Written Answers Nos. 626-653
626. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the details of the contract with a company (details supplied) to provide the aggregated mobile phone data to the CSO to facilitate its staying local indicator; the controls that exist to ensure no personal data are provided; and the contract term and value. [5060/21]
View answerThe Department of Health is currently engaged in a commercial agreement with Three Ireland, to procure an anonymised mobility dataset for the sole purpose of informing and supporting the COVID19 response. This data is helpful in understanding mobility associated with the pandemic and response and it is one of a large number of datasets analysed and used as part of the Covid-19 response including other measures of mobility.
Data from Three Ireland is collated from anonymised data sets at a macro scale, aggregated at Electoral Division (ED) and received by the CSO on behalf of the Department of Health to ensure good data governance. Data which has been anonymised is not personal data and therefore not subject to the GDPR. At no point has any personal data been shared by Three Ireland with the Department of Health or the CSO.
CSO, OSI, NPHET and IEMAG are parties to the agreement. The CSO receives the anonymised, aggregated data on behalf of the Department of Health and provides access to IEMAG for analysis, OSI provides visualisation of the data. Analysis and visualisation of the data are provided to NPHET. The Department of the Taoiseach has been given access to aggregate analysis and visualizations of this dataset (the Three Ireland dataset) through OSI to support the government response to COVID19.
CSO has also conducted some additional independent analysis of the data which is publicly available at https://www.cso.ie/en/statistics/othercsopublications/covid-19insightseriesmobilityduringthepandemic/. The details of the contract are considered commercially sensitive. The terms of the contract represent good value for money.
627. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Health if the Covid-19 vaccine will be administered to UK citizens, EU citizens and non-EU citizens living here in accordance with the Covid-19 vaccine roll-out plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5067/21]
View answerThe Government is committed to the timely implementation of a COVID-19 immunisation programme.
The National COVID-19 Vaccination Strategy, which was prepared by the High-Level Task Force on COVID-19 Vaccination, was signed off by Cabinet on 15 December 2020.
The vaccines will be rolled out in three phases - the initial roll out, a mass ramp-up and open access. The highest priority groups, those over the age of 65 living in long-term care facilities and frontline healthcare workers in direct patient contact, will receive the vaccine first.
The COVID-19 vaccination programme is designed to ensure the safe, effective, and efficient administration of a COVID-19 vaccine to all residents of Ireland who are indicated for it and wish to receive it.
628. Deputy Malcolm Noonan asked the Minister for Health if carers who are family members are considered key workers as part of the Covid-19 vaccine programme given the invaluable and irreplaceable role they play in protecting vulnerable members of society (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5070/21]
View answer799. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health if he plans to categorise family carers as healthcare workers in front-line services caring for the most vulnerable for the purpose of the Covid-19 vaccine. [5614/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 628 and 799 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.
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.
Family carers are a diverse group, therefore, each individual will be vaccinated in the group that is appropriate to them.
629. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the position on regulations to enforce the wearing of face coverings in busy outdoor spaces in which many persons gather; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5083/21]
View answer643. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health if he has considered providing financial assistance to the most vulnerable, including those who continue to have to go out to work as essential workers, with the cost of face masks; if he will engage with the Minister for Social Protection on the possibility of making such a payment available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5144/21]
View answer644. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties being experienced by vulnerable persons, including cancer patients, in meeting the cost of the high-quality face masks they are advised to wear; if the matter will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5145/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 629, 643 and 644 together.
The public health advice relating to COVID-19 is kept under continuous review by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), by my Department and the Government. The NPHET reviews international developments as a component of their overall examination of the evolving epidemiology of Covid-19 and are informed by the international scientific evidence, and guidance by international bodies including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). WHO and ECDC guidance is formulated in the context of considered appraisal of the international experience and accumulating scientific evidence in relation to COVID-19.
