Written Answers Nos. 932-956
932. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health if issues raised in a High Court action by a person (details supplied) regarding failures in the north-east regional colposcopy service at Louth County Hospital have been reviewed, investigated and rectified; the way in which and when this was carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13303/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly as soon as possible.
933. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health the status of nursing and consultant posts approved by the HSE in 2018 for the operation of the Women’s Health in Epilepsy programme and the implementation of the mandatory pregnancy prevention programme for women who are prescribed sodium valproate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13311/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
934. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health if the number of women of childbearing potential in Ireland currently taking the drug sodium valproate is known; if there has been a reduction in the number since the restrictions placed on the licensing of the drug in 2018; the number of patients that are engaged with the prevent pregnancy prevention programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13312/21]
View answerAs this information is not held by the Department, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
935. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken to improve the ambulance service in Connemara, particularly in the more remote areas of west and north Connemara; the effect of the improvements to date on the waiting times for ambulances, particularly in acute cases; if it is planned to locate a new base in a central location in Connemara (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13315/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
936. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if a dental appointment will be expedited for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13317/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
937. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health if medical assessments are due to recommence for primary medical certificate applicants; if so, the date of commencement; the current situation in relation to the issuing of primary medical certificates to those who qualify; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13318/21]
View answerThe Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme is underpinned by statute and comes under the remit of the Department of Finance and the Revenue Commissioners.
The extent of the involvement of Health Service Executive (HSE) personnel in the Scheme relates to making a professional clinical determination as to whether an individual applicant meets the specified medical criteria for a Primary Medical Certificate, which is a requirement for the Scheme. This determination is undertaken by Community Medical Doctors for the relevant HSE Community Health Organisation on behalf of the Department of Finance and the Revenue Commissioners.
The Deputy may be aware that following a Supreme Court decision of June 2020, the assessment process for Primary Medical Certificates was suspended at the request of the Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe T.D.. Following the approval of the Finance Act 2020 which provides for the medical criteria in primary legislation, the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, T.D., issued an instruction to the Chief Executive Officer of the HSE to the effect that Primary Medical Certificate assessments can recommence with effect from 1st January, 2021.
In the context of the national effort to suppress and manage the impact of COVID, the ability to hold assessments is impacted by, among other things, the public health restrictions in place and the role of the HSE Medical Officers in the roll out of the COVID vaccination programme. The HSE has confirmed that the Community Medical Doctors and their teams are predominately deployed to the COVID vaccination rollout in residential care facilities and other health care settings.
I have been informed that the HSE is considering the matter of Primary Medical Certificate assessments in the context of their revision of the HSE Recovery and Restoration Plan, taking into account the pressures and challenges to the health services presented by COVID.
938. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to problems experienced by persons in County Louth, particularly in Dundalk, in getting onto general practitioner lists both as public and private patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13327/21]
View answerWhere a medical card or GP visit card holder experiences difficulty in finding a GP to accept him/her as a patient, the HSE has the power to assign that person to a GP's GMS patient list where the person has unsuccessfully applied to at least three GPs in the area who hold GMS contracts (or fewer GPs if there are fewer GPs in the area).
People who do not hold a medical card or GP visit card access GP services on a private basis and can make enquiries directly to any GP practice they wish to register with. As private contractors, it is a matter for each individual GP to decide whether to accept additional private patients. Where a GP practice has a full list of patients and cannot take on new patients, patients should contact other GP practices in the surrounding areas.
The Government is aware of the workforce issues currently facing general practice, including the limited access to GP services in certain areas, and has implemented a number of measures to improve recruitment and retention in general practice.
These measures include an increase in investment in general practice by approximately 40% (€210 million) between 2019 and 2023 under the terms of the 2019 GMS GP Agreement GP. The Agreement provides for increased support for GPs working in rural practices and for those in disadvantaged urban areas, and for improvements to maternity and paternity leave arrangements. In addition, the number of GPs entering training has been increased steadily over the past ten years, rising from 120 in 2009 to 214 in 2020, with a further increase foreseen in 2021. The ICGP noted a record number of applications for the 2021 GP training programme.
These measures will see an increase in the number of GPs working in the State, improving access to GP services for patients throughout the country.
939. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the priority group in which carers for children with cancer will be included for the vaccination against Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13343/21]
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: 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.
Further details are available at the following link: https://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.
940. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health when carers for children with cancer can expect to be vaccinated against Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13344/21]
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: 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.
Vaccination of those aged 70 and older (in the following order: 85 and older, 80-84, 75-79, and 70-74) 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.
