Claire Kerrane
Question:989. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health if he will consider allowing an increase in the number of persons who can attend funerals from 10 to 25. [10248/21]
View answerCovid-19 Pandemic
Questions (989)
Written answers
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/
As I am sure the Deputy can appreciate, COVID-19 spreads when individuals and groups come into close contact with one another, enabling the virus to move from one person to another. COVID-19 is infectious in a person with no symptoms, or for the period of time before they develop symptoms. For this reason, we are all asked to be extra careful. For now, we must act like we have the virus to protect those around us from infection.
The current Covid-19 restrictions at level 5, limit the attendance at funerals to 10 mourners. Priority must be given to families themselves in attending funerals, whether this is in the homes of the deceased or in the Funeral Home. Likewise attendance in churches and graveyards is restricted to families.
In this third wave we now sadly see a significant increase in the numbers of funerals. Concerns are being raised regarding the dangers of dropping our guard at funerals when we are at this critical time in trying to level off the deadly curve. Reports of significant numbers of people congregating in homes of bereaved persons and in funeral homes, or at churches and graveyards before or after services, are very concerning.
The inclement weather we have at this time of year can result in those lining funeral routes at times congregating in doorways of churches and other areas along the route to seek shelter. Every contact increases the risk of transmission of this highly contagious virus. Those wishing to express their condolence should do so through social media, online websites, text or card.
It is vital, despite our natural emotions and desire to be close to and hug other people, to respect the situation we find ourselves in as we try to convey our sympathies to bereaved families. It is important to remember our objectives are to reduce the spread of the virus and that we should all do what is right, even if it is different and difficult.
Further information on funerals can be found on the government website at: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/2dc71-level-5/#attendance-at-funerals-limited-to-10
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (990)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:990. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to instances in which elderly residents of religious communities and convents were not vaccinated initially due to the fact that the residential communities were not technically considered as nursing homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10258/21]
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 (991)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:991. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of outbreaks of Covid-19 that have been reported in residential religious communities, for example, convents in December 2020, January 2021 and to date in February 2021. [10259/21]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Question No. 992 answered with Question No. 892.
Hospital Services
Questions (993)
Thomas Gould
Question:993. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health when a full return to outpatient service is expected; and the metrics that will be used to decide same. [10276/21]
View answerWritten answers
The HSE is currently recommending that only critical time dependent elective procedures are undertaken at this time due to the on-going and significant increased demand for bed capacity related to Covid-19.
This decision was made arising from the rapid increase in Covid-19 admissions and to ensure patient safety and that all appropriate resources were made available for Covid-19 related activity and time-critical essential work.
Patient safety remains at the centre of all hospital activity and elective care scheduling. To ensure services are provided in a safe, clinically-aligned and prioritised way, hospitals are following HSE clinical guidelines and protocols.
In relation to the particular query raised concerning a full return to outpatient services and the metrics that will be used to decide same, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Mental Health Services
Questions (994)
Mairéad Farrell
Question:994. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health the amount of funding that has been allocated to the examination of a one-door policy (details supplied); and the consideration that has been given to finding the most appropriate service. [10301/21]
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.
Abortion Services
Questions (995)
Catherine Connolly
Question:995. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health his plans to introduce measures to ensure care for women who initiate legal abortions in Ireland but must travel for a termination in another country in cases in which the abortion fails; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10302/21]
View answerWritten answers
Section 12 of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 states that a termination of pregnancy may be carried out by a medical practitioner where, having examined the woman, he or she is of the reasonable opinion formed in good faith that the pregnancy has not exceeded 12 weeks of pregnancy. The medical practitioner must certify this opinion and three days must elapse between certification and the procedure being carried out.
Sections 9 and 10 of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 set out other grounds on which termination of pregnancy is permitted in this country. Section 9 requires that two medical practitioners, having examined the pregnant woman, are of the reasonable opinion formed in good faith that there is a risk to the life, or of serious harm to the health, of the pregnant woman; the foetus has not reached viability; and it is appropriate to carry out the termination of pregnancy in order to avert the risk concerned. One of the two medical practitioners must be an obstetrician; and the other must be an appropriate medical practitioner, and both must certify their opinions in order for the termination to be carried out.
Section 10 deals with emergency situations. It provides that a termination of pregnancy may be carried out by a medical practitioner who, having examined the pregnant woman, is of the reasonable opinion formed in good faith that there is an immediate risk to the life or of serious harm to the health of the pregnant woman, and it is immediately necessary to carry out the termination of pregnancy in order to avert that risk.