As the Deputies are no doubt aware, a person, without reasonable excuse, must wear a face covering when using public transport, in retail outlets, shops and shopping centres, in other indoor spaces such as libraries, cinemas and cinema complexes, theatres, concert halls, bingo halls, museums, businesses carrying out cosmetic nail care or nail styling, hair care or hair styling, tattoo and piercing services, travel agents and tour operators, laundries and dry cleaners and licensed bookmakers. The regulations relating to face coverings have recently been amended to include post offices, credit unions and banks.
Face coverings are also recommended in situations where physical distancing may not be possible, in busy or crowded outdoor spaces where there is significant congregation.
There are no plans, at this time, to regulate for, or supply face coverings in the manner proposed by the Deputies.
The relevant Regulations in relation to face coverings which remain in place until 9 June, 2021 can be found at: https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/1f150-view-statutory-instruments-related-to-the-covid-19-pandemic/
The current advice in relation to face coverings is available at: https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/face-masks-disposable-gloves.html and http://www.gov.ie/facecoverings/.
630. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to an anomaly in the practice nurse scheme whereby registered midwives are not recognised under the scheme thereby preventing general practices from availing of the practice nurse subsidy to recruit a midwife into the practice; the steps he is taking to enable registered midwives to progress into primary care and the community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5089/21]
View answerUnder the GMS scheme, a subsidy is available to GPs towards the cost of employing a practice nurse, provided the nurse is currently registered on the General Nurses Division or the Public Health Nurses Division of the Register of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI).
Practice nurses carry out a wide range of patient care under the direction of the GP, such as vaccinations, skin and wound care, health promotion and lifestyle advice and general nursing duties. Practice nurses who are also registered midwives are able within their scope of practice to undertake antenatal care, provided they are competent to do so.
The Nurses and Midwives Act 2011 recognises midwifery as a separate and distinct profession to nursing. There are no plans to amend the eligibility criteria for the payment of the practice nurse subsidy.
The National Maternity Strategy represents a significant development in the delivery of national maternity policy that will fundamentally change how maternity care is delivered in Ireland. Implementation of the Strategy is being driven by the National Women & Infants Health Programme, which was established in the HSE to lead the management, organisation and delivery of maternity, gynaecology and neonatal services across primary, community and acute care.
The Strategy is clear that midwifery led care should be expanded and enhanced. In that regard, Budget 2021 provides funding that will help to further develop community-based midwifery services and will see specific focus on enhanced midwifery care for women across the three pathways of care (Supported, Assisted & Specialised). As a priority, the development of community-based midwifery services will enable women to avail of care in the community, and at home, at the lowest level of complexity, reducing the requirement for attendance in acute hospital settings.
631. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if a person currently in London collecting the ashes of a relative must have a Covid-19 test before they return; and if they must isolate for 14 days if they receive a negative test. [5094/21]
View answerSince 16 January passengers arriving to Ireland from all overseas countries have been required to present evidence of a negative/not-detected test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival. Checks are made by border officials upon arrival and those that do not present a test result are committing an offense. Only international transport workers (in aviation, maritime and road haulage sectors) are not required to present a test result when travelling while performing their duties. Under the expanded measures recently announced by Government international travellers who enter the State via Northern Ireland will also subject to the test requirement.
Passengers arriving from Great Britain are currently advised to self-isolate for 14 days on arrival. All such travellers, whether they have symptoms or not, are asked to phone any GP or GP out-of-hours service to arrange for a COVID-19 test, which should be done as soon as possible after 5 days post-arrival. This test will be free of charge if arranged through GPs.
Taking this test will allow the HSE to identify suspect cases for new variants of COVID-19 and control its transmission in Ireland. Notwithstanding the result of this test, passengers who have travelled from Great Britain are advised to complete the entire 14 days period of self-isolation.
New substantial quarantine measures have been announced by Government which will require all international travellers to complete a period of mandatory quarantine upon arrival. The drafting of legislation to give effect to quarantine requirements, as well as new legislation on pre-departure testing and the COVID-19 Passenger Locator form are at an advanced stage.