In relation to the categories of very high risk and high risk conditions, this list is not exhaustive. It may also include people who have been classed as at very high risk, based on clinical judgement and an assessment of need. It is recommended that people discuss this with their treating physician who is in the best position to give appropriate advice.
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:
https://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.
941. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if persons aged 16 to 64 years of age with haematological cancers will be reprioritised within the Covid-19 vaccination strategy and moved to cohort 4 alongside others whose illness puts them at high risk of severe disease if they contract the virus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13345/21]
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 : 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.
Vaccination of those aged 70 and older (in the following order: 85 and older, 80-84, 75-79, and 70-74) 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:
https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/b44b2-minister-donnelly-announces-update-to-vaccine-allocation-strategy/
In relation to the categories of very high risk and high risk conditions, this list is not exhaustive. It may also include people who have been classed as at very high risk, based on clinical judgement and an assessment of need. It is recommended that the individuals concerned discuss this with their treating physician who is in the best position to give appropriate advice.
942. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if the recommendations regarding sodium valproate made by the Oireachtas Committee on Health of the 32nd Dáil (details supplied) have been fully implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13350/21]
View answerValproate-containing medicines (also known as sodium valproate or valproic acid) are approved in Ireland under the brand name Epilim, for the treatment of epilepsy and bipolar disorder. Based on the totality of available scientific data on this drug, it is known that children exposed in utero are at a high risk of serious developmental disorders (in up to 30-40% of cases) and congenital malformations (in approximately 10% of cases).
To prevent exposure during pregnancy, there is a robust regulatory framework for the licensed use of Epilim in women of childbearing potential. This regulatory framework was strengthened following participation by the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) in two EU-wide reviews in 2014 and 2017.
After the European Medicines Agency (EMA) issued new recommendations on the use of sodium valproate in early 2018, the HPRA collaborated with national stakeholders, including patient representatives and healthcare professionals, to implement the new valproate risk-minimisation measures in Ireland. These measures included changes to the product information for patients and healthcare professionals; a visual warning on the packaging of valproate medicines; updated educational materials to reflect the new measures and provide age-appropriate advice; and a patient alert card to be attached to the packaging so that pharmacists can go through it with the patient when valproate is dispensed.
To support the actions taken by the HPRA, the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland directed pharmacists that they must inform women of child-bearing age of the potential risk of abnormal pregnancy outcomes when supplying any medicine containing valproate. This includes providing counselling and including a Package Leaflet and Alert Card with each supply of these medicines.
To address the more operational aspects of this issue, a HSE Valproate Response Project was established in May 2018 under the remit of the HSE Office of the Chief Clinical Officer. The Project Team was able to provide expert support to individuals and families with concerns about previous exposure to valproate and the possible impact on their children. The HSE team has also worked to improve the structures in place to support families affected by foetal valproate syndrome. A specialist dedicated genetics clinic has been established in Our Lady’s Hospital, Crumlin, to support diagnosis, and the HSE is working to improve access to genetic testing.
The HSE’s medium- to long-term response to the valproate issue is focused on the establishment of a Programme for Women’s Health in Epilepsy within one of the Regional Epilepsy Centres, which will coordinate this national response. This means that all women taking valproate will have yearly follow-up, sign a valproate agreement form, be kept up-to-date with developments and signposted to other services, including the diagnostic service for those potentially exposed during pregnancy.
943. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if a register is currently operational to record persons that are prescribed the drug sodium valproate during pregnancy; if a register is currently operational to record persons affected by foetal anticonvulsant syndrome; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13351/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
944. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who died by suicide in each of the years 2017 to 2020, by CHO area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13354/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the deputy as soon as possible.
945. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the CHO areas in which attendees at day services are being charged for transport costs; the number of persons being charged; the estimated costs charged and revenue raised each month; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13356/21]
View answerThe Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
946. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health if CAMHS and the mental health services of the HSE in County Clare have psychologists, counsellors and dieticians specifically trained to support adolescents and teenagers that are battling with eating disorders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13357/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the deputy as soon as possible.
947. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Health when he plans to extend free general practitioner care to six and seven year olds as envisaged under the Health (General Practitioner Service and Alteration of Criteria for Eligibility) Bill 2020; if children who are now turning six years of age and are becoming ineligible for the scheme will become eligible once the scheme is extended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13386/21]
View answerThe Government is committed to increasing access to GP care without charges for children, an important healthcare measure that will remove a potentially prohibitive cost barrier to accessing GP care and will help to improve children’s health as they develop. At present all children under six years of age are eligible for a GP visit card and therefore GP care without charges.The Health (General Practitioner Service and Alteration of Criteria for Eligibility) Act 2020 provides, amongst other things, for the phased expansion of GP care without fees to all children aged 12 years and under. The initial stage of this phased expansion will be the provision of GP care without fees to all children aged between 6 and 8.The appropriate date for commencing the expansion remains under consideration in light of COVID-19 and the additional pressures the expansion might place on general practice in that context. This date will be determined following consultation with the IMO. It is important to ensure that any additional pressures placed on general practice will not limit its capacity to meet the needs of all patients in the community.
948. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health if all necessary remedial works have been completed at the group home for persons with physical and sensory disabilities at Drummond Otra, Carrickmacross, County Monaghan; the date this home will be operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13388/21]
View answerThe Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
949. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if additional home help hours will be provided for persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13392/21]
View answerAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
950. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health the number of respite beds in each of the community hospitals in County Kerry available for convalescence and the elderly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13394/21]
View answerAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
952. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health the future planned ownership, governance and control of the new national maternity hospital; the roles religious orders will play; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13411/21]
View answerFirstly, I should explain that the corporate and clinical governance arrangements for the new National Maternity Hospital (NMH).are set out in the Mulvey Agreement, which was finalised following an extensive mediation process between the NMH and the St Vincent’s Healthcare Group (SVHG). The Mulvey Agreement provides for the establishment of a new company - National Maternity Hospital at Elm Park DAC - which will have clinical and operational, as well as financial and budgetary independence in the provision of maternity, gynaecology and neonatal services.
My Department and the HSE have had very significant engagement with NMH and SVHG to agree a legal framework, the overall objective of which is to ensure that the new hospital will remain in State ownership, and that health services at the hospital will be provided without religious, ethnic or other distinction or ethos. While the development of the legal framework has proved to be more protracted than originally anticipated, I am hopeful that discussions will be concluded, and the drafting of the legal documents finalised, in the coming weeks. Once finalised, I will bring the legal framework to Government for approval.
The Deputy can be assured that the Religious Sisters of Charity will not play any role in the governance or operation of the new NMH. In that regard, in May 2017, the Sisters announced their decision to end their involvement and relinquish their shareholding in SVHG. Since then, the Sisters have resigned from the SVHG Board and have secured the approval of the Vatican to the proposed transfer of their shareholding to a new company, St Vincent’s Holdings CLG . It is understood that SVHG has completed all regulatory and legal documentation to facilitate the share transfer. However, under the terms of their Service Level Agreement, SVHG requires the consent of the HSE to the share transfer. I understand that the HSE and SVHG are currently engaging in relation to this matter.
953. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Health if there are plans to include indoor and outdoor play centres in level 3 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13414/21]
View answerAs you will be 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 23rd February, 2021, the Government published it's updated plan for managing Covid-19 - COVID-19 Resilience & Recovery 2021: The Path Ahead. This three part plan reviews the learnings from our experience to date, considers the enormous impacts our efforts to manage and suppress the disease have had on our economy and on our society and sets out a cautious and measured approach to the easing of restrictions over the coming months.
The public health measures in place at any level of the Plan 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.
Under the current public health measures at level 5 no indoor or outdoor exercise group activities, including those involving children, should take place. Further information is available here - https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/2dc71-level-5/#exercise-and-sporting-events
Information on numbers for indoor and outdoor gatherings for every level of the Plan is available at the following link - https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/resilience-recovery-2020-2021-plan-for-living-with-covid-19/
955. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the parameters that are required to trigger the movement from level 5 to 4 of the Covid-19 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13431/21]
View answerAs has been the case throughout this pandemic, the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) considers a range of different indicators of disease and compliance, and considers those indicators in context, when making its recommendations to Government. There is not one indicator or one specific number which signals that it is safe to ease restrictions, and this will continue to be the case in the coming weeks and months.
The Government's updated plan for managing COVID-19, The Path Ahead, states that the “situation will be subject to ongoing review taking account of the evolving epidemiological situation and available evidence in relation to vaccine deployment, uptake and effectiveness”. The document states that the focus of assessment, based on public health advice, will be on achieving much lower levels of disease prevalence (case numbers/incidence) that can be managed and controlled by public health; that the R number is such that we can be confident we can continue to suppress the disease (e.g. at or below 1); low levels of hospital and critical care occupancy allowing the safe resumption of non-Covid care; ongoing and steady progress with the vaccine rollout such that the most vulnerable are protected and emerging information regarding variants of concern.
The Path Ahead is available online: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/c4876-covid-19-resilience-and-recovery-2021-the-path-ahead/
956. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health the number of residents in each county that have received their first and second vaccination against Covid-19, respectively in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13434/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
