Michael McGrath
Question:345. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health the number of persons that have died from Covid-19 by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9827/20]
View answerCovid-19 Pandemic
Questions (345)
Written answers
Data is collected on COVID-19 related mortality for both lab confirmed and probable cases, in line with recommendations from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control in both hospitals and the community. We committed from the outset to collect the most extensive data possible in order that the information could inform and guide the public health actions necessary to respond to the very serious threat posed by COVID-19. The Deputy might note that the collection of mortality data in Ireland exceeds that of many other countries in the world.
My Department was notified that up to 6 June 2020, sadly a total of 1,679 people have died. For reasons of patient confidentiality, and to protect the identity of those who have died, my Department does not provide a breakdown of this information by county.
Medicinal Products
Questions (346, 347)
Anne Rabbitte
Question:346. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health the consultation he or his officials have had with an organisation (details supplied) in relation to medicines supply in the context of Covid-19; the steps that were taken to ensure that vital medical supplies were protected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9861/20]
View answerAnne Rabbitte
Question:347. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health the steps he took during the response to Covid-19 to protect patients from medicines shortages; the engagement he has had on the matter with an organisation (details supplied) and other organisations; the engagement he has had at European level on the subject; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9862/20]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 346 and 347 together.
The Department of Health, the HSE and the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA), together with the manufacturers of medicines, wholesalers and pharmacists, are continually working to review the supply of medicines to Ireland to anticipate and respond to, in so far as is possible, any potential vulnerabilities in medicines supply as a consequence of the outbreak of Covid-19. As part of this coordinated response, all stakeholders have committed to developing approaches and implementing contingencies to address any identified concerns.
Arising from this detailed and ongoing engagement, there is no evidence to suggest that Ireland is likely to face general medicines supply issues, now or in the near future, as a result of any potential delays in the supply chain caused by Covid-19 related issues. Supply chains remain strong, however, these remain under ongoing review and international authorities, including the European Medicines Agency, remain vigilant to any potential risk. The Department of Health and the HPRA are also working as part of this wider EU response to Covid-19.In addition to direct and specific engagement with the marketing authorisation holders of medicines the Department has hosted a number of multi-stakeholder conference calls with the pharmaceutical industry, including Medicines for Ireland, and other actors in the pharmaceutical supply chain, such as wholesalers and community pharmacists. The most recent of these events took place yesterday, 8th June.
I am grateful for the continuous engagement of all stakeholders in this process. I recognise and value the work which gone into contingency planning, and other measures to mitigate the risks to medicines supplies at this time. Through this continued engagement and open communication with all stakeholders, a unified approach has been taken to mitigate the risks to the supply of medicines to treat Covid-19 patients and to maintain continuity of treatment for all other patients.
Question No. 348 answered with Question No. 308.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (349)
Frank Feighan
Question:349. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Health the stage of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business the seaweed baths businesses individually and separate from spa treatments and associated services can begin to reopen their facilities to the public in a safe manner and in line with health and safety guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9864/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society & Business, published on 1 May 2020, sets out an indicative path to the easing of COVID 19 restrictions and other actions in order to facilitate the reopening of Ireland’s society and economy in a phased manner. Phase 1 was introduced on 18 May 2020 and, as the Deputy is aware, the Government confirmed the move to Phase 2 of Roadmap for Reopening Society & Business from Monday, 8 June 2020. Information and advice about the restrictions that have been eased as part of Phase 2 and the measures that are now in place are available on the Government website at http://www.gov.ie/phase2.
The Roadmap specifies that decisions in relation to which actions will be taken and which public health measures might be lifted will be made in accordance with the Framework for Future Decision-Making which is as follows:
1. Before each Government consideration of the easing of restrictions, the Department of Health will provide a report to the Government regarding the following on/off trigger criteria:
a. The latest data regarding the progression of the disease,
b. The capacity and resilience of the health service in terms of hospital and ICU occupancy,
c. The capacity of the programme of sampling, testing and contact tracing,
d. The ability to shield and care for at risk groups,
e. An assessment of the risk of secondary morbidity and mortality as a consequence of the restrictions.
