Darren O'Rourke
Question:795. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health when search and rescue crew can expect to receive the Covid-19 vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5604/21]
View answerVaccination Programme
Questions (795)
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.
Dental Services
Questions (796)
Martin Browne
Question:796. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health the steps that have been taken to address the backlog in dental treatment for public patients; and his plans to clear the backlog. [5608/21]
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.
Dental Services
Questions (797)
Martin Browne
Question:797. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many families are unable to get dental treatments such as braces through the public systems due to extraordinary waiting lists (details supplied); and the supports available for those facing private medical bills as a result of the failure of the public healthcare system. [5609/21]
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 (798)
Neasa Hourigan
Question:798. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health his plans to ensure the current and future access of the HSE to stockpiles of N95 masks; his plans to ensure the provision of N95 face masks to all staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5613/21]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Question No. 799 answered with Question No. 628.
Hospital Staff
Questions (800)
Barry Cowen
Question:800. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the status of a paediatric diabetes nurse in Tullamore and Mullingar hospitals; and when this service will resume in either hospital (details supplied). [5615/21]
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 (801, 802)
John Lahart
Question:801. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health his plans to provide adequate and effective healthcare for persons suffering from life-changing conditions due to the after-effects of Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5620/21]
View answerJohn Lahart
Question:802. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health his plans to provide nationwide long Covid clinics; when he expects these to be open; if there is a current waiting list for such clinics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5621/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 801 and 802 together.
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 (803)
John Lahart
Question:803. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health his plans to provide upskilling to general practitioners to give them the adequate skills to diagnose, treat and understand the myriad side effects from long Covid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5622/21]
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
Vaccination Programme
Questions (804)
Neale Richmond
Question:804. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health the number of general practitioners who will be called upon to administer the Covid-19 vaccine by local electoral area in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5624/21]
View answerWritten answers
Following consultation with the Irish Medical Organisation and the Irish Pharmacy Union, the fees payable to GPs and pharmacists for the administration of vaccines against Covid-19 have been set. In accordance with the COVID-19 Vaccination Strategy and Implementation Plan, GPs (as well as pharmacists) may administer vaccines against Covid-19 at their practice premises, another suitable location, or in HSE-run mass vaccination centres.
All GPs can administer vaccines against Covid-19 and will be eligible to receive payment for same. While no central register exists specifically for GPs working in Ireland, all doctors in practice in Ireland must be registered with the Medical Council. There are currently 4,137 doctors on the Medical Council’s Specialist Register in General Practice, in addition the latest available figures show that 765 doctors on the General Register have described general practice as the category which best describes their current practice of medicine. However, holding registration does not necessarily mean that a medical practitioner is active in general practice at the time.
The number of doctors who provide general practitioner services to patients exclusively on a private basis is not collected by my Department or the HSE. At the start of the year, 3,033 GPs hold a contract with the HSE for the provision of medical services. I have asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy regarding the number of HSE contracted GPs by local electoral area.
Vaccination Programme
Questions (805)
Neale Richmond
Question:805. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health the status of plans to ensure that Covid-19 vaccine vials are not unused or stored incorrectly and expire; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5625/21]
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.
Assisted Human Reproduction
Questions (806)
Cathal Crowe
Question:806. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health if IVF treatment abroad will be considered essential travel for parents beginning their IVF journey and those who are already in the process of same. [5644/21]
View answerWritten answers
I signed new regulations titled S.I. No. 29 of 2021 Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (No 10) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2021) on Friday 29 January last.
These Regulations outline the following to be reasonable excuses for travel to an airport or port for purpose of leaving the State :-
- To attend a medical or dental appointment, or accompany, to such an appointment, any other person residing with the person, or a vulnerable person
- To seek essential medical, health or dental assistance for the person, for any other person residing with the person, or for a vulnerable person
Vaccination Programme
Questions (807)
Thomas Pringle
Question:807. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health the way in which those with medical conditions which put them at high risk of severe disease will be selected and contacted to receive the Covid-19 vaccination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5651/21]
View answerWritten 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 .
