Written Answers Nos. 701-726
701. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Health to list all Acts and Statutory Instruments sponsored by his Department which became law from 20 February 2020 to date in 2024 and which were necessitated, either in whole or in part, to transpose or give effect to regulations, directives or other measures passed at European Union level. [19168/24]
View answerGiven the scope of the Deputy's request, it was necessary to canvass all areas of my Department as that was considered to be the most efficient way to gather the information required. As such, the information set out below, regarding a reviews of all Acts and Statutory Instruments sponsored by this Department which became law from 20 February 2020 to date in 2024 and which were necessitated, either in whole or in part, to transpose or give effect to regulations, directives or other measures passed at European Union level, is as accurate as can be provided in the absence of a systematic examination of all Acts & Statutory Instruments enacted by this Department in the last 4 years.
There is one Act which falls within the scope of the question posed by the Deputy, the Regulated Professions (Health and Social Care) (Amendment) Act 2020 which was enacted on the 14th of October 2020. This Act was necessitated in part to give further effect to Directive 2005/36/EC (as amended) of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 September 2005 on the recognition of professional qualifications.
There are a number of Statutory Instruments which fall within the scope of the question posed by the Deputy and they are listed as follows by year:
2020
• S.I. No. 47 of 2020 European Communities (Hygiene of Foodstuffs) (Amendment) Regulations 2020
• S.I. No. 55 of 2020 European Union (Natural Mineral Waters, Spring Waters and Other Waters in Bottles or Containers) (Amendment) Regulations 2020
• S.I. No. 79 of 2020 European Union (Official Controls in Relation to Food Legislation) Regulations 2020
• S.I. No. 144 of 2020 European Communities (Medical Devices) (Amendment) Regulations 2020
• S.I. No. 145 of 2020 European Communities (In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices) (Amendment) Regulations 2020
• S.I. No. 300 of 2020 European Communities (Active Implantable Medical Devices) (Amendment) Regulations 2020
• S.I. No. 301 of 2020 European Communities (Medical Devices) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2020
• S.I. No. 302 of 2020 European Communities (In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2020
• S.I. No. 324 of 2020 European Union (Protection of Animals used for Scientific Purposes) (Amendment) Regulations 2020
• S.I. No. 425 of 2020 - European Union (Microbiological Criteria for Foodstuffs) (Amendment) Regulations 2020
• S.I. No. 575 of 2020 European Union (Official Controls in Relation to Food Legislation) (Imports of Food of Non-Animal origin) Regulations 2020
• S.I. No. 700 of 2020 Withdrawal of The United Kingdom From The European Union (Consequential Provisions) Act 2020 (Part 2) (Commencement) order 2020
2021
• S.I. No. 1 of 2021 Medicinal Products (Control of Wholesale Distribution) (Amendment) Regulations 2021
• S.I. No. 82 of 2021 Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 (Controlled Drugs) (Declaration) order 2021
• S.I. No. 121 of 2021 Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Regulations 2021
• S.I. No. 122 of 2021 Misuse of Drugs (Controlled Drugs) (Designation) order 2021
• S.I. No. 243 of 2021 European Union (Nutrition and Health Claims Made on Foods) (Amendment) Regulations 2021
• S.I. No. 244 of 2021 European Union (Official Controls in Relation to Food Legislation) (Imports of Food of Non-Animal Origin) (Amendment) Regulations 2021
• S.I. No. 260 of 2021 European Union (National Research Ethics Committee for Clinical investigations of Medical Devices) Regulations 2021
• S.I. No. 261 of 2021 Medical Devices Regulations 2021
• S.I. No. 317 of 2021 (Health Act 1947 (Section 31a – EU Digital Covid Certificates) Regulations 2021). Revoked Under S.I. 140 of 2022.
