Results 17,661-17,680 of 46,081 for speaker:Simon Harris

Written Answers — Department of Health: Cancer Screening Programmes (8 Feb 2018)

Simon Harris: I propose to take Questions Nos. 238 and 239 together. The latest published waiting time figures (2015/16) for BreastCheck, the national breast screening programme, are provided as follows: Screening Programme % Target Women re-invited for screening within 24 months of invitation at previous round 63.50% ≥90% Women re-invited for screening within 27 months of invitation at previous...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Mental Health Services Administration (8 Feb 2018)

Simon Harris: This would appear to be an operational matter, which would be the responsibility of the Health Service Executive, if the query relates to a HSE service. However, I understand that the Deputy is awaiting further details in respect of the issue raised. When received, he should forward this to the HSE, who will then be in a position to respond.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Long-Term Illness Scheme Expenditure (8 Feb 2018)

Simon Harris: As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Sexually Transmitted Infections (8 Feb 2018)

Simon Harris: As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Freedom of Information Data (8 Feb 2018)

Simon Harris: Time spent dealing with Freedom of Information Requests forms part of the normal duties of officials in my Department and the time spent processing such requests is not monitored separately. My Department endeavours to comply with the legislation in relation to the time-frame for completing requests (i.e. 20 working days from the date of receipt of the request). Information in relation to...

Order of Business (13 Feb 2018)

Simon Harris: As Deputy Martin knows, this was not a decision taken by the Government. It was a decision taken by the medicines management programme, which is made up of clinicians. It was a clinical decision made on the appropriate use of Versatis, a patch that had been used for conditions it was not previously meant to be used for. We were actually spending more and using more in this country than the...

Order of Business (13 Feb 2018)

Simon Harris: I thank the Deputies for raising this matter. The Minister of State will visit Kerry shortly and will have an opportunity to visit those facilities and engage on the issues. I take seriously the point that Deputy Danny Healy-Rae raised about the well-being of an individual in a facility. If he wishes to pass on the details to me, I will look into them.

Topical Issue Debate: Drugs Payment Scheme Coverage (13 Feb 2018)

Simon Harris: I thank the Deputies for raising this issue, which I recognise is causing significant concern for a number of people. I welcome the opportunity to put some facts on the record of the House and to try to provide some guidance and information into how best patients might be able to proceed with regard to this important issue. I am conscious of the impact of changes on individual patients and...

Topical Issue Debate: Drugs Payment Scheme Coverage (13 Feb 2018)

Simon Harris: It is important that the process is not bureaucratic and that is the reason the appeals process is online and done by a general practitioner. Applications are turned around very quickly. Hundreds of people are now accessing this patch above and beyond the post-shingles indication as a result of the appeals process. Deputy Kenny is right that the process needs to be compassionate and I want...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Pharmacy Services (13 Feb 2018)

Simon Harris: I acknowledge the contribution made by pharmacists and other health professionals who provide services under contract on behalf of the HSE, through reductions in the fees in respect of these services, to addressing the unprecedented economic crisis which the State faced over recent years. In the context of the publication by my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform,...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Medical Card Drugs Availability (13 Feb 2018)

Simon Harris: Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community drug schemes; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Long-Term Illness Scheme Coverage (13 Feb 2018)

Simon Harris: The LTI Scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). The conditions covered by the LTI 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;...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Medical Aids and Appliances Provision (13 Feb 2018)

Simon Harris: As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Medical Aids and Appliances Provision (13 Feb 2018)

Simon Harris: As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Medical Aids and Appliances Provision (13 Feb 2018)

Simon Harris: As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Medicinal Products Regulation (13 Feb 2018)

Simon Harris: I propose to take Questions Nos. 325 to 328, inclusive, together. My Department is aware of recent reports on trends indicating the increased prescribing of certain drugs over a ten year period and that the British government has announced a review there. In Ireland the Medical Council is the statutory body for the registration and regulation of doctors engaged in medical practice....

Written Answers — Department of Health: HSE Planning (13 Feb 2018)

Simon Harris: Health capital funding was outlined in the Public Service Estimates for 2018. The Health Service Executive's Capital Plan for 2018-2021 is currently the subject of discussion with my Department. Appendix 4 of the HSE’s National Service Plan 2018 outlines capital projects that were completed in 2016 / 2017 and will be operational in 2018; are due to be completed and operational in...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Dental Services Provision (13 Feb 2018)

Simon Harris: As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Hospital Waiting Lists (13 Feb 2018)

Simon Harris: Under 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. The National...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Dental Services Waiting Lists (13 Feb 2018)

Simon Harris: As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.