The Government continues to examine full operationalisation of travel measures announced on 26 January as matter of priority.
632. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health the measures being taken to determine if PCR test results are real and not fake. [5099/21]
View answerThe HSE has adopted RNA PCR as the gold standard test for diagnosing Covid-19. This is consistent with international best practice. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) recommend that nucleic acid amplification tests, such as RT-PCR, should be used to detect suspected, active SARS-CoV-2 infection. The advice of the WHO and the ECDC is available on their websites. For example, in its Technical Report “Options for the use of rapid antigen tests for COVID-19 in the EU/EEA and the UK”, published on 19 November 2020, the ECDC confirmed that “To date, testing for SARS-CoV-2 infection mostly relies on reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) performed on a nasopharyngeal specimen. This testing method remains the gold standard for detecting SARS-CoV-2 and is characterised by both high sensitivity and specificity in detecting viral ribonucleic acid (RNA).”
The HSE continues to monitor the evidence for other testing types in conjunction with other public bodies, such as the Health and Information Quality Authority (HIQA), and having regard to best international evidence and advice. On an ongoing basis, the National Public Health Emergency Team considers and reviews, based on public health risk assessments, how best to target testing to detect, and mitigate the impact of, the virus across the population. This includes keeping Ireland’s national testing policy under continuing review.
634. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health if he will reduce the hospital inpatient charge of €80 for cancer patients who do not have a medical card; if he will cease the practice of issuing debt collection letters at a time when cancer patients are under severe stress due to their illness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5105/21]
View answerThe Health Act 1970 (as amended) provides that all persons ordinarily resident in the country are eligible, subject to certain charges, to public in-patient hospital services including consultant services. All persons, irrespective of illness or condition, accessing public in-patient (including day case) services in a public hospital are liable for the statutory in-patient daily charge of €80 up to a maximum of €800 in any period of 12 consecutive months, subject to a number of exemptions which include;
- medical card holders;
- people receiving treatment for prescribed infectious diseases - including Coronavirus (Covid-19);
- people who are subject to 'long-stay' charges;
- children referred for treatment from child health clinics and school board examinations;
- people who are eligible for hospital services because of EU Regulations;
- women receiving maternity services;
- children up to 6 weeks of age;
- people with hepatitis C who have a Health Amendment Card;
- people who are part of the Redress Scheme for Women Resident in Certain Institutions.
There are no plans to review the list of exemptions to this statutory in-patient charge.
It should be noted that patient charges are a key element of the overall funding envelope of the Irish health system and are taken into account when agreeing the Annual Estimates and the subsequent preparation of the annual National Service Plan.
Non collection of debts owed directly impacts on the affordability of services provided by the Health Service Executive in any year. It is therefore incumbent on the HSE to take all reasonable steps to pursue amounts owed for services delivered. Debt collection agencies are engaged when normal billing arrangements have been unsuccessful.
635. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Health if funding will be guaranteed for the Dublin south-east breastfeeding support group programme and the lactation consultant role in the public health nurse office that accompanies it (details supplied) given that Ireland has the lowest breastfeeding rates in Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5118/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
636. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the reason cervical smears and B12 injections are being cancelled through the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5119/21]
View answerThe exceptional circumstances faced by medical practitioners during the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a change in how GP services are delivered. At this time, patient in-person contact with GPs has been curtailed as much as possible to help prevent the spread of the virus. Nurse and doctor advice is provided over the phone where appropriate, and only patients who are clinically assessed as requiring a face to face consultation with a doctor are referred for an appointment. These measures are in place to ensure the safety of patients, GPs, and practice staff.
