Written Answers Nos. 2048-2066
2048. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health the person or body that retains the legal rights to transcripts, standard operating procedures and any other intellectual property developed in the course of the Covid-19 tracker application or app programme. [19685/21]
View answerI am advised that the Health Service Executive (HSE) holds the copyright to the software. The code and supporting documentation was 'open sourced' so that other publicly funded healthcare organisations could benefit from the work done in Ireland. Based on this decision other public health authorities such as the health service in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Gibraltar, Jersey, New Zealand and the US states of New Your, New Jersey and others, were able to tailor this code to provide a covid tracker app for their populations. The release of the source code and associated development material under an Open Source licence enabled use without restriction. Open sourcing the code also helped build trust with people here in Ireland as it provided transparency about what the app was doing and how it was managing data, thus encouraging high take up rates. The COVID Tracker App is a valuable digital tool that can be utilised by the public in Ireland to help in the fight against the spread of COVID-19.
The licence information is publicly available and can be found at the following links, together with the associated documentation and the source code:
https://github.com/hseireland
http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/
http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0
2049. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health the status of the approval of the FreeStyle Libre device for diabetic patients who are medical card holders [19686/21]
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.
2050. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health when the FreeStyle Libre device will be available to all people with type 1 diabetics. [19690/21]
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.
2052. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting surgery, by speciality, and length of time spent on a waiting list, by monthly periods, in each of the years 2018 to 2020, inclusive, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19692/21]
View answerIt is recognised that waiting times for scheduled appointments and procedures have been impacted in the last year as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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. The HSE continues to optimise productivity through alternative work practices such as the use of alternative settings including private hospitals, community facilities and alternative outpatient settings.
On 23 March the HSE published the “Safe Return to Health Services Plan”. This plan outlines a three phased plan for the proposed restoration of services across Community Services, Acute Hospital Operations, Cancer Services and Screening Services. It sets target times for their safe return and details the conditions and challenges that will have to be met.
Every phase of the plan has been informed by clinical guidance and putting patient and staff safety first.
Decisions in relation to the type and volume of activity will be made at site level based on local COVID-19 numbers, available capacity and guidance from national clinical leads.
The schedule outlined in the plan for resumption of services will be regularly monitored by the HSE and updated as appropriate, dependant on public health advice and healthcare capacity.
The work of the HSE to improve access to elective care and reduce waiting times for patients is supported by the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF). This includes increased use of private hospitals, funding weekend and evening work in public hospitals, funding “see and treat” services where minor procedures are provided at the same time as outpatient consultations, funding hybrid services where public and private hospitals contribute to the treatment of patients, virtual clinics and clinical validation.
€240 million has been provided in Budget 2021 for an access to care fund, €210m of which has been allocated to the HSE and a further €30m to the National Treatment Purchase Fund. This will be used to fund additional capacity to address the shortfall arising as a result of measures taken in the context of COVID-19, as well as to address waiting lists.
The data requested by the Deputy is outlined in the attached documents. This information is also available on the NTPF website at: https://www.ntpf.ie/home/nwld.htm
2053. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the breakdown of capital project funding applied for each year since 2015 inclusive, by hospital groups; the details and general summary of the project; the stage each project has reached; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19693/21]
View answer2054. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the breakdown of capital project funding applied for each year since 2015 inclusive, by hospital and hospital groups of the HSE estate; the details and general summary of the projects; the stage each project has reached; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19694/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 2053 and 2054 together.
As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
2055. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health when his Department will issue guidance, in conjunction with the National Public Health Emergency Team, NPHET, on the reopening date for mobile home parks. [19695/21]
View answer2319. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health his plans to reopen holiday caravan parks and camping sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20577/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 2055 and 2319 together.
Level 5 restrictive measures currently remain in place. Any measures introduced at any level of the Plan are aimed at limiting the spread and damage of COVID-19 and are necessary to protect our key priorities of supporting and maintaining health and social care services, keeping education and childcare services open and protecting the most vulnerable members of our communities.
The Government announced a slight easing of restrictions from 12 April in recognition of the significant impact that the extended period of Level 5 restrictions is having on people. The focus of this easing of measures is on enabling more outdoor activities in order to improve the health and wellbeing of society. The situation will be subject to ongoing review taking account of the evolving epidemiological situation, the impact of the reopening of priority services, and available evidence in relation to vaccine deployment, uptake and effectiveness. The NPHET and the Government will consider the position again at the end of this month and it is anticipated that a roadmap for the further easing of measures over the coming months will be agreed.
Significant progress has been made on suppressing the virus due to the huge effort of our citizens. By working together, we have saved lives and limited the impact of the disease on society in Ireland. We all must continue to do everything possible to avoid the virus spreading.
2056. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the locations at which there are paediatric anaesthetists employed, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19696/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
2057. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the locations at which an MRI machine is available, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19697/21]
View answerIn relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy, as soon as possible.
2058. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of dietitian posts approved, filled and vacant for mental health services in the south east; the length of each vacancy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19698/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
2059. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if mental health service patients will have access to a dietitian at the primary care unit in Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19699/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
2062. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Health when the legal mechanism allowing for mandatory hotel quarantine is due to expire; the issues that will be considered when it expires; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19708/21]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Health (Amendment) Act 2021 amended the Health Act 1947 to provide for a system of mandatory quarantine at designated facilities.
This system of mandatory quarantine was established as a proportionate and carefully balanced public health measure, in order to address the risk posed by travel from states where there is known to be sustained human transmission of Covid-19 or any variant of concern, or from which there is a high risk of importation of infection or contamination with Covid-19 or any variant of concern. It is a temporary public health measure which is necessary to protect the public, our health system and our vaccination programme.
The Act is available online at the following link: http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2021/act/1/enacted/en/html
Section 9 of the Health (Amendment) Act 2021 sets out detail on the commencement and operation of the Act’s provisions dealing with mandatory quarantine. It provides that the relevant provisions may apply for the period of 3 months commencing on the day following the passing of the Act, subject to the possibility of extension by resolution passed by each House of the Oireachtas. Any such extension or extensions may not exceed a period of 3 months.
As such, the period of operation of the provisions of the Act dealing with mandatory quarantine will come to an end on 7 June 2021, unless resolutions are passed by each House of the Oireachtas prior to that date to extend its operation.
2063. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health if support teams can travel with their elite athletes from the United States of America; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19713/21]
View answerS.I. 181/2021 provides an exemption for persons holding a valid Sport Ireland certification from entering mandatory hotel quarantine upon arrival to Ireland.
S.I. 135 /2021 sets out a partial exemption from mandatory home quarantine for a specified list of ‘necessary persons’ engaged in a sporting event organised by Sport Ireland, including but not limited to athletes, coaches, medical personnel, and broadcasters. These travellers can exit home quarantine for the period strictly necessary attend the event or engage in training for the event.
2064. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the whole-time equivalent approved posts for consultant anaesthetists at each location; the number filled and vacant; the basis on which they are filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19719/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy, as soon as possible.
2065. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Health the number vaccinated in a mass vaccine centre (details supplied); the number of cancellations; the number of no-shows within each group in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19720/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
2066. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Health the measures in place in community healthcare organisation, CHO, 2 to ensure operational management and customer experience are improved (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19721/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
