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Thursday, 28 Jan 2021

Written Answers Nos. 241-260

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (241)

Joan Collins

Question:

241. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health the number of positive Covid-19 cases among residents in all nursing homes registered from 14 December 2020 to 17 January 2021; the number that have died; and the number admitted to hospital care and ICU hospital care. [4653/21]

View answer

Written answers

As these are operational matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (242)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

242. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when the Covid-19 vaccine will be administered to a person (details supplied) who is at risk of infection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4661/21]

View answer

Written answers

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.

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

General Practitioner Services

Questions (243)

Thomas Gould

Question:

243. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the number of patients seen by SouthDoc in Cork city in 2019 and 2020, respectively. [4665/21]

View answer

Written answers

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

General Practitioner Services

Questions (244)

Thomas Gould

Question:

244. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the average time from triage call to a doctors’ visit in SouthDoc, Cork city in December 2019 and December 2020, respectively. [4666/21]

View answer

Written 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 (245)

Seán Canney

Question:

245. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health if he will consider moving patients on dialysis to the highest level in order to offer them the Covid-19 vaccine as quickly as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4675/21]

View answer

Written answers

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.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (246)

Martin Browne

Question:

246. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health when childcare workers will receive the Covid-19 vaccine; and if they are classed as essential workers.. [4676/21]

View answer

Written answers

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.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (247)

Seán Canney

Question:

247. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health if he will consider moving patients with COPD to the highest level in order to offer them the Covid-19 vaccine as quickly as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4677/21]

View answer

Written answers

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.

Ministerial Meetings

Questions (248, 250)

Brendan Howlin

Question:

248. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health the number of contacts he has had with the Northern Ireland Minister for Health since 1 January 2021; the dates and nature of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4680/21]

View answer

Brendan Howlin

Question:

250. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health the number of meetings and contacts officials of his Department have had with their counterparts in the Northern Ireland Department of Health since 1 January 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4688/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 248 and 250 together.

I have met my Northern Ireland counterpart a number of times since I became Minister for Health and we continue to engage on a range of important issues including responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. Healthcare co-operation with Northern Ireland covers a range of areas and there is ongoing communication between officials in my Department and their counterparts in Northern Ireland.

Meetings of the North South Ministerial Council are an important pillar in our regular engagement with Northern Ireland, both the Plenary meetings and Health Sector meetings. Most recently the 25th North South Ministerial Council Plenary Meeting was held on 18 December 2020.

There is also regular engagement with the Department of Health in Northern Ireland on EU funding programmes. PEACE PLUS, a new EU cross-border programme for the period 2021-2027, will fund a range of activities, including in areas of health, to promote peace and reconciliation and contribute to the cross-border economic and social development of Northern Ireland and the border region. It will build upon the earlier PEACE and INTERREG Programmes.

There has been, and continues to be, significant engagement and cooperation between the Ministers for Health, the Chief Medical Officers, and Departmental officials throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. On 15 January 2021, the Chief Medical Officers in Northern Ireland and Ireland collaborated on a joint statement voicing their concerns about the high levels of COVID-19 and urging everyone to stay home. I most recently met with Minister Swann about data sharing from respective passenger locator forms on 20 January 2021.

Both administrations are seeking to adopt similar approaches to the pandemic, where it is appropriate to do so and on the advice of respective Chief Medical Officers. This approach is underpinned by 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 2020, 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.

I am committed to continuing this close and productive cooperation with Northern Ireland, particularly to foster commonality in approaches, where possible, in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (249)

Brendan Howlin

Question:

249. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health if passenger data for persons who are travelling to Northern Ireland via Dublin airport is being shared with the Northern Ireland Executive on public health grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4686/21]

View answer

Written answers

There has been, and continues to be, engagement between myself and Minister Swann, and our officials, on data sharing from respective passenger locator forms. I most recently met with Minister Swann about the issue on the 20th of January.

Our Departments are finalising arrangements to allow the transfer of relevant data, taking account of data protection and other legal requirements. Both Departments acknowledge the good contacts and cooperation on this topic and more generally in responding to COVID19.

There is agreement that, as an interim measure, my Department will provide a follow-up text message service to passengers who travel on from Ireland to Northern Ireland, using the existing system for follow up contact with passengers.

I am aware of the risks posed to the entire island by international travel during the pandemic and am committed to strong, effective, and appropriate cooperation in order to manage these risks.

