Michael Healy-Rae
Question:229. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if the use of a drug (details supplied) will be covered under the medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35689/20]
View answerMedical Cards
Questions (229)
Written 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, a company must submit an application to the HSE to have a 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.
Ministerial Licenses pursuant to Section 14 of the Misuse of Drugs Acts 1977-2016 are not required for medicinal products that have been granted a Marketing Authorisation by the EMA or the HPRA, including cannabidiol (Epidyolex®).
Epidyolex received a Marketing Authorisation valid throughout the EU on 19th September 2019 (Agency Product Number EMEA/H/C/004675). It is a medicine used in addition to clobazam to treat patients from the age of two years who have Lennox-Gastaut syndrome or Dravet syndrome.
In making a relevant reimbursement decision, the HSE is required under the Act to have regard to a number of criteria including efficacy, the health needs of the public, cost effectiveness and potential or actual budget impact.
HSE decisions on which medicines are reimbursed by the taxpayer are made on objective, scientific and economic grounds, on the advice of the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE).
I am advised by the HSE that it has received two applications for the reimbursement of Epidyolex:
1. for use as adjunctive therapy of seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome in conjunction with clobazam, for patients two years of age and older.
In February 2020, the HSE commissioned the NCPE to complete a rapid review with respect to this indication. The NCPE recommended a full health technology assessment (HTA) to assess the clinical effectiveness and cost effectiveness of Epidyolex compared with the current standard of care. On 16 March 2020, the HSE commissioned a full pharmacoeconomic assessment for this indication.
2. for use as adjunctive therapy of seizures associated with Dravet Syndrome in conjunction with clobazam, for patients two years of age and older.
In February 2020, the HSE commissioned the NCPE to complete a rapid review with respect to this indication. The NCPE recommended a full HTA to assess the clinical effectiveness and cost effectiveness of Epidyolex compared with the current standard of care. On 16 March 2020, the HSE commissioned a full pharmacoeconomic assessment for this indication.
In July 2020, applicant submissions were received by the NCPE for both of the above indications. These applications will be assessed by the HSE in line with the 2013 Health Act.
Ambulance Service
Questions (230)
Jackie Cahill
Question:230. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the right of ambulance personnel to join and be represented by a union of their choice; the status of the dispute between the HSE and members of a union (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35697/20]
View answerWritten answers
During 2019, a branch of the Psychiatric Nurses Association called the National Ambulance Service Representative Association (NASRA) engaged in industrial action. The Psychiatric Nurses Association state that their industrial action is in connection with two substantive issues. The first is the automated deduction of union subscriptions. The second is the refusal by the HSE to engage in negotiations with the PNA or to recognise the PNA as representing ambulance personnel.
It should be noted that the HSE deducts subscriptions at source for those ambulance staff that are members of a number of unions. These are SIPTU, FORSA and UNITE. The deduction of subscriptions is not a legal right but rather a concession granted to recognised unions. To be clear, NASRA, which is affiliated with the PNA, is a group which is not recognised by the HSE and, therefore, does not have negotiating rights. The PNA does not have negotiating rights for ambulance personnel.
It is not possible to negotiate with a union which is not recognised as having negotiating rights for ambulance grades.
Industrial relations policy has had a long-standing objective of avoiding fragmentation in worker representation in public sector employments, and the trade union movement generally, to facilitate the orderly conduct of bargaining and other aspects of industrial relations.
Officials in my Department have engaged with HSE management to explore ways forward to see if a resolution to the dispute can be progressed. These discussions have taken place, but an appropriate solution has yet to emerge. On that basis, the fact remains that the PNA does not have negotiating rights for ambulance grades and hence the HSE cannot negotiate with them in respect of this group.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (231)
Catherine Murphy
Question:231. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to outbreaks of Covid-19 in University Hospital Limerick and Naas General Hospital; and his plans to implement a standardised response and mitigation protocol in hospitals in respect of Covid-19 outbreaks (details supplied). [35698/20]
View answerWritten answers
As this is an operational matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (232)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:232. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an assessment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35699/20]
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.
