the available options for future catch up opportunities.
Legislative Measures
Ceisteanna (1643)
Ivana Bacik
Ceist:1643. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Health if Section 26C of the Children and Family Relationships (Amendment) Bill 2023 addresses the policy concerns regarding prospective non-clinical conception; if not, the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34073/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 was commenced in May 2020, providing, for the first time in Ireland, legal recognition and pathways to parentage for same sex female couples.
At its core, the 2015 Act seeks to ensure the safety of donor assisted human reproduction (DAHR) procedures, provide absolute certainty as regards parentage for donor conceived children, and maintain a high level of protection for donor conceived children’s right to identity.
In order to achieve these aims, the 2015 Act requires that all DAHR procedures are undertaken in a DAHR facility. This is done through the regulation of those facilities, including through related legislation on, amongst other things, the safety standards applying to DAHR procedures.
In order to protect the right to identity of donor conceived children, the 2015 Act prohibits DAHR facilities from using anonymous gametes in DAHR procedures and places a legal obligation on DAHR facilities to report all DAHR procedures and live births arising from such procedures. The legislation ensures that all information regarding a donor conceived person is held on National Donor Conceived Persons Register so that they may access information on their genetic heritage in future years.
The 2015 Act further requires that, prior to a DAHR procedure being performed, consent forms have been signed by the intending parent(s) and donor, providing certainty as regards parentage of a donor conceived child from the point of a DAHR procedure.
Separately, all DAHR facilities operating in Ireland must be authorised by the Health Products Regulatory Authority and comply with the requirements established by S.I. No. 158/2006 – European Communities (Quality and Safety of Human Tissues and Cells) Regulations 2006, ensuring the safety of such procedures. In particular, all donated gametes used in DAHR procedures must be screened to ensure they meet the safety standards of the 2006 Regulation. DAHR facilities are also required to notify the Health Products Regulatory Authority of all serious adverse reactions or events arising from the use of donated gametes for example the transmission of a genetic disease. Where notified the HPRA can then notify other facilities who may hold gametes from the same donor.
The recently enacted Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Act 2024 provides further safeguards as regards DAHR procedures, including a requirement that donors in Ireland undergo counselling prior to donating gametes, and limitations on the number of families which may use gametes from an individual donor. These requirements will similarly be based on the involvement and regulation of DAHR facilities.
Taking account of the main aims of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015, it is the position of Department that a clinical setting is required to protect the health and interests of all parties involved in donor conception, and most importantly to safeguard the rights of children born through donor conception.
As the Deputy will be aware, however, through amendments to the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015, introduced as part of the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Act 2024, I have expanded the circumstances under which a declaration of parentage can be granted for intending parents who underwent a DAHR procedure prior to commencement of the 2015 Act.
Further amendments to the 2015 Act are planned. I propose to bring forward a supplementary bill to the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Act 2024 in the Dáil’s autumn legislative session to address some outstanding issues. Subject to further consultation with and legal advice from the Office of the Attorney General and Government approval the supplementary Bill will provide clarity for Irish residents undertaking DAHR procedures abroad and will include provisions for Irish citizens domiciled abroad who have undergone surrogacy or DAHR procedure abroad.
Healthcare Policy
Ceisteanna (1644)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:1644. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the reason sick people are being asked to travel long distances to meet community intervention teams; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34075/24]
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.
Departmental Schemes
Ceisteanna (1645)
Cathal Crowe
Ceist:1645. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health to consider adding early onset Alzheimer's to the list of medical conditions covered by the long-term illness scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34079/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Long-Term Illness (LTI) Scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). Regulations were made in 1971, 1973 and 1975, prescribing 16 conditions covered by the Scheme. These are: acute leukaemia; mental handicap; cerebral palsy; mental illness (in a person under 16); cystic fibrosis; multiple sclerosis; diabetes insipidus; muscular dystrophies; diabetes mellitus; parkinsonism; epilepsy; phenylketonuria; haemophilia; spina bifida; hydrocephalus; and conditions arising from the use of Thalidomide.
Under the LTI Scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge.
While there are currently no plans to extend the list of conditions, it is important to remember that the LTI Scheme exists within a wider eligibility framework.
This Government has put a significant focus on improving access to and the affordability of healthcare services, advancing substantial policy, legislation and investment to deliver expanded eligibility. This includes reductions in the Drug Payment Scheme threshold, expansion of access to free GP care, and the abolition of all public in-patient hospital charges for children and adults. These measures continue to create a health and social care service that offers affordable access to quality healthcare.
