Skip to main content
Normal View

Tuesday, 13 Jul 2021

Written Answers Nos. 101-120

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (101)

Paul Murphy

Question:

101. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he or persons in his Department have been in communication with a group (details supplied); and if he read the group's document on Covid-19. [1492/21]

View answer

Written answers

I can confirm that I have not met with the Independent Scientific Advisory Group. As the Deputy will be aware, the COVID-19 NPHET actively monitors the epidemiological situation and provides advice to Government in relation to the application of public health measures. Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, Ireland has taken a public health-led, whole-of-society approach to managing the pandemic. Ongoing consideration is being given to current and future measures and approaches for managing the response to COVID-19.  

The level of public health restrictions is kept under review by Government. While significant progress is being made in relation to the roll-out of our vaccination programme and the position had been broadly stable over the earlier part of June, the prevalence of the more transmissible Delta variant is rapidly increasing in Ireland and this poses a significant risk, in particular to those who are not yet fully vaccinated. For this reason, a number of higher risk indoor activities did not recommence as planned on 5 July, pending the implementation of a system to verify vaccination or immunity status.  

Our approach must continue to be cautious, gradual and phased, with sufficient time between any easing of measures to assess the impact. Significant and sustained 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.   

Primary Care Centres

Questions (102)

Paul McAuliffe

Question:

102. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Health the status of the Finglas primary care centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22868/21]

View answer

Written answers

I would like to thank the Deputy for raising the issue of the provision, of a Primary Care Centre in Finglas.  The development of primary care is central to the Government's objective to delivering a high quality, integrated and cost-effective health care system.

Finglas has been identified as a high priority location for the development of a Primary Care Centre.   In 2012, a HSE direct-build Primary Care Centre was approved, and the Dublin City Council owned property on Mellowes Road was identified as the preferred site.

Following the decision not to grant planning permission in February 2015, HSE Estates in conjunction with local Primary Care Services Teams identified an alternative Dublin City Council site for a new Primary Care Centre in Finglas.   

The feasibility study for the Finglas Primary Care Centre is now complete.  The procurement of a design team is underway, and design team tenders were returned in May.  The HSE will be in a position to appoint a design team in Q3 2021. 

The proposed services accommodation will comprise of: a Primary Care, Community Mental Health Team and Mental Health Day Hospital, CAMHS, Social Inclusion, Ophthalmology, Progressing Disability Services (Early Intervention and School Age Disability Team), Dental/Orthodontics, Enhanced Community Care and GPs space. 

It is important to recognise that the delivery of capital projects is a dynamic process and is subject to the successful completion of the various approval stages, in line with the Public Spending Code, which can impact on the timeline for delivery. 

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (103)

Alan Kelly

Question:

103. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the advice NPHET has provided to him on ventilation, particularly air purifiers, in combatting Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37596/21]

View answer

Written answers

Building ventilation has remained one element of the broader infection prevention and control (IPC) response over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. The appreciation of the role of ventilation has evolved in the context of developing experience and evidence; guidance, training, and measures implemented reflects this learning. Links to published guidance are provided below for the Deputy’s information.

The NPHET for COVID-19 regards ventilation as an important IPC measure and a NPHET subgroup, called the Expert Group on the Role of Ventilation in Reducing Transmission of COVID-19, was accordingly established in the early part of 2021 to provide scientific advice on ventilation and other control measures to reduce the risk of long-range (airborne) transmission of SARS-CoV-2.

The Group has a wide range of multi-disciplinary expertise in indoor air quality and related areas including, aerosol science, architecture, engineering, regulation, occupational hygiene, exposure science, virology, microbiology, and public health medicine.

It was agreed that the work of the Expert Review Group and its reports would be taken forward by the Senior Officials Group on COVID-19. Since then, it has informed Departments’ and Agencies’ work in respect of sectoral guidance and public information regarding ventilation.