Departmental Properties
Questions (233)
Matt Carthy
Question:233. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health if his Department or bodies under the aegis of his Department rent office space from a company (details supplied) or an Irish subsidiary; the number of employees who work out of such office space; the length of time they have been working from the offices; the cost to date of renting such offices; the tender process by which it was decided to make use of the services of the company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35716/20]
View answerWritten answers
My Department has never rented office space from the detailed company.
I have also forwarded your question to the HSE for direct reply. Details for other bodies under the aegis of my Department are operational matters for the bodies concerned.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (234)
Catherine Murphy
Question:234. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if reflexology treatments can continue during level 5 restrictions; and if not, the rationale for the restriction on these services [35725/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Deputy 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.On Tuesday 15 September the Government published ‘Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19’. This Plan outlines our medium-term strategy for COVID-19 and sets out a Framework of 5 Levels which outline the broad measures which will apply depending on the level of the virus at any given time. It will be possible for different regions and counties to be at different levels, depending on prevailing epidemiological situation . The Plan is designed to help everyone – individuals, organisations and sectors – to better understand, anticipate and prepare for the measures that might be introduced to contain transmission of the virus. The intention is that Departments and sectors will provide guidance for specific sectors and activities in line with the 5 level framework. At Level 5, only essential retail outlets and essential services are allowed to open to the public.
The list of essential services that can remain open during Level 5 includes therapy services 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). There are seventeen professions designated under the 2005 Act, which are encompassed in the list of essential services. These are: Dietitians, Dispensing Opticians, Medical Scientists, Occupational Therapists, Optometrists, Physiotherapists (which includes Physical Therapists), Radiographers, Radiation Therapists, Social Workers, Speech and Language Therapists, Clinical Biochemists, Counsellors, Orthoptists, Podiatrists, Psychologists, Psychotherapists and Social Care Workers.
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/
Question No. 235 answered with Question No. 198.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (236)
Catherine Murphy
Question:236. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if acupuncture treatments can continue during level 5 restrictions; and if not, the rationale for the restriction on these services [35727/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Deputy 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.
On Tuesday 15 September the Government published ‘Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19’. This Plan outlines our medium-term strategy for COVID-19 and sets out a Framework of 5 Levels which outline the broad measures which will apply depending on the level of the virus at any given time. It will be possible for different regions and counties to be at different levels, depending on prevailing epidemiological situation . The Plan is designed to help everyone – individuals, organisations and sectors – to better understand, anticipate and prepare for the measures that might be introduced to contain transmission of the virus. The intention is that Departments and sectors will provide guidance for specific sectors and activities in line with the 5 level framework.
At Level 5, only essential retail outlets and essential services are allowed to open to the public.
The list of essential services that can remain open during Level 5 includes therapy services 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). There are seventeen professions designated under the 2005 Act, which are encompassed in the list of essential services. These are: Dietitians, Dispensing Opticians, Medical Scientists, Occupational Therapists, Optometrists, Physiotherapists (which includes Physical Therapists), Radiographers, Radiation Therapists, Social Workers, Speech and Language Therapists, Clinical Biochemists, Counsellors, Orthoptists, Podiatrists, Psychologists, Psychotherapists and Social Care Workers.
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/
Hospital Facilities
Questions (237, 238)
Róisín Shortall
Question:237. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if a record of meetings the HSE held on plans to build a private hospital in an area (details supplied), including dates and attendees, will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35729/20]
View answerRóisín Shortall
Question:238. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if there is a commitment, tacit or otherwise, to purchase services or use any element of the services at a proposed new facility (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35730/20]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 237 and 238 together.
The Department has no remit in relation to the development of private hospital facilities. In relation to the specific questions regarding the HSE’s dealings with the facility (details supplied), the question has been referred to the HSE for direct response to the Deputy.