2. It will also provide risk-based public health advice on what measures could be modified in the next period.
3. The Government would then consider what restrictions could be lifted, having regard to the advice of the Department of Health as well as other social and economic considerations, e.g. the potential for increased employment, relative benefits for citizens and businesses, improving national morale and wellbeing etc.
4. It is acknowledged that there is also an ongoing possibility that restrictions could be re-imposed and this process will be carried out on an ongoing basis once every 3 weeks.
As is clear from the framework described above, it is the Government rather than I or my Department that will decide on any modifications to the current public health measures in place and those decisions will be informed by the status of the on/off trigger criteria and the public health advice received at the time that a decision is being made.
The services described in the Deputy’s questions are not matters within the remit of my Department. Guidance in relation to specific sectors of the economy should in the first instance be sought from the Government Department with responsibility for that sector.
Health Screening Programmes
Questions (350)
Hildegarde Naughton
Question:350. Deputy Hildegarde Naughton asked the Minister for Health if his Department or the HSE has conducted a risk assessment in relation to the indefinite postponement of breast and cervical screening due to Covid-19; if such an assessment has been conducted; if so, if it will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9882/20]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Cancer Services
Questions (351)
Pauline Tully
Question:351. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of increasing funding for the National Cancer Control Programme by 5%, 7.5% and 10%, respectively. [9902/20]
View answerWritten answers
The National Cancer Control Programme has a budget of €97.6m for 2020. The cost of increasing this by 5%, 7.5% and 10% is set out in the following table.:
|
€ |
|
|
2020 Opening Budget |
€97.6m |
|
5% increase |
€4.88m |
|
7.5% increase |
€7.32m |
|
10% increase |
€9.76m |
Dental Services
Questions (352)
Jack Chambers
Question:352. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health if a reply will issue to a query (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9904/20]
View answerWritten answers
I have been engaging with the dental profession in recent weeks on the concerns raised in the correspondence - details attached.
Legislative amendments have been made and the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) has worked with the dental profession and in particular the Dental Council, to provide revised guidance for the profession t allow for the resumption of the safe provision of routine care. This was in line with Phase 1 of the Government's plan for the easing of COVID-19 restrictions which commenced on 18th May.
The Government has put in place a suite of measures to support small, medium and larger businesses that are negatively impacted by COVID-19 including a Restart grant for which application can be made on line to local authorities. The Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation has published a Return to Work Safely Protocol, which is designed to support employers and workers to put measures in place that will prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. The Health and Safety Authority also provides information and advice for employers and employees in this regard.
The HPSC supports the use of the normal Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) used in routine dentistry. The Dental Council has indicated that dentists should take a case by case assessment when deciding if additional PPE is warranted. I am following up with the HSE on the issue of supply of PPE for dentists.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (353)
Noel Grealish
Question:353. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health if a person in the business of furniture repair, who works alone, which entails calling to persons' homes, is permitted to recommence this work on 8 June 2020 under phase 2 of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business; the type of PPE required for this type of business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9905/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society & Business, published on 1 May 2020, sets out an indicative path to the easing of COVID 19 restrictions and other actions in order to facilitate the reopening of Ireland’s society and economy in a phased manner. Phase 1 was introduced on 18 May 2020 and, as the Deputy is aware, the Government confirmed the move to Phase 2 of Roadmap for Reopening Society & Business from Monday, 8 June 2020. Information and advice about the restrictions that have been eased as part of Phase 2 and the measures that are now in place are available on the Government website at http://www.gov.ie/phase2.
