Written Answers Nos. 3610-3629
3610. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the engagement her Department has had with consumer groups, health food retailers and members of the public regarding the proposed EU maximum permitted levels for food supplements; if she has considered the concerns expressed through the national petition signed by over 20,000 people; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57007/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy may be aware that the European Commission is examining possible harmonised maximum levels for vitamins and minerals in food supplements and fortified foods. This work remains at an early stage and no legislative proposal has yet been adopted.
The Department of Health is monitoring developments closely and is engaging with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI), which provides scientific and technical advice in this area. Any position taken by Ireland will be informed by scientific evidence, public health considerations, stakeholder engagement and discussions at EU level.
The FSAI has engaged with industry stakeholders, including representatives of the food supplement sector, while officials in my Department have engaged with relevant health professional stakeholders to better understand the issues arising and the potential implications of any future EU proposals. The Department is also aware of concerns expressed by a range of stakeholders regarding the potential impact of future maximum levels on the availability of food supplements.
The petition and website referred to by the Deputy are not official Government consultation mechanisms and, accordingly, the Department is not in a position to comment on the content of material published on a private website or on claims made therein. However, the concerns raised by stakeholders and members of the public regarding this issue are noted.
The Government is committed to ensuring that Irish interests are represented in ongoing EU discussions. Should the European Commission undertake a public consultation or call for evidence, consumers, retailers, health professionals, industry representatives and other interested stakeholders will have an opportunity to make their views known. Those views, together with scientific evidence and public health considerations, will be taken into account in the development of Ireland's position as discussions progress.
3611. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an appointment at the Centre for Obesity Management in St Columcille's Hospital, Loughlinstown, County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57008/26]
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.”
3612. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the financial assistance or schemes available for a person (details supplied) with type two diabetes in purchasing sensors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57034/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra3704. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Health to introduce a clinician-led assessment pathway to allow reimbursement of continuous glucose monitoring systems where a consultant endocrinologist certifies that such monitoring systems are clinically necessary, regardless of whether a patient has Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57437/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra3705. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Health to request the Health Information and Quality Authority to undertake a health technology assessment of continuous glucose monitoring systems for cohorts other than persons with Type 1 diabetes, including persons with insulin-treated Type 2 diabetes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57438/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra3706. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the up-to-date data her Department holds on assessing the potential savings arising from wider access to continuous glucose monitoring systems through reductions in hospital admissions, emergency presentations and diabetes-related complications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57439/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 3612 and 3704 to 3706, inclusive, together.
Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems provide an alternative approach to self-monitoring of blood glucose (using blood glucose test strips with an associated blood glucose meter). These CGM systems comprise of sensors, transmitters and a mechanism to display the results (readers/receivers or smart device application).
Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on the pricing and reimbursement of medicines and medical devices. The HSE has advised that the HIQA Rapid HTA of Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus was published on 29th September 2023.
The HTA recommended the establishment of a single managed access programme for all CGM systems for all individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus regardless of age, noting that such a system would need clearly defined criteria for access. Following on from the recommendations in this HTA, the HSE-MMP, in conjunction with the HSE-PCRS, and with the support of the HSE Chief Clinical Officer, introduced an online reimbursement application system for all CGM sensors on 1st December 2023.
Reimbursement support for CGM sensors at this point in time is based on the HIQA HTA and is for patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus regardless of age, who have required insulin from the outset. To date, a HTA of CGM sensors for people with type 2 diabetes mellitus or other types of diabetes has not been undertaken in Ireland. Therefore, there is limited information to support the extension of reimbursement to these patient groups, including cost-effectiveness assessment and budget impact of same. The HSE has identified preferred CGM products based on cost-effectiveness to manage this expenditure. A second review of CGMs is taking place which will include an update of the preferred CGM sensors evaluation. On the 21st of May, The Diabetes Policy and Services Review: A Strategy for Better Care was launched by the Minister for Health. This is Ireland’s first national strategy for diabetes. It sets out recommendations for action in relation to type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, diabetes in pregnancy and paediatric diabetes. The strategy marks a major milestone in diabetes care in Ireland, representing the development of a unified approach to the delivery of diabetes care.
