Written Answers Nos. 141-152
141. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will accept all of the recommendations of the National Radiation Therapist Review report; and if he will commit to full implementation of the recommendations on adequate staffing levels to safeguard vital cancer services into the future. [45416/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra143. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health if he will accept all of the recommendations of the National Radiation Therapist Review report; if he will commit to full implementation of the recommendations on adequate staffing levels to safeguard vital cancer services into the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45424/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra145. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will accept all of the recommendations of the National Radiation Therapist Review report; if he will commit to full implementation of the recommendations on adequate staffing levels to safeguard vital cancer services into the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45440/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly, I would like to acknowledge the incredibly important role of Radiation Therapists in the provision of cancer services in this country.
In Budget 2025, €23 million has been secured for the National Cancer Strategy, including access to new cancer medicines, expansion of cancer screening, funding for community cancer support centres, and implementation of the National Cancer Strategy. This will mean over €105 million has been invested into the Strategy since 2017.
Capital funding of over €140 million has been provided under the current National Cancer Strategy to deliver state of the art radiation oncology facilities in Galway and Cork, to update cancer infrastructure in chemotherapy wards and lab facilities for the benefit of patients, as well as investment in the new National Cervical Screening Laboratory.
I am glad that the independent review of the Radiation Therapist profession has been finalised. This strategic review considered important issues such as organisation structure, career development in line with Health and Social Care Professional Frameworks, strategic workforce planning and recruitment and retention strategies.
This review has published 16 recommendations which aim to help and support the Radiation Therapy profession into the future. An oversight group will be established to oversee the progression of these recommendations.
As the terms of reference for the review state, the implementation of any recommendations from the review will remain subject to the approval from the Departments of Health and Public Expenditure and Reform.
Investment in 2025 includes funding for eight additional staff for radiation therapy services and funding for six advanced practice posts for radiation therapy to implement one of the recommendations of the National Radiation Therapist Review.
With regard to Recommendation 8 and clinical practice supports, I am committed to working with the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to ensure the delivery of expansion of student training places in Radiation Therapy and ensuring there are clinical learning support hours at each of the five public radiotherapy facilities at Galway University Hospital, Cork University Hospital and three sites in Dublin through the St. Luke’s Radiation Oncology Network (SLRON). There are currently 1.5 WTE Radiation Therapy practice tutors funded through the Higher Education Authority. Department of Health officials are working with officials in the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science with regard to the expansion in student training places and the associated clinical placement hours required. My department will work with the Health Service Executive on establishing clinical learning supports aligned with clinical placement provision in each of the five sites.
As well as funding for posts, additional training places are being made available, and CORU registration requirements have been changed to bring Irish training requirements in line with international comparators.
Over 460 additional student places were provided in the Higher Education Sector on health-related courses in the academic year 2023/24. This included five additional Radiation Therapy places.
142. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 708 of 18 September 2024 and 1305 of 5 November 2024, if an answer will be provided as to the reason the paediatric urgent care centre in Connolly Hospital only operates Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm and Saturday and Sundays 10 am to 5 pm, compared to Tallaght which is 24/7, as explanations in relation to appointment-only services were not requested; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45419/24]
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.
144. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a child in Donegal (details supplied) will receive an appointment in University Hospital Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45433/24]
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.
146. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health the number of patients awaiting replacement hip surgery at the National Orthopaedic Hospital Dublin, by the length of time those people have been on the waiting list for that surgery, in tabular form. [45459/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is acknowledged that many patients are still waiting too long for hospital appointments and treatments. I am conscious of the burden this places on patients and their families.
To address the issue, I adopted a multi-annual approach through a series of Waiting List Action Plans. Commencing in late 2021, these plans encompass short-term actions to increase capacity and activity in the short and immediate term, and longer-term reform measures to sustainably reduce both hospital waiting lists and waiting times.
The 2024 Plan with a budget of €360 million, builds on the work of previous plans which have achieved significant progress in overall waiting list reduction and in addressing long waiting times, against a backdrop of significantly increased demand for scheduled care services.
Funding of €420m is being allocated to the Waiting List Action Plan for 2025. This represents an almost 17% increase (€60m) above the significant funding allocated for the Action Plan this year.