Departmental Budgets
Questions (239)
Verona Murphy
Question:239. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Health the breakdown of the disabilities sector budget; the percentage of the budget that will be allocated specifically to transport for service users within the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35738/20]
View answerWritten answers
In the Programme for Government, we made extensive commitments to improve the lives of people with disabilities and in doing so, we signalled to those with a disability that we are serious about making a difference. In the first budget of this government, I’m pleased that we have secured significant additional funding to start delivering on those commitments.
We will be investing an additional €100 million in new initiatives in 2021, bringing the total disabilities budget to around €2.2 billion. The increased level of funding in 2021 will build on initiatives currently underway, as well as introducing new ones.
I will be targeting the new funding at five key areas: children’s services, day services, community supports, residential services, and integration. I will now ask the HSE, in preparing its National Service Plan, to examine how these key priorities can be progressed in 2021 within the overall increased envelope of funding for disability services
In addition to the investment outlined in Budget 2021, €20 million is being made available on a once off basis in the current year to support voluntary disability service providers engaged in the Transforming Lives Reform programme. Further information, including eligibility criteria and how to apply, can be found here:
https://www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/94127/10ffcbd0-b0f7-425c-b8c8-ad27d93e4600.pdf#page=null
The Deputy also asked about the breakdown of the budget for transport in the disability sector. The HSE has no statutory obligation to provide transport services and funding is not provided. However, some transport supports are provided by the HSE or funded agencies on a discretionary basis. A variety of transport solutions are pursued in each CHO area, including:
Travel training by service providers or families to enable public transport to be used upon commencement of their day programme where applicable.
Service providers provide transport where available capacity exists.
Local transport e.g. Local Link, private bus transport providers and taxis, funded via a combination of service provider, HSE funding, service user contribution, and / or combined funding to meet the transport requirements identified.
HSE local funding, where available, is utilised to support service providers to provide transport solutions for service users.
Families agree to transport service users to service providers.
In general, disability service users are in receipt of disability allowance and are automatically entitled to the Free Travel Pass.
Transport is a theme of the National Disability Inclusion strategy, and Action 104 of this strategy states: 'We will lead a review of transport supports encompassing all Government funded transport and mobility schemes for people with disabilities, to enhance the options for transport to work or employment supports for people with disabilities and will develop proposals for development of a coordinated plan for such provision. This plan will have regard to making the most efficient use of available transport resources.”
As part of the mid-term review of the NDIS, there will be a focus on promoting collaborative approaches to cross-cutting issues, and the working group on transport (Action 104), was convened by the Department of Justice and Equality in February 2020, with a focus on identifying opportunities for collaboration between transport and other public bodies to promote greater mobility for people with disabilities.
As the Deputy’s question also refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (240)
Holly Cairns
Question:240. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health if persons are allowed to bring an accompanying person with them to accident and emergency departments under levels 4 and 5 restrictions. [35750/20]
View answerWritten answers
As the implementation of Covid-19 restrictions within hospital emergency departments is an operational matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy's question directly.
Maternity Services
Questions (241)
Holly Cairns
Question:241. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health if the provision of water births as part of the home birth service is currently being facilitated; if the practice is under review; if a specific incident is under review; if so, the professionals who are conducting the review; and the timeframe for completion and decision and any reviews. [35751/20]
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.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (242)
Holly Cairns
Question:242. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health if craniosacral therapists are classified as essential health workers; and the rationale on which this assessment was made. [35752/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Deputy 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.
On Tuesday 15 September the Government published ‘Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19’. This Plan outlines our medium-term strategy for COVID-19 and sets out a Framework of 5 Levels which outline the broad measures which will apply depending on the level of the virus at any given time. It will be possible for different regions and counties to be at different levels, depending on prevailing epidemiological situation. The Plan is designed to help everyone – individuals, organisations and sectors – to better understand, anticipate and prepare for the measures that might be introduced to contain transmission of the virus. The intention is that Departments and sectors will provide guidance for specific sectors and activities in line with the 5 level framework.
At Level 5, only essential retail outlets and essential services are allowed to open to the public.
