Gary Gannon
Question:765. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Health when the minutes of meetings for NPHET and the research subgroup of the expert advisory group since the 12 June 2020 will be published. [23862/20]
View answerNational Public Health Emergency Team
Questions (765)
Written answers
The Deputy may wish to note that a wide range of documentation related to the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) has been published to date and it is intended to continue this process to ensure transparency. Letters, agendas, and minutes arising from the NPHET and its subgroups are available on the Department of Health website.
The minutes of NPHET to up 12th August 2020 inclusive are also now available to view on the DOH website at https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/691330-national-public-health-emergency-team-covid-19-coronavirus/.
The minutes of the NPHET meetings are published when they have been finalised and adopted by the NPHET members.
With regard to the research subgroup of the Expert Advisory Group, minutes of meetings up to mid-July will be published in coming days.
Medicinal Products
Questions (766)
Joe O'Brien
Question:766. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Health the status of the establishment of an independent inquiry to investigate the historical licensing and use of sodium valproate here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23872/20]
View answerWritten answers
The issues and risks associated with the use of sodium valproate by women of childbearing age are well recognised by medicines regulators and healthcare professionals. Officials in the Department of Health, the HSE, and the Health Products Regulatory Authority are reviewing these issues at present, and considering the next steps that should be taken to minimise the risks involved in the use of this drug. The Minister is aware of requests by patient representative groups for an inquiry into the historical use of sodium valproate in Ireland, and will give further consideration to these requests.
Hospital Data
Questions (767)
Joe O'Brien
Question:767. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Health the number of families that have received consultations with the genetics service in Our Lady’s Hospital, Crumlin, to establish if their child or children have been affected by exposure to sodium valproate in utero; the number of diagnoses of foetal anticonvulsant syndrome, foetal valproate spectrum disorder and foetal valproate syndrome that have been recorded as a result of these consultations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23873/20]
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.
Health Services Provision
Questions (768)
Joe O'Brien
Question:768. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Health the arrangements in place for families with a positive diagnosis of foetal anticonvulsant syndrome to access care pathways and community supports that were developed by the valproate response project team by the HSE in 2018 and 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23874/20]
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.
Disability Support Services
Questions (769)
Paul Murphy
Question:769. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health his policy with regard to the care of persons with special needs, in particular the apparent change in the level of care to be provided under service level agreements between the HSE and care institutions (details supplied); and the steps he will take to ensure that day services reopen five days a week and that there is a full resumption of transport and respite services [23880/20]
View answerWritten answers
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.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Hospital Staff
Questions (770)
Joe McHugh
Question:770. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health the number of full-time radiographers working in Letterkenny University Hospital in 2019 and to date in 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23883/20]
View answerWritten answers
The number of full-time radiographers working in Letterkenny University Hospital (LUH) in 2019 and to date in 2020 are as follows;
|
Number of Radiographers in LUH |
2019 |
Year to date 2020 |
|
WTE |
31.89 |
32.04 |
Question No. 771 answered with Question No. 76.
Home Help Service
Questions (772)
Seán Canney
Question:772. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health if funding for home help hours will be increased (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23887/20]
View answerWritten answers
The level of funding available for the Department of Health in 2021 and the quantum of services to be provided by the HSE, including home support will be considered as part of the national Estimates and budgetary process and National Service Planning. Due to the challenges of Covid demand for Home Care Supports have never been higher. The Winter Plan is currently being devised which will see an increase in Home Care Support for those who need clinical supports to ensure they can live at home safely and securely during the Winter months.
Rare Diseases Strategy
Questions (773)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Question:773. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health when the rare diseases technology review committee, RDTRC, is scheduled to meet in 2020; the frequency with which he expects the committee to meet in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23895/20]
View answerWritten answers
A Technology Review Committee for Rare Diseases (as recommended by the National Rare Disease Plan for Ireland) was appointed in late 2018 with responsibility for:
- Reviewing proposals received from industry or expert groups in Ireland for funding of new products for rare diseases, or expanded indications for existing products for rare diseases and making recommendations as to the implementation of the relevant recommendations from the National Rare Diseases Plan 2011-2018; and
- Providing contributions to the development of clinical guidelines for relevant Orphan Medicinal Products (OMPs) and supporting the implementation of guidelines in conjunction with the National Drugs Management Programme Office where applicable.
