Marian Harkin
Question:1267. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Health the implications of a recent High Court case (details supplied) on other persons that are similarly affected. [21863/20]
View answerCourt Judgments
Questions (1267)
Written answers
The State Claims Agency (SCA) has a statutory remit to manage personal injury claims on behalf of Delegated State Authorities including the Health Service Executive. The management of cases taken by persons who allege they developed Narcolepsy and/or Cataplexy as a result of receiving the H1N1 vaccine, Pandemrix, is delegated to SCA and, as such, the Government has no role in determining how these cases are conducted.
I am advised by SCA that the Bennett case was settled on a “without prejudice” basis. Consequently, I am not in a position to comment on these terms of settlement or their implications for other cases. I am also advised by SCA that a second case is currently being case managed by a Judge of the High Court and scheduled for hearing in November. The outcome of this case, I am advised, will most likely influence the outcomes in the other cases .
An Expert Group was established in June 2018, chaired by Mr Justice Charles Meenan, to examine the law in relation to personal injuries arising in the healthcare context and to explore alternative mechanisms by which claims could be managed more effectively, particularly from the perspective of the person on whose behalf a claim has been made.
Judge Meenan submitted the Final Report of the Expert Group to the Minister for Health and the Minister for Justice and Equality earlier this year. All recommendations of the Group are currently being considered by both Departments, with a view to bringing a joint Memo to Government, for its consideration, as soon as possible.
Covid-19 Tests
Questions (1268)
Róisín Shortall
Question:1268. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the status of the work of the expert group which is examining alternative testing methods for Covid-19 including a less invasive nasal swab and a cheek saliva swab both of which could be of particular benefit to young children; if the introduction of new testing methods will have an impact on cost or testing capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21867/20]
View answerWritten answers
The accurate and timely detection of SARS-CoV-2 facilitates public health surveillance, response and control measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. The current standard of care in Ireland for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) involves testing of clinician-collected combined nasopharyngealoropharyngeal specimens with reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR). RT-PCR is considered the 'gold standard' in diagnostics for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 ribonucleic acid (RNA) in the acute phase of infection.
The collection of nasopharyngeal swabs by healthcare workers involves an invasive technique that is uncomfortable for the patient, which is of particular concern for paediatric populations. A relative degree of skill is required by the provider, and due to risk of transmission, the procedure necessitates substantial personal protective equipment. Other issues include the potential for a shortage of swabs during large scale testing initiatives. Alternative specimens from the upper respiratory tract, such as saliva or nasal, may offer a means to mitigate these limitations.
In light of this, the Clinical Expert Advisory Group (EAG) which was established to support the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) in their response to COVID-19 was requested to advise on the use of alternative clinical specimens or sites for the diagnosis of COVID-19, particularly for paediatric populations. An Evidence Review to inform this consideration was published by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) on 21st August 2020.
This issue continues to be kept under active consideration by the NPHET.
Hospital Services
Questions (1269)
Seán Canney
Question:1269. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health when the development of the mental health day hospital and disability centre at the Grove Hospital site in Tuam, County Galway will go to tender; when a contractor is expected to be appointed to carry out the works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21869/20]
View answerWritten answers
As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to the deputy directly in relation to this matter.
Medical Cards
Questions (1270)
Brendan Griffin
Question:1270. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the extension of the medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21873/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Health (General Practitioner Service and Alteration of Criteria for Eligibility) Bill 2020 was enacted on 2nd August 2020. This Act provides, amongst other things, for the necessary legislative amendments to the Health Act 1970 (as amended) to increase the weekly gross medical card income limits for those aged 70 and over to €550 per week for a single person (currently €500 per week) and to €1050 for a couple (currently €900 per week). The Government is finalising decisions on the associated funding for this measure and the implementation date for the commencement for this provision.
Health Services
Questions (1271)
Brendan Griffin
Question:1271. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter regarding the treatment of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21877/20]
View answerWritten answers
The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drugs schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. In line with the 2013 Act and the national framework agreed with industry, if a company would like a medicine to be reimbursed by the HSE, the company must submit an application to the HSE to have the new medicine added to the reimbursement list. Reimbursement is for licenced indications which have been granted market authorisation by the European Medicines Agency or the Health Products Regulatory Authority. In making a relevant reimbursement decision, the HSE is required under the Act to have regard to a number of criteria.
