Results 26,701-26,720 of 46,575 for speaker:Simon Harris

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.

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

Simon Harris: The HSE have advised that any woman who has received a clear CervicalCheck smear test result previously should proceed with their next scheduled test as normal. With a view to reassuring women about the safety of the CervicalCheck programme, I have arranged that any woman who has had a CervicalCheck smear test, and who following consultation with her GP determines that she wishes to have...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Medical Card Reviews (16 May 2018)

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

Written Answers — Department of Health: Hospital Appointments Administration (16 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 (16 May 2018)

Simon Harris: RCSI Hospitals had originally estimated that by Q1 2018 paediatric patients over the age of five would be treated in Louth County Hospital’s minor injury unit, if they met the criteria of a minor injury. However, the RCSI has advised that due to unanticipated resignations, it has delayed the agreed start time. The RCSI has further advised that while the Louth Hospitals continue to...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Tobacco Control Measures (16 May 2018)

Simon Harris: Smoking is the greatest single cause of preventable illness and premature death in Ireland, killing almost 6,000 people a year. The primary objectives set out in the Tobacco Free Ireland(2013) policy document are to denormalise smoking and to protect children from the dangers of tobacco consumption. Tobacco Free Irelandsets a target for Ireland to be tobacco free (i.e. with a prevalence...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Medicinal Products Licensing (16 May 2018)

Simon Harris: The HSE has statutory responsibility for medicine pricing and reimbursement decisions, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. As Minister for Health, I do not have any statutory power or function in relation to the reimbursement of medicines. The Act specifies the criteria for decisions on the reimbursement of medicines. Under the 2013 Act, if a...