Written Answers Nos. 221-240
221. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the number of times he has spoken with or written to his counterpart in the UK Government and in the Stormont Executive in relation to coordinating international travel restrictions to combat Covid-19; the date of each physical and virtual meeting, phone call or letter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4539/21]
View answerThere has been, and continues to be, significant engagement and cooperation between the Ministers for Health, the Chief Medical Officers, and the Departments of Health in Ireland and Northern Ireland throughout this pandemic. I recently met with Minister Robin Swann about data sharing from respective passenger locator forms on the 20th of January and with Secretary of State Matt Hancock to discuss COVID-19 related matters on the 25th of January.
Both administrations are seeking to adopt similar approaches, where it is appropriate to do so and on the advice of respective Chief Medical Officers. This approach is underpinned a Memorandum of Understanding agreed by the Chief Medical Officers of the Department of Health and the Department of Health in Northern Ireland in April 2020 to strengthen North South co-operation on the public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In November, this overarching agreement was supplemented with a further Memorandum of Understanding in relation to a framework for mutual support for the provision of critical care.
Meetings of the North South Ministerial Council are also an important pillar in our regular engagements with Northern Ireland counterparts on COVID-19. The most recent meeting, the Twenty Fifth North South Ministerial Council Plenary, was held on the 18th of December.
There have also been regular ‘Quad’ calls, the most recent being on the 12th of October, co-chaired the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland with the First Minister and deputy First Minister to discuss the response to COVID-19, which the Ministers of Health for Ireland and Northern Ireland have also attended.
222. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive the orthopaedic chair prescribed by their occupational therapist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4540/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
223. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if persons who need to attend hospital in order to receive dialysis treatment will be given the same priority allocation as nursing home residents in the Covid-19 vaccination priority list as they are a vulnerable high risk group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4541/21]
View answer225. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if the priority of dialysis patients for the Covid-19 vaccination will be reviewed given their vulnerability and the frequency of their hospital visits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4580/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 223 and 225 together.
The COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Strategy sets out a provisional list of groups for vaccination. The Strategy was developed by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) and my Department, endorsed by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), and approved by Government on 8 December 2020.
Vaccine allocation is a matter for my Department and further information is available here: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/39038-provisional-vaccine-allocation-groups/.
The rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination programme is the responsibility of the HSE.
The aim of the COVID-19 vaccination programme is to ensure, over time, that vaccine will become available to vaccinate all of those for whom the vaccine is indicated. Given that there will be initially limited vaccines available, it will take some time for all to receive those vaccines and that has necessitated an allocation strategy to ensure that those most at risk of death and serious illness receive the vaccine first.
The priority is to first vaccinate and protect directly the most vulnerable amongst us, that is, those most likely to have a poor outcome if they contract the virus. The priority is to directly use vaccines to save lives and reduce serious illness, hence the focus on the over 65 year old cohort in long term residential care facilities, and healthcare workers in frontline services often caring for the most vulnerable.
All of the groups will be covered as further vaccine supplies become available and the immunisation programme is rolled out nationally.
The evidence will be kept under review and the allocation groups may be updated, where necessary, in light of new evidence.
224. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health the category of the Covid-19 vaccine roll-out plan a home (details supplied) falls into; and when it can expect to receive the vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4546/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service ##Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
226. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health his plans to amend the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 to provide for the inclusion of trace amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol up to 0.3% in view of the current lack of legal clarity for shop owners selling cannabidiol products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4581/21]
View answerCannabis is strictly controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Acts 1977 to 2016, and the Regulations and Orders made thereunder.
The two most common active components found in cannabis oil are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
THC is the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis. Under the Misuse of Drugs legislation products containing THC are strictly controlled and possession is unlawful except under licence.
CBD is derived from cannabis. However, since it is not psychoactive it is not controlled under the Misuse of Drugs legislation.
Under the Misuse of Drugs legislation, there is currently no permitted level of THC.
227. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if private hospitals will be utilised to address the growing waiting lists in public hospitals due to the Covid-19 crisis; if contingency planning for the post-Covid-19 health crisis is taking place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4582/21]
View answerIt is recognised that waiting times for scheduled appointments and procedures have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the deferral of non-urgent elective scheduled care activity in March, April and May of 2020, on the recommendation of NPHET.
Following the termination of the original private hospital agreement in June 2020, the Government mandated the HSE to seek to agree with the private hospitals a new arrangement which would provide the HSE with access to private hospital capacity in the event of further surges in Covid-19 cases and separately with ongoing agreed access in collaboration with the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF), to private hospital services to address the HSE's priority needs in providing both essential care and addressing elective activity to assist with scheduled care waiting lists.
In the context of the current surge, the HSE is recommending that only critical time dependent elective procedures are undertaken at this time due to the on-going and significant increased demand for bed capacity related to Covid-19. This decision was made arising from the rapid increase in Covid-19 admissions and to ensure patient safety and that all appropriate resources are made available for Covid-19 related activity and time-critical essential work.
