Jim O'Callaghan
Ceist:175. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the estimated full-year cost of fully funding the remaining recommendations in the national maternity strategy. [43302/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraHealth Strategies
Ceisteanna (175)
Freagraí scríofa
Progressing women's health continues to be a top priority for this Government. We have overseen unprecedented levels of investment in gynaecology, endometriosis services, for screening and menopause supports. We have invested in women's mental health services including perinatal mental health.
A revised implementation plan for the National Maternity Strategy was published in November 2021. The revised Plan set out all remaining activity in relation to the implementation of the Strategy within the timeframe 2022-2026. The remainder of the Strategy’s implementation was then costed at approximately €43.7m. A total of €27.7m in new development funding has been invested through the Strategy from 2016-2025. This has enabled the recruitment of over 500 full-time staff across the country.
The implementation of the strategy's Model of Care is providing more choice for women. All 19 maternity services now offer the midwife-led supported care pathway. Each maternity service now has a lactation consultant and bereavement team. Strategy funding is providing for additional home-from-home birthing suites. It is also enabling upgrades to theatres and wards. Furthermore, through Strategy funding, a maternity network has been set up within each Hospital Group to provide leadership and support. Training and education supports have been strengthened for maternity staff.
Investment of €2m announced for Budget 2025 (with a Full Year Cost of €4m in 2026) will ensure the continued implementation of the Strategy into 2025 and beyond. The priorities covered by this funding include:
• Additional Specialist Midwives to enhance women’s access to midwife-led care.
• Driving improvements in the safety of our maternity services through research, audit and new clinical guidelines.
• Recruiting more genetic counsellors and supporting staff to expand a new National Perinatal Genomics Service; evaluating, diagnosing, managing and treating anomalies before birth.
• Delivering 4 new Postnatal Hubs, to provide women with access to postnatal care in the community and away from a hospital environment. Five pilot Postnatal Hubs have already been established in 2023 in Cork, Kerry, Portiuncula, Carlow-Kilkenny, and Sligo. Additional funding of €0.45 million (€1.87 million Full Year Cost) has been provided in 2024 through the Women’s Health Taskforce to roll out Hubs to 4 sites. Investment in 2025 will bring the national network to 13 Postnatal Hubs.
Combined investment through the Strategy and the eHealth Capital Plan is driving the roll-out of the Maternity and Newborn Clinical Management System (MN-CMS), which is a fully Electronic Health Record. The MN-CMS is currently live in 4 sites, covering 40% of births nationally. The system is being rolled out to the remaining standalone maternity hospitals to cover 70% of births nationally and 60.5% of Neonatal Intensive Care Activity.
Following the implementation of initiatives funded in 2024-5, the HSE's National Women and Infants Health Programme (NWIHP) will assess any outstanding actions to be completed as the Strategy enters its final two years. NWIHP have advised that to date 94% of actions are either completed or in progress. All of these developments, delivered under the strategy, are supporting improved choice for women and driving safe, high quality, nationally consistent, woman-centred maternity care.
Health Strategies
Ceisteanna (176)
Jim O'Callaghan
Ceist:176. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health to detail any action outstanding in the women’s health action plan; and the cost associated with implementation of all outstanding actions, in tabular form. [43303/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Significant progress and investment have been made in the area of women’s health in recent years. Underscoring this Government’s commitment to women’s health has been the investment of dedicated additional funding of over €180 million since 2020. €38 million of this has been allocated in Budget 2025 specifically for women’s health initiatives.
The Women’s Health Action Plan 2022-23 was published in March 2022, marking International Women’s Day. The Action Plan identified key actions to improve health outcomes and experiences for women in Ireland. It provided the foundation to address women’s health as a whole and helped to ensure that women’s health is viewed beyond reproductive health in order to make a real difference to women’s lives. See Appendix 1 (page 42) for key achievements under this plan.
My Department are finalising a progress report for the Women’s Health Action Plan 2022-23 to be published by the end of 2024.
Building on the success of that plan, the Women’s Health Action Plan 2024-2025 Phase 2: An Evolution in Women’s Health was published in April 2024. The previous plan was seen as “a good start” in terms of a revolution in women’s healthcare. This new Action Plan is very much an evolution as it builds on initiatives proven to have had a positive impact on women’s health and wellbeing. Work on the implementation of the Women’s Health Action Plan 2024-2025 continues with some actions already achieved less than six months into its two-year lifespan, the expansion of the Free Contraception Scheme to include women up to 35 years of age being an example of this.
€12.9 million for 2025 has been specifically allocated to enable the continued implementation of the Women’s Health Action Plan 2024-2025.
Some of the actions supported by this funding includes:
• Increasing capacity of our endometriosis services and the role out of the new model of care for women with Endometriosis.