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.
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%.
Healthcare Policy
Ceisteanna (1646)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Ceist:1646. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health his plans to make HRT medication free to all women; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34087/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government recognises that menopause is a key health and wellbeing issue for women in Ireland today.
There has been much work undertaken in relation to this issue, driven by the Women’s Health Taskforce and the Women’s Health Action Plan launched in 2022 (see gov.ie/en/publication/232af-womens-health-action-plan-2022-2023/).
The Women’s Health Action Plan 2024-2025 Phase 2: An Evolution in Women’s Health was launched earlier this year and builds on the work done over the last several years. Further information can be found at: gov.ie/en/publication/064c5-ministers-launch-the-womens-health-action-plan-2024-2025-phase-2-an-evolution-in-womens-health/
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a common and important treatment for the symptoms of menopause. However, not all women experiencing menopause may be clinically eligible for HRT. Additionally, some women may also choose to address their symptoms through other means, including lifestyle changes.
Currently many women receive support in accessing HRT medication under the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme or under the Drug Payment Scheme. However, I have asked my officials to explore the options available in relation to the provision of state-funded HRT to all women who require it in treating symptoms of menopause. This work is underway, and details will be made available in due course.
In conjunction with the Women's Health Taskforce, I look forward to continuing to raise awareness, to remove the stigma associated with menopause and to ensure that women have access to the necessary supports and services to assist them through this time in their lives.
Question No. 1647 answered with Question No. 1630.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (1648)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:1648. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if an eye appointment for a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34094/24]
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.”
Hospital Services
Ceisteanna (1649)
Rose Conway-Walsh
Ceist:1649. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health to provide the average emergency department waiting times for Mayo University Hospital compared to Saolta and national averages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34106/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the deputy directly.
Hospital Services
Ceisteanna (1650)
Rose Conway-Walsh
Ceist:1650. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health the number of patients presenting at the emergency department of Mayo University Hospital, but leaving prior to being seen each month since October 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34107/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the deputy directly.
Hospital Facilities
Ceisteanna (1651)
Denis Naughten
Ceist:1651. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health when the new 50-bed ward block will be open at Portiuncula Hospital Ballinasloe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34114/24]
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.
Mental Health Services
Ceisteanna (1652)
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:1652. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health to urgently intervene and provide clarity on the unacceptable situation outlined in correspondence (details supplied) that the additional €1.5bn announced for the health services and the lifting of a so-called embargo has had little to no impact on adult mental health services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34118/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The HSE has been asked to respond directly to the Deputy.
Medicinal Products
Ceisteanna (1653)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:1653. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if a request for a safety sleeper for a child (details supplied) will be granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34119/24]
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.
Health Services Staff
Ceisteanna (1654)
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:1654. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question 608 of 5 December 2023, to urgently review the excessive number of vacant posts within Our Lady of Lourdes hospital Drogheda (details supplied); if the recent lifting of the job embargo will positively impact this current vacancy level; to consider setting up a taskforce to assist hospitals with the highest post vacancies to recruit staff for these vital frontline positions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34125/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As recruitment at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible regards the impacts on current vacancy levels.
The Health Service Executive (HSE), working with the Department of Health and the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform has, as a result, finalised its Pay and Numbers Strategy for 2024. There is now a new approved maximum Whole Time Equivalent (WTE) health staff figure for the HSE of 129,753 (excludes Disability). The funding of these posts removes the obstacle to normal recruitment and replacement in the remainder of the workforce, within the new agreed maximum number.
Instead, each of the six HSE Health Regions and each national service will be provided with its own specified number of WTEs and can within that approved number, replace, recruit, and prioritise as they see fit. A Health Region or national service will be able to prioritise filling vacancies that may arise within the allocation. They can also re-prioritise should they wish and remain adaptive, within overall national policy and guidance.
The allocation will include a limit on agency and overtime spend to accompany the WTE allocation. All previous year’s vacancies will have to have service assessment and be applied for using the new model.
The announcement also allows for the regularisation of 2,000 posts for which the HSE had recruited but up to now were not funded for, and a further 2,000 posts recruited temporarily to support services during the COVID-19 pandemic, and which are still in place.
The new process is being embedded by the HSE at present.