Question No. 250 answered with Question No. 248.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (251)

Gerald Nash

Question:

251. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Health if sub-groups within category 7 of the national Covid-19 vaccination programme will be prioritised ahead of others in that cohort on the basis of urgent medical need; the way in which this will be achieved in practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4696/21]

View answer

Written answers

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.

Third Level Fees

Questions (252)

Neasa Hourigan

Question:

252. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health his plans to introduce a return of service arrangement for those studying graduate entry medicine allowing for a waiving of student fees in return for working in the HSE for a set period of time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4714/21]

View answer

Written answers

I appreciates the contribution that both direct entry and graduate entry medical graduates make to the Irish health system, and hope that all graduates of Irish medical schools will find rewarding careers in the Irish health system, as it develops in the future years ahead.

I have no plans at present to introduce a return of service arrangement for those studying graduate entry medicine. However, the Deputy may wish to note that the Programme for Government Our Shared Future commits to the Department of Health working with the education sectors, regulators, and professional bodies, to improve the availability of health professionals and to reform their training, in order to support integrated care across the entire health service.

It is in this context that issues such as return of service arrangements will be considered, taking account of the availability of health professionals and future health workforce planning needs.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (253)

Cathal Crowe

Question:

253. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health if his Department will consider the proposed vaccine buddy system for nursing home residents. [4717/21]

View answer

Written answers

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.

General Practitioner Services

Questions (254)

Colm Burke

Question:

254. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health when the SouthDoc service in Blackpool, Cork is due to reopen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4722/21]

View answer

Written 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 (255)

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

255. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health if workers at An Post and those working in An Post sorting offices are being considered for prioritisation in the Covid-19 vaccine groups given the roles undertaken by workers in face-to-face work with the wider public and the challenges posed in maintaining social distancing within sorting depots; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4727/21]

View answer

Written answers

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.

The next group to be vaccinated are those aged 70 and older in the following order: 85 and older, 80-84, 75-79, and 70-74. Vaccination of this group will begin in February (subject to regulatory approval of the AstraZeneca vaccine).

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.

Nursing Homes Support Scheme

Questions (256)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

256. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health the number of properties tied up in the fair deal scheme; and the number of these homes that are currently vacant. [4728/21]

View answer

Written answers

As this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Hospital Services

Questions (257, 258, 259, 260)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

257. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if the agreement with private hospitals includes a provision to maintain a specified amount of additional reserve capacity in the event that the 30% capacity is reached or exceeded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4737/21]

View answer

Róisín Shortall

Question:

258. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the measures in place to ensure the compliance of private hospitals with the maintenance of a 30% capacity for public use during the pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4738/21]

View answer

Róisín Shortall

Question:

259. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the limitations placed on the provision of non-essential medical treatment by private hospitals under the public use agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4739/21]

View answer

Róisín Shortall

Question:

260. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the total and monthly cost of the agreement with private hospitals to reserve capacity for public use; the amount paid to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4740/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 257 to 260, inclusive, together.

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 to include a safety net arrangement for any further surge of Covid-19 cases.

The HSE has agreed a new safety net arrangement with all 18 private hospitals. They have signed Service Level Agreements which obliges them to provide additional hospital capacity to the HSE, 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.

Under the safety net arrangement, the hospitals have to supply, depending on the incidence of the disease, up to 15% or 30% of their capacity. The HSE will be responsible for invoking the safety net arrangement. The private hospitals must provide the capacity not more than 7 days after being notified by the HSE that it is required. The HSE's decision will be determined on the basis of any one of three metrics which objectively indicate that a Covid-19 surge event is imminent or present. These metrics cover the level of community transmission, the number of hospital beds in the public system occupied by Covid-19 patients and the number of ICU beds in the public system occupied by Covid-19 patients.

The agreement also provides for additional capacity over the 30% to be made available by mutual agreement between the HSE and any of the hospitals.

The 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. The HSE and individual private hospitals will work on a collaborative basis to manage the effective flow of patients, having regard to the capabilities of the private hospital concerned. It will be a matter for the private hospitals to determine the clinical priorities regarding the use of their capacity which is not taken up by the HSE.

The agreement will see the private hospitals provide a full service within the capacity made available including medical services and will be reimbursed at their standard commercial rate. It is not possible at this time to provide definitive costings as the monthly and final, cost of the agreement will be determined by a number of factors, including the length of time that surge arrangements are in place, as well as any future periods for which the agreement may be invoked. The total cost of the arrangement will be published at the appropriate time.

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