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.
Vaccination Programme
Questions (808)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:808. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the amount general practitioners will be offered per hour to administer the Covid-19 vaccines in mass vaccination centres; if this will be extended to groups who are qualified to administer the vaccine such as general practice nurses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5652/21]
View answerWritten answers
The COVID-19 vaccination programme will be expanded as additional supply becomes available. In this regard, the Government agreed on 18 January 2021 to the following fee structure for GPs and pharmacists to administer vaccines.
The fees provide for a payment of €25 per dose of vaccine administered, plus a once-off administration fee of €10 per patient. Thus, in the case of vaccines requiring two doses the total cost per patient will be €60, while if a single-dose vaccine becomes available the cost per patient would be €35.
GPs will be paid an hourly fee of €120 for conducting vaccinations in HSE run Mass Vaccination Centres (MVCs).
The fees will be subject to Government review in six months to ensure that the Vaccination Programme is being delivered as efficiently and economically as possible in keeping with the requirements of public health considerations. The expansion of the cohorts of administrators is dependent on the supply of vaccine. Consideration of fee structures will be considered as necessary.
Cannabis for Medicinal Use
Questions (809)
Gino Kenny
Question:809. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health the action that will be taken to ensure patients who are currently being prescribed the products produced by a company (details supplied) will be able to continue to receive them and not incur further additional expenses such as couriering or personal collection of this prescribed product; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5659/21]
View answerWritten answers
On the 14th December 2020, the Minister for Health announced that patients who are prescribed cannabis-based products from a pharmacy in the Netherlands will no longer need to travel there to collect their prescriptions. The temporary delivery service that was announced in April 2020, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, has now been made permanent.
Cannabis for Medicinal Use
Questions (810)
Gino Kenny
Question:810. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health if all patients who were receiving reimbursement for their cannabis product prescription costs prior to 21 January 2021 will continue to be reimbursed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5660/21]
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.
Cannabis for Medicinal Use
Questions (811)
Gino Kenny
Question:811. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to expanding the permissible products list of the medical cannabis access programme to include cannabis flower (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5661/21]
View answerWritten answers
A prospective supplier of cannabis-based products can apply to the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA), on behalf of the Minister, to have a product considered for inclusion in the Medicinal Cannabis Access Programme.
Cannabis products that can be used in the Medical Cannabis Access Programme are defined as ‘specified controlled drugs’ in legislation (SI 262/2019) and the definition outlines the specific requirements for those products.
The criteria that cannabis products must meet in order to be considered by the Minister for inclusion on the schedule are set out in the legislation and can be found in the operator guidance issued by the HPRA.
Cannabis for Medicinal Use
Questions (812)
Gino Kenny
Question:812. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health if the qualifying list of conditions of the medical cannabis access programme will be expanded to include chronic pain, migraine, arthritis, endometriosis, anxiety, dementia and depression; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5662/21]
View answerWritten answers
In the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) report “Cannabis for Medical Use – A Scientific Review”, the HPRA advised that if access to cannabis is to be permitted for medical purposes that it should only be made available for the treatment of patients with specified medical conditions which have failed to respond to all other previous treatments, and where there is at least modest evidence that cannabis may be effective.
The specified medical conditions (medical indications) are:
1. Spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis resistant to all standard therapies and interventions whilst under expert medical supervision;
2. Intractable nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, despite the use of standard anti-emetic regimes whilst under expert medical supervision;
3. Severe, refractory (treatment-resistant) epilepsy that has failed to respond to standard anticonvulsant medications whilst under expert medical supervision.
The HPRA did not consider that the available evidence supported the use of cannabis in other medical conditions.
The MCAP has been included in the HSE Service Plan 2021 and is a five year pilot programme for the treatment of the three specified conditions.