The investment clearly demonstrates the Government’s ongoing commitment to sustainably reducing and reforming hospital waiting lists and waiting times. With this significant funding for 2025, we will continue to progress towards a having a public healthcare service in which everyone has timely and transparent access to high-quality scheduled care, where and when they need it.
In relation to the particular query raised, the attached table, provided to my Department by the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF), provides a breakdown by time band of the number of patients awaiting hip replacement surgery at the National Orthopaedic Hospital Dublin.
|
Hip Replacement |
Procedure Name |
Archive Date |
Hospital Name |
Wait Time Band |
Count |
|
3944 |
Total Joint Replacement of Hip |
26/09/2024 |
National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh |
0-6 Months |
365 |
|
3945 |
Total Arthroplasty/Replacement of Hip Bilateral |
26/09/2024 |
National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh |
0-6 Months |
11 |
|
3946 |
Revision of total arthroplasty of hip |
26/09/2024 |
National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh |
0-6 Months |
10 |
|
3944 |
Total Joint Replacement of Hip |
26/09/2024 |
National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh |
6-12 Months |
105 |
|
3944 |
Total Joint Replacement of Hip |
26/09/2024 |
National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh |
12-18 Months |
13 |
|
3942 |
EXCISION ARTHROPLASTY OF HIP |
26/09/2024 |
SmallVol |
SmallVolTimeBands |
1 |
|
3946 |
Revision of total arthroplasty of hip |
26/09/2024 |
SmallVol |
SmallVolTimeBands |
1 |
Hip replacement waiting list figures at Cappagh Hospital by time bands.
|
Sum of Count |
Column Labels |
|
|
|
|
|
Row Labels |
0-6 Months |
6-12 Months |
12-18 Months |
Small Vol Time Bands |
Grand Total |
|
26/09/2024 |
386 |
105 |
13 |
2 |
506 |
147. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health for an update on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45474/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraGPs are self-employed practitioners and therefore may establish practices at a place of their own choosing. There is no prescribed ratio of GPs to patients and the State does not regulate the number of GPs that can set up in a town or community.
Under the GMS scheme, the HSE contracts GPs to provide medical services without charge to medical card and GP visit card holders. Currently there are 2,554 GPs contracted to provide services under the GMS Scheme.
Where a vacancy arises in a practice with a GMS contract, the HSE becomes actively involved in the recruitment process to find a replacement GP. As of the 1st of October, there are no GMS GP vacancies in Rathmore.
The Government is aware of the workforce issues currently facing general practice, including the limited access to GP services in certain areas, and is working to ensure that general practice is sustainable in all areas into the future.
Under the 2019 GP Agreement additional annual expenditure provided for general practice was increased by €211.6m. This provided for significant increases in capitation fees for participating GMS GPs, and new fees for additional services and increased practice supports. The GP Agreement 2023 further increased GP capitation fees, increased the existing subsidy rates for practice staff, and introduced a grant support for additional staff capacity as well a practice staff maternity leave support. These measures make general practice in Ireland a more attractive career choice for doctors.
The number of doctors entering GP training has been increased significantly in recent years, with 286 new entrants in 2023 and 350 places made available for new entrants for this year. Annual intake to the GP training scheme has been increased by 80% from 2019 to 2024 and by 21% since last year alone.
Furthermore, the recruitment of GPs from abroad is ongoing under the International Medical Graduate (IMG) Rural GP Programme. 75 IMG GPs commenced in practice under the programme in 2023; recruitment is continuing this year and funding has been provided to recruit up to 250 more GPs from outside Ireland to the country next year.
Lastly, a Strategic Review of General Practice is underway. The review, with input from key stakeholders, is examining the broad range of issues affecting general practice including issues related to GP capacity. When completed, the review will set out the measures necessary to deliver a more sustainable general practice into the future.
148. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if he will advise on a matter raised in correspondence (details supplied). [45493/24]
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 are made on objective, scientific and economic grounds, on the advice of the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE).
Melatonin (Slenyto®) 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 Melatonin (Circadin®), which is indicated for the short-term treatment of primary insomnia, has never been available under the Community Drug Schemes. Melatonin (Circadin®) underwent a review in 2008 and reimbursement was not recommended by the NCPE (see www.ncpe.ie/drugs/melatonin-circadin/. ).
