Wednesday, 27 May 2020

Written Answers Nos. 570-589

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (570)

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Question:

570. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health the reason the HSE advice on the wearing of masks changed for health workers caring for older persons over recent months. [7698/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Jim Daly)

Appropriate evidence-based guidance to support the work of health and social care providers on a range of issues, including infection prevention and control, and the use of PPE has been developed by both the HSE and the HPSC and is updated regularly as appropriate and made available on their websites. The HPSC published updated guidance on the use of surgical face masks on 22 April and is now advising that surgical masks should be worn by healthcare workers, including home support workers. Updated guidance for health and social care workers who visit homes was published on the HPSC website on 24 April. This is available at www.hspc.ie and advice for family carers is available on the website of Family Carers Ireland https://familycarers.ie/coronavirus-covid-19-information-advice/.

In relation to nursing homes, PPE is distributed by the HSE via a centralised request management system that services relevant healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes (public and private), National Ambulance Service, GPs, and all Section 38 and 39 service providers. In line with NPHET recommendations all nursing homes have equality of access to PPE with all other services in line with clinical guidance. This centralised approach is in line with WHO guidance on coordinating PPE supply; WHO guidance also emphasises the need to ensure rational and appropriate use of PPE in view of the global shortage of such equipment.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (571)

Seán Haughey

Question:

571. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Health when private occupational therapists and private speech and language therapists can resume providing normal services to their clients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7699/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) Regulations 2020 (SI No. 121 of 2020) were signed by the Minister for Health on 7 April 2020.

Schedule 2 of the Regulations sets out essential services that are exempted from the restrictions and therefore can continue to be provided. This includes (at 15(b)) occupational therapy services and speech and language therapy services as these services are provided by a member of a designated profession within the meaning of section 3 of the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 (No. 27 of 2005).

Hospital Procedures

Questions (572)

Anne Rabbitte

Question:

572. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health if the partner of a woman in labour can attend the birth in University Hospital Galway; if an alternative person can attend if the partner is unable to attend; the advice being offered by the HSE for such cases in the hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7700/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service issue, I have asked the Health Service Executive to reply to you directly.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (573)

Cathal Crowe

Question:

573. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health when speech and language services for paediatrics and school aged children are allowed to recommence. [7701/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Finian McGrath)

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. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (574)

Denise Mitchell

Question:

574. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Health when he expects persons requiring physiotherapy due to chronic pain will be able to attend their physiotherapist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7702/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.

Question No. 575 answered with Question No. 555.

Medical Cards

Questions (576)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Question:

576. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if the medical card weekly income limit for persons over 70 years of age will be increased by €50 for a single person to €550 from €500 and by €150 for a couple to €1,050 from €900 from July 2020 as previously planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7708/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

On December 16, 2019 the Government approved the drafting of legislation which, inter alia, would give effect to the Budget 2020 commitment to increase the medical card income thresholds for persons aged over 70. Substantial work has been undertaken by officials in this regard.

Hospital Staff

Questions (577)

James Lawless

Question:

577. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health the status of plans to replace a person (details supplied) as a paediatric pain management consultant; the position in respect of this post; if his plans include an experienced replacement capable of continuing clinics and ensuring appointments and prescriptions do not lapse; if his plan also ensures immediate funding for a multidisciplinary team for pain management clinics in children’s hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7728/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service issue I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy

Primary Medical Certificates

Questions (578)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

578. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) in County Donegal has been refused a primary medical certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7729/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Finian McGrath)

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (579)

Danny Healy-Rae

Question:

579. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if matters in relation to rostering and payments for nurses can be reviewed (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7730/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Detailed guidance and FAQs have been prepared and circulated by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to payment for public servants while on special leave in relation to a COVID 19 related absences.

As per the DPER FAQ document, where employees are eligible to receive special leave with pay while absent from work due to COVID-19, payment is based on basic salary and fixed allowances only and excludes unsocial hours premium payments. This applies to all public sector employees.

A copy of DPERs document is available to view publicly here:

https://www.gov.ie/en/news/092fff-update-on-working-arrangements-and-leave-associated-with-covid-19-fo/.

General Practitioner Services

Questions (580)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

580. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if the HSE has engaged to reopen SouthDoc services in Fermoy and Mitchelstown, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7749/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this question relates to a service matter, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (581)

Danny Healy-Rae

Question:

581. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of the plan for the home support services staff that are waiting to be redeployed for Covid-19 crisis purposes; when these workers will be able to return to their jobs of supporting the elderly many of whom are living on their own; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7762/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy.