It would not be appropriate for me, as Minister for Health, to intervene in medical practice to suggest how medical practitioners treat their patients, or to dictate the practice of obstetrics. Medical practitioners are bound through professional regulatory mechanisms to operate in accordance with best medical practice.
Clinical guidelines for the provision of termination of pregnancy services, within the legal framework set out in the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018, have been developed by the relevant professional medical bodies.
There is regular ongoing engagement between the Department of Health and the HSE to facilitate the operation of the service and to resolve any operational issues that may arise.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (996)
Cian O'Callaghan
Question:996. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health if students from other countries who are studying here will be able to travel home at the end of the academic year and not have to face Covid-19-related fines on international travel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10309/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Government continues to advise against all non-essential travel at the current time. SI No 29/2021 is in effect until 5 March, unless extended, and sets out a non-exhaustive list of reasonable excuses for travel to an airport or port for purpose of leaving the State. These include:
- To work, comply with a contract of employment or contract for services, or otherwise engage in work or employment;
- To provide services to, or perform the functions of, an office holder appointed under any enactment or under the Constitution, or a member of either House of the Oireachtas, the European Parliament or a local authority;
- To provide services essential to the functioning of diplomatic missions and consular posts in the State;
- To attend, for educational reasons a primary or secondary school, or a university, higher education institution or other education and training facility, to the extent that it is necessary for such educational reasons to attend in person;
- To accompany any other person residing with the person, or a vulnerable person, to one of the education facilities mentioned above;
- 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;
- To attend to vital family matters (including providing care to vulnerable persons);
- To attend a funeral;
- To fulfil a legal obligation (including attending court, satisfying bail conditions, or participating in ongoing legal proceedings), attend a court office where required, initiate emergency legal proceedings or execute essential legal documents;
- if the person is a parent or guardian of a child, or a person having a right of access to a child, to give effect to arrangements for access to the child by the person, or another person who is
(I) a parent or guardian of the child, or
(II) a person having a right of access to the child;
- where the person is not ordinarily resident in the State, to leave the State.
Vaccination Programme
Questions (997)
Colm Burke
Question:997. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the steps he and his Department are taking to resolve and prevent technical issues faced by dentists, and dental staff, when registering for the Covid-19 vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10315/21]
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.
Drugs Payment Scheme
Questions (998)
Gino Kenny
Question:998. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health if he plans to add first-line treatments for hyperemesis gravidarum to the drugs payment scheme and medical card; if his attention has been drawn to the significant financial pressure that the cost of these treatments put on pregnant women; if he will address this, as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10316/21]
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.
Health Services
Questions (999)
David Cullinane
Question:999. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the levels of critical care that are provided in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10317/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Deputy's question relates to service delivery. Accordingly, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to him.
Hospital Data
Questions (1000)
David Cullinane
Question:1000. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the services provided in each hospital, by hospital group, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10318/21]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
Health Services
Questions (1001)
David Cullinane
Question:1001. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the details of the trauma centres in Ireland; the levels of same; the services provided for each; the framework for determining the level of trauma centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10319/21]
View answerWritten answers
The National Trauma Strategy recommends the introduction of an inclusive trauma system, that will be delivered by two regional networks, each with a Major Trauma Centre that is linked to a number of Trauma Units. Services will be networked and co-ordinated along standardised pathways to ensure that the right care is delivered in the right place, first time. The Strategy recommends the trauma system should include one Major Trauma Centre to be based in Dublin servicing the Central Trauma Network, and another to be based in Cork University Hospital servicing the South Trauma Network.
Major Trauma Centres will provide the highest level of specialist trauma care to the most severely injured patients on a single hospital site and will act as the highest point of escalation for trauma services within their respective networks. Within each network, a number of Trauma Units will deliver more general trauma care to the majority of patients who do not need the specialist expertise of a Major Trauma Centre. Clear protocols and procedures, developed with the National Ambulance Service, will ensure trauma patients are brought to the appropriate facility in line with their care needs.
Legislative Programme
Questions (1002)
Cathal Crowe
Question:1002. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health if proposed reforms (details supplied) to the Assisted Human Reproduction Bill 2017 will be considered. [10320/21]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, drafting of a bill on assisted human reproduction (AHR) and associated areas of research, based on the published General Scheme of the Assisted Human Reproduction Bill, is ongoing by my officials, in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General.