I am advised by the HSE that the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE) received an application for Zolgensma in April 2020 . On 13 May, the NCPE completed the rapid review and recommended a full Health Technology Assessment (HTA) to assess the clinical effectiveness and cost effectiveness of Zolgensma compared with the current standard of care.
This HTA is now being undertaken as a part of the Beneluxa collaboration as a joint HTA assessment between Ireland, the Netherlands and Belgium, with Austria acting as a reviewer.
Based on the outcome of this joint HTA, the participating countries will decide if the joint assessment will be followed by a joint pricing negotiation.
As Minister for Heath, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on treatment plans for individual patients. I therefore advise the Deputy that any queries concerning any specific patient’s potential treatment with Zolgensma should be directed to the HSE and Children’s Health Ireland.
HSE Agency Staff
Questions (1272)
David Cullinane
Question:1272. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of whole-time equivalents by occupation and by directly employed and agency staff, respectively working in the health service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21878/20]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
HSE Agency Staff
Questions (1273)
David Cullinane
Question:1273. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated number of whole-time equivalent staff by occupation that would need to be hired to fully and safely staff the health service and to phase out reliance on agency staff and directly employ all health service workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21879/20]
View answerWritten answers
I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Community Training Centres
Questions (1274, 1294, 1309)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:1274. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health if the venues used by community education providers that deliver courses and training, for example, community employment schemes can be regarded as education facilities in order that numbers in the classroom can be over six persons; and the maximum number of persons which some of the local community venues utilised to deliver the courses are insisting on being complied with. [21881/20]
View answer
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:1294. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding limits on training classes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22021/20]
View answer
Niall Collins
Question:1309. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding social distancing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22055/20]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1274, 1294 and 1309 together.
You will be aware that the situation regarding COVID-19 has been, and continues to be, an evolving situation. COVID-19 is still having a major impact both here in Ireland and elsewhere. The measures in place and the public health advice have been adapted to the changing circumstances and this will continue to be the case for the foreseeable future.
Progress has been made on suppressing the virus due to the huge effort of our citizens. By working together, we have saved lives and limited the impact of the disease on society in Ireland. We all must continue to do everything possible to avoid the virus spreading.
The public health advice relating to Covid-19 is kept under continuing review by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), and it provides advice to Government in line with the current epidemiological position. The latest public health advice on these matters is available at the links below and is updated on a regular basis:
https://www.gov.ie/en/organisation/department-of-health/
https://www2.hse.ie/coronavirus/
https://www.gov.ie/en/
The recently introduced regulations [(S.I. 326 of 2020) Health Act 1947 (Section 31a – Temporary Restrictions) (Covid-19) (No. 4) Regulations 2020], which state that events being organised indoors may have no more than 6 attendees apply to social, recreational, exercise, cultural, entertainment and community events.
Education and work related activities are not impacted by these restrictions and can continue to operate, subject to adherence to public health guidance relating to physical distancing and other protective measures. Please note the following general guidance:
- Meetings/training should take place online where possible.
- Where face-to-face meetings/classes are necessary, physical distancing of 2 metres must apply. Meetings should be kept as short as possible.
- Managed and organised arrival and departure processes must be in place.
- Communication and Preparation ahead of the meeting/training should endeavor to reduce the actual time required at the meeting/training.
- Where possible, increase ventilation in the meeting facilities.
- The numbers attending should be kept to an absolute minimum. Capacity will depend on the venue and the ability to physically distance and ensure other protective measures are in place, the overall numbers at any one time within the meeting facility should not exceed 50 people.
- To ensure optimal physical distancing, multiple pods of a maximum of 6 people in each is preferable if sufficient space is available and if it is feasible, with no inter-mingling between pods.
- Business/work related activities in person, this should happen in line with the Return to Work Safely Protocol.
Dental Services
Questions (1275)
Brendan Griffin
Question:1275. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) in relation to emergency dental cover in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21882/20]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Hospital Records
Questions (1276)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:1276. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health if his Department is in possession of the files of Comhairle na nOspidéal regarding the federation of the County Hospital, Roscommon with Portiuncla Hospital, Galway; if so, if he will arrange access to the files for a person (details supplied); if the records are not held in his Department, the location the records are held; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21887/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Records Management Unit of my Department, has completed a thorough search of the Inactive and Active file databases. They have concluded that there are no files with a title relating to Comhairle na nOspidéal regarding the federation of the County Hospital, Roscommon with Portiuncla Hospital, Galway. In 2004 Comhairle na nOspidéal was dissolved by Section 57 of the Health Act, 2004 and its functions were transferred to the HSE.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (1277)
Niamh Smyth
Question:1277. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive a knee operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21894/20]
View answerWritten answers
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to pause most elective scheduled care activity with effect from the end March 2020. 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 National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) and in accordance with World Health Organisation guidelines, and the National Action Plan.