The Expert Group submitted two reports while reporting to the NPHET at the Department of Health, which were duly considered by the HPSC and HSE-AMRIC in the context of updating its guidance. These reports, along with relevant agendas and meeting minutes are available on the gov.ie website: www.gov.ie/en/publication/aa43c-expert-group-on-the-role-of-ventilation-in-reducing-transmission-of-covid-19/#reports.

It is the responsibility of individual Government departments to provide sector-specific COVID-19 advice on ventilation as per their respective remits. In this regard, the Deputy’s attention is drawn to some of the published guidance across a number of sectors, cited below.

Healthcare sector (HSE-AMRIC guidance):

“Acute Hospital Infection Prevention and Control Precautions for Possible or Confirmed COVID-19 in a Pandemic Setting V.2.3 09.06.2021” www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/guidance/infectionpreventionandcontrolguidance/InfectionPreventionandControlPrecautionsforAcuteSettings.pdf

“Interim Guidance on Infection Prevention and Control for the Health Service Executive 2021 V1.3. 11.01.2021” www.hpsc.ie/az/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/guidance/infectionpreventionandcontrolguidance/hseinfectionpreventionandcontrolguidanceandframework/Interim%20HSE%20Guidance%20on%20IPC.pdf

More generally, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) has published Guidance on Non-Healthcare Building Ventilation during COVID-19. The Guidance provides broad recommendations, based on the literature, for commercial and public buildings: www.hpsc.ie/az/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/guidance/infectionpreventionandcontrolguidance/buildingsandfacilitiesguidance/

Education sector:

www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/guidance/educationguidance/Guidance%20on%20non%20HCbuilding%20ventilation%20during%20COVID-19.pdf

www.gov.ie/en/publication/ad236-guidance-on-ventilation-in-schools/

Workplaces, Businesses (including hospitality), Retails Settings, and Shopping Centres:

A revised Work Safely Protocol (previously the Return to Work Protocol) was published on 14th May 2021 as a collaborative effort between employers and employees, which was led by the Departments of Enterprise,Trade and Employment and Health, with the support of the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) and with significant input by public health from the Health Service Executive (HSE). The revised Protocol incorporates the current advice on the Public Health measures needed to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the community and workplaces including enhanced detail on ventilation: www.gov.ie/en/publication/bb7fd-work-safely-protocol/

https://www.nsai.ie/images/uploads/general/NSAI-COVID19-Retail-Guidelines-13012021.pdf - www.nsai.ie/images/uploads/general/NSAI-COVID19-Shopping-Centre-Guidelines-13012021.pdf

Fáilte Ireland: Overview Guidelines to Reopening - failtecdn.azureedge.net/failteireland/Overview-Guidelines-to-Re-opening.pdf

Fáilte Ireland: Guidelines for Reopening Restaurants and Cafes failtecdn.azureedge.net/failteireland/Guidelines-for-Re-opening-Restaurants-and-Cafes.pdf

Fáilte Ireland: Guidelines for Reopening Hotels and Guesthouses - failtecdn.azureedge.net/failteireland/Guidelines-for-Re-opening-Hotels-and-Guesthouses.pdf

There is also additional guidance on Gov.ie and on the HSE website which outlines the importance of ventilation in households, this can be found here:

www.gov.ie/en/publication/472f64-covid-19-coronavirus-guidance-and-advice/ - www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/how-coronavirus-is-spread.html

Primary Care Centres

Questions (104)

Alan Dillon

Question:

104. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Health when the HSE property review group will approve the proposed extension for Castlebar primary care centre; and the additional services this extension will provide. [28424/21]

View answer

Written answers

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.

Question No. 105 answered with Question No. 89.

Tribunals of Inquiry

Questions (106)

Alan Kelly

Question:

106. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the number of recommendations of the Scally scoping inquiry into the CervicalCheck screening programme that have been implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37595/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Programme for Government commits to fully implement the recommendations contained in Dr

Scally’s Report of the Scoping Inquiry, and all other reports into CervicalCheck. 

