Thursday, 19 Nov 2020

Written Answers Nos. 301-324

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (301)

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill

Question:

301. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Health his plans for the roll out of a potential vaccine against Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37469/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Ireland is currently involved in an EU Procurement Exercise being operated by the European Commission on behalf of member states to procure a portfolio of suitable, safe and effective vaccines, in sufficient quantities, to combat COVID-19.

I can assure the Deputy of the Government's commitment to the timely implementation of a COVID-19 immunisation programme, as soon as one or more vaccines in the portfolio are approved for use. 

In this regard, a cross-Government High-Level Taskforce has been established to support and oversee the development and implementation of the programme.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (302)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

302. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if regional public health centres, primary care centres and hospitals will be granted and or retain additional resources and staff when level 5 restrictions are rolled back; and the way in which further outbreaks of Covid-19 will be proactively addressed in 2021. [37470/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As you will be aware, Ireland has moved to level 5 of the Government’s medium-term strategy for dealing with COVID-19, Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19. This Plan sets out Ireland's approach to managing and living with COVID-19 in a range of areas over the next 6 - 9 months.

The Plan sets out a framework of 5 Levels which outline the broad measures which will apply depending on the level of the virus at any given time. It is designed to help everyone – individuals, families, organisations and sectors – to better understand, anticipate and prepare for the measures that might be introduced to contain transmission of the virus. The Plan is framed to account for periods during which there is low incidence of the disease, with isolated clusters and low community transmission, through to situations where there is a high or rapidly increasing incidence, widespread community transmission and the pandemic is escalating rapidly in Ireland and globally.

Any measures introduced at any level of the Plan are aimed at limiting the spread and damage of COVID-19, and are necessary to protect what we know are our key priorities of supporting and maintaining health and social care services, keeping education and childcare services open and protecting the most vulnerable members of our community.

Budget 2021 has provided €150m in new development money plus a further €30m in Sláintecare funding to implement a model of Enhanced Community Care. This funding will allow for the development of new pathways of care for primary health services and will enable delivery of enhanced care services across the country for those that need them. 

Investment in primary care will underpin a move toward population-based delivery of services through Community Health Networks serving local populations of approximately 50,000 and will facilitate the development of specialist community teams catering to older persons and those with chronic disease, as well as the national expansion of Community Intervention Teams.  The rollout of the Enhanced Community Care model will build capacity through recruitment of more than 2,000 staff, with a particular focus on nursing and community therapists such as Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists and Speech and Language Therapists.

Alongside this investment, the primary care sector will continue to utilise alternative modes of service delivery, including remote consultations using simple telephone services or more sophisticated online and video consultations.  The rollout of a network of Community Assessment Hubs and expanded GP access to diagnostics will also be important elements of the Covid-19 response and development of primary care.

Budget 2021 also sees a significant investment into the health workforce with an increase of 16,000 permanent whole-time equivalents into the health workforce, above 2020 funded levels. Significant efforts will also be made to retain staff and to increase staffing levels across the health sector. This expansion is needed to continue to meet the demands of the pandemic and to ensure that our healthcare system is resourced to meet the healthcare needs of the nation. This expansion is not contingent or linked to the level of restrictions imposed in the country at any given time. 

You may also wish to note that further details in relation to the delivery of health and social care services in the context of Covid-19 can be found in Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19. 

Social Welfare Payments Administration

Questions (303)

Sorca Clarke

Question:

303. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the requirement of a digital signature for collection of social welfare payments has been reintroduced; and if he will report on the guidance upon which this decision was based given the level 5 restrictions in place nationwide. [37484/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

My Department does not have sectorial responsibility for social welfare payments.  The issue raised by the Deputy is a matter for the Minister for Social Protection.

Health Screening Programmes

Questions (304)

Sorca Clarke

Question:

304. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many women from across the country who are awaiting urgent breast ultrasounds and mammograms are arriving to their appointment only to be informed that there are no slots available and they will be issued with a follow-up assessment in the coming weeks; and if he will engage with BreastCheck and other screening clinics across the country to address this situation given this practice is the cause of unnecessary travel expenses and further stress and anxiety for the person. [37486/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The National Action Plan on Covid-19 identifies the continued delivery of cancer care as a priority. While there has been a reduction in service capacity due to essential physical distancing and infection prevention and control measures, cancer services have continued throughout the pandemic. This includes diagnostic services such as Symptomatic Breast Disease Clinics , to which women can be referred by their GP if there is a suspicion of breast cancer. These clinics continued to operate and urgent cases were prioritised in line with the HSE's National Cancer Control Programme National Guidelines.  We have not received any reports in relation to problems with the availability of diagnostics for women attending Symptomatic Breast Disease Clinics.