GPs continue to see patients in surgery where necessary, including for the administration of B12 injections, and the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP) has provided guidance in relation to the management of B12 injections in the context of the priority of GP services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In relation to cervical smears, the CervicalCheck programme is continuing to operate during the current level 5 restrictions. The Department and the National Screening Services (NSS) are aware of the pressure faced by those in general practice and community-based clinics at this time. GP practices and community clinics may have reduced capacity in the short-term.
The NSS are notifying women that they do not need to book with their own GP and that a list of registered screeners and information on booking with alternative sample takers in their area is available on their website www.hse.ie/cervicalcheck.
637. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of full-time epidermolysis bullosa outreach nurses working in Connolly Hospital in each of the past two years. [5123/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy, as soon as possible.
638. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Health if funding will be provided for the recruitment of a full-time permanent metabolic consultant with a special interest in lysosomal storage disorder for Children's Health Ireland, Temple Street. [5124/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
639. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the hospitals that currently have free Wi-Fi in their public areas in tabular form; and the estimated cost of ensuring free Wi-Fi in public areas in hospitals that currently do not have Wi-Fi. [5125/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have referred this question to the HSE for direct reply.
640. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Health his plans to remove the age restriction of 21 years for access to FreeStyle Libre for diabetes patients; the rationale for this age restriction; if this application for blood glucose monitoring will be covered under the HSE reimbursement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5129/21]
View answerUnder the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community drug schemes; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
641. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health if staff and patients in hospice settings are in the top categories for vaccination; and if they have all been included in a first round of vaccinations at this stage. [5136/21]
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.
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.
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.
642. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the status of the review being conducted into the midwifery-led unit in Cavan General Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5139/21]
View answerI understand that an assessment of the Cavan Midwifery Led Unit by the RCSI Hospital Group concluded that if the service is to continue, and indeed expand, the input and support of a senior, external clinician is required. In that regard, I am advised that a consultant from the Rotunda Hospital is expected to commence work at Cavan General Hospital for an average of two days per week from the beginning of February.
The Deputy can be assured that my Department engages regularly with the HSE National Women & Infants Health Programme in relation to the implementation of the National Maternity Strategy and to ensure that midwifery led services around the country, including in Cavan, are developed and supported.
645. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health the reason dentists have been excluded from the vaccination roll-out programme given the average dentist administers far more vaccines daily than a general practitioner. [5148/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
646. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 583 of 17 December 2020, the reason the HSE has refused to disclose the location of the 18 ambulatory carer hubs; if his Department has been provided with locations for some or all of these hubs; if so, the locations of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5150/21]
View answerA key component of the Enhanced Community Care (ECC) Programme is the provision of specialist Ambulatory Care Hubs under a secondary care model for the management of chronic disease and older people with complex needs.
Funding has been allocated to support 11 prioritised hospitals in the development of 18 Ambulatory Care Hubs. Community Healthcare Organisations have been asked to identify sites where the provision of these hubs would be most effective in providing services to older people and to those with chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular and respiratory conditions in their local area. However, it is important to stress that the hub is not designed as a static location. The team members will provide services across their catchment area and will see and treat patients as close to home as possible.
My Department is working closely with the HSE in regard to the implementation of all aspects of the ECC programme, including the development of the ambulatory care hubs. At the most recent meeting between officials on this matter, final locations had not yet been determined pending further scheduled discussion with the Chief Officers of Community Health Organisations.
I have therefore asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy and to provide him with the very latest available information on this matter.
647. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health if a mechanism is available for older persons to seek a waiver for prescription charges in cases in which a substantial bill has accumulated because the person was too ill to collect the medication in person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5154/21]
View answerPrescription charges for medical card holders were introduced in 2010. The charge was put in place to address rising costs in the medical card scheme. Community pharmacists are required by law to collect prescription charges on behalf of the HSE.
The charge, which is currently €1 per item with a monthly cap of €10 for persons over 70 years of age and €1.50 per item with a monthly cap of €15 for persons under 70 years of age, applies to all medical card holders, unless they are exempted.