• S.I. No. 318 of 2021 European Union (EU Digital Covid Certificates) Regulations 2021
• S.I. No. 510 of 2021 Medical Devices (Amendment) Regulations 2021
• S.I. No. 540 of 2021 European Communities (Food Supplements) (Amendment) Regulations 2021
• S.I. No. 541 of 2021 European Union (Addition of Vitamins and Minerals and of Certain Other Substances to Foods) (Amendment) Regulations 2021
• S.I. No. 542 of 2021 European Union (Provision of Food information to Consumers) (Amendment) Regulations 2021
• S.I. No. 614 of 2021 European Union (Manufacture, Presentation and Sale of tobacco and Related Products) (Amendment) Regulations 2021
• S.I. No. 638 of 2021 European Union (official Controls in Relation to Food Legislation) (Imports of Food of Non-Animal origin) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2021
• S.I. No. 691 of 2021 Medical Devices (Registration) Regulations 2021
2022
• S.I. No. 5 of 2022 European Union (official Controls in Relation to Food Legislation) (Imports of Food of Non-Animal origin) (Amendment) Regulations 2022
• S.I. No. 9 of 2022 European Union (official Controls in Relation to Food Legislation) (Imports of Food of Non-Animal origin) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2022
• S.I. No. 40 of 2022 European Union (Clinical Trials on Medicinal Products for Human Use) Regulations 2022
• S.I. No. 41 of 2022 European Union (Clinical Trials on Medicinal Products for Human Use) (National Research Ethics Committees) Regulations 2022
• S.I. No. 99 of 2022 European Union (Clinical Trials on Medicinal Products for Human Use) (Principal) Regulations 2022
• S.I. No. 111 of 2022 European Union (Food intended for infants and Young Children, Food for Special Medical Purposes, and total Diet Replacement for Weight Control) (Amendment) Regulations 2022
• S.I. 139 of 2022 Infectious Diseases (EU Digital Covid Certificates) Regulations 2022. Amended Under S.I. 181 2022. Revoked Under S.I. 416/23.
• S.I. No. 140 of 2022 Health Act 1947 (Section 31a – EU Digital Covid Certificates) (Revocation) Regulations 2022
• S.I. No. 176 of 2022 Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 (Controlled Drugs) (Declaration) Order 2022
• S.I. No. 181 of 2022 Infectious Diseases (EU Digital Covid Certificates) (Amendment) Regulations 2022
• S.I. No. 182 of 2022 European Union (EU Digital Covid Certificates) (Amendment) Regulations 2022
• S.I. No. 189 of 2022 Infectious Diseases (EU Digital Covid Certificates) Regulations 2022
• S.I. No. 205 of 2022 European Union (Protection of Animals used for Scientific Purposes) (Amendment) Regulations 2022
• S.I. No. 210 of 2022 Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Regulations 2022
• S.I. No. 211 of 2022 Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 (Controlled Drugs) (Designation) Order 2022
• S.I. No. 239 of 2022 Infectious Diseases (EU Digital Covid Certificates) (Revocation) Regulations 2022
• S.I. No. 253 of 2022 European Union (Novel Foods) Regulations 2022
• S.I. No. 254 of 2022 European Communities (Hygiene of Foodstuffs) (Amendment) Regulations 2022
• S.I. No. 256 of 2022 In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices Regulations 2022
• S.I. No. 257 of 2022 European Union (National Research Ethics Committees for Performance Studies of In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices) Regulations 2022
• S.I. No. 270 of 2022 Medicinal Products (Safety Features on Packaging) Regulations 2022
• S.I. No. 328 of 2022 European Union (official Controls in Relation to Food Legislation) (Imports of Food of Non-Animal origin) (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations 2022
• S.I. No. 329 of 2022 Designation Under Regulation 17 of The European Union (official Controls in Relation to Food Legislation) Regulations 2020 (S.I. No. 79 of 2020)
• S.I. No. 365 of 2022 In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices (Registration) Regulations 2022
• S.I. No. 403 of 2022 European Union (official Controls in Relation to Food Legislation) (Imports of Food of Non-Animal origin) (Amendment) (No. 4) Regulations 2022
• S.I. 414 of 2022 Medicinal Products (Control of Manufacture) (Amendment) (No.2) Regulations 2022
• S.I. 415 of 2022 Medicinal Products (Control of Wholesale Distribution) (Amendment) Regulations
