Written Answers Nos. 883-909
883. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Health if persons under 16 years of age with chronic medical conditions will be included in the Covid-19 vaccination programme; if not, the rationale for this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11641/21]
View answerThe COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Strategy sets out a provisional list of groups for vaccination. The Strategy was developed by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) and my Department, endorsed by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), and approved by Government on 8 December 2020.
Vaccine allocation is a matter for my Department and further information is available here: 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.
Further details are available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/press-release/b44b2-minister-donnelly-announces-update-to-vaccine-allocation-strategy/.
There are currently three authorised COVID-19 vaccines in use in Ireland:
COVID-19 (Pfizer/BioNTech), COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna and COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca.
COVID-19 (Pfizer/BioNTech) is licensed for active immunisation to prevent COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus, in individuals 16 years of age and older.
COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna is licensed for active immunisation to prevent COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus, in individuals 18 years of age and older.
COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca is licensed for active immunisation to prevent COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus, in individuals 18 years of age and older.
There are no data available on vaccine safety and efficacy in people under 16 years.
884. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Health the amount that practice nurses are being paid per vaccination or per hour to administer Covid-19 vaccines; the amount general practitioners and other doctors are being paid per vaccination or per hour to administer Covid-19 vaccines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11645/21]
View answerGPs and pharmacists are private practitioners, and as such require the setting of fees payable for the administration of vaccines against Covid-19; whereas practice nurses are employed by GPs and paid by their employer. Where fees are paid to GPs, these are intended to include the full costs of scheduling and administering the vaccine and must cover not only GP pay, but also the additional payments to practice nurses and practice administrators who will be involved in providing vaccinations outside of normal clinic hours, as well as the additional costs of cleaning surgeries. Public healthcare workers are remunerated on a salary basis under the terms of their employment.
The fees payable to GPs and pharmacists were set following consultation with the Irish Medical Organisation and the Irish Pharmacy Union. A fee of €25 per vaccine dose, and a once-off €10 per patient administration fee, will be payable to GPs and pharmacists for the administration of such vaccines outside of HSE-run mass-vaccination clinics, e.g. in GP practices and pharmacies. An hourly fee of €120 and €70 will be payable to GPs and pharmacists respectively for vaccination services provided in HSE-run mass-vaccination clinics. The fees reflect the amount of time required, additional administrative requirements and complexity, and the level of post-vaccination care likely needed.
885. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Health if it is planned to have Covid-19 vaccines administered by dentists, pharmacists or other medical professionals; if so, the amount it is planned to pay them per vaccination or per hour to administer Covid-19 vaccines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11646/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
887. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Health the reason the residents and staff of a facility (details supplied) have not been given their Covid-19 vaccinations; and when they will receive the vaccine. [11676/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
888. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the status of HSE work to transfer the community mental health services in Birr, County Offaly; if the attention of the HSE has been drawn to the delays this is subsequently causing to the transfer of a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11679/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
889. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health the services provided at a facility (details supplied); if there are plans to alter the services provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11686/21]
View answerThe Programme for Government, Our Shared Future, recognises the need to improve services for both children and adults with disabilities through better implementation and by working together across Government in a better way.
The Government commits to prioritising early diagnosis and access to services for children and ensuring that the most effective interventions are provided for each child, to guarantee the best outcomes.
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
890. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if he has plans to ensure Defence Forces personnel fulfilling duties overseas and in areas with high levels of Covid-19 community transmission will receive the vaccine before embarking on such duties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11701/21]
View answerThe COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Strategy sets out a provisional list of groups for vaccination. The Strategy was developed by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) and my Department, endorsed by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), and approved by Government on 8 December 2020.
Vaccine allocation is a matter for my Department and further information is available here: 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.
Further details are available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/press-release/b44b2-minister-donnelly-announces-update-to-vaccine-allocation-strategy/.
All of the groups will be covered as further vaccine supplies become available and the immunisation programme is rolled out nationally.
891. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the operational status of each cancer screening clinic at each location; the plan to resume full services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11703/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
892. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the operational status of the rapid access skin cancer clinic at University Hospital Waterford; the plan to resume full services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11704/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
893. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the operational status of the dermatology clinic at University Hospital Waterford for urgent cases; the plan to resume full services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11705/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
894. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the services in each hospital group by hospital and community healthcare organisation, and by departments that are currently closed due to the pandemic; the timeline for resumption of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11706/21]
View answerAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to unprecedented interruption to normal healthcare activity, both in community and acute settings. Some services have been suspended or delivered on a reduced basis during recent surges. However, it is important to state that many vital and critical services have continued through all stages of the pandemic.
The HSE published its National Service Plan on Tuesday 24th February which sets out the type and volume of health and personal services that the HSE will provide in 2021.