In relation to breast screening services,  a phased reintroduction of BreastCheck commenced on 27 October.  BreastCheck invites participants to attend for an appointment at a scheduled time and they advise that they are not aware of any reports of delays in these assessments.  BreastCheck actively encourages women to let them know if they cannot make an appointment so it can be re-scheduled and/or the timeslot offered to someone else.   BreastCheck have also implemented a new text system to maximise appointment attendance and to improve communications with attendees.

Health Services Staff

Questions (305)

Sorca Clarke

Question:

305. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the cost to the HSE per hour to section 39 agencies for personal assistants. [37487/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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

General Practitioner Services

Questions (306)

Sorca Clarke

Question:

306. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the recent closure of the only general practitioner practice in Rathwire, County Westmeath; and if he plans to provide a general practitioner service in the area. [37489/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (307)

Michael Creed

Question:

307. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health the efforts that his Department is considering in respect of tackling vaccine reticence in view of recent announcements regarding progress on the search for a vaccine for Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37499/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

It is important to note that vaccine hesitancy is not unique to Ireland. It is a global issue and has been identified by the World Health Organisation as one of the ten leading threats to global health in 2019.

One of my priorities as Minister for Health is to increase vaccination rates and several options in this area are being explored. A Vaccine Alliance was established in my Department in September 2019. Its aim is to increase the uptake of childhood vaccines and reduce vaccine hesitancy.

Hospital Appointments Status

Questions (308)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

308. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37510/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

It is recognised that waiting times for scheduled appointments and procedures have been impacted as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to defer most scheduled care activity in March, April, and May of this year. This was to ensure patient safety and that all appropriate resources were made available for Covid-19 related activity and time-critical essential work. This decision was in line with the advice issued by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) in accordance with the advice of the World Health Organisation.

Patient safety remains at the centre of all hospital activity and elective care scheduling. To ensure services are provided in a safe, clinically-aligned and prioritised way, hospitals are following HSE clinical guidelines and protocols.

The HSE continues to optimise productivity through alternative work practices such the use of alternative settings including private hospitals, community facilities and alternative outpatient settings.

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 Waiting List Management Policy is a standardised approach used by the HSE to manage scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures.  It sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists and was developed in 2014 to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care.

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.

Health Services Provision

Questions (309)

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill

Question:

309. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Health his plans to reopen gay men's health services as a priority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37506/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to unprecedented interruptions to normal healthcare activity, with most services affected, including STI clinics.

STI Clinics are conducting virtual clinics where possible, with attendance in person limited to appointment only. Service restrictions are predominantly due to social distancing requirements; waiting rooms can now only hold a fraction of patients compared to before the pandemic. Priority is being given to those with symptoms or requiring testing and treatment.

The HSE’s CHO6 advise that the closure of the GMHS relates to the necessary redeployment of personnel to COVID-19 testing and contact tracing duties. Work is ongoing with other services, stakeholders and community groups in order to provide the best possible service to GMHS service users under the circumstances. Agreement has been reached with the GUIDE Clinic; all GMHS PrEP users will be facilitated in GUIDE for follow up appointments.  

Phone lines, the GMHS website and other resources such as man2man,ie and sexual wellbeing.ie are regularly updated to reflect current service delivery and to signpost users to the HSE list of approved PrEP services.

At a national level, the HSE advise that staff recruitment is ongoing with regard to the dedicated provision of COVID-19 services. It is envisaged that this will enable staff from other health services, including GMHS, to return to their respective positions and resume service delivery in due course.

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

Medical Cards

Questions (310)

James Lawless

Question:

310. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health the status of a medical card for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37523/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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

Nursing Staff

Questions (311)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

311. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter raised in correspondence by a person (details supplied) on nurses pay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37527/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Earlier this year, the Health Care Assistant initiative (whereby student nurses and midwives were offered temporary contracts as Health Care Assistants) began in April 2020 and ceased in August 2020.