There was wide consultation with a range of stakeholders in the development of the General Scheme of the AHR Bill and consultation has continued since the Scheme was published in October 2017. I can confirm my Department received written submissions on the bill from the organisation referenced by the Deputy and meetings were also held with representative individuals from the group. All the concerns raised by stakeholders are being duly considered in the drafting process.
The publication of the AHR Bill is a priority for my Department and the Government, and a commitment to enact this legislation is included in the Programme for Government, “Our Shared Future”.
Vaccination Programme
Questions (1003)
Dara Calleary
Question:1003. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of providing Covid-19 vaccinations to all adult residents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10326/21]
View answerWritten answers
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.
The details of the contracts are commercially sensitive.
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 (1004)
Dara Calleary
Question:1004. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health the estimated weekly cost of contact tracing regarding Covid-19 cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10327/21]
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.
Health Services Staff
Questions (1005)
David Cullinane
Question:1005. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health when he will pay student nurses and midwives; the actions emerging from the first report on pandemic pay; when the second review will be conducted; the terms of reference of the second review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10332/21]
View answerWritten answers
There are two different categories of placement for nursing and midwifery students. The first is a supernumerary placement for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th year students in their first semester with a healthcare provider, where students are not counted within the funded staffing allocation. Fundamentally, nursing and midwifery students, while on supernumerary clinical placements (which refers to the students being surplus to the rostered complement of nurses or midwives while on placement) are being educated. In line with Directive 2013/55/EU, this education is carried out on the frontline, as part of a team, across the wide variety of care settings and under supervision. That supervision is provided by qualified, experienced nurses and midwives called preceptors. Those student nurses and midwives can claim vouched travel and accommodation allowances to support them while undergoing such placements in line with HSE Circular 09/2004.
I fully support the continued protection of the nurse/midwife programme of which supernumerary placements are a key component. Changing the supernumerary status of those placements to that of an employee would remove those educational protections that enable such students to learn, unencumbered by an employment contract.
The second category of placement is a 36-week internship for final-year student nurses and midwives, for which they are considered a 0.5 Whole-Time Equivalent member of the workforce and for which they are already paid a salary. Following a 2% pay increase on 1 October 2020, the annualised salary for this group is now €21,749 (or €10.72 per hour) for general nursing and midwifery students and €22,229 (€10.96 per hour) for psychiatric nursing students. I also fully support the continuation of the paid work internship programme in fourth year that is in place for student nurses and midwives.
I know that the pandemic has presented challenges to student nurses and midwives to continue with such placements. In recognising this and to further assist student nurses and midwives while on clinical placement, I appointed Professor Tom Collins to carry out an independent review of clinical placement allowances and I received his report on 31 December 2020. The key recommendation in his Report is to implement a ‘Pandemic Placement Grant’ of €100 for each supernumerary placement week during the pandemic. I have accepted the recommendations and am very keen to progress this additional support.
A second, longer-term review is due to examine the accommodation and travel allowances payable to student nurses and midwives on supernumerary clinical placement, and pay for 4th-year nurses and midwives on paid internship placement. Preparatory work has commenced on this review. My Department are currently engaging with the stakeholders, including the trade unions, on finalising the terms of reference for this review and I look forward to that review progressing with its work in the coming weeks.
Vaccination Programme
Questions (1006)
Patricia Ryan
Question:1006. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health if older persons in assisted living arrangements will be prioritised for Covid-19 vaccination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10337/21]
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 started in the week beginning the 15th 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.
Question No. 1007 answered with Question No. 926.
Question No. 1008 answered with Question No. 771.
Dental Services
Questions (1009)
Michael Collins
Question:1009. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Health if improved funding will be provided for dentistry services, in particular for the reimbursement of medical card treatments (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10352/21]
View answerWritten answers
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.
I met with representatives of the dental profession towards the end of last year when I had an opportunity to hear first-hand the challenges which they face under Covid-19, and the enormous efforts of their members in continuing to provide services in the current environment.
I accept that the profession has concerns about the current contract, which dates back to the nineties, and that one of those concerns relates to the fee structure under the DTSS.
I want to ensure the sustainability and viability of that contract going forward and that all eligible persons can continue to receive the services that they deserve from their local dentists.
I have asked my officials and the HSE to bring forward proposals to address those 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, the National Oral Health Policy.
Health Services Staff
Questions (1010)
James Browne
Question:1010. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the vacant posts in a health service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10378/21]
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.