Written Answers Nos. 576-595
576. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 538 of 17 December 2020, if HSE community healthcare west has signed a lease for an alcohol treatment centre in Galway and will begin taking clients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22913/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
577. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22917/21]
View answerI have taken the allegations made in recent media reports including the RTÉ Investigates broadcast of 26th March extremely seriously.
The Report of the Department of Health team, set up to establish the facts in respect of specific allegations by RTÉ Primetime Investigates Programme, was published on 21st April. This report deals with each of the allegations made in the programme and related articles on the website.
The Minister of State for Disability was provided with a copy of the independent, expert review by an external Senior Counsel which was conducted under the provisions of the Protected Disclosures Act 2014 on 26th March 2021.
The Department of Health has appointed an Independent Support Liaison Officer to engage directly with the 29 families involved in open Special Educational Needs litigation related to these allegations. These families are being contacted through the solicitor on file offering the opportunity to engage directly with the Independent Support Liaison Officer.
578. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health if he will approve the inclusion of intractable epilepsy in cohort 4 for the Covid-19 vaccine; if it will be made a priority illness for receiving the Covid-19 vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22922/21]
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.
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.
On the 30th of March, the Government approved a further update to the COVID-19 Vaccination Allocation Strategy. Based on clinical, scientific and ethical frameworks produced by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee and my Department, following the vaccination of those most at risk, future groups will be vaccinated by age, in cohorts of 10 years (i.e., 64-55; 54-45, etc.).
The move to an age-based model better supports the programme objectives by:
- protecting those at highest risk of severe disease first, which benefits everyone most;
- facilitating planning and execution of the programme across the entire country;
- improving transparency and fairness.
Further details are available here: https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/93f8f-minister-donnelly-announces-update-to-irelands-vaccination-prioritisation-list/.
579. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the reason consideration is being given to opening hotels and guesthouses ahead of pubs; and the reason hotel bars and restaurants are deemed safer than traditional pubs. [22924/21]
View answerThere has been considerable progress in reducing infection levels since the peak of the wave of infection in late 2020/early 2021 because of the widespread commitment and adherence by the public to the public health measures in place. While there is still a high level of infection nationally, the situation is considered reasonably stable and significant progress is being made in relation to the roll-out of our vaccination programme.
In recognition of the improving situation, the Government announced a roadmap on the 29 April for the gradual lifting of some restrictions over the next two months, with a particular focus on allowing more outdoor activities. A range of measures will be eased in May, with a further easing of measures in June subject to the epidemiological situation at the time.
It is important to note that while there is now scope to ease public health measures, the approach must continue to be cautious, gradual and on a phased basis, with sufficient time between any easing of measures to assess the impact. This will be critical to ensuring the protection of the gains of recent months, the protection of those most vulnerable, and the protection of health and social care, education, and childcare services.
As part of the plans announced by Government last week, a phased reopening of the hospitality sector is envisaged. From 2 June, accommodation services can reopen and from 7 June outdoor services in restaurants and bars can resume. The resumption of indoor hospitality more broadly will be considered at the end of June. As set out above, there is still a high level of infection nationally, therefore this phased approach is recommended to ensure that reopening is sustainable.
It is important to note that indoor restaurant and bar services within hotels and other accommodation facilities must be restricted to overnight guests/residents only. This is currently the case for those staying in these facilities for essential purposes and is also in line with previous practice for these facilities during periods of Level 3 restrictions.
Significant progress has been made on suppressing the virus over recent months due to the huge effort of people across the country. 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 continue to avoid the virus spreading and to support the safe reopening of activities over the coming months.
580. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health if supports, financial or otherwise, have been put in place for persons who had side effects from the swine flu vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22931/21]
View answerThe State Claims Agency (SCA) has a statutory remit to manage personal injury claims on behalf of Delegated State Authorities including the Health Service Executive. The management of cases taken by persons who allege they developed Narcolepsy and/or Cataplexy as a result of receiving the H1N1 vaccine, Pandemrix, is delegated to SCA and, as such, the Government has no role in determining how these cases are conducted. I understand that it is the Agency’s preference to resolve claims using mediation where possible and that that has been offered in these cases.
Separately, an Expert Group was established by the Government in June 2018, chaired by Mr Justice Charles Meenan, to examine the law in relation to personal injuries arising in the healthcare context and to explore alternative mechanisms by which claims could be managed more effectively, particularly from the perspective of the person on whose behalf a claim has been made. Government noted the contents of the Final Report and agreed to its publication on 16 December 2020. The Report contains seventeen recommendations for change, eleven of which relate to the Department of Health. My Department is currently considering these recommendations.
Since 2012, the HSE, the Department of Education and Skills, the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, and my Department have worked together to provide a wide range of services and supports for those affected. The HSE’s Advocacy Unit acts as liaison with service and support providers and other Government Departments to facilitate access to required services. Regional co-ordinators have been appointed to assist individuals by providing advice, information and access to local services.
