Peadar Tóibín
Question:317. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the reason persons under 65 years of age and who are resident in nursing homes are not prioritised for receiving the Covid-19 vaccine. [10868/21]
View answerVaccination Programme
Questions (317)
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 began in February.
On the 23rd of February, I announced an update to Ireland’s COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Strategy.
In comprising the initial Vaccine Allocation Strategy, the NIAC listed several conditions associated with increased risk of severe disease and death. In the intervening period, national and international evidence has become available which has enabled a more detailed analysis of underlying conditions that may increase the risk of developing severe disease or death.
The NIAC has now been able to more comprehensively identify those medical conditions and to distinguish between those which place a person at very high or high risk of severe disease if they contract the virus. Medical conditions and the magnitude of the risk they pose will continue to be monitored and periodically reviewed.
The NIAC continues to monitor data around this disease and indeed emerging data on effectiveness of vaccines on a rolling basis.
Residents of long-term care facilities aged 18-64 will be vaccinated in Group 9.
Further details are available at the following link:
https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/b44b2-minister-donnelly-announces-update-to-vaccine-allocation-strategy/
Provisional vaccine allocation groups are found here:
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/39038-provisional-vaccine-allocation-groups
Hospital Admissions
Questions (318)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:318. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an admission date to St. Patrick's Hospital, Dublin, following a referral from their general practitioner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10870/21]
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.
Covid-19 Tests
Questions (319)
Verona Murphy
Question:319. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of contact tracers presently operating within the Covid-19 test and trace system; the additional recruitment of contact tracers that has taken place since the start of level 5 restrictions in December 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10907/21]
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 (320, 321)
Verona Murphy
Question:320. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of vaccinators currently assigned to the Covid-19 mass vaccination centres nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10908/21]
View answerVerona Murphy
Question:321. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of vaccinators currently assigned to the Covid-19 vaccination centre in Enniscorthy, County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10909/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 320 and 321 together.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Health Screening Programmes
Questions (322)
Alan Kelly
Question:322. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the number of women who have availed of CervicalCheck screening services per month from January 2020 to date by county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10911/21]
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.
Nursing Homes Support Scheme
Questions (323)
Alan Kelly
Question:323. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the number of properties owned by patients in the nursing homes support scheme by local authority area; and the number of those properties that are vacant by local authority area in tabular form. [10916/21]
View answerWritten answers
As these are operational matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Nursing Homes Support Scheme
Questions (324)
Alan Kelly
Question:324. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in nursing homes under the fair deal scheme that have a residential property registered in their name which is included as part of the assessment for the scheme; the number of these homes that have a family member residing in them; the number of homes that are rented or generating an income; and the number that are vacant. [10917/21]
View answerWritten answers
As these are operational matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Nursing Homes Support Scheme
Questions (325)
Alan Kelly
Question:325. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the progress of the nursing homes support scheme (amendment) Bill; and the projected timeline for that Bill. [10918/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Nursing Homes Support Scheme, commonly referred to as the Fair Deal Scheme, has been in operation for over 10 years and there is broad agreement that the Scheme operates well and continues to provide appropriate financial assistance where it is required.
However, it is recognised that the Act, in its current form, does not place caps on the financial assessment of family owned and operated farms or businesses when calculating the means to pay for nursing home care. This places a potentially onerous burden on family successors and could challenge the future viability of these productive assets.
Therefore, the Department of Health has proposed a policy change to the Scheme, to cap contributions based on farm and business assets at three years where a family successor commits to working the productive asset. The stated policy objective of the legislation is to introduce additional safeguards in the Scheme to further protect the viability and sustainability of family farms and businesses that will be passed down to the next generation of the family to continue to work them as productive assets to provide for their livelihood.
This change was approved by Government and underwent pre-legislative scrutiny in the last Dáil. Progress on the development of the Bill was negatively impacted by the dissolution of the last Dáil and by the COVID-19 pandemic. The response to the pandemic has been and continues to be a national and public health priority. However, work on this legislation has continued to progress. I requested a waiver to conduct pre-legislative scrutiny from the Business Committee, given this was already undertaken in the previous Dáil, and this waiver was granted on 4th February 2021. I have met with the Attorney General to discuss this legislation, and there has been an ongoing and active engagement between the Department of Health and the Office of the Attorney General on the development of the legislation, which will be brought to the Houses of the Oireachtas at the earliest possible opportunity. It is on the priority list for publication in the Spring legislative session. The Bill will be enacted upon completion of all stages in the Oireachtas and signed into law by the President.
Nursing Homes Support Scheme
Questions (326)
Alan Kelly
Question:326. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the status of his Department’s examination of the treatment under the nursing home support scheme’s financial assessment of income from a person’s principal private residence. [10919/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Nursing Home Support Scheme (NHSS), commonly referred to as 'Fair Deal', is a system of financial support for people who require long-term residential care. The primary legislation underpinning the NHSS is the Nursing Home Support Scheme Act 2009. Participants in the NHSS contribute to the cost of their care according to their means while the State pays the balance of the cost. The Scheme aims to ensure that long-term nursing home care is accessible and affordable for everyone and that people are cared for in the most appropriate settings.