Cannabis for Medicinal Use
Questions (813)
Gino Kenny
Question:813. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to the implementation of an online cannabis education programme for clinicians; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5663/21]
View answerWritten answers
On foot of the conclusions from the Health Products Regulatory Authority’s report ‘Cannabis for Medical Use – A Scientific Review’, the Minister for Health established an Expert Reference Group to advise on the development of a Medical Cannabis Access Programme (MCAP).
The Expert Reference Group also developed detailed clinical guidelines for the MCAP which are available on the Department's website.
Cannabis for Medicinal Use
Questions (814)
Gino Kenny
Question:814. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health the actions taken to ensure that cannabis patients who have had to emigrate can return to Ireland and legally and affordably access the medicine here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5664/21]
View answerWritten answers
There are two separate pathways for accessing cannabis for medical use in Ireland.
Medical Cannabis Access Programme (MCAP)
In June 2019, the Minister for Health signed legislation to underpin the operation of the Medical Cannabis Access Programme (MCAP). This is a 5-year pilot programme, restricted to prescribing of cannabis-based products by medical consultants, for patients with certain medical conditions who have exhausted all other available medical treatment options.
For more information relating to the MCAP, including FAQs, please see the Department of Health’s website at the following link.
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/90ece9-medical-cannabis-access-programme/
The MCAP is not currently operational and is in the HSE Service Plan 2021. The HSE will be responsible for the operation of the programme.
Ministerial Licence under Section 14 of the Misuse of Drugs Acts 1977-2016
Pending full operation of the MCAP and for medical indications not included in the MCAP, doctors may continue to utilise the Ministerial licencing route to prescribe medical cannabis for their patients, should they wish to do so.
In line with the Chief Medical Officer's advice, the granting of a licence for cannabis for medical purposes must be premised on an appropriate application being submitted to the Department of Health, which is endorsed by a consultant who is responsible for the management of the patient and who is prepared to monitor the effects of the treatment over time.
This information can be found at the following links:
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/1a5c4e-applying-to-the-minister-for-health-for-a-medical-cannabis-licence/
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/e35cb4-ministerial-licence-application-process/
It is important to note that the medical decision to prescribe or not prescribe any treatment, including cannabis treatment, for an individual patient is strictly a decision for the treating clinician, in consultation with their patient. The Minister for Health has no role in this clinical decision-making process.
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.
The Minister for Health has no role in this clinical decision-making process and Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
Nursing Education
Questions (815, 875)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:815. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health when further student nurse placements will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5671/21]
View answer
Seán Sherlock
Question:875. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if a matter raised in correspondence by a person (details supplied) will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5905/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 815 and 875 together.
On Saturday 16 January, I announced the suspension of supernumerary clinical placements for student nurses and midwives in Years 1-3. This was following a request from the HSE and a recommendation to me from the Chief Nursing Officer in my Department. The HSE asked for student placements to be deferred for at least two weeks so that more experienced, qualified nurses could be freed up to deal with the presenting surge. Ordinarily, these senior nurses are part of the infrastructure that helps support/oversee these student placements.
Last week the number of patients in hospitals receiving critical care remained exceptionally high. In addition, a significant number of staff across the whole system were absent on COVID-19 leave. These factors combined meant that the necessary staff to support clinical placements were not yet available to return to these roles. Therefore, it was not possible to resume 1st to 3rd year supernumerary clinical placements on Monday 1 February 2021. However, intern and 4th year supernumerary placements continue uninterrupted.
I fully understand and regret that the necessary decision to suspend placements has been a cause of concern to students. Continuation of education, in the supportive environment it requires, is paramount, and placements will be resumed as soon we can be confident that the appropriate infrastructure is in place to support this..
The Chief Nursing Officer has been in regular contact with all students via their colleges and wrote to students on Friday 29 January, 2021 to inform them of the latest decision and assure them that, my Department continues to work with the Higher Education Institutions, the NMBI ( the regulator) and the HSE to reduce the effect the delay in resumption might have for students in progressing through their programme of education.
All relevant information is currently being analysed and a decision regarding resumption of placements will be made imminently. Following this, the Chief Nursing Officer will issue a further update to all students.