3613. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health the number of public health nurse posts per CHO; and the number of posts filled and the number of vacancies, in tabular form. [57062/26]
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.
3614. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health the number of children on a waiting list for orthodontic treatment in the CHO7 area; the average waiting time; and the number of those waiting more than 12 months, in tabular form. [57063/26]
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.
3615. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health the number of filled and vacant dietitian WTEs in the CHO7 area, in tabular form. [57064/26]
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.
3616. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health the number of public health nurse posts per CHO; and the number of posts filled and the number of vacancies, in tabular form. [57065/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
3617. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health the status of Kelvin Grove, Carlow; the plans in place for its use; and the date by which it will be brought back into use. [57066/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Health Service Executive is responsible for the management of the public healthcare estate, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
3618. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health the number of posts in perinatal mental health services per CHO area; and the number of posts filled and the number of vacancies, in tabular form. [57067/26]
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.”
3619. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health the number of older persons on a waiting list for home care packages in the CHO7 area; and the number of those who have been waiting more than six months. [57068/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
3620. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health the number of people currently on the waiting list for the Centre for Obesity Management; and the average waiting time to access services once a referral has been made. [57069/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
3621. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health the average waiting time for a lower limb prosthesis in the public hospital system. [57070/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
3622. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the number of young people waiting on CAMHS appointments by RHA/CHO area; the numbers waiting longer than six months and longer than 12 months, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57099/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
3623. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Health the number of full time Public Health Nurses covering the Donaghmede area of Dubin 13; and the contact details of same. [57101/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
3624. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Health the number of MRI, CT and PET machines currently available for use at Beaumont Hospital. [57102/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
3625. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the current waiting times for patients to access oncology services, the longest waiting time, broken down by hospital; the number of patients currently waiting for an initial oncology consultation and for treatment; the measures being taken to reduce waiting times; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57104/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
3626. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health her views on proposed EU rules on vitamin and mineral supplements (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57105/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI thank the Deputy for his enquiry with regard to the current work of the European Commission on setting Maximum Amounts (MAs) for vitamins and minerals in food supplements and fortified foods.
Vitamins and essential minerals are micronutrients required for the body to function properly. While they are vital for health, consuming them in excessive amounts can cause harmful effects. To address this risk, the concept of a tolerable upper intake level (UL) was developed. This science-based reference value helps policymakers and other stakeholders assess and manage the potential dangers of excessive nutrient intake.
MAs are limits set on the amount of each vitamin and mineral in food supplements and fortified foods, they are derived using the UL as a key reference point. The purpose of setting MAs is to ensure the safety of consumers.
The objective of any future maximum amounts would be to protect consumers from excessive intake while maintaining access to safe and appropriately regulated products.
The Department has not yet finalised a national position on this matter. Any position adopted by Ireland will be informed by the available scientific evidence, EFSA advice, relevant public health considerations, stakeholder views and discussions at EU level. The Department will continue to ensure that Ireland's interests are represented throughout these discussions and that any future measures are carefully considered in light of both consumer safety and access to appropriate food supplements.
3627. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Health if she is aware of a non-profit initiative to provide evidence-based care to patients with osteoarthritis (details supplied); the measures being taken by her Department to ensure increased funding for physiotherapists to deliver an evidence-based programme for osteoarthritis in primary care which would ensure earlier intervention and possible surgery prevention; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57106/26]
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.
3628. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on current works on a hospital (details supplied); when she expects these works to be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57111/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
3629. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the list of agencies in receipt of money for the provision of agency staffing services in each acute hospital; the cost of those services provided per agency in 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026, in order of lowest to highest amounts, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57119/26]
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.
