Written Answers Nos. 159-167
160. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health the status of the establishment of an independent inquiry into the historical licensing and use of sodium valproate, or Epilim, here, following the publication of the Independent Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Review in the UK (details supplied), which has recommended a state apology to families impacted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16247/20]
View answer161. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health if he will meet patient representatives to discuss the findings of the UK Independent Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Review and the establishment of an independent inquiry into the historical licensing and use of sodium valproate here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16253/20]
View answer162. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health if the recommendations of the 2018 Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health report on foetal anti-convulsant syndrome will be implemented; if the recommendation to establish an independent investigation to examine the historical use of valproate medicines here will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16254/20]
View answer163. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health if a valproate stakeholder group will be established consisting of officials from his Department, the HSE, the HPRA, patient groups and other relevant stakeholders in order to provide greater oversight and co-ordination in ensuring measures introduced in 2018 to reduce the risks associated with valproate are being implemented effectively (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16255/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 160 to 163, inclusive, together.
I have previously gone on record as stating that I would support an inquiry into the use of sodium valproate in this country. On 8 July, the Independent Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Review in the UK published its report into sodium valproate and two other medical interventions. I have asked officials in my Department, as well as in the HSE and the Health Products Regulatory Authority, to consider the findings of this report and provide me with comprehensive briefing before I consider the next steps in addressing the issue of sodium valproate use in Ireland. This will include consideration of the recommendations of the Joint Committee on Health.
164. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the reason construction on the national children's hospital has been delayed since the return to work of the construction sector post Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16258/20]
View answerThe NPHDB has statutory responsibility for planning, designing, building and equipping the new children's hospital and I have referred the Deputy's question to the NPHDB for direct reply.
165. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health if he will clarify the position on the day care centre on Morton Street, Clonmel, County Tipperary; when it will reopen; the hours during that it will be open; the number of staff it will have when it reopens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16269/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
166. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health the availability of Covid-19 antibody tests, that is, post-infection blood tests, for persons going for private surgeries in private hospitals and for those who can pay amounts varying from €79 to €250; if he will consider providing this test free of charge in the first instance to persons who have been shielding and cocooning to enable them to improve their mental and physical health and restore confidence; his plans to roll out the Covid-19 antibody test to all who require it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16270/20]
View answerThe role of serological [antibody] tests is limited at present. Once they have been assessed to be of sufficient sensitivity and specificity, these tests can be used to estimate the prevalence of immunity in the general population. However, it must be noted that based on current evidence uncertainty remains as to (i) whether antibodies fully protect from subsequent infection, (ii) whether the antibody response is durable and (iii) while the individual may have sufficient immunity to prevent development of disease, they may still spread infection until the virus is cleared. This limits the usefulness of antibody testing at an individual level.
In addition, significant questions remain as to the accuracy of these tests. The WHO to date has recommended that the use of point-of-care rapid antibody tests should only be used in research settings and not in any other setting, including clinical decision-making, until evidence supporting their use for specific indications is available.
More broadly in relation to testing, the HSE has developed guidance for the management of planned hospital admissions for non-COVID care which sets out advisory RT-PCR testing strategies for hospital patients. This guidance seeks to provide an advisory framework for mitigating risks associated with the delivery of non-COVID care while COVID-19 continues to be prevalent, and testing provides one of a number of measures that can be taken to reduce risk.
167. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the situation of a person (details supplied) who has experienced delays in receiving a repeat prescription; and if Cork University Hospital will be contacted to ensure that further prescriptions are issued in a timely manner. [16273/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly as soon as possible.