The HSE has agreed a new safety net arrangement with all 18 private hospitals to deal with the current surge in Covid-19 cases and any further surges in the pandemic, if they arise within the next 12 months. The agreement provides that the HSE can access up to 15% or 30% of the private hospitals’ capacity depending of the incidence of the disease in the community or the number of Covid-19 positive patients in general or ICU beds in public hospitals. The private hospital capacity obtained by the HSE will be used to free up capacity in the public hospitals and will be mainly used for urgent, time-dependant and complex care.
In relation to contingency planning for a post Covid-19 scenario, my Department, the HSE and the NTPF are continuously reviewing waiting lists with a view to ensuring that services for scheduled care are resumed as soon as it is deemed safe to do so in line with HSE clinical guidelines.
228. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health if all staff involved in special education will be prioritised for Covid-19 vaccinations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4588/21]
View answerThe COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Strategy sets out a provisional list of groups for vaccination. The Strategy was developed by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) and my Department, endorsed by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), and approved by Government on 8 December 2020.
Vaccine allocation is a matter for my Department and further information is available here: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/39038-provisional-vaccine-allocation-groups/.
The rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination programme is the responsibility of the HSE.
The aim of the COVID-19 vaccination programme is to ensure, over time, that vaccine will become available to vaccinate all of those for whom the vaccine is indicated. Given that there will be initially limited vaccines available, it will take some time for all to receive those vaccines and that has necessitated an allocation strategy to ensure that those most at risk of death and serious illness receive the vaccine first.
The priority is to first vaccinate and protect directly the most vulnerable amongst us, that is, those most likely to have a poor outcome if they contract the virus. The priority is to directly use vaccines to save lives and reduce serious illness, hence the focus on the over 65 year old cohort in long term residential care facilities, and healthcare workers in frontline services often caring for the most vulnerable.
All of the groups will be covered as further vaccine supplies become available and the immunisation programme is rolled out nationally.
The evidence will be kept under review and the allocation groups may be updated, where necessary, in light of new evidence.
229. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health the number patients in County Kerry referred for treatment under the treatment purchase scheme in 2020; the treatments provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4590/21]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is being collated by Department officials and a deferred reply will be submitted within ten working days.
230. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Health when social care workers working in children’s residential homes will be vaccinated (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4591/21]
View answerThe COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Strategy sets out a provisional list of groups for vaccination. The Strategy was developed by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) and my Department, endorsed by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), and approved by Government on 8 December 2020.
Vaccine allocation is a matter for my Department and further information is available here: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/39038-provisional-vaccine-allocation-groups/.
The rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination programme is the responsibility of the HSE.
The aim of the COVID-19 vaccination programme is to ensure, over time, that vaccine will become available to vaccinate all of those for whom the vaccine is indicated. Given that there will be initially limited vaccines available, it will take some time for all to receive those vaccines and that has necessitated an allocation strategy to ensure that those most at risk of death and serious illness receive the vaccine first.
The priority is to first vaccinate and protect directly the most vulnerable amongst us, that is, those most likely to have a poor outcome if they contract the virus. The priority is to directly use vaccines to save lives and reduce serious illness, hence the focus on the over 65 year old cohort in long term residential care facilities, and healthcare workers in frontline services often caring for the most vulnerable.
All of the groups will be covered as further vaccine supplies become available and the immunisation programme is rolled out nationally.
The evidence will be kept under review and the allocation groups may be updated, where necessary, in light of new evidence.
231. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health his plans to maintain lactation consultancy services throughout the Covid-19 crisis and restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4599/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
232. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the reason for the significant delays experienced by allied healthcare professionals in receiving their CORU registration; his plans to speed up the process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4603/21]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, CORU is Ireland's multi-profession health and social care regulator. Its role is to protect the public by regulating the health and social care professions designated under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 (as amended).
An individual can only be admitted to a CORU register when they have demonstrated to their registration board’s satisfaction that they are suitably qualified, have committed to adhere to their profession’s Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics, and are a fit and proper person to engage in the profession, which requires eVetting by the National Vetting Bureau.
I have consulted with CORU, who have confirmed that there are currently no delays within the CORU registration process, except for applications that are incomplete. Failure to submit correct documentation is the most common cause of delays in processing applications and every effort is made by CORU to ensure applicants submit the information required to allow for the smooth processing of their application.
Where applications are received with all required documentation, CORU endeavours to process these applications, including eVetting, within 14 weeks. Many applications especially those of graduates within the State are significantly quicker.
I have consulted with CORU, who have confirmed that they always prioritise those applicants with job offers, especially for critical hospital roles and will continue to do so.
In response to the pandemic and in line with Section 98 Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (Covid-19) Act 2020, CORU also created an application process to enable former registered health sector professionals, who either voluntarily withdrew from the register of their designated profession or were removed due to non-payment of registration fees, to have their registration restored. CORU restored 26 applicants to the register under these Section 98 Emergency Measures.
233. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Health if funding is available to a voluntary organisation (details supplied) for the provision of autism workshops; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4622/21]
View answerThe 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.
234. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health his plans to help persons who are living alone to get the vaccine; and if there will be home visits. [4625/21]
View answerThe COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Strategy sets out a provisional list of groups for vaccination. The Strategy was developed by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) and my Department, endorsed by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), and approved by Government on 8 December 2020.
Vaccine allocation is a matter for my Department and further information is available here: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/39038-provisional-vaccine-allocation-groups/.
The rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination programme is the responsibility of the HSE.
The aim of the COVID-19 vaccination programme is to ensure, over time, that vaccine will become available to vaccinate all of those for whom the vaccine is indicated. Given that there will be initially limited vaccines available, it will take some time for all to receive those vaccines and that has necessitated an allocation strategy to ensure that those most at risk of death and serious illness receive the vaccine first.
The priority is to first vaccinate and protect directly the most vulnerable amongst us, that is, those most likely to have a poor outcome if they contract the virus. The priority is to directly use vaccines to save lives and reduce serious illness, hence the focus on the over 65 year old cohort in long term residential care facilities, and healthcare workers in frontline services often caring for the most vulnerable.
All of the groups will be covered as further vaccine supplies become available and the immunisation programme is rolled out nationally.
The evidence will be kept under review and the allocation groups may be updated, where necessary, in light of new evidence.
235. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health the staffing numbers for the HSE pest control services in CHO8; and if there are vacancies awaiting to be filled. [4633/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy, as soon as possible.
236. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health when a child (details supplied) will receive an appointment; the position of the child on the waiting list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4639/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
237. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the current waiting time for audiology appointments in counties Roscommon and Galway for children and adults; his plans to address the waiting times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4640/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
238. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health when all staff in private hospitals will be offered the Covid-19 vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4645/21]
View answerThe COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Strategy sets out a provisional list of groups for vaccination. The Strategy was developed by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) and my Department, endorsed by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), and approved by Government on 8 December 2020.
Vaccine allocation is a matter for my Department and further information is available here: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/39038-provisional-vaccine-allocation-groups/.
The rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination programme is the responsibility of the HSE.
The aim of the COVID-19 vaccination programme is to ensure, over time, that vaccine will become available to vaccinate all of those for whom the vaccine is indicated. Given that there will be initially limited vaccines available, it will take some time for all to receive those vaccines and that has necessitated an allocation strategy to ensure that those most at risk of death and serious illness receive the vaccine first.
The priority is to first vaccinate and protect directly the most vulnerable amongst us, that is, those most likely to have a poor outcome if they contract the virus. The priority is to directly use vaccines to save lives and reduce serious illness, hence the focus on the over 65 year old cohort in long term residential care facilities, and healthcare workers in frontline services often caring for the most vulnerable.
All of the groups will be covered as further vaccine supplies become available and the immunisation programme is rolled out nationally.
The evidence will be kept under review and the allocation groups may be updated, where necessary, in light of new evidence.
Frontline healthcare workers (HCWs) in direct patient contact roles will be vaccinated in Group 2. This includes HCWs working in public, private, and voluntary settings. Other HCWs, not in direct patient contact, will be vaccinated in Group 4.
239. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health the reason carers fall into different levels when it comes to the Covid-19 vaccination programme; the reason it was decided to treat them differently to others in the healthcare system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4650/21]
View answerThe COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Strategy sets out a provisional list of groups for vaccination. The Strategy was developed by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) and my Department, endorsed by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), and approved by Government on 8 December 2020.
Vaccine allocation is a matter for my Department and further information is available here: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/39038-provisional-vaccine-allocation-groups/.
The rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination programme is the responsibility of the HSE.
The aim of the COVID-19 vaccination programme is to ensure, over time, that vaccine will become available to vaccinate all of those for whom the vaccine is indicated. Given that there will be initially limited vaccines available, it will take some time for all to receive those vaccines and that has necessitated an allocation strategy to ensure that those most at risk of death and serious illness receive the vaccine first.
The priority is to first vaccinate and protect directly the most vulnerable amongst us, that is, those most likely to have a poor outcome if they contract the virus. The priority is to directly use vaccines to save lives and reduce serious illness, hence the focus on the over 65 year old cohort in long term residential care facilities, and healthcare workers in frontline services often caring for the most vulnerable.
All of the groups will be covered as further vaccine supplies become available and the immunisation programme is rolled out nationally.
The evidence will be kept under review and the allocation groups may be updated, where necessary, in light of new evidence.
Carers who are frontline healthcare workers (HCWs) in direct patient contact roles will be vaccinated in Group 2. This includes HCWs working in public, private, and voluntary settings. Other HCWs, not in direct patient contact, will be vaccinated in Group 4.
Family carers are a diverse group, therefore, each individual will be vaccinated in the group that is appropriate to them. It is important to note that the priority is to first vaccinate and protect directly the most vulnerable amongst us, that is, those most likely to have a poor outcome if they contract the virus.
240. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health if the cost of bringing St. Brigid’s Hospital, Carrick-on-Suir up to the standard the HSE says it does not meet was identified before the decision to repurpose it was made; if so, if the relevant documents will be provided in relation to same; and if not, the reason a cost estimate was not compiled before it was deemed too costly to address. [4652/21]
View answerAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