Health Services Staff

Questions (582)

Noel Grealish

Question:

582. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health the reason some posts in the HSE are confined to staff employed in the HSE, Tusla or other defined agencies despite the fact that better qualified and more suitable persons may apply from outside the defined organisations but are not considered for the posts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7775/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I have referred the Deputy's question to the HSE for direct reply.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (583)

Denise Mitchell

Question:

583. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Health when paediatric occupational therapy clinics will be allowed to reopen. [7777/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.

Proposed Legislation

Questions (584)

Alan Farrell

Question:

584. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Health the status of the assisted human reproduction Bill following recent reports highlighting the impact of Covid-19 on surrogate families and babies. [7801/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As the Deputy will be aware, the Government approved the drafting of a bill on assisted human reproduction (AHR) and associated areas of research, based on the published General Scheme of the Assisted Human Reproduction Bill. This comprehensive piece of legislation encompasses the regulation of a range of practices for the first time, including altruistic domestic surrogacy. The General Scheme also provides for the establishment of an independent regulatory authority for AHR.

Drafting of the bill is ongoing in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General. It is not possible at this time to give a definitive timeline for the publication of the Bill and its subsequent passage through the Houses of the Oireachtas. However, the Deputy should be aware that I consider the progression of this legislation to be a priority.

It should be noted that the provisions within the General Scheme do not include the regulation of Irish citizens involved in international commercial surrogacy agreements in other countries. The Department of Justice and Equality published a guidance document in 2012 on citizenship, parentage, guardianship and travel document issues in relation to children born as a result of surrogacy arrangements entered into outside the State. The purpose of this document is to provide information to prospective intending parents on the steps necessary to ensure that a child born abroad through a surrogacy arrangement may enter and reside in the State and to secure the best interests of the child. This guidance document is available on the website of the Department of Justice and Equality.

However, there are clearly additional challenges arising from the global travel restrictions currently imposed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic which can impact upon individuals who have engaged in international surrogacy. Issues relating to overseas travel are matters for the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and I understand that his officials have been actively assisting and advising Irish citizens who find themselves, in the current circumstances, being prevented from, or experiencing difficulty in, travelling to and from this jurisdiction, and/or entering and exiting another jurisdiction.

Primary Care Services Provision

Questions (585)

Seán Haughey

Question:

585. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Health when diabetic and podiatry care will be provided in Summer Hill primary care centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7802/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As the HSE has responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres and other Primary Care facilities, the Executive has been asked to reply directly to the Deputy.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (586)

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

586. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health when chiropodists can reopen for business again; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7807/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) Regulations 2020 (SI No. 121 of 2020) were signed by the Minister for Health on 7 April 2020.

Schedule 2 of the Regulations sets out essential services that are exempted from the restrictions and therefore can continue to be provided. This includes (at 15(b)) podiatrists (also known as chiropodists) as these services are provided by a member of a designated profession within the meaning of section 3 of the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 (No. 27 of 2005).

General Practitioner Services

Questions (587)

Cathal Crowe

Question:

587. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the long-running general practitioner vacancy in Newmarket-on-Fergus, County Clare. [7808/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this question relates to a service matter, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Blood Donations

Questions (588, 589)

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

588. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the policy justification for the lifetime ban on donating blood for persons that previously had a gonorrhoea infection that is now cured; the way in which this compares to other EU countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7844/20]

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

589. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health if he will review the 12-month blood donation ban for gay and bisexual men in view of the recent policy changes in Northern Ireland and elsewhere in which the ban has been reduced to three months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7845/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 588 and 589 together.

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) lifted its lifelong ban on men who have sex with men (MSM) from donating blood in January 2017, when the deferral policy was reduced to a period of one year following their last sexual encounter with a man.

The recent changes in deferral policy internationally have been noted by the IBTS.

The IBTS has advised that the changes in deferral policy for MSM internationally will be reviewed by an Advisory Group being established by the IBTS to review the evidence base for donor selection, deferral and exclusion in Ireland relating to social behaviours that may increase the risk of acquiring specific blood borne infections (HIV, HBV, HCV, syphilis and gonorrhoea).

Gonorrhoea is a serious sexually transmitted infection associated with populations with increased LGV, syphilis and HIV prevalence. As such, the IBTS has advised that it must be viewed as a marker of higher sexual risk-taking, which in a blood donor could pose an increased risk to the blood supply and to blood recipients. Accordingly, under the IBTS blood deferral policy, individuals who have ever had gonorrhoea are permanently excluded from donating blood.

The only data available to the IBTS for comparison was from the UK, who currently have a 12 month deferral policy in place for individuals who have completed treatment for Gonorrhoea.

The IBTS will continue to keep all deferral policies under active review in the light of scientific evidence, emerging infections and international experience.