Results 26,201-26,220 of 46,081 for speaker:Simon Harris

Written Answers — Department of Health: National Cervical Screening Programme Data (17 May 2018)

Simon Harris: Currently cervical smear testing is carried out by three laboratories: - Quest Diagnostics Inc, Teterboro, New Jersey USA; - MedLab Pathology Ltd, Dublin; and - Coombe Women and Infant’s University Hospital, Dublin. Approximately 50% of the testing is done in Ireland. All three laboratories meet quality assurance standards and are certified by the relevant national authorities.

Written Answers — Department of Health: National Cervical Screening Programme Administration (17 May 2018)

Simon Harris: I am advised by the HSE that smear tests from the IFPA and Dublin Well Woman Centre clinics are assigned to the Coombe Woman and Infants University Hospital for analysis. The analysis of CervicalCheck smears from a number of GP practices, as well as the testing of samples arising from 3 colposcopy clinics, is also undertaken at this hospital. The HSE advise that they have no knowledge...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Hospital Appointments Status (17 May 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: Disease Management (17 May 2018)

Simon Harris: I propose to take Questions Nos. 172 and 173 together. Ireland is committed to the WHO target of eliminating hepatitis C, including making it a rare disease by 2030. In 2015, the National Hepatitis C Treatment Programme (NHCTP) was established as a multi-annual public health plan. It aims to provide treatment over the coming years, across a range of healthcare settings, to all...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Hospital Appointments Status (17 May 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: Hospital Staff Recruitment (17 May 2018)

Simon Harris: As this is a service issue, I have asked the HSE to reply to you directly.

Written Answers — Department of Health: National Cervical Screening Programme Data (17 May 2018)

Simon Harris: I propose to take Questions Nos. 177 to 182, inclusive, together. All laboratories contracted by CervicalCheck meet the programme’s standards and have ISO accreditation, certified by the relevant national authorities. The laboratories undergo annual certification or surveillance audits from the relevant national certification body for their continuing accreditation. CervicalCheck...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Vaccination Programme (17 May 2018)

Simon Harris: I propose to take Questions Nos. 184 and 190 together. Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide. Mortality from cervical cancer in Ireland is above the European average. In 2018 more than 90 Irish women will die from cervical cancer. According to the World Health Organisation, which has reviewed international evidence, there is a strong association between...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Audiology Services Provision (17 May 2018)

Simon Harris: An audiology clinical lead structure, including formal clinical governance and quality assurance mechanisms, was put in place in the HSE in 2013/2014 on foot of recommendations of the National Audiology Review Group Report 2011. As part of regular audits of standards under this new structure the HSE noted potential concerns in 2015 in relation to the provision of aspects of community...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Maternity Services Provision (17 May 2018)

Simon Harris: As this is a service issue, I have asked the HSE to reply to the Deputy directly.

Written Answers — Department of Health: General Practitioner Contracts (17 May 2018)

Simon Harris: I acknowledge the important role that general practitioners play in our health service and I recognise the commitment of GPs to ensuring a responsive, accessible and high-quality service to patients. The Government is committed to engaging with the representatives of GPs on the development of a package of measures and reforms to modernise the current GMS contract and which will enable...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Hospital Appointments Administration (17 May 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: Hospital Services (17 May 2018)

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

Written Answers — Department of Health: Ambulance Service Provision (17 May 2018)

Simon Harris: As this is a service issue, I have asked the HSE to reply to you directly.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Hospital Charges (17 May 2018)

Simon Harris: My Department and the HSE are currently considering the issue of the application of the public in-patient charge of €80 for venesection in Acute Hospitals as well as broader issues in relation to the treatment of patients with Hereditary Haemochromatosis. In this context, a meeting between Department of Health and HSE officials is being arranged.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Hospital Appointments Status (17 May 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: National Cervical Screening Programme (17 May 2018)

Simon Harris: On the 8 May I established a Scoping Inquiry which is being led by Dr Gabriel Scally, Professor of Public Health at the University of the West of England and the University of Bristol. The Inquiry is expected to report by the end of June, and subject to its findings, the Government is committed to establishing a full Commission of Investigation. The outcomes of the Scoping Inquiry and...

Written Answers — Department of Health: National Cervical Screening Programme Administration (17 May 2018)

Simon Harris: On 11 May, I announced a comprehensive package of health and social care measures to support women and families affected by issues relating to CervicalCheck audit. These measures include: - The provision of a discretionary medical card for each woman affected, or their next-of-kin in cases where the woman has sadly died; - The meeting of out-of-pocket medical costs incurred; - The...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Health Services Staff Remuneration (17 May 2018)

Simon Harris: The terms applied to the former Director General are those specified in his contract. The contract provided for the offer of an alternative position in the public service on completion of the contract or, payment equivalent to 6 months salary on conclusion of the contract. The contract also provides for payment in lieu of notice to the end of the contract term.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Medical Conditions (17 May 2018)

Simon Harris: A reply to the concerns raised in Mrs Byrne's correspondence has been issued from my office. This acknowledged the work done by the association on the recognition and management of ME and my Department has been in contact with the HSE on these issues.