Results 32,341-32,360 of 49,836 for speaker:Stephen Donnelly

Written Answers — Department of Health: Medicinal Products (20 Oct 2022)

Stephen Donnelly: I propose to take Questions Nos. 108, 119 and 123 together. Kaftrio has been a life changing drug for Cystic Fibrosis sufferers, and I want to see it made available to everyone who needs it. The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drugs schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Health Services (20 Oct 2022)

Stephen Donnelly: 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. It is important to be aware that any decisions about changes to our national screening programmes, or the introduction of new programmes, such as screening for...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Vaccination Programme (20 Oct 2022)

Stephen Donnelly: 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 NIAC continues to revise recommendations to allow for...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Hospital Staff (20 Oct 2022)

Stephen Donnelly: An independent review of the Radiation Therapist profession has been agreed under the auspices of the Workplace Relations Commission. Discussions are ongoing between the parties to finalise a Terms of Reference and appoint an independent chair. As this is an ongoing Industrial Relations process it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Hospital Staff (20 Oct 2022)

Stephen Donnelly: Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, we have been committed to ensuring sufficient staffing levels to meet both COVID-related and long-term healthcare demand. There are 15,177 more whole-time equivalents working in our health service than there were at the beginning of 2020. This includes 4,500 nurses and midwives; 2,300 health and social care professionals; and 1,400 doctors and...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Hospital Staff (20 Oct 2022)

Stephen Donnelly: The Government, as provided for in the Programme for Government, is committed to introducing the Sláintecare public-only consultant contract in a timely manner. The Department of Health along with the HSE has engaged with the Consultant’s representative bodies, the IMO and IHCA, through an intensive negotiation process on the new contract. The contract will not permit holders...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Hospital Services (20 Oct 2022)

Stephen Donnelly: As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible. 

Written Answers — Department of Health: Assisted Human Reproduction (20 Oct 2022)

Stephen Donnelly: As the Deputy might be aware, a commitment to “introduce a publicly funded model of care for fertility treatment” is included in the Programme for Government. ‎The Model of Care for Infertility was developed by the Department of Health in conjunction with the HSE’s National Women & Infants Health Programme (NWIHP) in order to ensure that infertility issues...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Health Services Staff (20 Oct 2022)

Stephen Donnelly: As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Covid-19 Pandemic (20 Oct 2022)

Stephen Donnelly: Firstly I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers, for their efforts during this most challenging period. To recognise their unique role during the pandemic, the Government announced a COVID-19 recognition payment for frontline public sector healthcare workers. Eligibility guidelines for this payment, as applies in HSE and Section 38 organisations, were published...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Healthcare Policy (20 Oct 2022)

Stephen Donnelly: Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) arises when an infective organism develops resistance and can no longer be treated with antimicrobials. It is mainly associated with antibiotics but also occurs with other antimicrobials including antivirals and antifungals. Effective treatments are important to treat and prevent infections and minimise morbidly and mortality (e.g. sepsis). They are also...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Health Services Staff (20 Oct 2022)

Stephen Donnelly: 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.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Emergency Departments (20 Oct 2022)

Stephen Donnelly: I welcome the publication of Deloitte’s report on 30 September 2022, which outlines patient flow challenges experienced within University Hospital Limerick (UHL) and Deloitte's recommendations in this regard. This report provides an important opportunity for a renewed focus on measures to improve the quality and safety of emergency services delivered to the people of the Midwest region...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Dental Services (20 Oct 2022)

Stephen Donnelly: The Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) is a demand-led scheme which provides dental care, free of charge, to medical card holders aged 16 and over. To date in 2022, €4.86 million has been spent under the DTSS in the CHO8 area. The HSE Public Dental Service provides care for children up to 16 years of age, including emergency care for all, a fissure sealant programme for 2nd...

Written Answers — Department of Health: General Practitioner Services (20 Oct 2022)

Stephen Donnelly: I propose to take Questions Nos. 130 and 375 together. As announced, Budget 2023 will increase the eligibility of people for General Practice (GP) access cards. The scheme will be expanded to cover all children aged 6 and 7 by the end of 2022 and, from 1 April 2023, eligibility will be extended to people who earn the median household income of €46,000 or less. It will be adjusted...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Vaccination Programme (20 Oct 2022)

Stephen Donnelly: The 2022/23 influenza immunisation programme commenced on 3 October 2022.  The flu vaccine is available free of charge to adults over 65 years, individuals in specified at-risk groups and children aged from 2 to 17 years of age.  This programme ensures that those most vulnerable to the effects of influenza will have access to the flu vaccination without a...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Emergency Departments (20 Oct 2022)

Stephen Donnelly: The new Emergency Department (ED) and Women & Children’s block for University Hospital Galway (UHG) is a large and complex proposal. It is in the early stages of design development under the Public Spending Code (PSC) lifecycle. The updated PSC aims to ensure that maximum value for money can be achieved for the taxpayer through disciplined project evaluation, preparation and...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Hospital Facilities (20 Oct 2022)

Stephen Donnelly: As the delivery of additional bed capacity is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Written Answers — Department of Health: General Practitioner Services (20 Oct 2022)

Stephen Donnelly: GPs are self-employed practitioners and therefore may establish practices at a place of their own choosing. The State does not regulate the number of GPs that can set up in a town or community. 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. It is acknowledged that certain rural...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Hospital Facilities (20 Oct 2022)

Stephen Donnelly: I propose to take Questions Nos. 135, 140 and 143 together. In December 2021, the Government agreed a new National Elective Ambulatory Care Strategy. This aims to change the way in which day case, scheduled procedures, surgeries, scans and outpatient services can be better arranged and ensure greater capacity in the future. It will also help to address waiting lists on a national level...