• Support for the first public National Assisted Human Reproduction (AHR) Centre to provide publicly funded publicly delivered AHR treatment.
• Expansion of screening services including Breast-Check.
• Expansion of Diabetic Retina Screening services.
• Increase in the operating hours of specialist menopause clinics.
• Improved coordination of Termination of Pregnancy services across all maternity sites.
• Additional Ambulatory Gynaecology Clinic.
• 4 more postnatal hubs. (Budget 2025 will also enable four additional hubs to establish a network of 13 in 2025.)
• Full year cost support for the Free Contraception Scheme, the expansion to 35 years.
• Full costs of the National Venous Thromboembolism Programme which focuses on pregnant women and women experiencing menopause.
• An expansion of the provision of scalp cooling for cancer patients to help prevent hair loss due to chemotherapy
In addition to this €12.9 million, I, as Minister for Health, have also secured an additional:
• €2m for the National Maternity Strategy,
• €2m for post mastectomy products
• €0.9m for breastfeeding projects
• €20m for the provision of State-funded HRT to women experiencing symptoms of menopause.
This Government is committed to Progressing and Promoting Women’s Health. The new Women's Health Action Plan seeks to build on this progress and continue to work on new areas with the ultimate aim of improving health outcomes for women in Ireland.
Hospital Facilities
Ceisteanna (177)
Jim O'Callaghan
Ceist:177. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the projected cost of delivering the 3,000 additional hospital beds, as outlined in a report (details supplied). [43304/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
Healthcare Infrastructure Provision
Ceisteanna (178)
Jim O'Callaghan
Ceist:178. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of each of the elective hospitals that has been proposed. [43305/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Preliminary Costings for the new elective hospitals in Cork in Galway are set out in the Preliminary Business Cases for same and can be found at the following website: www.gov.ie/en/publication/cafdc-elective-hospitals/#preliminary-business-cases
It should be noted that these costings are initial estimates and these will be refined in light of the appointment of the Architect-led Integrated Design Team and Project Controls Team later this month and through the design phase and development of pre-tender documents. Following the identification of Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, and the current Children’s Hospital at Crumlin as the preferred locations for elective hospitals in Dublin, Preliminary Business Cases are now being progressed and will be brought to Government for consideration in due course.
Healthcare Infrastructure Provision
Ceisteanna (179)
Jim O'Callaghan
Ceist:179. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of opening (both capital and current) each of the six surgical hubs that are being progressed. [43306/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The estimated capital costs of the new surgical hubs will consist of a range of costs and this varies depending on whether they relate to acquisition and refurbishment of existing premises, green field or brown field development and fit out. The estimated annual running costs of each of the six surgical hubs once fully operational will be approximately €15 million.
I have also asked the HSE, which has day-to-day responsibility for the development of the new surgical hubs, and who are finalising their engagement with the market to progress these, to respond to you directly in relation to the matters raised.
Cancer Services
Ceisteanna (180)
Jim O'Callaghan
Ceist:180. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health to detail the existing clinical recommendations in respect of bowel screening, that is, what ages should we be screening and what age groups we are screening; and the cost of extending the bowel screen programme to meet the existing clinical guidance. [43307/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Cancer Services
Ceisteanna (181)
Jim O'Callaghan
Ceist:181. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the current lung cancer screening pilot; the patients being screened; when the pilot will be complete; and the purpose of the pilot. [43308/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Health, I am fully committed to supporting our population screening programmes, which are a valuable part of our health service, enabling early treatment and care for many people, and improving the overall health of our population.
Any decisions about further changes or expansion of cancer screening, including the introduction of a lung cancer screening programme, 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 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.
Careful consideration must be given to any proposed expansion of Ireland’s screening programmes and this process must be afforded the necessary amount of time to complete. In this regard, I am pleased to report that NSAC is already progressing with work on the further expansion of our current cancer screening programmes and has submitted requests to the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) to examine the evidence for such.
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 multidisciplinary 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 of the BowelScreen programme and the potential development of a new population-based screening programme for Abdominal Aortic Aneurism (AAA).
Under Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, an updated European Council Recommendation on cancer screening was published in December 2022. The Recommendation calls for the further expansion of cervical, breast and colorectal (bowel) cancer screening as well as feasibility studies on future screening programmes for gastric, prostate and lung cancer.
My Department is aware of the involvement of Irish-based researchers in three pilot projects aimed at exploring the feasibility of screening programmes for gastric (TOGAS), prostate (PRAISE-U) and lung (SOLACE) cancers. The evidence gained through these research initiatives will help to inform future cancer screening policy in Ireland.
It is necessary to highlight that my department is not coordinating the pilot projects. Therefore, I recommend that the deputy approach the researcher involved in the Lung Health Check pilot, part of the SOLACE project, for further information on its status.