The Roadmap specifies that decisions in relation to which actions will be taken and which public health measures might be lifted will be made in accordance with the Framework for Future Decision-Making which is as follows:
1. Before each Government consideration of the easing of restrictions, the Department of Health will provide a report to the Government regarding the following on/off trigger criteria:
a. The latest data regarding the progression of the disease,
b. The capacity and resilience of the health service in terms of hospital and ICU occupancy,
c. The capacity of the programme of sampling, testing and contact tracing,
d. The ability to shield and care for at risk groups,
e. An assessment of the risk of secondary morbidity and mortality as a consequence of the restrictions.
2. It will also provide risk-based public health advice on what measures could be modified in the next period.
3. The Government would then consider what restrictions could be lifted, having regard to the advice of the Department of Health as well as other social and economic considerations, e.g. the potential for increased employment, relative benefits for citizens and businesses, improving national morale and wellbeing etc.
4. It is acknowledged that there is also an ongoing possibility that restrictions could be re-imposed and this process will be carried out on an ongoing basis once every 3 weeks.
As is clear from the framework described above, it is the Government rather than I or my Department that will decide on any modifications to the current public health measures in place and those decisions will be informed by the status of the on/off trigger criteria and the public health advice received at the time that a decision is being made.
On 8 June 2020, new regulations signed by the Minister for Health came into operation. These Regulations, the Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (No. 2) Regulations 2020 (SI No. 206 of 2020), apply from 8 June 2020 until 29 June 2020 and set out the particular services which may resume at the present time.
The services described in the Deputy’s questions are not matters within the remit of my Department. Guidance in relation to specific sectors of the economy should in the first instance be sought from the Government Department with responsibility for that sector.
Bituminous Fuel Ban
Questions (354)
John Lahart
Question:354. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health the status of work to secure the implementation of a nationwide smoky coal ban; if he has engaged with officials from the Department of Communications, Climate Action and the Environment since January 2020 on the matter; his views from a health perspective regarding ongoing delays in implementing a nationwide smoky coal ban; if he has studied the report on the health consequences from poor air quality by the Environmental Protection Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9906/20]
View answerWritten answers
Policy responsibility regarding the implementation of a nationwide smoky coal ban is a matter for the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment but this has been the subject of cross-Departmental engagement.
I welcome and fully support the extension of the smoky coal ban announced by the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment in December 2019. I am fully aware of the impact poor air quality can have on human health. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report Air Quality in Ireland 2018, which was published in September 2019, estimated that poor air quality causes up to 1,180 premature deaths per annum in Ireland. I understand that my colleague, the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, is continuing to work on this issue including consultation with relevant Local Authorities and drafting the necessary secondary legislation.
National Public Health Emergency Team
Questions (355)
Alan Kelly
Question:355. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health when NPHET's vulnerable people subgroup was established; the details of its meetings to date; the details of its members and their roles; and if the minutes of their meetings will be published. [9908/20]
View answerWritten answers
As part of the national response to COVID-19, the NPHET Subgroup on Vulnerable People was established by my Department to provide oversight and assurance with regard to the specific preparedness, measures and actions that need to be taken to protect vulnerable groups and individuals in society. An integrated cross government approach is being taken by the Subgroup.
The Subgroup met on 6th March 2020 for the first time and has held 9 meetings to date. The Terms of Reference, membership of the subgroup and all minutes of meetings (once finalised) are published online at: https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/301f5e-the-national-public-health-emergency-team-nphet-subgroup-vulnerable-/
Hospital Consultant Contracts
Questions (356)
Pauline Tully
Question:356. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health the number of consultant ENT surgeons in each of the RCSI hospitals in 2018, 2019 and to date in 2020; and the number of consultant ENT surgeon hours provided in each hospital under current contracts. [9909/20]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service delivery matter, I have referred the question to the HSE for direct reply.
Hospital Services
Questions (357)
John Brady
Question:357. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health when adult day services will resume. [9930/20]
View answerWritten answers
As part of the overall effort to contain the spread of COVID-19 and in line with public health advice, day service locations have been closed since March. However priority service users have been identified in each CHO, and individualised supports continue to be provided to many people in alternative models particularly for these individuals with higher support needs, through alternative means such as via online support and/or regular telephone contact with families. Health and social care responses to the current public health emergency are under continuing review, including specific measures such as these to support vulnerable people.