The list of essential services that can remain open during Level 5 includes therapy services 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). There are seventeen professions designated under the 2005 Act, which are encompassed in the list of essential services. These are: Dietitians, Dispensing Opticians, Medical Scientists, Occupational Therapists, Optometrists, Physiotherapists (which includes Physical Therapists), Radiographers, Radiation Therapists, Social Workers, Speech and Language Therapists, Clinical Biochemists, Counsellors, Orthoptists, Podiatrists, Psychologists, Psychotherapists and Social Care Workers.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/
Question No. 243 answered with Question No. 224.
Departmental Staff
Questions (244)
Joe Carey
Question:244. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the educational qualifications necessary to be eligible to take up a position as a technical agricultural officer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35457/20]
View answerWritten answers
My Department engages in workforce planning to assess its current and future recruitment needs. The educational qualifications relquired and the relevant selection criteria are reviewed and updated on an ongoing basis to ensure that they meet these needs.
A recruitment campaign for the role of Technical Agricultural Officer was most recently advertised in late July by the Public Appointments Service (PAS) on behalf of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The assessment process is being managed by PAS and candidates are currently being called to interview. The qualifications required for the role are set out in the competition booklet as follows:
"Candidates must, on or before the closing date of 20th August 2020:
Hold the Leaving Certificate or a qualification that is acceptable to PAS as being of an equivalent or higher academic standard (other than any qualification submitted to meet the technical educational requirements noted below)
AND
A. Hold an Advanced Certificate in Agriculture at level 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications
Or
B. Hold a qualification in Agriculture at level 7 or higher on the National Framework of Qualifications
Or
C. Hold a qualification at level 6 or higher in an area such as horticulture, plant health, animal health, animal welfare or food safety that is acceptable to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine as being relevant to the role of Technical Agricultural Officer. In addition the subject matter of such qualification must include significant content relating to either Animal Husbandry or Crop Production."
A previous TAO Recruitment campaign was advertised by the Public Appointments Service (PAS) in May 2018 and the various stages of assessment took place in the latter months of that year. The qualifications as set down for the 2018 campaign were as follows:
"Candidates must, on or before the 7th June 2018
1. Have obtained in the Leaving Certificate Examination a minimum of grade D (Ordinary Level) in 5 subjects to include Mathematics and English (or a qualification that is acceptable to PAS as being at least of an equivalent standard)
AND
A. Hold an advanced certificate in Agriculture or Horticulture at level 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications
OR
B. Hold a qualification in Agriculture or Horticulture at level 7 or higher on the National Framework of Qualifications
OR
C. Hold a qualification at level 6 or higher that is acceptable to both the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and PAS as being at least equivalent to A or B above in areas such as animal health, animal welfare, plant health and food safety."
Beef Environmental Efficiency Scheme
Questions (245)
Rose Conway-Walsh
Question:245. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to issues with the online application system for the BEEP (details supplied); the steps being taken to assess the situation and make necessary changes and help disadvantaged applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35467/20]
View answerWritten answers
The objective of the Beef Environmental Efficiency Programme – Suckler is to further increase economic and environmental efficiency in the suckler herd through better quality data on herd performance, supporting decision making on farm and support of best practice in welfare management.
The closing date for receipt of applications for this programme was 15th May 2020. Applications could only be made via my Department's online application system at www.agfood.ie. Over 27,000 participants successfully lodged applications for the scheme by the closing date.
A draft application was created by the person named on the 20th of April but it was not submitted. On both the 5th and 15th of May, a text message was sent to the person named advising them that they had not completed the application process and that their application needed attention in advance of the scheme application window closing. The action was not completed and the application was never fully submitted.
In this case, subsequent to the deadline for applications the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) did contact the applicant mistakenly on the 3 September in relation to the completion of scheme actions. This communication was corrected, and the applicant was advised by the ICBF on 8 October that they had not, in fact, completed an application for the scheme and should thus not have been contacted by the ICBF.
On the 12th October, the person named contacted my Department querying their application and asking to be included in the scheme. A letter issued on the 13th of October explaining the that the deadline for applications had passed and a late application could not be considered at that time. The letter also advised them of their right of review.