Under the NHSS, rental income is considered as ‘income’ for the purpose of a financial assessment of means and is currently assessed at 80% less any allowable deductions. Assets are assessed at 7.5% of their annual value for the duration of an individual participant’s time on the scheme, with the exception of the principal private residence, which is only assessed for the first three years.
The current Programme for Government, Our Shared Future, commits to “reforming the Fair Deal scheme to incentivise the renting out of vacant properties”. My Department is currently engaging with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage on how to take this forward.
However, there are significant complexities in relation to any changes being made to the NHSS, particularly with regard to ensuring the ongoing fair, equitable, and sustainable operation of the scheme. My Department must also be sure that any change delivers a genuine impact and offers value for money. On this basis, all competing interests and relevant issues must be fully considered.
My department is liaising closely with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to develop an evidence base around the issue and consider potential policy measures.
Nursing Homes Support Scheme
Questions (327)
Alan Kelly
Question:327. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the progress of the commitment in the programme for Government to reform the fair deal scheme to incentivise the rental of vacant properties. [10920/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Nursing Home Support Scheme (NHSS), commonly referred to as 'Fair Deal', is a system of financial support for people who require long-term residential care. The primary legislation underpinning the NHSS is the Nursing Home Support Scheme Act 2009. Participants in the NHSS contribute to the cost of their care according to their means while the State pays the balance of the cost. The Scheme aims to ensure that long-term nursing home care is accessible and affordable for everyone and that people are cared for in the most appropriate settings.
Under the NHSS, rental income is considered as ‘income’ for the purpose of a financial assessment of means and is currently assessed at 80% less any allowable deductions. Assets are assessed at 7.5% of their annual value for the duration of an individual participant’s time on the scheme, with the exception of the principal private residence, which is only assessed for the first three years.
The current Programme for Government, Our Shared Future, commits to “reforming the Fair Deal scheme to incentivise the renting out of vacant properties”. My Department is currently engaging with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage on how to take this forward.
However, there are significant complexities in relation to any changes being made to the NHSS, particularly with regard to ensuring the ongoing fair, equitable, and sustainable operation of the scheme. My Department must also be sure that any change delivers a genuine impact and offers value for money. On this basis, all competing interests and relevant issues must be fully considered.
My department is liaising closely with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to develop an evidence base around the issue and consider potential policy measures.
Health Promotion
Questions (328)
Alan Kelly
Question:328. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the recommendations of the women’s health task force for endometriosis patients; his plans for the implementation of those recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10921/21]
View answerWritten answers
The commitment to promoting women's health is highlighted within the Programme for Government. This includes a specific commitment to supporting "the work of the Women’s Health Taskforce, including the development of a Women’s Health Action Plan, to tackle a wide range of issues impacting women’s health outcomes in Ireland". A number of initial priority areas for action were determined by the Taskforce, with the issue of endometriosis recognised and included as part of a priority workstream on improving gynaecological health for women and girls.
The endometriosis workstream identified a number of potential actions in this area, including enhanced services and supports such as the establishment of a centre of excellence for endometriosis surgery and optional access to psychologists in women’s health settings, and enhanced information including a clear patient flow for period/pelvic pain and excessive bleeding and a communications and education strategy to raise awareness of endometriosis and the supports and treatments available.
Budget 2021 has provided a dedicated €5million ‘Women’s Health Fund’ to progress a programme of actions arising from the work of the Women’s Health Taskforce. Following confirmation of the fund, discussions with the Department and the HSE took place to identify activity under the proposals which may be implemented in 2021 and funded through the Women’s Health Fund. A number of proposals are currently being finalised with stakeholders. Following final internal review and approval, it is anticipated that actions supported by the fund will be announced in the coming weeks. Regular updates are provided on the official Women’s Health Taskforce webpage: https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/-womens-health/
In addition, the Deputy may wish to note that the HSE’s National Women & Infants Health Programme has advised that the best way to help the majority of patients with endometriosis is to improve access to gynaecology services. As such, the Programme has developed a plan to increase capacity and reduce waiting times for women awaiting general gynaecology, which includes patients with endometriosis. The plan aims to re-orient general gynaecology services to an ambulatory, or see and treat, model, rather than the traditional outpatient referral model. An ambulatory care model is a more efficient and effective use of resources. It is also better for the patient as it reduces the requirement for multiple outpatient appointments.
The roll out of Phase One of the new Model of Care commenced in 2020, and the first three clinics were established under the governance of the Rotunda Hospital, Cork University Maternity Hospital, and University Hospital Galway, with a more limited clinic in Waterford. The clinics in Cork and Galway are currently providing services, while it is anticipated that the Rotunda clinic will be operational in 2021, once the necessary refurbishment works have been completed. It is also anticipated that the Waterford service will commence in 2021. Development funding has been provided in 2021 which will facilitate the provision of additional ambulatory gynaecology clinics this year. Subject to available resources, it is envisaged that up to 19 clinics will be rolled out in the coming years.