However, the HSE further advise that an application for Melatonin (Circadin®) 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.
The HSE have also advised that CoaguChek® meters and International Normalised Ratio (INR) self-testing strips are not reimbursable under the Community Drug Schemes (including the General Medical Services (GMS) scheme) or the Community Funded Schemes. The HSE have further advised that on very rare occasions, CoaguChek® strips were approved for reimbursement in the most exceptional circumstances under Discretionary Hardship Arrangements where it was clear that there was no other option for the patient i.e., the person was bed bound or could not travel to the INR clinic.
In regard to the Discretionary Hardship Arrangement, the processing of applications is a matter for the HSE.
149. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that adults have access through the health service to burosumab for treatment for hypophosphataemia (details supplied). [45496/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on the pricing and reimbursement of medicines; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
150. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if a student will be allowed to carry a failed exam subject into next year (details supplied). [45317/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraTrinity College Dublin is an autonomous institution within the meaning of the Universities Act 1997. Under this legislation, it is academically and administratively independent and is entitled to regulate its own academic affairs and administrative processes. Neither I nor my Department have a role in these internal processes. I would encourage any student with queries regarding their enrolment or progression to contact the administrators in Trinity in the first instance.
Trinity College Dublin is a prescribed public body under the remit of the Office of the Ombudsman, and as such the Ombudsman may examine complaints from members of the public who believe that they have been unfairly treated by certain prescribed bodies. If the student feels that she has been unfairly treated by, or is not satisfied with a higher education institution's decision, it is open to her to contact the Office of the Ombudsman. The Ombudsman can investigate complaints about administrative actions or procedures as well as undue delays or inaction. The Ombudsman provides an impartial, independent and free dispute resolution service.
151. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to outline all capital investments, if any made by his Department in the constituency of Louth East Meath since 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45401/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will appreciate that my Department does not record the disbursement of capital funding to its higher and further education institutions on an electoral division basis. In that context, please find table attached with the details of all capital funding disbursed to higher and further education sectors in Louth and Meath from January 2020 to the end October 2024.
|
- |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024* |
Total |
|
HEI Sector ( Dundalk IT) |
€3,351,542.55 |
€2,062,191.83 |
€6,842,314.76 |
€6,155,831.62 |
€5,497,609.91 |
€23,909,490.67 |
|
FE Sector (Louth Meath ETB) |
€2,084,707.56 |
€3,254,124.76 |
€20,508,353.39 |
€9,073,887.82 |
€3,665,234.01 |
€38,586,307.54 |
|
Total |
€5,436,250.11 |
€5,316,316.59 |
€27,350,668.15 |
€15,229,719.44 |
€9,162,843.92 |
€62,495,798.21 |
* From 01/01/2024 - 31/10/2024
152. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to outline all capital investments, if any made by her Department in the constituency of Louth East Meath since 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45406/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department operates a large number of schemes which fund hundreds of projects and groups throughout the country each year.
Funding announcements, and the list of approved projects for each announcement, are regularly published on www.gov.ie/en/organisation/department-of-rural-and-community-development/ .
My Department collates funding allocations on a county, rather than constituency, basis. Direct links to information and approvals for my Department’s main capital schemes are provided below.
• The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) is a key capital investment scheme which directly supports the objectives of Our Rural Future and the Town Centre First policy. To date, funding of €577 million has been allocated to 245 projects worth €768 million. The detail in relation to the projects awarded funding in each county is available on my Department’s website at the following link gov - Rural Regeneration and Development Fund Approved Projects (www.gov.ie/en/publication/7be140-test/. ).
• The Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) is one of a number of measures designed to rejuvenate rural towns and villages throughout Ireland. Since the launch of the scheme over €177 million has been allocated to more than 1,800 projects across Ireland. The detail in relation to the projects awarded funding in each county is available on my Department’s website at the following link gov - Projects Funded by the Town and Village Renewal Scheme (www.gov.ie/en/collection/0012f5-town-and-village-renewal-scheme/ .).
