Written Answers Nos. 384-398
384. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the number of advanced nurse practitioners operating in heart failure service units; the costs associated with ensuring at least one advanced nurse practitioner in each heart failure service unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25179/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
385. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the funding required to ensure that all heart failure units have access to BNP testing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25180/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
386. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the number of integrated care clinical nurse specialists in heart failure; the number that are in post; the costs of rolling this services out to each CHO; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25181/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
387. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 2125 of 21 April 2021, the options available to the family (details supplied) given the service recommended has a yearlong waiting list and the daughter requires assistance quicker than that timeframe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25183/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the deputy as soon as possible.
388. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the steps his Department is taking to ensure that routine dental services are kept going and not stopped or delayed due to the Covid-19 vaccine roll-out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25185/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
389. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health his plans to address concerns raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25186/21]
View answerThe correspondence referred to by the Deputy has recently been separately received by the Minister.
The matters raised in the correspondence will require consultation with other stakeholders on completion of which a direct reply shall issue.
390. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will address the matter of dentists no longer seeing patients with medical cards (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25188/21]
View answerThe Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) provides dental care, free of charge to medical card holders aged 16 and over. These services are provided by independent dental practitioners who have a contract with the HSE. Patients may choose to have their treatment undertaken by any dentist who participates in the Scheme.
I am aware that there has been a reduction in the numbers of dentists participating in the DTSS since the beginning of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Some people are experiencing problems in accessing a service close to their home, however, I have been assured by the HSE that their local services on the ground will assist any persons who are experiencing problems in accessing a service.
I want to ensure the sustainability and viability of the DTSS so that all eligible persons can continue to receive the services that they deserve from their local dentist of choice. My commitment to the profession and to the public is for a review of the Scheme, in keeping with Smile agus Sláinte, the National Oral Health Policy. I have asked officials in my Department to engage with the Irish Dental Association on all of these matters.
391. Deputy Ciarán Cannon asked the Minister for Health the person or body responsible for the creation and placing of a recent advertisement for the recruitment of unpaid assistant psychologists to HSE services; and the number of assistant psychologists currently working in a voluntary capacity within the HSE. [25190/21]
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.
392. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if he will provide clarification regarding the return of park runs (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25191/21]
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/.
NPHET advise that this phased plan for the months of May and June can be considered low to medium risk. However, they also advise that a faster reopening over these months would be very high risk. A number of higher-risk activities including outdoor mass gatherings and events (such as parkruns for example) are not part of the reopening plans for May and June, but they will be subject to further consideration towards the end of June with a view to recommencing these activities as we move through the summer.
In relation to parkrun events, I understand that during the Covid-19 pandemic, parkrun have been supporting participants to take part in individual exercise, such as (not)parkrun, which promoted individual 5k runs, in line with public health guidelines. Given the numbers participating in parkruns prior to the pandemic, current guidelines do not allow for the immediate return of parkrun events. However, my Department, through Healthy Ireland, the HSE and Sport Ireland, through the Expert Working Group-Return to Sport, are committed to working with and supporting all organisations to return to activity safely and in line with current and evolving public health guidance. There continues to be regular contact with parkrun organisers and detailed discussions regarding a return of parkrun events will commence once Government has taken decisions in relation to the re-introduction of outdoor mass participation events.
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.
It is also important to note that while there is considerably less risk of transmission of COVID-19 outdoors compared to indoors, outdoors activities are not entirely risk-free. HIQA undertook an evidence review on higher-risk environments and activities for the NPHET in November 2020, drawing on national and international evidence. The Review found that while there is consistent evidence that the risk of outdoor transmission of COVID-19 is substantially lower, there is still evidence of transmission occurring in outdoor environments. This is particularly the case when there are large gatherings, where social distancing or the use of face coverings are neglected, and where there is dense congregation and mixing among groups. There are also risks linked to what might precede and follow outdoor gatherings including associated events and activities and shared travel to or from events or activities. The review is available here (https://www.hiqa.ie/reports-and-publications/health-technology-assessment/activities-or-settings-associated-higher-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.
393. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health when home help will be provided to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25198/21]
View answerAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
394. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the status of betting shops (details supplied) under the reopening plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25200/21]
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.
I can confirm to the Deputy that betting shops will reopen as part of the phased reopening of non-essential retail in May.
In its letter of 28 April, the NPHET highlighted that as we return to economic and societal activities, it “will be important that there continues to be the high level of adherence to public health measures and advice that has been an enduring feature of our collective response throughout the pandemic. It will also be important that all sectors, businesses and organisations ensure that sectorial guidance and communications are reviewed and refreshed where necessary to support the safe reopening of sectors and activities, including in relation to mask wearing, controls on numbers and ensuring social distancing, ventilation and provision of sanitising stations”.
Businesses reopening in the comings days and weeks should ensure they are following relevant guidance including the Work Safely Protocol (https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/bb7fd-work-safely-protocol/) and National Standards Authority of Ireland 'COVID-19 Retail Protection and Improvement Guide' (https://www.nsai.ie/images/uploads/general/NSAI-COVID19-Retail-Guidelines-13012021.pdf). The Deputy will be aware that the Irish Bookmakers Association has also produced guidance for the sector.
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.
395. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a hospital bed for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25201/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
396. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter regarding the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25202/21]
View answerIt would not be appropriate for me to comment in relation to any individual's medical circumstances, but I can assure the Deputy that the case described was investigated fully by my Officials and followed up with the Service Provider, and the Department is satisfied that everything possible was done to accommodate this guest, and that all appropriate action was taken. The safety, wellbeing and comfort of all guests quarantining in a designated facility is a priority of the mandatory quarantine system, along with the ultimate goal of protecting public health by limiting the potential spread of COVID-19, particularly variants of concern.
All guests undergoing mandatory quarantine in a designated facility are being provided with access to a 24/7 on-site healthcare team, who are available to address any wellbeing concerns of guests via daily check-in calls, as well as through direct engagement as requested and required. Guests requiring any specific, urgent or emergency care which cannot be provided in the hotel will be referred to an appropriate medical facility by the on-site healthcare team.
All reasonable efforts will be made by both service provider staff and the on-site health team to facilitate a comfortable stay in a designated facility.
More information, including further detail on the services available in Mandatory Hotel Quarantine, can be accessed on www.gov.ie/quarantine.
397. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health if vaccinations against Covid-19 are available to approved driving instructors without underlying health conditions around Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25206/21]
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/
Vaccine registration for those aged 50 to 59 years is ongoing.
398. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Health his plans to enable pharmacists to administer Covid-19 vaccines in pharmacies; if there has been engagement with the pharmacy sector on this issue; if so, the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25208/21]
View answer407. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Health if his Department has considered allowing pharmacists to participate in the national roll-out of Covid-19 vaccinations as vaccinators. [25240/21]
View answer414. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health the position in relation to pharmacists delivering vaccinations in local communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25257/21]
View answer415. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if he will address queries raised in correspondence (details supplied) regarding pharmacists and their role in delivering Covid-19 vaccinations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25259/21]
View answer421. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if he will consider expanding guidelines allowing pharmacies to participate in the roll-out of the Covid-19 vaccine enabling persons to be vaccinated by their local pharmacist; the way in which pharmacists will be used in the roll-out of the Covid-19 vaccination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25279/21]
View answer439. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health the reason pharmacists are not being used to roll-out the Covid-19 vaccine (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25304/21]
View answer440. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Health when pharmacists will be utilised as vaccinators as part of the national vaccination programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25305/21]
View answer441. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health the reason community pharmacists are still unable to vaccinate persons in their pharmacies; if he plans to utilise pharmacists in the vaccine roll-out; if so, when they can expect to be providing vaccines to persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25318/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 398, 407, 414, 415, 421, 439, 440 and 441 together.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