Health Promotion
Questions (329)
Alan Kelly
Question:329. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the status of the women’s health task force; the progress of the task force since September 2019; the timeline for the delivery of the programme of actions through the women’s health fund in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10922/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Women’s Health Taskforce was established in September 2019 with the aim of improving women’s health outcomes and experiences of healthcare. The members of the Taskforce meet regularly, with its ninth meeting held on February 19th 2021 and with regular updates provided through a dedicated webpage on the Department of Health’s website at gov.ie/en/campaigns/-Womens-Health/
Budget 2021 has provided a dedicated €5million ‘Women’s Health Fund’ to progress a programme of actions arising from the work of the Women’s Health Taskforce. This funding complements the additional significant investment delivered across women’s health services in Budget 2021, including 12m investment in delivering the National Maternity Strategy and improving gynaecology and fertility services and 10m investment in Screening Services including Breast Check and Cervical Check.
The Taskforce has listened to, engaged with and worked with more than 1,000 individuals, and organisations representing women and girls across the country. Based on this consultation, and review of the evidence, the Taskforce has developed proposals to improve supports for gynaecological health, engagement with physical activity and supports for menopause which were chosen as initial priority areas. In 2021, the €5m Women’s Health Fund will deliver a programme of actions arising from this work, along with additional priority areas, including improving mental health supports for women and girls. A national awareness and education campaign will also be delivered to provide a trusted source of information and help normalise discussions about women’s health.
Following confirmation of the fund, discussions with the Department and the HSE took place to identify activity under the proposals which may be implemented in 2021 and funded through the Women’s Health Fund. A number of proposals are currently being finalised with stakeholders. Following final internal review and approval, it is anticipated that actions supported by the fund will be announced in the coming weeks.
National Maternity Strategy
Questions (330)
Alan Kelly
Question:330. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the status of the work of the HSE national women and infants health programme; the status of the roll-out of phase one of the ambulatory care model for gynaecology services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10923/21]
View answerWritten answers
In January 2017, the National Women & Infants Health Programme (NWIHP) was established in the HSE to lead the management, organisation and delivery of maternity, gynaecology and neonatal services. In addition, the NWIHP was mandated to drive and lead the implementation of the National Maternity Strategy.
The NWIHP, therefore, provides strategic direction and leadership, drives improvement, and fosters a learning culture in maternity, neonatal and gynaecological services. The NWIHP also aims to ensure that learning from adverse incidents is disseminated and applied in a comprehensive and consistent manner, promoting a national approach to consistent, evidenced-based practice in maternity care.
The NWIHP is intended to act as the single central authority on maternity care and as a reference point and resource for women’s health issues within the HSE. The NWIHP is also tasked with the appropriate allocation of all new development funding for maternity, neonatal and gynaecological services, which includes the €12m funding provided under Budget 2021 for new developments in maternity and gynaecology services.
With regard to the status of the Ambulatory Gynaecology Model of Care, the roll out of Phase One commenced in 2020, with the establishment of the first three clinics under the governance of the Rotunda Hospital, Dublin, Cork University Maternity Hospital and University Hospital Galway. In addition, a more limited clinic is being developed in Waterford University Hospital.
The NWIHP has advised that the clinics in Cork and Galway are currently operational, while it is anticipated that the Rotunda clinic will be operational in 2021, once the necessary refurbishment works have been completed. It is also anticipated that the Waterford service will commence in 2021.
Budget 2021 funding will accelerate the implementation of the new Model of Care and facilitate the introduction of additional ambulatory clinics this year. This will facilitate the roll out of Phase One to be completed, and Phase 2 to commence. Subject to available resources, it is envisaged that up to 19 ambulatory gynaecology clinics will be rolled out in the coming years.
Health Services Funding
Questions (331)
Alan Kelly
Question:331. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the current allocation for endometriosis diagnosis and treatment procedures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10924/21]
View answerWritten answers
As this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Vaccination Programme
Questions (332)
Paul McAuliffe
Question:332. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Health his views on the Covid-19 vaccination roll-out in Denmark (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10925/21]
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 APAs have been negotiated by the Commission under this process to date. Government has also indicated its intention to procure additional vaccine supplies from Valneva and Novavax.
Overall, Ireland’s current opted-in portfolio of vaccines includes a total of 18.48m doses across 7 manufacturers. This is enough to fully vaccinate over 10 million people.
Different countries are approaching implementation of vaccination programmes according to their own resources, plans and priorities.
The Government is committed to the timely implementation of a COVID-19 immunisation programme. The only substantive limitation on the pace of implementation will be supply. As more vaccines are approved and arrive, the delivery schedules and completion timelines currently being suggested may change.