Written Answers Nos. 229-247
229. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of immunocompromised patients vaccinated to date; and his views on whether this is a sufficient number to ensure the safety of this vulnerable group prior to the easing of restrictions. [24778/21]
View answerIreland’s COVID-19 vaccination programme strategy is to distribute all available vaccine as quickly as is operationally possible, prioritising those who are most vulnerable to COVID-19.
The programme is based on the principles of safety, effectiveness and fairness, with the objective of reducing severe illness, hospitalisations and deaths from COVID-19 infection.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
230. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health his plans to introduce minimum unit pricing prior to the north; and the reason for moving away from an all-island approach to this policy. [24779/21]
View answerThe 2013 Government Decision which envisaged that minimum unit pricing of alcohol products would be introduced in Northern Ireland and in the Republic simultaneously was revised by Government on 4 May 2021 at my request. I look forward to the implementation of this important public health measure to reduce the disease, disability and death associated with the harmful use of alcohol.
231. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the rationale for differentiating between pensioners under 70 and those over 70 years of age for medical card eligibility. [24811/21]
View answerMedical Card provision is primarily based on financial assessment. In accordance with the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE. The HSE assesses each application on a qualifying financial threshold. This is the amount of money that an individual can earn a week and still qualify for a card. It is specific to the individual’s own financial circumstances. The HSE conducts a financial assessment based on an applicant’s household income after tax; PRSI and the Universal Social Charge (USC) have been deducted. Certain expenses are also taken into account.
Regarding persons aged 70 or older, the medical card assessment is based on gross income. This assessment process was introduced following the enactment of the Health Act 2008 which gave effect to Government decisions to end automatic entitlement to a medical card, irrespective of income, for people aged 70 years and over. The new gross income arrangements provided for the vast majority of people aged 70 years and over to continue to hold medical cards under the new income thresholds. The weekly gross income thresholds for eligibility to a medical card for those aged 70 and over were recently increased in November 2020 and are currently €550 per week for a single person and €1050 for a couple.
It should also be noted that persons aged 70 or older may also have their eligibility assessed under the general means tested medical card scheme in the event that they face particularly high expenses, e.g. nursing home or medication costs.
232. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the reason a person who has retired after being on disability allowance loses their eligibility for a medical card. [24812/21]
View answer233. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if a review will be carried in relation to the case of a person (details supplied) who was on disability allowance until being transferred to a pension subsequently losing their eligibility for the medical card. [24813/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 232 and 233 together.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
234. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health the number of persons that have completed their mandatory hotel quarantine in a designated facility to date; the number of persons that pre-booked and pre-paid for their quarantine; the number of persons that pre-booked but did not prepay for quarantine; the number of walk-ins arriving without pre-booking quarantine; the total number requiring mandatory hotel quarantine; the number of these persons that have paid in full the costs of their stay in a quarantine facility; the number of persons that have sought a waiver of quarantine costs; the number that have sought a deferral of quarantine costs; the number of persons that have yet to pay their full costs for their stay in a quarantine facility, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24815/21]
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 Act identifies those who are exempt from mandatory hotel quarantine and a full list of exemptions can be accessed on gov.ie/quarantine.
The following table provides the statistics currently available.
|
Number of Persons that have completed their Mandatory Hotel Quarantine |
2,310 people have completed their Mandatory Hotel Quarantine. |
|
Number of Persons that pre-booked and pre-paid for their quarantine |
In the last 7 days, 86% have pre-booked their stay in Mandatory Hotel Quarantine. |
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Number of Persons that pre-booked but did not pre-pay for quarantine |
This information is not currently available. |
|
The Number of Walk-ins arriving without pre-booking quarantine |
624 people did not have a pre-booking. |
|
The total number requiring mandatory hotel quarantine |
976 people are currently in Mandatory Hotel Quarantine, and 2,310 have completed Mandatory Quarantine. |
|
The Number of these Persons that have paid in full the costs of their stay in a quarantine facility |
This information is not currently available. |
|
The number of Persons that have sought a waiver of quarantine costs |
This information is not currently available. |
|
The Number that have sought a deferral of quarantine costs |
121 Deferral of Payment Certificates have been issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs. |
|
The Number of Persons that have yet to pay their full costs for their stay in a quarantine facility |
This information is not currently available. |
235. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to address the ongoing pattern of significant drops in the number of vaccines administered over each weekend; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24823/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
236. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the status of the work of the women’s health taskforce; the work carried out since its establishment; the priorities for 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24824/21]
View answerThe Women’s Health Taskforce was established in September 2019 with the aim of improving women’s health outcomes and experiences of healthcare. The members of the Taskforce meet regularly, with its tenth meeting held on April 14th 2021 and with regular updates provided through a dedicated webpage on the Department of Health’s website at gov.ie/en/campaigns/-Womens-Health/
Budget 2021 has provided a dedicated €5 million ‘Women’s Health Fund’ to progress a programme of actions arising from the work of the Women’s Health Taskforce. This funding complements the additional significant investment delivered across women’s health services in Budget 2021, including €12 million investment in delivering the National Maternity Strategy and improving gynaecology and fertility services and €10 million investment in Screening Services including Breast Check and Cervical Check.