To ensure services are re-introduced in a safe, clinically-aligned and prioritised way, the HSE launched its Strategic Framework for ‘Service Continuity in a Covid Environment’ on 24 June. Its implementation will ensure service resumption is done in an integrated way. This will involve a phased approach to ensure community services are strengthened. The Framework will also consolidate new ways of working and build on international knowledge. Further detail regarding the phases of service resumption are contained in the HSE’s ‘A Safe Return to Health Services’ document, published on their website on 22 July.
Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The National Waiting List Management Policy is a standardised approach used by the HSE to manage scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures. It sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists and was developed in 2014 to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (1278)
Seán Haughey
Question:1278. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Health if he will request the National Public Health Emergency Team to consider allowing local meetings of a group (details supplied) to take place in cases in which social distancing and other precautionary measures can be taken; if a proposal to allow such meetings to take place can be brought forward following advice from the public health officials; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21929/20]
View answerWritten answers
You will be aware that the situation regarding COVID-19 has been, and continues to be, an evolving situation. COVID-19 is still having a major impact both here in Ireland and elsewhere. The measures in place and the public health advice have been adapted to the changing circumstances and this will continue to be the case for the foreseeable future.
Progress has been made on suppressing the virus due to the huge effort of our citizens. By working together, we have saved lives and limited the impact of the disease on society in Ireland. We all must continue to do everything possible to avoid the virus spreading.
The public health advice relating to Covid-19 is kept under continuing review by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), and it provides advice to Government in line with the current epidemiological position. The latest public health advice on these matters is available at the links below and is updated on a regular basis:
https://www.gov.ie/en/organisation/department-of-health/
https://www2.hse.ie/coronavirus/
https://www.gov.ie/en/
The recently introduced regulations [(S.I. 326 of 2020) Health Act 1947 (Section 31a – Temporary Restrictions) (Covid-19) (No. 4) Regulations 2020], which state that events being organised indoors may have no more than 6 attendees apply to social, recreational, exercise, cultural, entertainment and community events.
Drug/alcohol support group meetings are not impacted by these restrictions and can continue to operate, subject to adherence to public health guidance relating to physical distancing and other protective measures. Please note the following general guidance:
- Meetings should take place online where possible.
- Where face-to-face meetings are necessary, physical distancing of 2 metres must apply. Meetings should be kept as short as possible.
- Managed and organised arrival and departure processes must be in place.
- Where possible, increase ventilation in the meeting facilities.
- The numbers attending should be kept to an absolute minimum. Capacity will depend on the venue and the ability to physically distance and ensure other protective measures are in place, the overall numbers at any one time within the meeting facility should not exceed 50 people.
- To ensure optimal physical distancing, multiple pods of a maximum of 6 people in each is preferable if sufficient space is available and if it is feasible in the context of the meeting, with no inter-mingling between pods.
Garda Investigations
Questions (1279)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:1279. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health if his Department is cooperating with the investigation by An Garda Síochána into the death of a person (details supplied). [21937/20]
View answerWritten answers
The type of investigation referred to by the Deputy is a matter for An Garda Síochána, as such it would be inappropriate for me to comment. The Department will cooperate with any investigation instigated by the Gardaí.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (1280)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:1280. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health if his attention was drawn to clusters of Covid-19 in Letterkenny, County Donegal in late August 2020 which was referred to by a local general practitioner (details supplied) on social media; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21938/20]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy is aware, following a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday 18 August, 2020 the Government decided to implement a number of enhanced public health measures in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19.
These measures were introduced in response to an increase in the number of cases in recent weeks, with multiple outbreaks across workplaces, households, and in sports clubs. Internationally we have also seen a significant acceleration in the spread of COVID-19.
The measures introduced were required to protect the vulnerable in our communities, enable schools to reopen and support the resumption of health services.
As the Deputy will no doubt appreciate I am not in a position to comment on individual cases or outbreaks in order to protect the privacy and confidentiality of those involved.