The Rare Diseases Medicinal Products / Technology Review Committee meets in response to requests for assessment of new products for rare diseases or expanded indications for existing products for rare diseases. In 2020 no requests were received by the Committee until August when a request was received from the HSE Drugs Group to advise on two medicines.
The HSE has confirmed that the Committee will meet in the week commencing 21 September 2020 to provide the requested patient and clinician engagement that will facilitate the Drugs Group’s work. The frequency of subsequent meetings will relate directly to the number of requests received.
Rare Diseases Strategy
Questions (774)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Question:774. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the timelines for assessment of medicines referred to the RDTRC; when recommendations will be made on referred therapies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23906/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Rare Diseases Medicinal Products / Technology Review Committee is responsible for reviewing proposals received from industry or expert groups in Ireland for funding of new products for rare diseases, or expanded indications for existing products for rare diseases and making recommendations as to the implementation of the relevant recommendations from the National Rare Diseases Plan 2011-2018.
The Committee is also responsible for providing contributions to the development of clinical guidelines for relevant Orphan Medicinal Products (OMPs) and supporting the implementation of guidelines in conjunction with the National Drugs Management Programme Office where applicable.
Assessment of medicines by the Committee are carried out in response to requests received. The HSE has advised that timelines for assessment are not defined in the Committee’s terms of reference, which are due for review this year.
In 2020 no requests were received by the Committee until August when a request was received from the HSE Drugs Group to advise on two medicines. The HSE has confirmed that the Committee will meet in the week commencing 21 September 2020 to provide the requested patient and clinician engagement that will facilitate the Drugs Group’s work.
Rare Diseases Strategy
Questions (775)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Question:775. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health when he expects the publication of a new national rare diseases plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23907/20]
View answerWritten answers
A National Rare Disease Plan for Ireland (2014 – 2018) was launched by the Minister for Health in July 2014. This is a generic policy framework for rare diseases. The scope of the plan is broad given that there are approximately 8,000 rare diseases affecting millions of EU citizens; and consequently, there can be a dearth of expertise and knowledge about some rare diseases, simply because they are so rare.
Many of the major recommendations of the plan have already been implemented and in December 2013 the National Clinical Programme for Rare Diseases was established as a joint initiative between the HSE and the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland. A Clinical Advisory Group was established to oversee the programme, a Clinical Lead and Programme Manager were appointed, and a multidisciplinary National Working Group was established to provide support to the programme workstreams and the National Plan was firmly embedded in the Programme.
The opening of the National Rare Disease Office, (NRDO) in 2015 was a significant milestone for people living with a rare disease, their families and their healthcare professionals. Prof Eileen Treacy is the Director of the National Rare Diseases Office, whose purpose it is to provide current and reliable information about genetic and rare diseases to patients, families and healthcare professionals.
On foot of the HSE Chief Clinical Officer’s (CCO), review of all the national clinical programmes in April 2019, it was recommended that the National Clinical Programme for Rare Diseases be operationalised and incorporated into the National Rare Disease Office. From 01 September 2020, the NRDO will be the main contact point and driver for national HSE rare disease projects and initiatives. The work of the NRDO will be overseen and governed by HSE Acute Operations. This means that the National Clinical Programme for Rare Diseases will be wound down and any outstanding projects will be transferred to the NRDO.
Building on the significant progress to date, themes for inclusion in a roadmap for the coming period have been agreed with the Rare Disease Task Force, which comprises the main rare disease advocacy groups; Rare Disease Ireland, the Medical Research Charities Group (MRCP), and the Irish Platform for Patient Organisations, Science and Industry (IPPPOSI).
Meetings, to ensure that the input and the voice of the patient is represented in the continuing work ongoing in relation to Rare Diseases will continue to take place at regular intervals with the Rare Disease Task Force, the HSE National Clinical Programme for Rare Diseases and the Rare Disease Office.
A number of key themes have now been identified for progression in the coming period, including: Patient Awareness; European Reference Networks; Research & Registries; Access to Services; Access to Medicines; Diagnosis; Education & Training and Legislation & Policy. This will form the basis for work in this area in the time ahead.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (776)
Róisín Shortall
Question:776. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the number of overseas passengers arriving through Dublin Airport since 1 August 2020; the level of compliance in filling out the passenger locator form; the number of forms that were correctly completed; the number of follow-up calls made to passengers; the number of successful follow-up calls completed in each of the past six weeks in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23914/20]
View answerWritten answers
The electronic COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form (ePLF) was launched online for passengers arriving into Ireland on or after Wednesday 26 August 2020. The first full week’s data highlights that approximately 86% of passengers who arrived between 31st August and 6th September presented a form at their point of entry. (Not all passengers are required to complete a form).