This was in response to the Covid-19 outbreak and was only ever intended as a temporary measure to provide additional support of to the national effort, it also offered some protection to the ongoing education of student nurses and midwives as their clinical placements had ceased. Student nurses and midwives who took part in this initiative received payment of the first point of the Health Care Assistant salary scale, €28,493. The rate was also temporarily applied to those 4th year nurses and midwives on paid work placements.

The regular pay for 4th year nurse students on internship increased by 2% on 1st October this year. The annualised salary for this group is now €21,749 (or €10.72 per hour) for general nursing and midwifery and €22,229 (€10.96 per hour) for psychiatric nursing.

Post qualification and registration, graduate nurses can join the public health service as a Staff Nurse with a starting salary of €30,609 (€31,295 for psychiatric nursing) and after 1 year and 16 weeks experience may be eligible to apply for the role of Enhanced Practise Nurse with a starting salary of €37,161. The recent Nursing Agreement also included measures that accelerate career progression, improvements to certain pay and allowances as well as pay adjustments for new entrants. These measures should help attracting and retaining nurses in the public health service. A nursing career in the public health service also offers other opportunities for career progression as well as other pay and non-pay benefits and I would encourage student nurses to take up these opportunities.

Medical Cards

Questions (312)

Marian Harkin

Question:

312. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Health if the matter on charges being levied on medical card holders by dentists and opticians will be clarified; if these additional charges can be claimed back from his Department (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37554/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The HSE provides dental care free of charge to medical card holders aged 16 and over under the Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) . These services are provided by independent dental practitioners who have a contract with the HSE.

The HSE also provides an eye care service to medical card holders through the Community Ophthalmic Services Schemes. The service is provided by ophthalmologists, optometrists and dispensing opticians who have a contract with the HSE. This service offers free eye examination and glasses, if required.

There is no provision under these Scheme for the charging of additional fees to patients. Any inappropriate charges by contracted healthcare providers should be reported to the HSE for investigation.

Departmental Contracts

Questions (313)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

313. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the third-party contracts entered into by agencies under the remit of his Department for the operation of community and voluntary organisations; the number of staff employed by the third party; and the cost of the contract in 2019 and 2020. [37564/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

In relation to contracts awarded by the HSE, as this is an operational matter, I have forwarded your query to the HSE and asked that they respond directly to you as soon as possible.

Details for other bodies under the aegis of my Department are operational matters for the bodies concerned and the Deputy should contact the relevant Director/CEO/Registrar directly.

Cancer Services

Questions (314)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

314. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the total funding to be allocated to cancer services in the HSE Winter Plan 2020-2021; the way in which the funding will be allocated within cancer services in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37575/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The Winter Plan commits to the restoration of cancer services to 95% of 2019 capacity. A sum of €2.35m was allocated in the Winter Plan and a further €12m was allocated s part of Budget 2021 to achieve the 95% restoration.

With physical distancing and associated precautionary measures, it will not be possible in the short-term to get cancer services fully back to pre-Covid levels.  The challenges arising will be exacerbated by the number of patients who would normally have presented earlier coming forward in the next few months, on top of the increasing numbers arising more generally in line with demographic factors. 

The €14.35m will support essential cancer services across such areas as diagnostics, surgery, medical oncology and radiation oncology, as well as vital support services for cancer patients.

Covid-19 Tests

Questions (315)

Eoghan Murphy

Question:

315. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost to his Department of carrying out Covid-19 tests; the breakdown of the constituent costs of each part of the tests; and if the prices are in line with international prices. [37579/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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

Ministerial Correspondence

Questions (316)

Alan Kelly

Question:

316. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the details of all ministerial engagements; if he will publish his diaries from 27 June 2020 to date in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37589/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Details of my engagements to end July are set out below. Details of engagements since July will be collated and forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

It is my intention to publish my diary quarterly in arrears on my Department’s website.