• S.I. 416 of 2022 Medicinal Products (Control of Placing on The Market) (Amendment) Regulations 2022
• S.I. No. 417 of 2022 European Communities (Clinical Trials on Medicinal Products for Human Use) (Amendment) Regulations 2022
• S.I. No. 418 of 2022 European Union (Clinical Trials on Medicinal Products for Human Use) (Principal) (Amendment) Regulations 2022
• S.I. No. 528 of 2022 European Union (Basic Safety Standards for Protection Against Dangers Arising From Medical Exposure to Ionising Radiation) (Amendment) Regulations 2022
• S.I. No. 555 of 2022 European Communities (Control of Drug Precursors) (Amendment) Regulations 2022
• S.I. No. 586 of 2022 Designation Under Regulation 17 of The European Union (official Controls in Relation to Food Legislation) Regulations 2020 (S.I. No. 79 of 2020)
• S.I. No. 689 of 2022 European Union (Nutrition and Health Claims Made on Foods) (Amendment) Regulations 2022
• S.I. No. 691 of 2022 European Union (Natural Mineral Waters, Spring Waters and Other Waters in Bottles or Containers) (Amendment) Regulations 2022
• S.I. No. 725 of 2022 European Union (National Research Ethics Committees for Performance Studies of In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices) (Amendment) Regulations 2022
• S.I. No. 726 of 2022 European Union (National Research Ethics Committee for Clinical investigations of Medical Devices) (Amendment) Regulations 2022
• S.I. No. 727 of 2022 European Union (Clinical Trials on Medicinal Products for Human Use) (Principal) (Amendment) Regulations 2022
2023
• S.I. No. 29 of 2023 European Union (Basic Safety Standards for Protection Against Dangers Arising From Medical Exposure to Ionising Radiation) (Amendment) Regulations 2023
• S.I. No. 50 of 2023 European Union (official Controls in Relation to Food Legislation) (Imports of Food of Non-Animal origin) (Amendment) Regulations 2023
• S.I. No. 150 of 2023 Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Regulations 2023
• S.I. No. 156 of 2023 Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2023
• S.I. No. 222 of 2023 Food Safety Authority of Ireland Act 1998 (Amendment of First Schedule) order 2023
• S.I. No. 237 of 2023 Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 (Controlled Drugs) (Designation) (Amendment) Order 2023
• S.I. No. 265 of 2023 European Union (Addition of Vitamins and Minerals and of Certain Other Substances to Foods) (Amendment) Regulations 2023
• S.I. No. 335 of 2023 European Union (Manufacture, Presentation and Sale of Tobacco and Related Products) (Amendment) Regulations 2023
• S.I. No. 338 of 2023 European Union (Official Controls in Relation to Food Legislation) (Imports of Food of Non-Animal origin) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2023
• S.I. No. 400 of 2023 Food Safety Authority of Ireland Act 1998 (Amendment of First Schedule) (No. 2) Order 2023
• S.I. No. 415 of 2023 European Union (EU Digital Covid Certificates) (Revocation) Regulations 2023
• S.I. No. 416 of 2023 Infectious Diseases (EU Digital Covid Certificates) (Revocation) Regulations 2023
• S.I. No. 490 of 2023 European Union (Food Intended for Infants and Young Children, Food for Special Medical Purposes, and total Diet Replacement for Weight Control) (Amendment) Regulations 2023
• S.I. No. 670 of 2023 European Union (National Research Ethics Committees for Performance Studies of In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices) (Amendment) Regulations 2023
• S.I. No. 671 of 2023 European Union (National Research Ethics Committees for Clinical investigations of Medical Devices) Regulations 2023
• S.I. No. 697 of 2023 Health Products Regulatory Authority (Fees) Regulations 2023
2024
• S.I. No. 3 of 2024 European Union (Clinical Trials on Medicinal Products for Human Use) (Amendment) Regulations 2024
• S.I. No. 9 of 2024 European Union (Official Controls in Relation to Food Legislation) (Amendment) Regulations 2024
• S.I. No. 51 of 2024 European Union (Official Controls in Relation to Food Legislation) (Imports of Food of Non-Animal origin) (Amendment) Regulations 2024
• S.I. No. 106 of 2024 European Union (Official Controls in Relation to Food Legislation) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2024
• S.I. No. 159 of 2024 European Union (Novel Foods) (Amendment) Regulations 2024
I hope the above information is of assistance.
702. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health his views on the letter addressed to him from leading cancer experts regarding the National Cancer Strategy (details supplied); to respond to their concerns. [19185/24]
View answerAs Minister for Health, I have supported the National Cancer Strategy with substantial funding of €40m on for national cancer services and €30m increased funding for cancer screening, which includes €20m for the establishment of a National Cervical Screening Laboratory.
There has been over €300m in cumulative additional funding for cancer treatment and screening services allocated to the Strategy since 2017. This funding has enabled the recruitment of over 670 staff to our national cancer services since 2017, including an additional 200 nursing staff, 100 consultants, and 180 health and social care professionals in designated cancer centres. This means that our national cancer services have been strengthened, that more patients are receiving treatment, and that waiting times to access treatment are reduced.
Capital funding of over €120m has been used to provide state of the art radiation oncology facilities in Galway and Cork, and to update cancer infrastructure in chemotherapy wards and lab facilities for the benefit of patients. In the past three years, additional investment of €98m into new medicines has included approvals for 61 cancer drugs, and the total spend on cancer drugs in the last 3 years has been over €600m. New treatments such as CAR T-cell therapy, radiolabelled therapy, and specialised radiotherapy treatments are now available for the first time in Ireland.
This is the third National Cancer Strategy, and the success of the strategic approach to cancer is shown by the number of patients living after receiving a cancer diagnosis which has increased to over 215,000 people, compared to 150,000 when the Strategy was brought to Government in 2017. Survival rates for patients diagnosed with cancer have continued to improve, with 65% of patients living five years after being diagnosed with cancer between the years 2014-2018, compared to 44% diagnosed in 1994-1998. This improvement in survival rates is supported by findings of the National Cancer Registry Ireland, which collects population-based data on all cancer incidence, treatment, and survival in Ireland.
Supports are being provided for people living with and beyond cancer in the local community through the Alliance of Community Cancer Support Centres, which has been allocated €3m in funding for 2024.
Funding for current expenditure, including the National Cancer Strategy, is allocated on an annual (single-year) basis through the Estimates process with future levels of funding considered as part of the national estimates and budgetary process.
This Government has invested heavily in the National Cancer Strategy and associated initiatives in recent years, enabling the further development of our national cancer services, and leading to improved outcomes for cancer patients.
703. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) is waiting so long for an angiogram; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19189/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
704. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the CAMHS staffing levels compared to the Vision For Change requirement in each of the teams in CHO4. [19196/24]
View answerHSE Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) provide assessment and treatment for young people who are experiencing mental health difficulties. While a broad range of services support the mental health of children and adolescents, the term CAMHS refers to specialist mental health services for young people up to 18 years of age who have reached the threshold for a diagnosis of moderate to severe mental health disorders.