Cancer Services
Ceisteanna (182)
Jim O'Callaghan
Ceist:182. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health to detail the existing clinical guidance for BreastCheck screening. [43309/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Primary Care Centres
Ceisteanna (183)
Jim O'Callaghan
Ceist:183. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health to list the name and location of all primary care clinics that have opened since this Government took office; and the capital and current costs associated with each. [43310/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Health Service Executive (HSE) holds responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
General Practitioner Services
Ceisteanna (184)
Jim O'Callaghan
Ceist:184. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of extending free GP care to all those aged 12 years and under, and to all those aged 15 years and under. [43311/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
GP visit card eligibility was expanded last year under the GP Agreement 2023 to all those earning up to the median household income and to all children under the 8 years of age. All persons aged 70 years and over are also eligible for a GP visit card. Following these expansions, over half the population is eligible for GP care without charges under the GMS scheme.
Extending GP visit card eligibility to all children aged 8 to 12 years inclusive and further to all children aged 13 to 15 years inclusive, would grant eligibility to approximately 222,000 and 146,000 additional children respectively (based on current existing card holder numbers and 2024 CSO population estimates). Based on the average GMS GP cost per card holder prior to last year's expansion of GP visit card eligibility, adjusted for the increase to capitation rates under the GP Agreement 2023, the additional cost of extending GP care without charges at current capitation rates to all children aged 8 to 12 years is estimated at approximately €34 million per annum. Extending eligibility for GP care without charges further to all children aged 13 to 15 years is estimated to cost an approximate additional €18m per annum. This is based on full GP visit card uptake.
However, the provision of GP care without charges to entire further cohorts of children would require the negotiation of new contractual terms with the IMO, and it is likely that this would give rise to additional costs beyond this figure which cannot be estimated.
Furthermore, as the estimation is based on the average GMS GP cost per card holder, it does not take into consideration possible savings from practices that may reach the maximum payable rates from GMS supports that are calculated by panel size. The estimation also does not account for the costs that would arise from the additional practice supports under the GP Agreement 2023. In addition, the estimation is only made in relation to GP costs and does not include additional costs that would be borne by the HSE in order to administer the expansion and the increased level of eligibility.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Ceisteanna (185)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:185. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if a payment will be provided to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43314/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a matter for the HSE, the HSE has been asked to respond directly to the Deputy.
Disabilities Assessments
Ceisteanna (186)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:186. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if an appointment will be made for a person (details supplied) for an ADHD assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43317/24]
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 (187)
Niall Collins
Ceist:187. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health for an update on matters affecting retired members of the medical science profession (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43339/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the dedication and professionalism of all Medical Scientists throughout the country, including those who have retired from the profession after years of commitment.
Following talks at the Workplace Relations Commission back in May and June of 2022, agreement was reached to conduct an independent assessment of the role, responsibilities and pay of medical laboratory scientist grades. This assessment was undertaken by an independent assessor and the final report issued in January 2023. It was confirmed that medical laboratory scientists were performing the same duties as biochemists.
This long-standing matter has now been resolved through the Labour Court, which examined all relevant issues including the review of the grades involved. The Labour Court determination was explicit that the claim relating to pay parity was effective from 1 January 2024.
The implementation of the binding determination of the Labour Court is set out in the new Public Service Agreement 2024 - 2026. Circular 2/2024 has issued which instructs HSE management and HR personnel to implement the terms of the Labour Court recommendation from the effective date of 1 January 2024 to all staff in position from that date. Staff who retire after 1 January 2024, will receive the benefit of recommendation.
Mental Health Services
Ceisteanna (188)
Mark Ward
Ceist:188. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the number of HSE staff dedicated to developing the CAMHS action plan; their grades; the percentage of their workload dedicated to this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43382/24]
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 Staff
Ceisteanna (189)
Mark Ward
Ceist:189. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the number of staff in his Department dedicated to working with CAMHS; their grades; the percentage of their workload dedicated to this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43383/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The website gov.ie indicates organisational information in relation to various roles and responsibilities across the Department of Health.
The Mental Health Unit falls under the area of responsibility at Assistant Secretary level for policy development and oversight of the provision of health and social care services for older people, palliative care, dementia care, mental health services, inclusion health, and access to urgent and emergency care.
Under this workstream there is a dedicated Mental Health Unit led by a Principal Officer. The Unit has a total staff complement of sixteen. The breakdown of grades within Mental Health Unit is as follows:
• 1 Principal Officer
• 1 Mental Health Policy and Clinical Specialist (Principal Officer Grade)
• 5 Assistant Principal Officers
• 6 Administrative Officers / Higher Executive Officers
• 2 Executive Officers
• 1 Clerical Officer
The Mental Health Unit has responsibility for developing and overseeing implementation of the mental health policy Sharing the Vision and the suicide reduction policy Connecting for Life. It monitors performance of HSE Mental Health services and supports the HSE on implementation of all mental health aspects of the HSE National Service Plan, including youth mental health and the specialist CAMHS service. It has responsibility for governance and performance monitoring of the Mental Health Commission under the Mental Health Acts 2001-2018. The Unit develops mental health legislation, including the update of the Mental Health Act 2001 in line with the new Mental Health Bill. It also has responsibilities at international level, including supporting the work of the United Nations, the European Commission, and the World Health Organisation.