Departmental Expenditure
Questions (816)
Eoin Ó Broin
Question:816. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health the amount spent by his Department in responding to the collective complaint brought to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg regarding conditions in local authority properties; and the breakdown of those costs by type, including legal fees, communications, research and any other category that may be relevant. [5685/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Department of Health has not incurred any costs in relation to this collective complaint to the European Court of Human Rights.
Health and Social Care Professionals Registration Boards
Questions (817)
Ruairí Ó Murchú
Question:817. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting their CORU registration number; the number who have been waiting up to 16 weeks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5702/21]
View answerWritten answers
CORU (the Health and Social Care Professional Council) is Ireland's multi-profession health and social care regulator. The role of CORU is to protect the public by promoting high standards of professional conduct, education, training and competence through statutory registration of health and social care professionals. CORU currently regulates over 20,300 health and social care professionals.
I referred the Deputy’s query to CORU for direct reply and am aware that CORU has responded to confirm that there is no outstanding delay in registrations for new applications within the CORU registration process, except where applications received are incomplete or inaccurate. 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. CORU also advises that there are some applications for existing practitioners who applied under the grand parenting route that are in a queue for processing. However, these applicants are entitled to use the protected title while their application is being processed. Where applications are received with all required documentation, CORU endeavours to process these applications, including eVetting, within 14 weeks; with many applications, in particular those of graduates within the State, completed in a much shorter timeframe.
Further to the information already provided to the Deputy, CORU has confirmed that the average processing time for new applications over the past 6 months is 10 weeks, and CORU continues to actively engage with existing practitioners awaiting registration to ensure that the necessary documentation for a complete application for registration is received. I have asked CORU for information regarding number of applications on hand, and will revert to the Deputy in due course.
Vaccination Programme
Questions (818)
David Cullinane
Question:818. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated population size of each of the provisional vaccine allocation groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5704/21]
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.
Pharmaceutical Sector
Questions (819)
Louise O'Reilly
Question:819. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the status of the situation regarding medicines in view of the new post-Brexit trading arrangement; if supply chains for medicines are holding up; and if there are concerns regarding medicine shortages. [5707/21]
View answerWritten answers
The continued supply of medicines to Ireland is one of the Government's key priorities arising from Brexit. The Department of Health, the HSE, and the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA), together with the makers of medicines, wholesalers and pharmacists, continue to monitor the supply of medicines to Ireland closely. The processes and systems to mitigate against any Brexit related issues are functioning well and are kept under constant review by each agency. As part of this coordinated response, all stakeholders continue to develop approaches and implement contingencies to address any identified concerns should they arise.
Although a limited number of individual suppliers and logistics companies have required some initial assistance in understanding and complying with the customs requirements that arose as a result of Brexit, such issues have been resolved in a timely manner, with the assistance of Revenue Customs, and have not reoccurred with subsequent deliveries.
Arising from detailed and ongoing engagement with the pharmaceutical industry and wholesalers which began in early 2019, there is no evidence to suggest that Ireland is likely to face general medicines supply issues, now or in the near future, as a result of any potential delays in the supply chain due to Brexit. This is also supported by a refresh of previous assessments that were recently undertaken to obtain assurances that all the necessary preparations have been taken by all stakeholders before the end of the transition period and to ensure the resilience of the medicines supply chain into the future.
Unlike the UK supply chain, there are additional stocks of medicines routinely built into the Irish medicines supply chain. The pharmaceutical industry and wholesalers have provided direct assurances that they are confident they have sufficient stocks to bridge any initial issues at ports. However, medicines shortages inevitably arise from time to time and are a feature of health systems around the world. The potential shortage of any specific medicine will be managed through the existing Medicine Shortages Framework to prevent the shortage from occurring where possible or, where it does occur, to manage the impact in terms of identifying alternative treatments.