Minister Donnelly’s meetings since appointment:

Date	Meeting with
01/07/2020	Paul Reid CEO HSE
01/07/2020	Ciarán Devane, HSE Chair
06/07/2020	Bilateral meeting with Taoiseach and Sec Gen on Health
06/07/2020	Call with Portuguese Health Minister
08/07/2020	Weekly Conference Call DOH/HSE officials
09/07/2020	Nursing Homes Expert Panel
10/07/2020	Nursing Homes Ireland
14/07/2020	Phone Call with UK Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
14/07/2020	Call with Northern Ireland Health Minister
16/07/2020	EPSCO: Informal Health Committee
17/07/2020	Member of Sláintecare Implementation Advisory Council (SIAC)
17/07/2020	Call with World Health Organisation official
17/07/2020	Weekly Conference Call DOH/HSE officials
21/07/2020	Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation
21/07/2020	The Psychiatric Nurses Association of Ireland
21/07/2020	SIPTU
22/07/2020	Weekly Conference Call DOH/HSE officials
27/07/2020	Nursing Homes Ireland
28/07/2020	Irish Medical Organisation
28/07/2020	Irish Hospital Consultants Association

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (317)

Alan Kelly

Question:

317. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the amount spent on communications specifically on Covid-19; the number of communication officers employed by the HSE specifically to deal with public health messaging in relation to Covid-19 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37590/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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

Respite Care Services

Questions (318)

Alan Kelly

Question:

318. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the amount that will be allocated to open a respite centre (details supplied) in 2021; when the respite centre will open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37591/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives.

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

Question No. 319 answered with Question No. 300.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (320)

Alan Farrell

Question:

320. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Health the considerations being given to the resumption of in person church services upon return to level 3 as part of the resilience and recovery document; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37609/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As the Deputy is aware, the Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19 was published by the Government on 15 September. This Framework sets out Ireland's approach to managing and living with COVID-19 in a range of areas over the next 6 - 9 months.

The Plan sets out five levels of response, each with a number of measures designed to help us all lower COVID-19 transmission and setting out what is permitted at that moment in time. It aims to allow society and businesses to be able to operate as normally as possible, while continuing to suppress the virus. The Plan is framed to account for periods during which there is a low incidence of the disease, with isolated clusters and low community transmission, through to situations where there is a high or rapidly increasing incidence, widespread community transmission and the pandemic is escalating rapidly in Ireland and globally. It recognises the need for society and business to be allowed to continue as normally as possible and is designed so that either national or county level restrictions can be applied. Each level outlines what is permitted for social or family gatherings, work and public transport, bars, hotels and restaurants, exercise activities and religious services.

As I am sure the Deputy can appreciate, COVID-19 spreads when individuals and groups come into close contact with one another, enabling the virus to move from one person to another. COVID-19 is infectious in a person with no symptoms, or for the period of time before they develop symptoms. For this reason, we are all asked to be extra careful when socialising and working with others. For now, we must act like we have the virus to protect those around us from infection.

The number of people allowed to gather in different scenarios in the Government Framework are based on a review of international practice and the judgment of public health experts. It seeks to balance the risks of different types of gatherings against the desire to allow normal activities to proceed in so far as possible.

It is advised to socialise safely and within the capacity limits. These various limits in the Levels are all designed to reduce the number of households mixing with each other and cut down the virus’s chances of spreading into more homes. 

The Deputy should note, that the numbers should not be considered a target - they are the maximum recommended number. It’s always safer to meet less people, less often, for less time. If we do this, we have a better chance of keeping to the lower Levels in the Framework, and continuing to keep businesses, schools, and healthcare services open, while also protecting the most vulnerable. 

The ‘Framework for Restrictive Measures in Response to COVID-19’ in the Living with Covid Plan provides for restrictions on gatherings of people indoors given the higher risk associated with these types of activities and sets out when it is considered that religious services can take place with protective measures (Levels 1 and 2) and when they must move online (Levels 3,4 and 5). Weddings and funerals are exceptions and can continue at every level with limited numbers.

Churches and other places of worship can remain open for private prayer. It is also important to note that at all levels, Ministers of Religion are permitted to travel to perform a service on-line, to minister to the sick, and conduct a funeral or wedding ceremony.  The relevant regulations relating to Level 5 restrictions are S.I. 448 of 2020 (Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (NO. 8) Regulations 2020).

Throughout the pandemic, the Government has sought to implement these measures on the basis of guidance as opposed to regulations wherever possible. It should be noted that holding a religious gathering is not a penal offence.

I and my Cabinet colleagues recognise the immense sacrifices that are being made be people across the country at this difficult time. I know that includes many people who are affected by their inability to attend church in the way they have been used to. However, there has been significant engagement and solidarity from the Catholic Church and other Faiths at all stages throughout this pandemic to ensure the protection of individuals and communities from COVID-19. Indeed,  the Taoiseach has recently met with the leaders of the Catholic Church  to consider the range of issues relating this matter.