The resumption of adult day services is currently being considered by my Department and the HSE as part of broader planning to prepare for the resumption of non-COVID-19 community and social care services in the current environment, and in line with public health guidance. My Department and the HSE has established a Joint Working Group to develop a plan for Community Capacity.
The HSE is finalising plans to re-establish vital non-covid supports and services. This includes very careful and detailed work on the part of the Disability Sector with national guidance and will result in directing how all funded agencies can deliver services on a medium to long-term basis. Community Healthcare Organisations and Section 38/39 agencies continue to work together at a regional level in order to plan and co-ordinate efforts. Considering the very serious nature of this pandemic and the vulnerability of people with disabilities as a care group, any plans to safely commence all disability services and supports must comply with guidance developed by the National Public Surveillance Centre in the HSE.
The HSE has now developed a number of important guidance documents to assist disability services: the Framework for Resumption of Adult Day Services and Reshaping Disability Services From 2020 & Beyond. It is important to note that this guidance is interim and subject to change in line with the overall management of the Covid-19 pandemic and in accordance with contemporary Public Health Guidance.
These documents are now also available on the following website:
https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/news/newsfeatures/covid19-updates/partner-resources/
Dental Services
Questions (358)
Brendan Griffin
Question:358. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health when personal protective equipment will be provided to dentists (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9938/20]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Disability Support Services
Questions (359)
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:359. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if a reply will issue to correspondence from a person (details supplied) in relation to disability services and the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9947/20]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy's question relates to a service issue, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services
Questions (360)
Patrick Costello
Question:360. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health the number of young persons on a waiting list for CAMHS; the number of young persons that have contacted CAMHS for support since March 2020; if additional staffing supports or resources have been introduced since March 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9948/20]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Health Services
Questions (361)
Pauline Tully
Question:361. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health his plans to enhance schemes such as a programme (details supplied). [9949/20]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Medicinal Products
Questions (362)
Emer Higgins
Question:362. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the penetration rate of generic medicines in 2010 and in the most recent year for which figures are available; the penetration rate of biosimilar medicines; the amount which would be saved if the penetration rate of biosimilar medicines matched that of generic medicines; his plans to increase the penetration rate of biosimilar medicines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9951/20]
View answerWritten answers
Generic medicines and biosimilar medicines are not comparable categories of medicine and therefore not comparable in terms of policy design or implementation. The differences between simpler chemically synthesised medicines and far more complex medicines produced from cell cultures of living organisms are such that they necessitate a difference in policy approach to these categories of medicine. The HSE and my Department are actively engaged in implementing domestic policies to maximise efficiency in our medicines usage.
In terms of biosimilar medicines for example, the HSE's Acute Hospitals Drugs Management Programme (AHDMP) has a biosimilar strategy in place since 2017. This is making considerable progress using a collaborative to bring about changes in prescribing practice.
In addition, the HSE Medicines Management Programme completed an evaluation process in 2019 for the identification of the best-value biological (BVB) medicines for TNF- inhibitors under the High-Tech Drug arrangements.
In June 2019, the HSE introduced a system of gain-share to encourage the prescribing of the BVB medicines which has been largely successful in increasing uptake of these medicines.
To the end of April, the HSE has estimated savings of €14.5m in 2020 from biosimilar switching initiatives. Should this trend continue to year end, savings of approximately €30m have been forecast for 2020.
In relation to your specific data requests, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly as they have responsibility for this area.