The development of CAMHS in Ireland is directed by the current national mental health policy 'Sharing the Vision: A Mental Health Policy for Everyone’ (2020-2030). Where the predecessor to Sharing the Vision, A Vision for Change, was prescriptive on the composition of multi-disciplinary teams and staffing levels required to serve a given population, Sharing the Vision recognises that in line with changes in best practice and to enable future flexibility in terms of service delivery, additional competencies are recommended for multi-disciplinary teams, to complement core skills and competencies. In addition to core skills like psychiatry, social work, clinical psychology and occupational therapy, additional competencies like dietetics, peer support, outreach and job coaching, for example, may be appropriate and required. Rather than be specific on staffing numbers and team composition, a flexible approach can be more responsive to local needs and social circumstances, which in turn empowers local responses and helps achieve recovery oriented outcomes.
The HSE envisage an expansion of mental health service provision overall under Sharing the Vision. This involves analysis of skill mix requirements which in turn, requires comprehensive workforce planning. To achieve this, the HSE in conjunction with the Department of Health is developing a Health and Social Care Workforce Planning Strategy and Workforce Planning Projection Model, based on international best practice. In addition, reforms under Sláintecare are centered on having sufficient capacity in the workforce and the appropriate configuration of staff and skill-mix, which are integral to improve service delivery, including that for Mental Health.
There are currently 820 staff working across 76 CAMHS teams nationally with additional staff being recruited in 2024.
I have referred the Deputy's question to the HSE for direct reply in respect of the current CAMHS staffing provision in CHO4.
705. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health the projected timeframe for the demolition of the Owenacurra Centre, Midleton, and commencement of works on the replacement service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19197/24]
View answerAs the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
706. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health the actions his Department is taking in relation to the delivery of health services and supports to those suffering with chronic fatigue syndrome; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19209/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
707. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health for an update on the primary care centre in Tullow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19235/24]
View answerAs the Health Service Executive (HSE) holds responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
708. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health if there is to be an injury clinic provided in Carlow town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19236/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the deputy directly.
709. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health if there is to be a primary care centre provided in Borris, County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19237/24]
View answerAs the Health Service Executive (HSE) holds responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
710. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health if a medicine (details supplied) can be made available under the medical card scheme for a patient where the current medicine, available under medical card scheme, has given them a bad reaction. [19246/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
711. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health if an individual does not meet the criteria as laid down for a primary medical certificate (details supplied), if there is any form of alternative financial support available; if there are plans to revive a scheme previously in place to assist individuals not entitled to a primary certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19256/24]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that this is a matter for the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.
712. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Health if one parent can give consent allowing for a child to attend therapy; what is the situation if one parent does not want to give consent and the other does; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19279/24]
View answerSection 23 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997 states that young people aged 16- and 17-years of age can consent to treatment without the consent of their parent(s) or guardian(s). In relation to young people who have a 'mental disorder' within the meaning of the Mental Health Act 2001, consent to treatment must be given by a parent or guardian for all children and young people under 18 years of age. This discrepancy will be addressed in the forthcoming Mental Health Bill which will allow young people to consent to inpatient mental health treatment on the same basis as consent to physical health.
In relation to services provided by the HSE, the HSE's National Consent Policy sets out the requirements to consent to treatment across the health service. It can be found here: assets.hse.ie/media/documents/ncr/HSE_Consent_Policy_2022_v1.2_-_Jan_2024.pdf.
Where services are being accessed privately, each service provider should have its own consent policy which children accessing services and their parents should consult.
Where a child is under 16 years of age, has a 'mental disorder' within the meaning of the Mental Health Act, 2001 or where the child lacks capacity, consent to treatment must be granted by the parent(s) or guardian(s) of the child.
Consent from one parent or guardian is sufficient where there is an urgent need for treatment and/or where the wishes of the other parent or guardian are not known or unavailable. Where the views of both parents or guardians are known, and there is disagreement about consenting to treatment on behalf of their child, then generally treatment should not be administered until an agreement has been reached.
In all matters relating to the care and treatment of children, the best interests of the child is and must be the paramount consideration. Therefore, there is a responsibility on parents and guardians where there is a disagreement to find a resolution and ensure the best interests of the child are upheld. In exceptional circumstances, and where an agreement cannot be reached, recourse can be sought through mediation or through the Court.
713. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a medical card decision will be made for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal who has cancer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19286/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
714. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 117 of 19 April 2023, if there is a timeline for completion of the development of a helipad in CUH; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19298/24]
View answerAs the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
715. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health for an update regarding the recruitment of the outstanding nurses promised as part of the 2018 Valproate Response Project, for which funding was confirmed in 2022; if advertising of the positions and interviews have taken place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19300/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
716. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health if it is the policy of his Department that all public water schemes are fluoridated; if not, the schemes that have fluoridation and those that do not, respectively; the total cost of fluoridating water; the amount of this cost borne by the Exchequer by way of grant to Uisce Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19306/24]
View answerFluoridation policy is provided for in the Health (Fluoridation of Water Supplies) Act, 1960. The recommended level of fluoride in water (0.6 and 0.8 parts per million with a target value of 0.7 parts per million) is provided for in the Fluoridation of Water Supplies Regulations 2007. The Department of Health keeps the policy of water fluoridation under constant review. As the matters raised in the question are operational matters, I have asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy, as soon as possible.
717. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if his Department will consider establishing a national eye health strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19308/24]
View answerSight testing, eye examinations and optical appliances are provided to medical card holders by ophthalmologists, optometrists and dispensing opticians through the Community Ophthalmic Services Schemes (COSS). Patients may access these services following a referral by a healthcare professional such as their general practitioner.
All children, including those not covered by a medical card, receive a vision screen while in national school from a Public Health Nurse. The Health Service Executive (HSE) provides optical services free of charge to pre-school children and national school children referred from child health service and school health service examinations who are discovered to have sight problems. These children are referred to the appropriate consultant for treatment. In such circumstances, these services will continue to be provided until the child has reached the age of 16.
The HSE Primary Care Eye Services Review Group Report, published in June 2017, highlighted the limitations of the current model of service delivery and set out the way forward for a significant amount of eye services to be delivered in a primary care setting. The Report estimated that 60% of existing outpatient activity could be moved to primary care thus enabling hospital services to focus on patients who require more specialist diagnostics or treatments.
The National Clinical Programme for Ophthalmology has developed a model of care which details how the realignment of eye services from the acute hospitals to the community will be undertaken. Included in current priorities is transferring the care of children aged 8+ years to the care of local private optometrists.
A project team with a wide-ranging membership was established in late 2019 / early 2020 to progress this initiative. The work of the team was paused due to the requirement to focus resources on the COVID 19 pandemic. However, the project team has been reconvened and is progressing matters in relation to this initiative.
The HSE is currently in the process of implementing multidisciplinary Integrated Eye Care Teams. These teams facilitate assessment, diagnoses, management and treatment and in some cases pre-op/post-op care enabling most patients to be seen in their own locality. Where necessary, patients can be referred onwards to acute Ophthalmology services to receive the necessary specialist input.
Integrated Eye Care Teams continue to be rolled out nationally. To date, teams have been established in 6 of the 9 CHOs, namely; CHO 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, and 9. Waiting lists have been substantially reduced in each of these areas as a result. Work is underway to establish teams in the remaining CHOs as well as further expanding the teams in the existing CHOs.
718. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health the process of getting statutory regulation for doulas in Ireland; his current plans to amend regulation to provide statutory regulation for doulas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19309/24]
View answerA number of representative bodies for unregulated professions have approached the Department seeking to be regulated. It is important in this context to point out the issues to be considered regarding the proportionate degree of regulatory force required to protect the public are complex.
In light of this, and in line with ongoing work in the Department of Health, the Health Research Board was requested to carry out research on behalf of the Department to assist in policy development in this area. The report, “National Approaches to Regulating Health and Social Care Professions”, examines the approaches to the regulation of health and social care professionals internationally and is publicly available on the Department’s website (www.gov.ie/en/publication/ea62b-national-approaches-to-regulating-health-and-social-care-professions/).