The Departments of Public Health within the Health Service Executive (HSE) respond to notified cases or outbreaks of Covid-19. A risk assessment of the situation is carried out and appropriate investigations are undertaken and control measures put in place. If Public Health determines there is an outbreak, an Outbreak Control Team is convened who would then advise on control measures.
I would like to also draw the Deputy's attention to the “Return to Work Safely Protocol - COVID-19 Specific National Protocol for Employers and Workers” which was published on 9 May, 2020 by the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation. It provides clear guidance to employers and to workers on the measures that must be taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace.
The Protocol is mandatory, and it applies to all workplaces right across the economy.
Specific sectors may need to introduce additional safeguards, but this document sets out the standard set of measures to provide protection against the threat of COVID-19. It is a matter for the employer to make decisions relating to actions to be taken in the event of an outbreak of COVID-19 in a workplace. This should be described in the COVID-19 Response Plan to be developed by all employers and which is a requirement of the Protocol. In addition, the relevant HSE department of public health HSE will also be available to assist and advise employers as to the appropriate steps that should be taken if such an outbreak occurs, given the particular circumstances of the site in question.
The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) is tasked with providing advice and support to employers and employees on what and how COVID-19 measures are applied in the workplace. Guidance on the Protocol should be sought from the HSA Helpline which can be contacted at 1890 289 389 or wcu@hsa.ie.
The Deputy may also wish to note that the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) has published a range of guidance on COVID-19 documents for contractors, employers and employees. These guidance documents are available on the HPSC website at https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/guidance/employersemployeesguidance/.
Public health advice in operation at a point in time is available on the Government website at http://www.gov.ie/
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (1281)
David Cullinane
Question:1281. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health his views on legal protections and exemptions for pharmaceutical corporations which will produce a Covid-19 vaccine, as highlighted by a newspaper (details supplied); his views on a no-fault, non-adversarial compensation system with a civil liability exemption; his plans in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21941/20]
View answerWritten answers
The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) recommended that a COVID-19 Immunisation Strategy Group, chaired by the Department of Health, and informed by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC), be convened. The inaugural meeting of the Group took place on the 26 August 2020. The purpose of the Group is to advise on and assist in the development of national policy relating to COVID-19 vaccines. Liability issues associated with the vaccines will be considered in this context.
In June 2018, the Government agreed to the establishment of an Expert Group to review the law of torts and the current systems for the management of clinical negligence claims chaired by High Court Justice Charles Meenan.
The Expert Group examined the system from the perspective of the person who has made the claim to explore if there is a better way to deal effectively yet more sensitively with certain cases. In this process the Group also looked at the impact of tort legislation on the overall patient safety culture and open disclosure. Judge Meenan submitted the final report of the Expert Group on the Reform of the Law of Torts and the Current System for Managing Clinical Negligence Claims on 17 January 2020. One of the report’s recommendations is that a compensation scheme be established to deal with certain vaccine damage claims.
On foot of a request from my Department, the Health Research Board carried out an evidence review on vaccine injury redress programmes in other jurisdictions and this was completed in March 2019.
The Expert Group’s report, in addition to the HRB's evidence review, and consultation with other Government Departments and relevant State agencies will inform the development of a proposal regarding the establishment of any compensation scheme.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (1282)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Question:1282. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive a date for a hospital appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21948/20]
View answerWritten answers
Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The National Waiting List Management Policy, a standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, since January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the HSE, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
Disabilities Assessments
Questions (1283)
Niamh Smyth
Question:1283. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if appointments for a child (details supplied) will be expedited; the status of the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21958/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Programme for Government, Our Shared Future, recognises the need to improve services for both children and adults with disabilities through better implementation and by working together across Government in a better way.
The Government commits to prioritising early diagnosis and access to services for children and ensuring that the most effective interventions are provided for each child, to guarantee the best outcomes.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Hospital Services
Questions (1284)
David Cullinane
Question:1284. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health his plans to resume services at St. Brigid’s Hospital, Carrick-on-Suir, County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21984/20]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Hospital Services
Questions (1285)
David Cullinane
Question:1285. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health his plans for staff relocated from St. Brigid’s Hospital, Carrick-on-Suir, County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21985/20]
View answerWritten answers
I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this operational matter.
Mental Health Services
Questions (1286)
Mark Ward
Question:1286. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1330 of 30 July 2020, if the beds are at full capacity all year round; if not, the factors prohibiting them from being at full capacity; the breakdown by CHO area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21987/20]
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.