A letter was received from the person named on the 22nd October requesting a review of the decision in relation to their application for the scheme. This review was carried out and a decision letter issued on the 31st October outlining that an application could not be accepted after the closing date. This letter also indicated that if the person named was dissatisfied with that decision, they retained the right to appeal the matter to the Agriculture Appeals Office.
Animal Culls
Questions (246)
Matt Carthy
Question:246. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to a mink cull in Denmark linked to a mutated strain of Covid-19 that has been shown to be transmissible to humans; the actions he will take with regard to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35511/20]
View answerWritten answers
The collaborative One Health approach to disease management which is implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) is an integral part of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s (DAFM) strategy to deal with new and emerging diseases with zoonotic potential. The Department also has engaged with the European Commission and is working closely with the Public Health Authorities, including the Health Protection Surveillance Centre and the HSE monitoring national and international developments in relation to SARS-CoV-2 virus.
The Department has been following closely developments worldwide in relation to Covid-19 in animals, including mink. Since June, the Danes had implemented a phased response to controlling the spread of the disease with a limited cull of infected farms. The recent developments in Denmark in relation to potential impact on future vaccine efficacy is of concern.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine have been in close cooperation with colleagues in the Department of Health, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre and the HSE monitoring national and international developments in relation to SARS-CoV-2 virus in animals. DAFM has had ongoing engagement with the mink farms since early summer. No mink have been imported into Ireland during 2020. Whilst there is no current suspicion of disease in mink in Ireland, DAFM will test for the SARS-CoV-2 virus in each of the three farms as part of enhanced surveillance. Like all surveillance programmes, the issue will be kept under constant review.
With regard to COVID-19 and animals generally, the Department has produced awareness material in relation to COVID-19 for animal owners, including a Frequently Asked Question Document which includes advice for example in situations where an animal requires care or exercise in a household where someone has COVID-19 or is restricting their movement or self-isolating in line with HSE advice. This is available to view on the dedicated COVID hub of the Department website.
Beef Industry
Questions (247)
Matt Carthy
Question:247. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the PGI application concerning Northern Ireland; the engagements he has had with his counterpart in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35512/20]
View answerWritten answers
As the Competent Authority, my Department must be satisfied, in submitting a PGI application to the Commission, that there is a verification system in place to ensure that, if successful, the PGI is protected and that the claims made in a PGI application are verifiable.
The draft application for a PGI for 'Irish Grass Fed Beef' provides that the control systems already in place for the Bord Bia Quality Assurance schemes and Grass Fed Standard will be used to carry out the verification, with no additional requirements for farmers.
In the case of Northern Ireland, there is currently no equivalent verification system in place to verify that qualifying cattle are grass fed.
My Department and Bord Bia have discussed the draft application with Northern Ireland counterparts, and I have discussed with my counterpart Minister Poots also. I have recently advised Minister Poots that, when the final application is being submitted, I will inform the European Commission that Ireland would support the PGI being extended on an all-island basis, when a grass-fed verification system is in place in Northern Ireland.
Animal Diseases
Questions (248)
Matt Carthy
Question:248. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applications to the financial assistance scheme for avian influenza outbreaks of the H6N1 subtype in poultry flocks in 2016; the number of applications accepted and rejected; the amount paid per applicant per county in tabular form; if there have been delays associated with the scheme and payments to applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35514/20]
View answerWritten answers
I undertand that the question relates to the H6N1 outbreak in poultry in 2020. While no legal basis exists for a mandatory compensation scheme under EU legislation in respect of the particular subtype H6N1 of the disease identified, a once-off financial support scheme was established.
The deadline for receipt of applications was 31st July 2020. Any affected flock owners were eligible to apply and, subject to meeting the criteria as laid down in the terms and conditions for this once-off scheme, will receive ex-gratia payments at a maximum rate of €10,000 per flock owner.
13 applications for the scheme were received and all are situated in Co. Monaghan. As a new scheme, this entailed transfer of funding and a payment system to be established before payments could issue. All received applications are currently being processed and the payments of €10,000 per flock owner will issue imminently.