Significant progress has been made in implementing the recommendations and associated actions from Dr Scally's report, across all themes and areas of work, by the Department of Health, the HSE and the National Cancer Registry Ireland. At the end of Quarter 1 2021, 155 of the 170 actions, arising from 58 recommendations, are completed. Work is well underway in completing the 15 remaining actions. 

Since Quarter 1 2019, the Department of Health has been publishing quarterly progress reports on the implementation of the recommendations made in Dr Scally’s 2018 report, the full archive and previous quarterly progress reports are available on the Department of Health website.

It is important to acknowledge, as well as the ongoing developments in the CervicalCheck programme and the National Screening Service, the implementation of many recommendations continues to have a wider impact on many areas of health policy and programme delivery. This includes the ongoing work of the National Screening Advisory Committee and the Women’s Health Taskforce, for example, as well as ongoing policy development around issues such as open disclosure, and patient and public participation in health policy development and implementation .

Health Services

Questions (107)

Joan Collins

Question:

107. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health when services in general and specifically for a person (details supplied) will commence. [37584/21]

View answer

Written answers

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.

Vaccination Programme

Questions (108)

Alan Kelly

Question:

108. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health when a catch-up programme will commence for the HPV vaccine for secondary school students due to missed vaccines during the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37592/21]

View answer

Written answers

The ages at which vaccines are recommended in the immunisation schedule are chosen by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) in order to give each child the best possible protection against vaccine preventable diseases.

As the HPV vaccine is preventative it is intended to be administered, if possible, before a person becomes sexually active, that is, before a person is first exposed to HPV infection.

Therefore, the gender-neutral HPV vaccination programme targets all girls and boys in their first year of secondary school to provide maximum coverage.

My Department will continue to be guided by the NIAC's recommendations on any emerging evidence on this issue in the future.

It is important to note that the schools-based immunisation programme for the 2019/2020 academic year has been completed and the uptake rates for the HPV vaccine in that academic year are 82% for the first dose of the vaccine and 77% for the second dose.

This is the highest uptake for the HPV vaccination programme since 2015/2016 and is particularly encouraging because it was the first year that boys were included in the programme and it shows that the provision of vaccine in community clinics did not adversely affect the uptake.

The programme for the academic year 2020/2021 was paused during the first few months of 2021 due to school closures and redeployment of staff to the COVID-19 immunisation programme.

The inputting of uptake information for the schools-based programme has also been delayed due to redeployment of administrative staff. However, Community Healthcare Organisations have reported that the vast majority of second level schools had their first dose of HPV vaccine delivered between October and December 2020.

The uptake rate for the first dose of the HPV vaccine, in the 2020/2021 academic year, is 67% as of the 12th May 2021, and this figure is expected to increase because data input on vaccine uptake is ongoing.

The HSE expects the HPV vaccination programme for 2020/21 to be substantially complete before the start of the 2021/22 academic year.

Gambling Sector

Questions (109)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

109. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the number of persons by age group and gender treated for gambling addiction in 2020; if the pandemic has exacerbated problem gambling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28323/21]

View answer

Written answers

The regulation of gambling is the responsibility of the Department of Justice. It is setting up a gambling regulator tol oversee gambling, including advertisements and the social impact of gambling.

The impacts of gambling are both visible and invisible. Gambling activities may have adverse health, social and financial repercussions which impact individuals, families and communities. 

The Health Service Executive has responsibility for the provision of addiction treatment services.  

People who present to the HSE for addiction treatment for gambling are offered the same range of interventions as those who present with a drug and alcohol addiction, or a mental health concern, including an initial assessment, a comprehensive assessment, and individual counselling. It is often the case that gambling addiction is one of a number of addictions and issues faced by an individual.  

The latest available figures produced by the HSE show the following number of cases (not split by age group or gender) where people presented with problem gambling for 2017/ 2018 AND 2019:

-

2017 

2018 

2019 

Assessed only (not treated) 

54 

37 

41 

Treated 

219 

217 

224 

Information on gambling treatment for 2020 has not been published. 

I am concerned about the social and health impact of gambling. We need a multi-faceted response that includes services targeted at problem gamblers, curbs on gambling advertising and promotion, and public awareness about the significant individual and societal harms caused by gambling. I look forward to engaging with the new gambling regulator on these matters in due course.  