To date, there are exemptions for children in state care, methadone patients, asylum seekers in direct provision and refugees in emergency reception and accommodation centres.
648. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health the status of and position on a facility (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5161/21]
View answerAs the HSE has responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres and other Primary Care facilities, the Executive has been asked to reply directly to the Deputy.
649. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health if a site has been identified for a facility (details supplied); if so, the stage this project is at; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5169/21]
View answerAs the HSE has responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres and other Primary Care facilities, the Executive has been asked to reply directly to the Deputy.
650. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be called for an audiology appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5183/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
651. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the amount spent on providing abortions and associated services to date; the steps taken with regard to the human remains when an abortion takes place; the counselling services offered by the State, voluntary sector and so on for women with unplanned pregnancies; the amount being spent on the provision of counselling services for women with unplanned pregnancies; the way in which the economic, social and other issues are being addressed in the context of a woman with an unplanned pregnancy wishing to keep or adopt her baby; and the amount spent on the provision of these specific services. [5186/21]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 was passed by the Houses of the Oireachtas and signed into law by the President in December 2018. Expanded termination of pregnancy services commenced on 1 January 2019.
In relation to the queries raised by the Deputy around the cost of providing services in this area, the following allocations were made for each year in which the service has been in operation:
In 2019, the first year in which the expanded service was provided, €11.5 million was allocated for the provision of expanded termination of pregnancy services under the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018. Of this, €7 million was allocated to enable the implementation of the service in the acute hospital system, and €4.5 million was allocated to fund delivery termination of pregnancy services in the community setting through primary care providers.
In 2020, €21.5 million was allocated for the provision of termination of pregnancy services under the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018. Of this, €12 million was allocated for provision of the service in the acute hospital setting, and €9 million was allocated to fund the delivery of termination of pregnancy services in the community setting, of which €1 million funding was provided for crisis pregnancy counselling and information helpline service, and €1 million for ongoing communications campaigns.
The National Service Plan for 2021 is still being finalised at the present time and will be published in due course.
As the other issues raised by the Deputy in his question are service matters, including the treatment of remains following termination of pregnancy, crisis pregnancy counselling and related other services provided by the State, these have been referred to the HSE for answer as soon as possible.
652. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health if the analysis of PCR tests has changed in line with new WHO guidelines issued on 21 January 2021 (details supplied). [5187/21]
View answerThe World Health Organization (WHO) Information Notice for IVD Users 2020/05 published on 13 January 2021 clarifies information previously provided by WHO. It requests laboratory professionals and In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Device (IVD) users to follow the instructions for use (IFU) when interpreting results for specimens tested using PCR methodology and reiterates the advice the it is a feature of the PCR test that means the clinical context of the test must also be taken into account.
The HSE has adopted RNA PCR as the gold standard test for diagnosing Covid-19. This is consistent with international best practice. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) recommend that nucleic acid amplification tests, such as rRT-PCR, should be used to detect suspected, active SARS-CoV-2 infection. Recently, for example, in its Technical Report “Options for the use of rapid antigen tests for COVID-19 in the EU/EEA and the UK”, published on 19 November 2020, the ECDC confirmed that “To date, testing for SARS-CoV-2 infection mostly relies on reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) performed on a nasopharyngeal specimen. This testing method remains the gold standard for detecting SARS-CoV-2 and is characterised by both high sensitivity and specificity in detecting viral ribonucleic acid (RNA).”
This position remains unchanged and the WHO Information Notice Simply reminds the professionals involved in the analysis of samples using the rRT-PCR to follow manufacturer instructions. SARS-CoV-2 PCR assays in Ireland in use by the HSE and laboratories operating on behalf of the HSE are operated in accordance with the manufacturers' instructions and the CE marking for the assay.
653. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health when works on a new 50-bed unit in St. Patrick's Community Hospital, Carrick-on-Shannon, will commence; the estimated cost of the project; the estimated completion date of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5188/21]
View answerAs the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