Hospital Services
Questions (363)
Seán Fleming
Question:363. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health when he will allow private hospitals resume their normal activities and deal with operations and surgeries that were scheduled to happen before the agreement between the State and the hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9959/20]
View answerWritten answers
A major part of the Government's Action Plan in response to Covid-19 was to substantially increase the capacity of public healthcare facilities to cope with the anticipated additional demand. In order to urgently ramp up capacity for acute care facilities, an arrangement was agreed with the private hospitals to use their facilities as part of the public system on a temporary basis, to provide essential services. A Heads of Terms of Agreement between the HSE and the Private Hospitals was agreed at the end of March 2020 and all 18 of the acute private hospitals signed up to it. Under the arrangement, all patients in the private hospitals are treated as public patients and their treatment is prioritised based on clinical need. Provision was made under the agreement to allow for continuity of care for patients who were in a private hospital or attending for treatment at the time the Heads of Terms of Agreement were agreed, on the grounds that these patients would be treated as public patients.
The agreement was reviewed at the end of May and the Government decided that the existing arrangement should not be extended beyond the end of June. It has however mandated the HSE to negotiate a new arrangement with private hospitals which would provide the HSE with full access to private hospital capacity in the event of a surge of Covid-19 and separately with ongoing agreed access, to enable the HSE to meet essential and elective care needs.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to defer all non-urgent elective scheduled care activity, including outpatient clinics. 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 World Health Organisation, the measures set out in the Action Plan in Response to Covid-19 and the recommendation of NPHET. The NPHET has now recommended that steps be taken to resume non-urgent scheduled care in the context of the safe care guidelines set out by its Expert Advisory Group.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (364)
Gino Kenny
Question:364. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health if the possibility will be explored of allowing families to visit their loved ones that are end-of-life in hospices but that are not actively dying (details supplied); if a range of options that would allow same including the wearing of appropriate PPE and or outdoor visits with social distancing will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9960/20]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, during these exceptional times, some of the normal aspirations of people at end of life and of their families have had to be curtailed in the interests of containing the spread of the coronavirus. In particular, restrictions have been placed on visiting hospitals and residential care settings, and the numbers attending funerals have been severely reduced, while the social distancing measures have meant that normal tactile expressions of support and comfort have not been possible. While visiting restrictions are required in a pandemic, local risk assessment and practical management must be considered, ensuring the response is both pragmatic and proportionate. Specific scenarios where a compassionate and practical approach is required include care of the dying. Regarding the specific case mentioned by the Deputy, the person concerned is being cared for in a residential care setting. Interim Public Health and Infection Prevention Control Guidelines on the Prevention and Management of COVID-19 Cases and Outbreaks in Residential Care Facilities published by the HSE on 4 May 2020 state that all but essential visiting by family and friends is suspended in the interests of protecting residents at this time. However, the Guidelines also acknowledge that a compassionate, pragmatic and proportionate approach is required in the care of those who are dying. The presence of a person close to the resident should be facilitated in so far as it is possible, and they should be aware of the potential infection risk. All Covid-19 guidance documents note the need for hand and respiratory hygiene and for the wearing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when required and that relatives are informed of the potential risk of infection to both the patient/resident and visitors. Most hospices have all single room accommodation and are therefore in a better position to facilitate visits to patients at end of life; however, most residential care settings have multi-bedded rooms and need to be particularly cautious in balancing the needs of patients and their families with the protection of the health of visitors, other residents and the staff working in the unit. It is acknowledged by all services that restricted visiting causes significant stress and concern for individuals and families, as well as for the staff who are caring for them. From 15 June, in accordance with guidance published by the Health Protection and Surveillance Centre (HSPSC), there will be a phased commencement of visiting at hospitals, residential healthcare centres and other residential settings where there is no ongoing Covid-19 outbreak, subject to limits on the number of visitors and the length of their visits. Visitors are asked to bear in mind the particular features of types of settings and each individual centre, also considering PPE availability and other protections. It is hoped that the easing of visiting restrictions will be able to facilitate the much needed closer contact between family members and loved ones. In the meantime, as the specific details referred to in the Deputy's question refer to a service matter, this matter has been referred to the HSE for reply.