My officials are in the process of drawing from this report and other relevant sources to develop a framework to guide policy on the regulation of health and social care professionals into the future. This framework will also be informed by an evidence and risk-based approach to regulation in line with requirements set out in the EU Proportionality Test Directive, which was transposed into Irish law on 19 August 2022 (S.I. No. 413/2022). Further information on the Proportionality Test Directive can be found here: single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/news/services-directive-handbookproportionality-test-directive-guidance-2022-12-22_en.
It should be noted that there are no plans in place to progress regulation of individual professions until appropriate risk-assessment and evaluation tools are in place in compliance with best practice, international evidence, and the Proportionality Test Directive.
719. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the work of an organisation (details supplied); and if specific funding will be provided for translational health research. [19310/24]
View answerTranslational research fills the research space between the laboratory, where basic science discoveries are made, and the clinic, where patients are seen and treated. The goal is to bring new discoveries as quickly and safely as possible from the laboratory to the patients. Translational researchers also take the observations and outcomes from the clinic back into the laboratory to study, understand, and ultimately, improve outcomes for patients.
Through the Health Research Board, my Department provides funds to ensure that research and evidence are translated into important breakthroughs that improve people's health and that new treatments are delivered. The HRB has invested more than €150M over the last decade and a half in clinical trials infrastructure and research support services to ensure Ireland’s clinicians and researchers have the enabling environment to form partnerships and collaborations (with other investigators and or industry) for the benefit of patients the health system and the economy.
The fast-evolving field of advanced therapies has the potential to address significant and growing unmet healthcare needs. It offers new opportunities for the treatment, quality of life and cure of many diseases and therefore holds a huge potential in terms of possible impact on patients, public health and the healthcare system. During 2020, one of the first gene therapy trials in Ireland, involving an infant with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, was delivered in the Wellcome-HRB Clinical Research Facility at St James’s hospital, heralding the new wave of Advanced Therapeutic Medicinal Products therapies, that are becoming an option as a potential cure for rare diseases. The continued HRB investment in the CRF at St James’s’ Hospital has a particular emphasis on support for trials of Advanced Therapeutic Medicinal Products therapies.
To optimise the translation of advanced therapies into clinical practice, the collection of biological samples and related clinical data in high quality biobanks is critical. Advances in genetics, genomics and advanced therapies has increased the demand for high quality specimens and associated laboratory data. The National Irish Covid-19 Biobank (NICB) established in 2021 by the HRB, with the support of the Department of Health was the first investment in a national biobank.
In addition to national investments the HRB leads Irish health research efforts to compete directly in the main EU funding programmes for research and innovation, notably Horizon Europe programme (2021-2027) with a budget of over €95 billion.
I am aware of the strong demand from the health research community here in Ireland to join EATRIS, the European infrastructure for translational medicine. In November 2023, the Trinity Translational Medicine Institute (TTMI), based in St James Hospital, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with EATRIS as a way of formalising the commitment of both parties to foster collaboration and coordination. The MoU also promotes the benefits of Ireland’s potential membership in the EATRIS research consortium among national research institutions through the Translational Medicine Alliance Ireland. The latter, as a new decentralised and collaborative network which brings Irish Universities and Technological Universities together with the aim of boosting engagement and collaboration in translational research, is a good starting point from which to plan for Ireland’s participation in EATRIS.
I would welcome a wider discussion on Ireland’s membership of EATRIS and perhaps other non-profit European Research Infrastructure Consortia (ERICs). We already have experience of benefiting from membership of other European Research Infrastructure Consortiums (ERICs) and the benefits of EATRIS membership for patients, the healthcare system and the economy are clear and compelling.
720. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health when the last national immunology strategy was delivered; if the recommendations of the strategy were achieved; and when a new strategy will be produced. [19313/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
721. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the current staffing complement of the Hospital of Assumption, Thurles, providing the staffing number, by grade. [19339/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
722. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the implementation steps to be taken in 2024 to deliver the National Stroke Strategy; the specific additional budget provided in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19343/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
723. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the current status of the rehabilitation unit at Roscommon University Hospital; the capital allocation for the project in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19344/24]
View answerAs the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
Question No. 724 taken with No. 712.
725. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he will provide the amount of grant-aid returned and or surrendered to his Department, by local authority in 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, to include the heading of which it was intended for. [19363/24]
View answerNo funding was surrendered in 2022 or to date in 2024 from Local Authorities. Some funding was returned in 2023 as detailed in the table below.
|
Year |
Local Authority |
Purpose of Refund |
Amount |
|
2023 |
Clare County Council |
Refund of Once Off Support Scheme Payment |
€ 1,000.00 |
|
2023 |
Wexford County Council |
Unspent Balance of Ukraine Refugee Support Scheme |
€ 3,251.42 |
|
2023 |
Cork County Council |
Unspent Balance of Ukraine Refugee Support Scheme |
€ 8,421.00 |
726. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health to review a case (details supplied); if he can recommend what treatment abroad options are open to this person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19388/24]
View answerI understand the Deputy is seeking information on schemes which facilitate patients accessing treatment abroad.
The HSE currently operates three schemes that facilitate patients accessing treatment abroad.
The HSE operates the EU Treatment Abroad Scheme (TAS), for persons entitled under EU Regulation 883/04. The TAS is a consultant led scheme and allows for an Ireland-based public consultant to refer a public patient who is normally resident in Ireland for treatment in the public healthcare system of another EU member state, the UK or Switzerland. Subject to the EU Regulations and Guidelines, the TAS provides for the cost of approved public treatments in another EU/EEA member state, the UK or Switzerland through the issue of form S2 (IE) where the treatment is:
• among the benefits provided for by Irish legislation;
• not available in Ireland;
• not available within the time normally necessary for obtaining it in Ireland, taking account of the patient's current state of health and the probable course of the disease;
• medically necessary and will meet the patient’s needs;
• a proven form of medical treatment and not experimental or test treatment;
• provided in a recognised public hospital or other institution that will accept EU/EEA form S2 (IE) and;
• is under the control of a registered medical practitioner.
The HSE provides further information for patients on the HSE TAS website: www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/treatment-abroad-scheme/
The EU Cross Border Directive (CBD) provides rules for the reimbursements to patients of the cost of receiving treatment abroad, where the patient would be entitled to such treatment in their home Member State, and supplements the rights that patients already have at EU level. The HSE operates the EU Cross Border Directive (CBD) in Ireland. Under the terms of the CBD, patients in Ireland can seek to be referred to another EU/EEA country for medical treatment that is available in the public health service in Ireland. The patient may access the overseas service in either the public or private health sector of the country they choose to receive the service in. The patient pays for the treatment and claims reimbursement from the HSE at the cost of that treatment in Ireland or the cost of it abroad, whichever is the lesser. The HSE, in fulfilling its role as the National Contact Point (NCP) in Ireland, provides information for patients on the operation of the CBD, including on its website. www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/cross-border-directive/
The Northern Ireland Planned Healthcare Scheme (NIPHS) has been in effective operation since 1 January 2021. This Scheme was introduced to mitigate the loss of access to care from private providers in Northern Ireland under the EU Cross Border Directive, which ceased to apply as a result of Brexit. The current administrative scheme enables persons ordinarily resident in the State to access and be reimbursed for private healthcare in Northern Ireland by the HSE, provided such healthcare is publicly available within Ireland. Such healthcare will be reimbursed at the cost of providing that treatment in the State or the cost of same in Northern Ireland, whichever is the lesser. The HSE provides further information for patients on the HSE NIPHS website: www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/niphs/
Patients are advised to contact the HSE for advice on making an application for treatment abroad under the most appropriate scheme, in advance of travelling abroad. Further information is available on the HSE's TAS, CBD / Northern Ireland Planned Healthcare Scheme websites, including contact details.