The ex-gratia health supports include:
- clinical care pathways to ensure access to diagnosis and treatment;
- multi-disciplinary assessments led by clinical experts;
- counselling services for both the individuals and their families;
- discretionary medical cards for those who have been diagnosed;
- physiotherapy and occupational therapy assessments.
Treatment and individual medical needs are reassessed over time to take account of changes in their condition or circumstances.
In conjunction with the above, a centre of excellence for narcolepsy (based in St. James’s Hospital) for treating all forms of narcolepsy in adults as well as children transitioning from paediatric services has been in development. A sleep lab is now complete at this facility, with equipment installed and commissioned. Additional sleep technicians have also been recruited. The sleep lab completed its first sleep studies in July 2019. Sleep studies are now continuing on a regular basis. A consultant neurologist with specialist interest in sleep medicine and two consultant respiratory physicians with specialist interest in sleep medicine have been appointed. They have all commenced their full-time positions and are seeing narcolepsy-related referrals in the clinic. A dietician also joined the service as part of its multidisciplinary team.
581. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health if he will approve the ageing out of residents at a facility (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22932/21]
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.
582. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of HSE staff in the Louth Meath mental health services that provide dialectical behaviour therapy; the number of persons waiting for same; the waiting list for County Meath; his plans to reduce the waiting list for those in need of the therapy urgently such as a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22941/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
583. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of HSE staff that provide dialectical behavioural therapy in each mental health service nationally; the number of persons waiting in each county; the waiting time by county; his plans to reduce the waiting list nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22942/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
584. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if a version of a vaccine (details supplied) will be considered and accepted as a valid and viable vaccine by the National Immunisation Advisory Council and the European Medicines Agency; if it will be considered in the plans to accept returning vaccinated persons as restrictions are lifted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22943/21]
View answerIreland supports the EU Procurement Process, the purpose of which is to secure safe and efficacious vaccines for EU citizens.
Covid 19 vaccines can only be approved and used if they comply with all the requirements of quality, safety and efficacy set out in the EU pharmaceutical legislation. No vaccine will be used until Market authorisation from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) is obtained and any authorised vaccine will be subject to ongoing monitoring in Ireland by the Health Product Regulatory Authority (HPRA).
The delivery of vaccines under APAs that the Commission has negotiated on behalf of Member States are predicated upon a CMA being obtained from the Commission (on the basis of a positive recommendation being awarded by the EMA).
The awarding of a CMA provides a high level of assurance that a vaccine has undergone rigorous testing and has met the requirements of the independent regulatory process as regards demonstrating its safety and efficacy.
The AstraZeneca Covishield ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 Recombinant is not currently approved for use in Ireland.
585. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if he will address matters raised in correspondence (details supplied) regarding the reopening of society and outdoor dining; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22944/21]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Government announced a roadmap on the 29 April for the gradual lifting of some restrictions over the next two months, with a particular focus on allowing more outdoor activities. A range of measures will be eased in May, with a further easing of measures in June subject to the epidemiological situation at the time. Under this roadmap, it is envisaged that outdoor hospitality will recommence from the 7 June.
The specific matters raised in this correspondence to the Deputy are not a matter for the Department of Health. I understand that the use of street furniture and permission to use space adjacent to a business premises is a matter for the Local Authorities under regulation of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (Section 254). I also understand that my colleague, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, has recently made three sets of planning regulations with effect from 30 April 2021, to facilitate outdoor dining. These new planning regulations are part of a wider package of measures, including the Outdoor Dining Enhancement Grant Scheme recently announced by the Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, which are aimed at supporting businesses, particularly in the restaurant, hospitality and wider tourism sectors, in adapting new approaches to facilitate economic recovery, and increased vibrancy and commercial activity in urban areas as Covid restrictions are eased.
586. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Health if exceptions will be made in the case of access to medical doctors under the mandatory hotel quarantine to be seen as an essential service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22948/21]
View answerMandatory hotel quarantine has been introduced as one element of Ireland’s public health measures to combat the transmission of COVID-19 variants of concern.
The Health Act 1947, as amended, provides that all persons arriving in Ireland from a designated state, or having travelled through a designated state in the previous 14 days, are required to undergo mandatory quarantine in a designated facility unless they are an exempted traveller under the Act. All applicable travellers must reserve and pay for a place in mandatory hotel quarantine.
The Health (Amendment) Act 2021 identifies those who are exempt from mandatory hotel quarantine and a full list of exemptions can be accessed on gov.ie/quarantine.
The provisions of the Act also allow for travellers to request a review of decisions relating to their quarantine; however this can only be undertaken once quarantine has begun.
