Wednesday, 24 Feb 2021

Cancer Services

Questions (767)

David Cullinane

Question:

767. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of cancer diagnoses in 2017 and 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9429/21]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

Based on data provided by the National Cancer Registry Ireland, the number of cancer diagnoses in 2017 and 2018 (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer) are as follows:

	2017	2018
Male	12,332	12,816
Female	10,858	11,475
Total	23,190	24,291

The National Cancer Registry Ireland advises that the numbers for 2018, in particular, are subject to revision if further information becomes available to them through data validation and data audit processes.

Cancer Services

Questions (768)

David Cullinane

Question:

768. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of cancer patients who saw a consultant in 2017 and 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9430/21]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

The number of patients who attended Symptomatic Breast Disease Clinics, Lung Rapid Access Clinics and Prostate Rapid Access Clinics in 2017 and 2018 is set out below. These clinics operate in each of the 8 designated cancer centres (with a Symptomatic Breast Disease Clinic also in Letterkenny University Hospital as a satellite of University Hospital Galway). The HSE's National Cancer Control Programme advises that data on the number of patients who saw a consultant at symptomatic cancer clinics for other tumour types is not currently available.

Clinic	2017	2018
Symptomatic Breast Clinics - Urgent	19,266	20,443
Symptomatic Breast Clinics - Non-Urgent	21,543	22,408
Rapid Access Lung Clinics	3,447	3,730
Rapid Access Prostate Clinics	3,015	3,360

Vaccination Programme

Questions (769)

Joan Collins

Question:

769. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health if his Department or the HSE is contacting the pharmaceutical industry to acquire booster vaccines for autumn 2021 to respond to Covid-19 variants. [9438/21]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

Ireland is participating in a Procurement Exercise being operated by the European Commission on behalf of Member States to procure suitable, safe and effective vaccines, in sufficient quantities, to combat COVID-19. Six Advance Purchase Agreements (APA) have been negotiated by the Commission under this process to date. Ireland has opted-in to five APAs to secure vaccine supplies: BioNTech/Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Janssen/J&J and CureVac. Government approval has been obtained to opt-into the sixth APA (GSK/Sanofi Pasteur), subject to the outcome of future clinical trial results.

Ireland has opted-in to pro rata allocation of BioNTech/Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. Ireland has also secured additional doses of the BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine via options and top up contracts, which will bring the current total of BioNTech/Pfizer doses secured to 5.49 million doses. Ireland has signalled interest in obtaining 1.64 million additional doses of the Moderna vaccine through a top-up contract.

Ireland now expects to receive a total of 1.2 million doses of the three approved vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca) from the start of the vaccination programme to the end of March.

Ireland has also indicated its intention to opt-in to additional APAs with Valneva and Novavax vaccines.

Overall, Ireland has opted-in to contracts for a total of 18.5m doses.

The new European bio-defence preparedness plan against COVID-19 variants called “HERA Incubator” will work with researchers, biotech companies, manufacturers and public authorities in the EU and globally to detect new variants, provide incentives to develop new and adapted vaccines, speed up the approval process for these vaccines, and ensure scaling up of manufacturing capacities.

Vaccination Programme

Questions (770, 787)

Joan Collins

Question:

770. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health the level of the Covid-19 vaccination programme at which kidney patients are to be offered the vaccine (details supplied). [9440/21]

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Matt Shanahan

Question:

787. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Health his plans to change the priority category of patients (details supplied) in terms of the Covid-19 vaccine roll-out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9490/21]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 770 and 787 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 began on the 16th of 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

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Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 771, 778, 800, 821, 827, 972 and 1008 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 (772, 887, 908, 922, 1034)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

772. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health if headstones services are classed as an essential service and permitted under current Covid-19-related restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9442/21]

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Sorca Clarke

Question:

887. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health if those who are employed to carry out maintenance work such as the engraving of additional names on graveyard headstones are considered essential workers. [9874/21]

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Dara Calleary

Question:

908. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health if monumental sculptors are restricted from their work of erecting headstones and tending to graves under the current level 5 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9947/21]

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Louise O'Reilly

Question:

922. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if book shops will be added to the list of essential services. [10003/21]

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Pearse Doherty

Question:

1034. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health his plans to allow outside workers, that is, painters, window cleaners and tree surgeons who work alone to return to work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10529/21]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 772, 887, 908, 922 and 1034 together.

As the Deputy is aware, the public health restrictions at level 5 of the Government's Framework Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19 will remain in place until 5th April 2021, when a further review will be conducted. The Framework continues to provide an appropriate mechanism to guide decision-making, and it will continue to be supplemented by more detailed sectoral guidance in relation to measures that apply at each level of the Framework.

On 23 February, 2021, the Government published COVID-19 Resilience & Recovery 2021: The Path Ahead which sets out how in-school education and childcare services will be reinstated in a phased manner from 1 March, with staggered return throughout March to be concluded after the Easter break on 12 April. Information on the revised plan is available here – https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/c4876-covid-19-resilience-and-recovery-2021-the-path-ahead/?referrer=http://www.gov.ie/ThePathAhead/

The public health measures recognise the need to reduce congregation and interactions between people to reduce the transmission of Covid-19. The number of people allowed to gather in different scenarios in the plan is based on a review of international practice and the judgment of public health experts. It seeks to balance the risks of different types of gatherings against the desire to allow normal activities to proceed in so far as possible. The measures in place for each level reflect the prevailing disease situation and recognise that we can and must prioritise some activities over others.