Finally, the Deputy will wish to note that comprehensive guidelines are in place to ensure that religious services can take place safely when they recommence: www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/guidance/religioussettingsguidance/COVID_religious%20settings.pdf.

Vaccination Programme

Questions (321)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

321. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the current capacity in the State to store vaccines below 80 degrees. [37610/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Ireland is currently involved in an EU Procurement Exercise being operated by the European Commission on behalf of member states to procure a portfolio of suitable, safe and effective vaccines, in sufficient quantities, to combat COVID-19.

I can assure the Deputy of the Government's commitment to the timely implementation of a COVID-19 immunisation programme, as soon as one or more vaccines in the portfolio are approved for use.

In this regard, a cross-Government High-Level Taskforce has been established to support and oversee the development and implementation of the programme.  Logistics arrangements are amongst the range of matters which will be addressed in the context of the work of the Taskforce and the State agencies and other stakeholders with which it will work.

Health Services Staff

Questions (322)

Niall Collins

Question:

322. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an issue raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37612/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

With regard to pay restoration for section 39 organisations, a Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) agreement reached in October 2018 provided for pay restoration in relation to 50 pilot organisations in the first instance.  Pay restoration for these bodies commenced in April 2019 with further payments due in October 2020 and October 2021 as appropriate.  St Josephs Foundation was one of the organisations included in the pilot exercise.

In relation to the broader issue raised, the Deputy will be aware that individuals employed by Section 39 organisations are not HSE employees, therefore neither the HSE nor the Department of Health has a role in determining the salaries or other terms and conditions applying to these staff.  It is, therefore, a matter for Section 39 organisations to negotiate salaries with their staff as part of their employment relationship and within the overall funding available for the delivery of agreed services.

Vaccination Programme

Questions (323)

Denis Naughten

Question:

323. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1191 of 30 July 2020, the number of adult and child vaccines respectively that have been administered to date; his plans to source additional vaccines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37656/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

This season, 1.95 million doses of influenza vaccine have been purchased, which is double the amount administered last season. The HSE has procured 1.35 million doses of the Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine (QIV) for administration to all persons in an at-risk group, as well as 600,000 doses of the Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV) for all children aged from 2 to 12 years old inclusive.

Up to 1.3 million of the 1.35 million doses of flu vaccine available this winter have now been distributed to GPs, pharmacists and other vaccination sites.  In addition, 420,000 doses of the LAIV for administration to children aged from 2 to 12 have been distributed. As of 15th November, approximately 925,000 claims for reimbursement from GPs and pharmacists for the administration of influenza vaccines have been received by PCERS, including approximately 118,000 claims for the administration of nasal LAIV to children aged 2 -12.

Demand for vaccination remains strong at this point and may exceed available supply. It is likely that the full amount procured, 1.35 million doses, will be distributed and administered.  Given the demand on the international market for influenza vaccine, it is not likely to be possible to procure additional supply.

As a consequence, from the fourth round of deliveries which started on 23 October, GPs and pharmacists have been asked that of remaining patients in at-risk groups, priority should be given to the over-65s and healthcare workers with direct patient contact, in line with WHO advice. The distribution of the final 50,000 doses will commence by the end of this month, with further advice on how these doses may best be targeted.

Proposed Legislation

Questions (324)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

324. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health when the public health (tobacco and nicotine inhaling products) Bill will be published; the measures he plans to adopt on e-cigarettes in view of the Health Research Board review on e-cigarettes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37616/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

In October 2019 the Government approved the drafting of a Public Health (Tobacco and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill. Following Government approval the General Scheme was submitted to the Office of Parliamentary Counsel for drafting and separately referred to the Oireachtas Committee on Health for Pre-Legislative Scrutiny.  A first draft of the Bill is awaited in the context of competing priorities such as COVID-19 and Brexit related law.

The Health Research Board carried out three evidence reviews on e-cigarettes. The top level findings of those reviews were that e-cigarettes are not harmless but there is evidence that they are less harmful than tobacco cigarettes, that e-cigarettes are as effective as nicotine replacement therapies for smoking cessation and that there is a positive association between e-cigarette use and subsequent smoking in adolescents.

These findings align with previous international assessments of e-cigarettes, particularly in their primary conclusion that more research is needed to understand longer term effects. The findings support the provisions in our Public Health (Tobacco and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill to prohibit the sale of e-cigarettes to persons under 18 and to provide for a licensing system for their sale.