Written Answers Nos. 401-415
401. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health if families can be permitted to once again visit loved ones in oncology wards in view of very high levels of vaccination against Covid-19 among hospital workers and cancer patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26208/21]
View answerI am aware of how difficult the current visitor restrictions are for hospital patients and their families.
The HSE has advised that visiting arrangements in hospitals have changed to help protect patients and to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Information/guidance on visiting individual public hospitals is regularly updated on hospital websites, as well as on the HSE website.
Decisions on visitor restrictions are made, implemented and reviewed at hospital level. Such restrictions are necessary to protect the safety of patients, the well-being of staff and the operability of hospital services. The overall level of vaccination of the population is a factor in decision making, as well as the levels of vaccination of patients and staff. You can be assured that, in the context of the rapidly evolving situation, visiting restrictions are frequently reviewed.
I would also emphasise that anyone with symptoms indicating that they could possibly have Covid-19 should not visit a hospital.
402. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he has considered introducing a vaccine bonus for wedding receptions to allow fully vaccinated persons not be included in the guest number limit. [26209/21]
View answer464. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if he will consider increasing the number of guests at a wedding reception to 50 if vaccination targets of 80% are met by the end of June 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26603/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 402 and 464 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 adherence by the public to the public health measures in place, and this progress has been sustained during recent phases of reopening in April and May. 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.
On 28 May, Government decided to move ahead with the process of lifting restrictions. The Government announced that a range of measures will be eased in June, with a further easing of measures in July and August subject to the epidemiological situation at the time.
As of 7 June, the number of guests permitted to attend a wedding celebration or reception has increased to 25.
The Government has indicated that a further easing of measures will be considered from 5 July subject to the epidemiological situation at the time and this would see the number of guests permitted at a wedding reception or celebration increase to 50. Next week, Government will give consideration to whether this further easing can proceed as planned.
A further easing is envisaged in August, again subject to the epidemiological situation at the time, which would see maximum attendance at wedding receptions or celebrations increase to 100.
The “vaccine bonus/dividend” provisions currently in place are guided by public health advice and are specifically focused on social visits to private homes to alleviate the impacts of social isolation. Since 10 May, those that are fully vaccinated may visit with other fully vaccinated people, providing there is no more than 3 households present and those that are fully vaccinated may visit with unvaccinated people from a single household if they are not at risk of severe illness and there is no more than 3 households present.
While there is now scope to continue with the easing of public health measures, our 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 ensure that our progress in controlling the virus is maintained.
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. To protect the gains of recent months we must continue to practice basic preventative behaviours and to follow public health guidelines.
403. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will address matters in relation to nurses receiving vaccines under the Covid-19 vaccine programme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26212/21]
View answerAbatement was not scrapped in March. Pension abatement applies across the public service and is intended to ensure that a former public servant who is in receipt of a public service pension and who is appointed to a position, the remuneration for which is paid by a public service body, receives no more in combined pension and remuneration (including allowances) following employment post-retirement than he/she would have received in pensionable remuneration if he/she had not retired from the civil or public service.
The practice goes as far back as the Superannuation Act 1834. The application of abatement was widened in 2012 by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, insofar as it may now be applied in respect of any public service employment.
This extension of pension abatement is provided for in section 52 of the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012.
The legislation also allows the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to remove any doubt or question arising in the application of abatement, and to waive the abatement provision in certain circumstances.
Abatement of pension under the legislation applies to public service pensions, and then only in those cases where the public service pensioner obtains public service employment following retirement. This means that abatement does not apply to pensions in cases where public service pensioners secure employment, following retirement in an organisation that is not a public service body.
404. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the status of the recruitment process in relation to the new development fund for the recruitment of 2,000 frontline primary care staff; if recruitment has commenced; the number of persons employed from this fund to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26283/21]
View answer“As this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
405. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health his plans to reopen cancer screening services; his plans to address the backlog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26296/21]
View answerAll three national cancer screening programmes (BreastCheck, CervicalCheck and BowelScreen) are currently operating, albeit at reduced capacity due to the current COVID-19 situation and the impact caused by the recent cyber-attack.
It is important to emphasise that screening is for healthy people who do not have symptoms. People who are between screening appointments, or are waiting for rescheduled appointments, are advised to be aware of symptoms, or if they have concerns or worries to contact their GP, who will arrange appropriate follow-up care.
As this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
406. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health if private consultants receive preferential rates for office accommodation in public hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26307/21]
View answerAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
407. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health the amount received in each CHO area from private consultants for office accommodation in public hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26308/21]
View answerAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
408. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health when the respite appeal by a person (details supplied) will be decided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26309/21]
View answerAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
409. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the case of person (details supplied) who has been waiting over four years for an appointment at the Croom Orthopaedic Hospital, Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26326/21]
View answerUnder the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
As this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point
410. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health if he approves of the HSE advertising for unpaid assistant psychologist roles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26329/21]
View answer“As this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
411. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Health if the vaccination programme has been readjusted to include the prioritisation of pregnant women as advised by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee; when pregnant women will be vaccinated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26331/21]
View answerThe National Immunisation Advisory Committee recommends that pregnant women should be offered mRNA COVID-19 vaccination between 14 and 36 weeks gestation following an individual benefit/risk discussion with their obstetric caregiver.
As this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point
412. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Health if he will consider accepting proof of vaccination from Irish citizens returning to Ireland who have received vaccinations (details supplied) in order to waive mandatory hotel quarantine in which such citizens have the capacity to quarantine and self-isolate at home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26332/21]
View answer442. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will consider including persons that are fully vaccinated with a vaccine (details supplied) to the list of those exempt from mandatory hotel quarantine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26404/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 412 and 442 together.
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.
The following table sets out the definition of ‘fully vaccinated’;
|
Type of Vaccine |
You are regarded as fully vaccinated after |
|
Pfizer-BioNtech |
7 days after 2nd dose |
|
Moderna |
14 days after 2nd dose |
|
Oxford-AstraZeneca |
15 days after 2nd dose |
|
Johnson & Johnson/Janssen |
14 days after single dose |
Fully vaccinated travellers are still required to have a negative pre-departure RT-PCR test and complete a period of self-quarantine at home or wherever specified in their passenger locator form.
Ireland 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.
Neither the Sinopharm nor the Sputnik vaccines have been awarded a CMA to date.
413. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Health when it is proposed that a public MRI scanner facility at Wexford General Hospital will be included in the HSE Service Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26333/21]
View answerAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
414. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Health the specific timeline on the installation of a public MRI scanner facility at Wexford General Hospital (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26334/21]
View answerAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
415. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Health the proposals in place for administration of the Covid-19 vaccine for persons not registered with a general practitioner due to the shortfall of general practitioner capacity and who cannot register for the Covid-19 vaccine due to the requirement to provide general practitioner details; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26335/21]
View answerAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