All passengers who complete the electronic form receive an email receipt which includes key public health messages. After arrival to Ireland, passengers receive one public health message via SMS. Passengers arriving from non-green list countries receive three additional public health messages via SMS throughout the next 14 days. In the week from 31st August to 6th September more than 70,000 contacts were made with passengers through SMS. A selection of arriving passengers also receive follow-up calls to verify information provided on the forms. During the same period, over 13,000 outbound and inbound calls took place with passengers.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (777)
Róisín Shortall
Question:777. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the responsibility of his Department for recording and monitoring passengers entering Ireland; the role his Department plays in the passenger locator form and follow-up calls to passengers; the number and grade of staff allocated for this specific purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23915/20]
View answerWritten answers
The electronic COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form (ePLF) was launched online for passengers arriving into Ireland on or after Wednesday 26 August 2020.
The Department of Health assumed responsibility for development and completion of the new electronic passenger locator form and database, working with the HSE. Operational matters related to contacting passengers by SMS text and telephone calls were outsourced to a service provide. This Department continues to manage and oversee the process, and together with colleagues in the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, the Department of Justice and Equality and the daa, continues to engage proactively on the development of process and procedures to enhance the service.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (778)
Barry Cowen
Question:778. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) can expect an appointment. [23923/20]
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.
Alcohol Treatment Services
Questions (779)
Thomas Gould
Question:779. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health if services (details supplied) are considered as serving a public health function similar to 12 steps and SMART recovery meetings. [23929/20]
View answerWritten answers
Officials in the Department of Health have been working with Drug and Alcohol Task Forces and the HSE Social Inclusion Services to ensure that services and supports continue to be provided for those with problem drug and alcohol use, in line with public health advice. Details of services operating during the coronavirus outbreak can be found at www.drugs.ie.
The public health advice relating to Covid-19 is kept under continuing review by the National Public Health Emergency Team and it provides advice to Government in line with the current epidemiological position.
The Government introduced new regulations for indoor events on 31st August, 2020 [(S.I. 326 of 2020) Health Act 1947 (Section 31a – Temporary Restrictions) (Covid-19) (No. 4) Regulations 2020]. The regulations, 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 and alcohol support group meetings, including Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-Anon, Co-Dependents Anonymous and other similar groups, 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.
The following public health guidance applies to indoor events:
- 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, with no inter-mingling between pods.
I welcome the clarification that addiction support groups are not covered by the regulations governing indoor events. I would advise that support groups proceed with a degree of extra caution, as individuals with addiction problems can be more vulnerable to the risk of Covid-19 due to underlying health conditions, and put in place strict protective measures.
HSE Data
Questions (780)
Mark Ward
Question:780. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the number of adults in each LHO area awaiting a mental health services appointment at the end of August 2020 or the latest date available; the number waiting zero to 12, 12 to 26, 26 to 52 and more than 52 weeks, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23937/20]
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.
Question No. 781 answered with Question No. 670.
Question No. 782 answered with Question No. 76.
Healthcare Infrastructure Provision
Questions (783)
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:783. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the status of the CNU project on the Dublin Road, Drogheda, County Louth; the details of the most recent specification brief on the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23958/20]
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.
Public Private Partnerships
Questions (784)
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:784. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the position in relation to the progression of the 50-bed new St. Joseph's Hospital in Ardee, County Louth; if he will provide other relevant details; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23962/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery and management of healthcare infrastructure and has advised that St Joseph's Hospital in Ardee is one of the seven CNU’s currently included in a single bundle of CNU’s to be developed by Public Private Partnership. The HSE are currently evaluating tender submissions for the PPP Project with a view to identifying the preferred tenderer in Q1 2021.
It is important to recognise that all capital development proposals must progress through a number of approval stages, in line with the Public Spending Code, including detailed appraisal, planning, design and procurement before a firm timeline or funding requirement can be established.
The final decision to proceed with the construction of a project cannot be made until the tender process has been completed and the costings reviewed to ensure that the proposal delivers value for money and remains affordable, and that sufficient funding is available to fund the project to completion, including equipping and commissioning costs.
The delivery of capital projects is a dynamic process and is subject to the successful completion of the various approval stages, which can impact on the timeline for delivery.