The Government continues to evaluate wider policy on international travel as informed by the epidemiological situation and public health advice, including the possibility of future exemptions, such as for certain categories of essential workers. Public health will remain a paramount consideration.
As of 17th April, passengers who are fully vaccinated and have the documents to confirm this are no longer required to complete mandatory hotel quarantine on arrival in Ireland. Dependents, including children, will also be exempted from the requirement to complete mandatory hotel quarantine in this instance. Please note that the 4 EMA approved vaccines currently accepted have specific definitions for when a person would be considered 'fully vaccinated'.
Passengers who are fully vaccinated and exempt from hotel quarantine are still subject to other travel restrictions, such as the need to provide a negative pre-departure PCR test and complete a period of self-quarantine at home or wherever specified in their passenger locator form.
Covid 19 vaccines can only be approved and used if they comply with all the requirements of quality, safety and efficacy set out in the EU pharmaceutical legislation. No vaccine will be used until Market Authorisation from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) is obtained and any authorised vaccine will be subject to ongoing monitoring in Ireland by the Health Product Regulatory Authority (HPRA).
Neither I as Minister for Health nor my Department have a role in decisions relating to whether individual persons must enter mandatory quarantine or whether individual persons are exempted travellers. All such decisions are to be determined in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
Further information can be accessed on www.gov.ie/quarantine.
587. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the percentage of persons over 80 years of age who have been given the first and second vaccine in the Covid-19 vaccination programme. [22954/21]
View answer588. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the percentage of persons over 70 year of age who have been given the first and second vaccine in the Covid-19 vaccination programme. [22955/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 587 and 588 together.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
589. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the number of students that received the HPV vaccine by county in 2020 and to date in 2021. [22965/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
590. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the number of primary care centres completed, opened and staffed since 2016; the details of such centres; and the dates they were opened. [22966/21]
View answerAs the HSE has responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres and other Primary Care facilities, the Executive has been asked to reply directly to the Deputy.
591. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the amount the CervicalCheck Tribunal has cost to date. [22967/21]
View answerThe CervicalCheck Tribunal is based in the Infinity Building in Smithfield in office space that has been fitted out to meet the Tribunal’s requirements including:
- Three hearing rooms
- A counter and reception area
- Consultation rooms and a larger meeting room that can be used by claimants and their legal representatives
- Comfortable private rooms for use by claimants when they are not in hearings.
- Offices for Tribunal staff
- Chambers for the Tribunal Members
The amount expended on the fit out for the Tribunal by the Office of Public Works (OPW) to date is €1,627,645. This includes construction fit-out costs, consultants fees, vat and per cent for art allowance. As this was a ‘first use’ fit out, a significant portion of this expenditure would have been required irrespective of the usage to which the accommodation was put.
The building occupied by the Tribunal is leased by the OPW on a long-term basis. A pro-rata allocation of the leasehold cost entails a spend of €303,144 per annum to provide accommodation for the Tribunal. A further €112,315 per annum is spent on service charges.
The amount paid by my department in respect of the set up and operation of the Tribunal to the end of March 2021 is €246,587. This amount is provisional and includes one off set up costs that are in addition to the fit out costs referred to above, as well as ongoing costs for the operation of the Tribunal. The CervicalCheck Tribunal Act 2019 (the 2019 Act) requires the Tribunal to submit a report to me in respect of its activities during each financial year. This report must include particulars of its accounts. Under the 2019 Act I am required to determine the remuneration of Tribunal Members other than those who are serving judges of the Superior Courts. I can confirm that the ordinary member of the Tribunal who is a retired judge of the Court of Appeal is paid at the rate of remuneration currently applicable to a judge of that Court. The cost of staffing the Tribunal to the end of March 2021, including both set up and operational costs post establishment, has been €277,176. This figure includes employer’s PRSI.
592. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health if minimum unit pricing on alcohol sales will come into place in 2021. [22969/21]
View answerOn 4 May the Government agreed to revise the standing 2013 Decision and to allow for the introduction of minimum unit pricing here without its simultaneous introduction in Northern Ireland. On the basis of that revised Decision it is my intention to commence section 11 of Public Health (Alcohol) Act and to provide that it will come into operation in early January 2022.
593. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the number of persons under 50 years of age who have had a laboratory confirmed case of Covid-19 since the pandemic began. [22970/21]
View answerData on the number of confirmed cases by age is published by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre, (HPSC), I have asked the Health Service Executive to refer to the HPSC and to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
594. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the reason a job advertisement for a position is confined to internal candidates (details supplied) and no candidates with relevant experience from outside are eligible to apply; his views on whether this is in the best interest of the health service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22974/21]
View answerI have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
595. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Health the overall expenditure on PCR testing to date; if he will itemise the breakdowns in total payment to the entities supplying PCR test kits and or laboratory services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22975/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