The Taskforce has listened to, engaged with and worked with more than 1,000 individuals, and organisations representing women and girls across the country. Based on this consultation, and review of the evidence, the Taskforce has developed proposals to improve supports for gynaecological health, engagement with physical activity, supports for menopause and mental health. In 2021, the €5m Women’s Health Fund will deliver a programme of actions arising from this work, along with, including improving mental health supports for women and girls. A national awareness and education campaign will also be delivered to provide a trusted source of information and help normalise discussions about women’s health.
Following confirmation of the fund, discussions with the Department and the HSE took place to identify activity under the proposals which could implemented in 2021 and funded through the Women’s Health Fund. In April 2021, the first two areas to be funded under this fund were announced:
- Two community-based Ambulatory Gynaecology Services governed by two acute hospitals (Tallaght University Hospital, and University Maternity Hospital Limerick)
- Expansion of the endometriosis service at Tallaght University Hospital (TUH) to deliver a specialist endometriosis centre for the management and treatment of all forms of endometriosis, with particular focus on advanced and complex cases for which there is no ready access in Ireland.
A number of further proposals are currently being finalised with stakeholders. Following final internal review and approval, further actions supported by the fund will be announced in the coming weeks. Alongside this activity, work is also underway on a longer-term approach to women’s health.
237. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the number of patients at present in Clifden Hospital, County Galway; the present capacity of the hospital; the short-term plans to increase this capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24826/21]
View answer239. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when he plans to provide a new nursing home in Clifden, Connemara, County Galway to replace both St. Anne's long-term care unit and Clifden Hospital; the progress made to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24828/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 237 and 239 together.
As these are operational matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
238. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health his plans to provide a Covid-19 vaccination clinic in a central location in Connemara, County Galway in view of the difficulty for many persons that live up to a 100 km from Galway getting to the east of the city and the lack of a comprehensive bus service in the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24827/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
240. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Health the number on waiting lists for access to CAMHS in each of the years 2015 to 2020, in tabular form; the waiting times involved to access these appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24830/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
241. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health when First Holy Communions will be permitted in churches under Covid-19 regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24833/21]
View answer258. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if communions and confirmations are permitted to take place in May or June 2021 under public health restrictions. [24860/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 241 and 258 together.
There 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.
As part of these plans, in-person religious services can commence from 10th May, and the numbers attending funeral and wedding services can increase to 50. However, the public health advice remains that other religious ceremonies such as communions and confirmations should not take place at this time.
It is important to note that while there is now scope to ease a range of public health measures, this 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. NPHET advise that the current phased plan to reopening over the months of May and June can be considered low to medium risk. However, they also advise that a faster reopening involving a greater level of indoor mixing would be very high risk.
While a child’s First Communion or Confirmation is a very important milestone in their lives, the health and safety of the child, their family and the wider community is the main priority for Government. It is important to acknowledge the significant engagement and solidarity from the Catholic Church and other Faiths at all stages throughout this pandemic to ensure the protection of individuals and communities from COVID-19 and this engagement will continue to form an important element of our response in the months ahead.
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.
242. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health when home help will be increased for a person (details supplied) in view of their health situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24838/21]
View answerAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
243. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of unregistered designated residential centres in the context of the Health Act 2007 which may have been used from by the HSE to facilitate emergency accommodation for persons with disabilities; the number of persons placed in each of these centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24839/21]
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.
244. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if he will publish legislation to amend the Health Act 2007 to provide for temporary registration of non-designated centres in emergency situations for accommodation for persons with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24840/21]
View answerMy Department is working on the draft heads of a Bill to amend the Health Act 2007 to enable the registration of undesignated residential care centres opened temporarily to provide emergency accommodation to persons with a disability to be achieved as soon as possible. Work on the Bill is at an advanced stage and I expect to be in a position to bring the Bill before the Oireachtas by the end of 2021.
245. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of occasions on which the HSE and his Department have been notified by HIQA of regulatory non-compliance in HSE or HSE-funded designated centres in the context of the Health Act 2007; the number of instances in which regulatory non-compliance was resolved; the number of instances in which regulatory non-compliance may be ongoing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24841/21]
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.
246. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of requests his Department or the HSE have received from designated centres in the context of the Health Act 2007 for funding to undertake capital works to address significant issues highlighted by HIQA in terms of regulatory non-compliance; the instances in which funding was given; the amount provided for HSE and non-HSE centres; the instances in which funding was not forthcoming for HSE and non-HSE centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24842/21]
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.
247. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of persons with disabilities currently placed in unregistered designated centres in the context of the Health Act 2007 by age (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24843/21]
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.