NSP 2021 will focus on a number of key areas including:
- Protecting and keeping the public, patients and service users safe in our Health services as they continued to be delivered in the context of COVID 19.
- Addressing and relieving the impacts on services from pauses due to COVID 19.
This significant addition investment will be applied to restart services in a COVID 19 environment, enhance or expand existing services, including enhancing service resilience and responding to demographic and other pressures, and to commence new approved service developments. The Government’s Plan “COVID-19 Resilience & Recovery, the Path Ahead”, states that over the coming weeks, subject to improvement in COVID-19 disease indicators, the HSE will seek to reintroduce scheduled clinical services in a prioritised and incremental manner based on clinically determined need.
895. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health the recommendation made by the national immunisation advisory committee in respect of the prioritisation of family carers in the roll-out of Covid-19 vaccines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11713/21]
View answerThe COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Strategy sets out a provisional list of groups for vaccination. The Strategy was developed by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) and my Department, endorsed by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), and approved by Government on 8 December 2020.
Vaccine allocation is a matter for my Department and further information is available here: 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.
Further details are available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/press-release/b44b2-minister-donnelly-announces-update-to-vaccine-allocation-strategy/.
The ongoing review process will continue to look at the other priority groups yet to be vaccinated, along with the competing needs of those working or living in high-risk situations, carers who deliver essential services to highly dependent individuals in the home setting, and those who are socially vulnerable/disadvantaged.
896. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health if his Department will issue funding to the HSE to provide FreeStyle Libre sensors for checking glucose in diabetes patients free of charge to all diabetics. [11715/21]
View answerUnder the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community drug schemes; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
897. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health when the necessary statutory instrument will be put in place to enable the Medical Council to address the outstanding issues relating to the inclusion of medical consultants on the specialist register; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11723/21]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware the Regulated Professions (Health and Social Care) (Amendment) Act 2020 is a large and complex Act which has been several years in development. It is important to state that the amendments being brought about by the Act involve a very significant body of work for each of the regulators, as changes are being introduced across complex areas such as registration and fitness to practice. I am pleased to confirm that commencement of the Act has begun, and while it is not currently possible to provide a specific timeline for the commencement of the remaining sections related to the registration of medical practitioners, these are actively being progressed by my Department in conjunction with the Council.
899. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health the spend to date for hiring a hotel (details supplied); and the average occupancy rate of the facility for each month since 2020. [11736/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
900. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health if his Department will consider bringing forward the vaccination of prison staff in view of the close-contact nature of their work and the current outbreak of Covid-19 in the Midlands Prison. [11737/21]
View answerThe COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Strategy sets out a provisional list of groups for vaccination. The Strategy was developed by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) and my Department, endorsed by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), and approved by Government on 8 December 2020.
Vaccine allocation is a matter for my Department and further information is available here: 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.
Further details are available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/press-release/b44b2-minister-donnelly-announces-update-to-vaccine-allocation-strategy/.
The ongoing review process will continue to look at the other priority groups yet to be vaccinated, along with the competing needs of those working or living in high-risk situations, carers who deliver essential services to highly dependent individuals in the home setting and those who are socially vulnerable/disadvantaged.
901. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health if persons with chronic heart disease will be included in cohort 5 of the vaccine allocation groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11719/21]
View answerThe COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Strategy sets out a provisional list of groups for vaccination. The Strategy was developed by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) and my Department, endorsed by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), and approved by Government on 8 December 2020.
Vaccine allocation is a matter for my Department and further information is available here: 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.
Further details are available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/press-release/b44b2-minister-donnelly-announces-update-to-vaccine-allocation-strategy/.
902. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the number of parents who have submitted an assessment of needs to the HSE that they obtained privately; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11748/21]
View answer903. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the way in which privately submitted assessments of needs to the HSE are collated; and if they are included in the overall assessment of needs completed figures. [11749/21]
View answer904. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if there are impediments for parents who privately submitted assessments of needs in accessing additional treatments for their children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11750/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 902, 903 and 904 together.
The Programme for Government, Our Shared Future, recognises the need to improve services for both children and adults with disabilities through better implementation and by working together across Government in a better way.
The Government commits to prioritising early diagnosis and access to services for children and ensuring that the most effective interventions are provided for each child, to guarantee the best outcomes.
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
906. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if he will provide clarification on the €20 million fund for mental health and community; if this is new funding; and the way in which it will be spent. [11752/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
908. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health his response to the January 2019 Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health report on the new standard operating procedure for assessment of need under the Disability Act 2005; if steps have been and are being taken to address the findings of the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11764/21]
View answerAs the Standard Operating Procedure for Assessment of Need is a service matter, the deputy's question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