A key function of the Unit, in conjunction with the HSE, relates to enhancing all aspects of Youth Mental Health, including CAMHS. This includes links to other HSE care programmes such as Primary Care or Disability services, as well as to other relevant sectors such as Education, Child Care or Youth Justice.
The Unit has the following staff specifically dedicated to Youth Mental Health, including CAMHS:
• 2 Assistant Principal Officers
• 1 Administrative Officer
• 1 Executive Officer
It should be noted that all staff in the Unit, including both at Principal Officer grade, spend a significant amount of their working time on CAMHS and youth mental health, whether it relates to legislation, policy implementation, performance monitoring, or service developments.
In addition, child and youth mental health is also encompassed within the wider work of the Department. For example, as part of Primary Care policy, GP Services, Acute Hospitals, Community Services, Workforce Planning, and all other health policy areas that are inclusive of child health more broadly. As such, any estimation of the resources committed to address child and youth mental health should be measured through the wider lens of child health policy and service development.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (190)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:190. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health when an appointment for a person (details supplied) will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43395/24]
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 (191)
Martin Browne
Ceist:191. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 542 of 1 October 2024, if any commitment was ever given to allowing current residents at a nursing home (details supplied) to stay at the facility indefinitely, or for the remainder of their natural lives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43396/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Healthcare Policy
Ceisteanna (192)
Marc Ó Cathasaigh
Ceist:192. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Health the position regarding funding for the workable solutions pilot, an occupational therapy vocational rehabilitation service, which secured Sláintecare integrated innovation funding in 2022 for a 24-month period; if he is aware that acceptance of referrals to the service has been suspended due to a lack of commitment for continued funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43404/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Sláintecare Integration Innovation Fund (SIIF), a ring-fenced multi-annual fund supporting projects with a focus on delivering the Right Care, in the Right Place, at the Right Time by the Right Team, is fostering a culture of innovation to support the delivery of health service reform. Its aim is to test and evaluate projects that serve as a ‘proof of concept’ with a view to mainstreaming and scaling successful projects.
Since 2019, SIIF has funded and tested over 130 projects that serve as a “proof of concept”, for innovative and integrated models of care, which led to the mainstreaming & scaling of successful projects.
The project referred to by the Deputy is one of a number of SIIF projects currently being evaluated. Once that evaluation is complete, the decision on the future of the project will be communicated to the Project.
Dental Services
Ceisteanna (193)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:193. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health when a child (details supplied) who is waiting for braces in Kerry will be called. [43406/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
Health Strategies
Ceisteanna (194)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:194. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 756 of 18 September 2024, to provide an update on the new Sláintecare implementation strategy; if the updated version referenced in his previous reply has been submitted to the Cabinet committee on health; the timeline for publication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43407/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Work continues to advance on the new Sláintecare implementation strategy, “Path to Universal Healthcare: Sláintecare & Programme for Government 2024+”. The draft document submitted to the Cabinet Committee on Health for discussion before the summer recess is being updated and, when complete, will be submitted to Cabinet Committee for consideration.
In the meantime, key actions and deliverables from the draft “Path to Universal Healthcare: Sláintecare & Programme for Government 2024+” plan have been advanced over the course of 2024. The Sláintecare Programme Board has met four times to date this year to drive and support this work. The Department and the HSE have been working over the course of 2024 to progress actions from the draft “Path to Universal Healthcare: Sláintecare & Programme for Government 2024+”. In parallel, we are advancing the Sláintecare 2025 Action Plan, which will be submitted to Government for approval in due course as part of the revised and updated“Path to Universal Healthcare: Sláintecare & Programme for Government 2024+”
Home Care Packages
Ceisteanna (195)
Martin Browne
Ceist:195. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of people approved for the provision of home care in CHO 5; the number of those people who have received home care provision; the number of those people who are waiting for the provision of home care; if he will provide a breakdown of the length of time in two-month increments that those people who have not yet received home care provision have been waiting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43410/24]
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.
Home Care Packages
Ceisteanna (196)
Martin Browne
Ceist:196. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of people approved for the provision of home care in CHO 3; the number of those people who have received home care provision; the number of those people who are waiting for the provision of home care; if he will provide a breakdown of the length of time in two-month increments that those people who have not yet received home care provision have been waiting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43411/24]
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.