Rights of People with Disabilities

Questions (110)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

110. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the rights of disabled persons in receipt of a personal assistance service to take part in politics, policy and lobbying despite the fact that personal assistants may be funded through section 39 organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28225/21]

View answer

Written answers

Section 39 organisations are organisations funded by the HSE for the provision of services similar or ancillary to a service that the HSE may provide. The organisations are otherwise independent and are not considered part of the Public Service.

The HSE provides a range of assisted living services including Personal Assistant (PA) Services to support individuals to maximise their capacity to live full and independent lives.

PA Services are provided either directly by the HSE or through a range of voluntary service providers, including either Section 39 organisations. The majority of specialised disability provision (80%) is delivered through non-statutory sector service providers.

The provision of a Personal Assistant does nor bar an individual from lobbying or engaging in civil or political activity, and the Government ministers regularly meets with individuals who avail of a PA service.  

Under the UNCRPD, people with Disabilities are afforded rights equal to those of anyone else, including political and social rights. Management of Irelands' adherence to the UNCRPD is carried out by the Department of Children, Equality, Disabilities, Integration and Youth.

My Department is not aware of any issues in relation to the rights of disabled people taking part in politics, policy or lobbying being affected by Personal Assistants being funded through section 39 organisations. If the Deputy has specific concerns surrounding this matter, I would be grateful if he could pass any relevant information on to my Department for investigation.

Hospital Facilities

Questions (111)

Matt Carthy

Question:

111. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health the additional services that will be delivered to Monaghan Hospital in 2021 and 2022. [28459/21]

View answer

Written answers

A 23-bed Intermediate Care Unit in Monaghan General Hospital has fully opened to provide step down facilities for patients from Cavan General Hospital.  Five of the beds opened in late 2020, with the remaining 18  opening on a phased basis this year.  

The services provided in Monaghan General Hospital include Out-patient Services, Theatre, Day Services, Diagnostic Services and a Local Injury Unit.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (112)

John McGuinness

Question:

112. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the extent to which the Covid-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on the provision of cancer care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37730/21]

View answer

Written answers

The National Action Plan on Covid-19 identified the continued provision of cancer care as a priority. Cancer services continue to operate in line with guidance issued by the HSE's National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP).

The NCCP continues to closely monitor trends in numbers coming forward to diagnostic services, and the level of attendances for appointments for treatment. The total number of patients seen across all Rapid Access Clinics (RACs) in 2020 (44,233) amounted to 88% of the 2019 figure (50,249). GP e-referrals to RACs for weeks 2-17 (up to 25th April) this year were 153% of the activity in the corresponding weeks in 2020, and 126% for the corresponding weeks in 2019.

Medical and radiation and oncology services continued throughout the pandemic, utilising the safeguards of social distancing and infection prevention & control measures built up over the past year.  The number of patients receiving chemotherapy up to end-2020 was at approximately 88% of 2019 activity, while radiation oncology was operating at >90% of 2019 activity. 

Urgent surgery was prioritised and there was an emphasis on maintaining safe patient pathways in this regard. Surgery numbers up to end-2020 were at 76% of the 2019 levels. This figure does not include surgeries involving public patients that were undertaken in private hospitals, so the overall figure is higher. 

While the recent ransomware attack has had an impact on cancer services, every effort is being made to maintain services at present, with a particular focus on urgent and time-sensitive cases. 

Funding of €12m was allocated this year for the restoration of cancer services to 95% of 2019 (pre-Covid) levels. This funding is supporting hospitals in addressing backlogs, extending clinic times, providing additional clinics, increasing diagnostic capacity and providing locum/temporary support. It is also supporting virtual clinics and more accurate triage, and is facilitating infrastructure and minor equipment purchases to increase capacity across Rapid Access Clinics and surgical oncology, medical oncology and radiation oncology services. 