In the case of medicines used most often in Ireland, there are typically multiple forms, strengths, brands, and generic medicines available from a range of sources. In the event that there are some supply issues for individual medicines, it is expected that alternative options such as alternative strengths, brands and generic medicines will be available to ensure continuity of treatment. If a patient has any concerns about their medicine, they are encouraged to speak with their pharmacist or GP.
Ireland is unlikely to face general medicine supply issues and is well placed to deal with these as they arise. However, this is very much based on the normal use of medicines. There is no need for healthcare professionals to order extra quantities of medicines, or for doctors to issue additional prescriptions. Similarly, patients and the general public are asked not to seek supplies of medicines over and above their normal requirements. Doing so will disrupt existing stock levels and hamper the supply of medicines for others.
Pharmaceutical Sector
Questions (820)
Louise O'Reilly
Question:820. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if concerns have been relayed to his Department by pharmaceutical companies regarding shortages of ingredients or medicines due to the new post-Brexit trading arrangements. [5709/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Department of Health, along with the HSE and HPRA, have had extensive and detailed engagement with the pharmaceutical industry over the past number of years to ensure the resilience of the medicines supply chain beyond Brexit. This open engagement continues and we will continue to work with all key stakeholders to ensure that patients in Ireland have access to the medicines they need.
It is important to note that irrespective of Brexit, medicines can continue to be sourced from the UK where needed for individual Irish patients. The Department of Health, HPRA and the HSE have been carefully monitoring the supply of medicines from the UK since the end of the Brexit transition period. Although a limited number of individual suppliers and logistics companies have required some initial assistance in understanding and complying with the customs requirements that arose as a result of Brexit, such issues have been resolved in a timely manner, with the assistance of Revenue Customs, and have not reoccurred with subsequent deliveries.
Medicine shortages are, unfortunately, a feature of both the global and the Irish market, regardless of Brexit. However, Ireland has an existing multi-stakeholder medicine shortages framework in place, co-ordinated by the HPRA, to help prevent shortages from occurring and to reduce the impact on patients and healthcare professionals by co-ordinating the management of potential or actual shortages as they arise.
More generally, because of all stakeholders' preparatory work, general medicine supply issues are not anticipated as a result of Brexit. The Department of Health, the HSE, and the HPRA together with the manufacturers of medicines, wholesalers and pharmacists continue to monitor the situation closely. The processes and systems to mitigate against any Brexit related issues are functioning well and are kept under constant review by each agency. As part of this coordinated response, all stakeholders continue to develop approaches and implement contingencies to address any identified concerns should they arise.
Medical Cards
Questions (821)
David Cullinane
Question:821. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if consideration has been given to suspending non-routine medical card reviews until after lockdown given that the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions are posing difficulties for persons in acquiring the necessary evidence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5710/21]
View answerWritten answers
In accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE. The Act obliges the HSE to assess whether a person is unable, without due hardship, to arrange general practitioner services for himself or herself and his or her family, having regard to his or her overall financial position and reasonable expenditure. The HSE is also required to undertake periodic reviews of eligibility in order to ensure that a person continues to meet the qualifying criteria required to continue holding eligibility.
It is important to note that where any medical or GP visit card holder has a review process initiated, he/she will continue to retain their eligibility for the duration of the review process (typically three months). Every effort is made by the HSE, within the framework of the legislation, to provide an eligibility assessment process that is responsive and sensitive to people’s needs, in particular, to take full account of the difficult circumstances in the case of applicants who may be in excess of the income guidelines. Social and medical issues are also considered when determining whether undue hardship exists for an individual accessing general practitioner or other medical services and to that end, the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card where an applicant exceeds his or her income threshold.
Furthermore, in the context of Covid-19 restrictions, medical card guidelines have been updated to take account of the impact of Covid-19. Further consideration is also being given as to how best to assist persons when difficulties present in terms of providing necessary documentation for the review process.
Mental Health Services
Questions (822)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:822. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of acute mental health units in Dublin that are closed due to outbreaks of Covid-19; and the number of units that are full due to the increased pressure on the remaining units. [5711/21]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.