Written Answers Nos. 248-266
248. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of Covid-19 vaccines administered in each county to date by vaccination centre both nominal and per capita for both total county population and eligible county population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24844/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
249. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of claims made to the CervicalCheck Tribunal to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24845/21]
View answerThe CervicalCheck Tribunal was established on 27 October 2020 under the CervicalCheck Tribunal Act 2019. Establishment of the Tribunal was finalised with the appointment of the nominated members to the Tribunal with effect from 1 December 2020.
The Tribunal has indicated to my Department that it has received three claims as at close of business on 10 May 2021.
The Tribunal is the most appropriate venue to hear and determine CervicalCheck claims. It has been specifically designed for that purpose. It is, of course, entirely up to eligible women as to whether or not they use it.
250. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health the assistance available to a family (details supplied); the actions being taken to assist others in similar situations to access general practitioner care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24846/21]
View answerWhere a GMS patient experiences difficulty in finding a GP to accept him/her as a patient, the person concerned having unsuccessfully applied to at least three GPs in the area can apply to the HSE National Medical Card Unit which has the power to assign that person to a GP's GMS patient list.
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.
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 213 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.
251. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the current position in relation to drive-through events such as bingo and charity events and so on; if they are currently permissible; if not, the reason, given that there is no health risk in circumstances in which participants are required to stay in their car and it is an important social outlet for persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24848/21]
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. Further detail is available on Gov.ie: https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/0bd80-new-public-health-measures-announced-the-path-ahead/
Drive through events such as bingo and charity events are not permitted under current public health restrictions commencing on the 10 May. The level of restrictions will be kept under review by Government.
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. In this regard, the NPHET has advised that the current reopening plans can be considered low to medium risk. They also advise that a faster reopening would be very high risk.
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.
252. Deputy Kieran O'Donnell asked the Minister for Health if he will address a request from an organisation (details supplied) in relation to the need for additional eye clinic liaison officers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24849/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
253. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health if he has considered allowing using risk assessment for the venue specific to the marriage to inform the number of guests that can attend; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24851/21]
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.
The recent announcement included the following changes to the measures applying to weddings: as of May 10, there can be an increase in the number of guests attending wedding services to 50 which brings this figure in line with the numbers permitted at religious services.
This increase to 50 guests relates to the service (both religious or civil) only. The number of guests attending a wedding celebration or reception should remain at 6 guests for indoor gatherings and 15 guests for outdoor gatherings. From 7 June, subject to the epidemiological situation at the time, it is envisaged that the numbers of guests attending a wedding celebration or reception will increase to 25. The Government has indicated that a further range of activities, including numbers attending indoor and outdoor events, will be considered at the end of June. Information in relation to the Government announcement is available here: https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/0bd80-new-public-health-measures-announced-the-path-ahead/
In line with the roadmap announced by the Government to gradually lift restrictions, Fáilte Ireland are in the process of updating their operational guidelines and these guidelines will be available online: https://covid19.failteireland.ie/operational-guidelines/
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.
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.
254. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health when a vaccination centre (details supplied) will open; the duration that the contract is in place for this vaccination centre as agreed with the service provider; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24852/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
255. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health the number of dentists registered and operating in CHO9; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24855/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
256. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health the number of dentists signed up to the dental treatment service scheme as at 30 April 2021 in CHO9; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24856/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
257. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health the number of dentists that have withdrawn from the dental treatment service scheme since January 2020 in CHO9; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24857/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
260. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to establish a register for advance healthcare directives as part of the commencement of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24866/21]
View answerPart 8 of the Assisted Decision Making Capacity Act 2015 provides the legislative framework for Advanced Healthcare Directives, or AHDs. An AHD is a statement made by a person with capacity setting out their will and preferences in relation to treatment decisions that may arise in the future, when they no longer have capacity.
My Department remains committed to commencing these provisions as soon as possible, and work has been underway to develop a code of practice to accompany the AHD provisions. The AHD Multidisciplinary Working Group has developed a draft code of practice which has been submitted to the Decision Support Service and which will be submitted to me, for approval, once finalised.
The establishment of a Register for Advance Healthcare Directives is a complex undertaking. My Department recognises that for this to be both operable and meaningful, the further deployment of health identifiers across the wider health system will be required. We will consider making such Regulations when national Health Identifiers are deployed across the health system.
However, while Part 8 of the Act of 2015 allows for regulations for the Register of Advance Healthcare Directives, it should be noted that it does not require that this Register is established before the Act is commenced.
There are a number of other interdependencies which must be addressed before Part 8 can be commenced and work is continuing in respect of all outstanding matters. These also include commencing certain other provisions of the Act outside of Part 8 that fall under the remit of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. Justice and Equality.
261. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Health when outdoor commercial markets and stalls can resume following their closure due to Covid-19 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24869/21]
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.
As part of these plans, as of 10 May, all outlets that offer goods for sale or supply from a premises that is entirely outdoors may reopen.
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.
262. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health the person or body responsible for the creation of an advertisement to attempt to recruit seven unpaid assistant psychologist roles within HSE services; the number of assistant psychologists currently working on a voluntary capacity within HSE services; the HSE’s position on the recruitment of assistant psychologists in an unpaid capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24918/21]
View answerIn relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
263. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health if the results following the review of the placement of a recent ad attempting to recruit seven unpaid assistant psychologist roles within HSE services will be made public; if the positions will be readvertised as paid positions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24919/21]
View answerIn relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
264. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health when the HSE will make an announcement on whether the current national pilot assistant psychologist programme is to be extended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24920/21]
View answerIn relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
265. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the reason front-line workers who are applicants for international protection in County Galway have been moved from self-catering accommodation to single hotel rooms with no individual catering facilities; the steps it is proposed to take to address this issue and find suitable accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24947/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
266. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health the decisions that have been taken to pay student nurses and midwives for work whilst on placement; the details of any decisions; and when students will receive any moneys due. [24950/21]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, in the context of COVID-19, I appointed Professor Tom Collins to undertake a short-term review of the current allowances available to student nurses and midwives while on clinical placement. His report was submitted to me on 31 December 2020.
The key recommendation in the Report called for the introduction of an additional and exceptional Student Nurse/Midwife Pandemic Placement Grant (PPG) at a rate of €100 per week for each week spent on supernumerary clinical placement, to be introduced from January 2021, for the duration of the pandemic. I instructed that payment be backdated to the start of the academic year, i.e. 1 September 2020.
My Department recently instructed the HSE to process payment of the PPG and on 6 May 2021, the HSE issued a Memorandum to give effect to this and commence payment for all eligible student nurses and midwives to be complete by 1 June 2021.