At level 5, all non-essential retail, and all non-essential services must remain closed. Information in relation to the current public health measures in place for essential retail and essential services at level 5 is available at:- https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/2dc71-level-5/ and https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/c9158-essential-services/

Funeral, burial and related services are listed as essential under 'Administrative and Support Activities'.

The Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (NO. 10) Regulations 2020 Regulation (S.I. 701 of 2020), sets out the relevant businesses or services under the current public health measures. Statutory Instruments related to the Covid-19 pandemic are available here: https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/1f150-view-statutory-instruments-related-to-the-covid-19-pandemic/.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (773)

Seán Haughey

Question:

773. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Health the criteria for travel to be deemed essential; if such essential international travel is listed in regulations; if persons undertaking essential international travel must undertake mandatory quarantine on return to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9443/21]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

Passengers arriving from overseas, with limited exemptions, are required to quarantine for 14 days at the address given on their Passenger Locator Form. A ‘non-detected’ PCR test result taken no less than 5 days after arrival can end the quarantine period for passengers who have travelled from a category 1 state.

SI No. 44/2021 sets out categories of travellers who are not subject to the quarantine requirement. These include international transport workers including aviation and maritime crew, members of An Garda Síochána or the Defence Forces who travel in the course of their duties and persons who are travelling for unavoidable and time sensitive medical reasons.

SI No. 44/2021 sets out certain categories of passengers who have travelled with an essential function and who do not have to quarantine while engaged in that function. These categories include journalists, workers conducting repair or maintenance to critical infrastructure and staff of international organisations.

Certain countries are designated as category 2 states due to concerns at the presence of variants of concern. Arrivals from these countries do not have the option to end quarantine early by taking a PCR test. As of 12 February, 20 countries have been specified as Category 2 states.

Hospital Data

Questions (774)

David Cullinane

Question:

774. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health when the adult critical care capacity census will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9444/21]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

The Deputy's question relates to service delivery matters and accordingly I have asked the HSE to respond directly to him.

HSE National Service Plan

Questions (775)

David Cullinane

Question:

775. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health when the national service plan will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9445/21]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

I formally approved the HSE 2021 National Service Plan on 12th February 2021, and as per the legislative requirements of the Health Act 2004 (as amended), a copy of the final Plan will be laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas within 21 days of approval and prior to publication by the HSE.

The HSE are currently finalising arrangements for the publication and launch of the Plan which is expected shortly.

Medical Cards

Questions (776)

Kathleen Funchion

Question:

776. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Health the progress to date in the determination of an application for a medical card in the case of a person (details supplied); if a medical card will be considered on discretionary grounds given the health circumstances in this instance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9459/21]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Dental Services

Questions (777)

Gerald Nash

Question:

777. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Health if he plans to reinstate all pre-2010 dental treatment entitlements to medical card holders; the anticipated cost per annum of such a move; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9463/21]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

The Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) provides dental care, free of charge to medical card holders aged 16 and over. These services are provided by independent dental practitioners who have a contract with the HSE. In 2010 the range of treatments provided under the Scheme was reduced in order to cap expenditure at the 2008 level of €63 million. The cost in 2021 of restoring treatments which had been provided before 2010 would depend on a number of factors, including the underlying oral health of the population and the level of take-up of such services.

The national approach to future oral health service provision will be informed by Smile agus Sláinte, the National Oral Health Policy, which was published in 2019. The aim of the policy is to develop a model of care that will enable preventative approaches to be prioritised, improve access, and support interventions appropriate to current and future oral health needs.

I am aware of the challenges faced by the dental profession under Covid-19 and their concerns about the provision of services to eligible patients. I want to ensure the sustainability and viability of the DTSS contract and I have asked my officials and the HSE to bring forward proposals to address immediate concerns. In the longer term, my commitment to the profession and to the public is for a fundamental review of the contract, in keeping with Smile agus Sláinte.

Question No. 778 answered with Question No. 771.

Home Care Packages

Questions (779, 919)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

779. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) has not received the adequate home care hours needed; if he will review and increase the home care hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9468/21]

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Niamh Smyth

Question:

919. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) has not received the adequate home care hours needed; if the home care hours will be reviewed and increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9988/21]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 779 and 919 together.

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

Health Services Provision

Questions (780)

David Cullinane

Question:

780. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1001 of 13 January 2021, when child-specific waiting lists will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9474/21]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

The National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) is a corporate body with functions and responsibilities as set out under Statutory Instrument 179 - National Treatment Purchase Fund (Establishment) Order, 2004. One of functions of the NTPF Board is to collect, collate and validate information in relation to persons waiting for hospital treatment in acute public hospitals in Ireland.

The NTPF has advised my Department that work is underway on the separation of adult and child waiting lists for inpatient, day case and outpatient waiting lists in public hospitals. The associated Statistical Disclosure Control (SDC) issues that arise from this work have presented a number of significant challenges which delayed the project to date.

However the NTPF has advised that they plan to include Paediatric Waiting lists in the publication of the March 2021 waiting list figures.

Question No. 787 answered with Question No. 770.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (788)

James O'Connor

Question:

788. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the hotels which will be used for inbound travellers to mandatorily quarantine when arriving into Ireland (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9500/21]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

The operationalisation of designated quarantine facilities, including the drafting of primary legislation to underpin these facilities and the procurement of hotels and ancillary services, is being advanced on a cross-departmental basis as a matter of priority.

My Department is leading this process, and that complex work is being supported by officials from across a number of Departments including Foreign Affairs, Transport, Justice, Public Expenditure and Reform, as well as Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, as well as via input from the private sector.

This group is currently working urgently to establish the scope of services required to put these facilities in place.