• The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) provides funding for the development and enhancement of outdoor recreational infrastructure such as walking trails, cycleways and blue ways throughout rural Ireland. Since the launch of the scheme in 2016, funding of almost €129 million has supported 1,776 projects across the country. The detail in relation to the projects awarded funding in each county is available on my Department’s website at the following link gov - Approved Funding for Outdoor Recreation Projects (www.gov.ie/en/collection/90a66b-approved-funding-for-outdoor-recreation-projects/ .).
• The CLÁR Programme provides funding for small-scale infrastructural projects in designated rural areas that have experienced significant levels of depopulation over a defined period. Since the CLÁR programme was reintroduced in 2016, funding of over €72 million has been approved for almost 2,450 projects. The detail in relation to the projects awarded funding in each county is available on my Department’s website at the following link gov - CLÁR-Funding for Small-Scale Rural Projects (www.gov.ie/en/policy-information/91ba52-clar/#introduction. ).
• The Community Centres Investment Fund is the largest ever capital investment in Community Centres. It provides funding for investments in Community Centres to ensure these vital services remain useable, accessible, and safe and continue to meet the needs of the community into the future. Earlier this week I was pleased to announced over €7.6 million in funding to support the upgrade of 399 community centres across the country. The detail in relation to the projects awarded funding in each county is available on my Department’s website at the following link gov - Community Centre Investment Fund Successful Projects (www.gov.ie/en/collection/3a8bd-community-centre-investment-fund-successful-projects/. ).
• The LEADER programme is based on a community-led approach to rural development and plays an important role in supporting communities and enterprises in progressing job creation, social inclusion and environmental projects at local level. Details in relation to projects funded under LEADER is available at the following link gov - LEADER Local Action Groups Approved Projects (www.gov.ie/en/publication/b849be-local-action-groups-approved-projects-2014-2020/ .).
• The Connected Hubs fund invested €14 million in almost 200 projects between 2021 and 2022, enabling successful applicants to add additional capacity to existing remote working infrastructure in digital hubs and Broadband Connection Points throughout the country. Details in relation to the projects awarded funding in each county are set out at the following link gov - Connected Hubs Fund successful applicants (www.gov.ie/en/collection/49822-2021-connected-hubs-fund-successful-applicants/. ).
• The Community Recognition Fund was first introduced in 2023 to recognise the huge efforts made by communities in welcoming and supporting people coming to Ireland. Through the 2023 allocation, funding of €50 million was approved for some 900 projects to support cities, towns and villages nationwide. Based on the continued impacts on communities throughout the country and the need to support these communities in welcoming new arrivals, a further €50 million is being provided under the Community Recognition Fund 2024. Details in relation to the projects awarded funding in each county are set out at the following link gov - Community Recognition Fund -List of Successful Applicants (www.gov.ie/en/collection/3a749-community-recognition-fund-2023-list-of-successful-applicants/. ).
• The Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) which replaces my Department’s Community Enhancement Programme was launched last December with capital funding of €6 million to assist thousands of community groups across the country. Since 2018, my Department has allocated €58.9 million in funding under the Community Enhancement Programme and its iterations for local community groups. Past projects supported by the programme include Women’s Sheds, Men’s Sheds, operating costs and minor capital works. Details of the 2024 LEP allocations are available at the following link gov.ie - Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) (www.gov.ie/en/collection/3bbb1-local-enhancement-programme/ .).
• The Public Library Strategy, ‘The Library is the Place’, was launched in July 2023 and was developed by my Department in partnership with the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA), the County and City Management Association (CCMA) and local authorities. It is a five-year plan for the period 2023-27 which sets out the strategic context for further investment in library infrastructure, technology, programmes and services. Details on the Library Supports 2024 funding are available at the following link gov – Funding for Library Supports 2024 (www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/296930/bb5313e8-04db-49de-9dd1-ad277b885e30.pdf#page=null .).
• The Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) provides essential funding to improve road access to homes and farms in rural areas. Since its reintroduction in 2017, over €170 million has been allocated for works on over 4,000 roads. This investment demonstrates my continued commitment to vital road infrastructure in rural Ireland, providing access to people’s homes and farms. Details on the funding allocated to each county is available at the following link gov.ie - Local Improvement Scheme Funding Allocations (www.gov.ie/en/collection/ce37b-local-improvement-scheme-funding-allocations/. ).
I am confident the wide range of strategic capital investments provided by my Department is making real, tangible improvements to communities all across Ireland.