In addition, as part of Budget 2021, an extra €20m has been allocated for the continued implementation of the National Cancer Strategy this year. This funding will facilitate developments across prevention, diagnosis, treatment and patient supports.

Healthcare Policy

Questions (113, 130)

Colm Burke

Question:

113. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the progress to date on identifying a site for the new elective hospital for Cork included in the Sláintecare Implementation Strategy and Action Plan 2021-2023; if consideration will be given to the site at St. Stephen’s Hospital, Sarsfield Court, Glanmire, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28574/21]

View answer

Colm Burke

Question:

130. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if the new elective hospital for Cork included in the Sláintecare Implementation Strategy and Action Plan 2021-2023 will consist of both an inpatient and an outpatient facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28573/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 113 and 130 together.

The development of elective hospital facilities in Dublin, Cork and Galway is in line with the National Development Plan 2018, the 2018 Health Service Capacity Review and was recommitted to in the Programme for Government 2020 and the Sláintecare Implementation Strategy & Action Plan 2021-2023 (May 2021).

Development of elective centres is key to the separation of elective and emergency care.

Elective care has been subject to disruption due to surges in demand for emergency care. The establishment of elective centres will avoid the cancellation and delays in care.

In 2019 the Sláintecare Programme Implementation Office (SPIO) established an Elective Hospitals Oversight Group, under the joint governance of the Health Service Executive, Department of Health and Sláintecare, to guide the development of the elective hospitals. The Elective Hospitals Oversight Group has the following terms of reference:

1. To develop the elective hospital capacity with a ten-year horizon of need, which facilitates the separation of scheduled and unscheduled care.

2. To provide quicker, higher quality, safer care for selected, elective patients.

3. To create capacity for acute hospital sites and reduce/eliminate outlier boarding (trolleys).

4. To drive down waiting lists, both outpatient, inpatient and day case.

5. To reduce cancellations.

6. To reduce acute hospital footfall.

The Oversight Group is following the process outlined in the Public Spending Code, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Guide setting out the value for money requirements for the evaluation, planning and management of large public investment projects in Ireland. As required under the Code, a Strategic Assessment Report has been completed and approved for the development of Elective Hospital facilities. This sets out the rationale for investment, the alignment of the programme with strategic requirements of Government, some initial options and potential costs, and the governance of the programme.

The Preliminary Business Case (PBC), in accordance with the Public Spending Code, is also under preparation. As part of the PBC process, the Elective Hospitals Oversight Group made a public call for site submissions from members of the public, the HSE, Land Development Agency and Hospital Groups. The closing date for this call was 4 June. Sites submitted are undergoing evaluation to examine their suitability, including a multi-criteria assessment and cost effectiveness assessment with a view to the Preliminary Business Case recommending a single preferred site option in each of the three locations. Only those sites submitted as part of the call for submissions and which were compliant with the requirements of the call are under consideration.

The site identification process in Cork and Galway has been fully informed by discussions with the South South-West Hospital Group. The site identification exercise sought submissions of sites sufficiently large to cater for future development needs in Cork, including new and replacement inpatient and outpatient facilities. The PBC is being developed with these future developments in mind.

Once completed, under the Public Spending Code, the PBC will be assessed by the Department of Public Expenditure & Reform and submitted to Government for its consideration.

Medicinal Products

Questions (114)

Jackie Cahill

Question:

114. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health if epidiolex will be approved for funding by the HSE drug reimbursement programme as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28445/21]

View answer

Written answers

The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drugs schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.

In line with the 2013 Act and the national framework agreed with industry, a company must submit an application to the HSE to have a new medicine added to the reimbursement list.

Reimbursement is for licenced indications which have been granted market authorisation by the European Medicines Agency or the Health Products Regulatory Authority.

HSE decisions on which medicines are reimbursed by the taxpayer are made on objective, scientific and economic grounds, on the advice of the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE).

The HSE advises that, on 5 February 2020, it received two applications for the reimbursement of Epidyolex:

- for use as adjunctive therapy of seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome in conjunction with clobazam, for patients two years of age and older.

- for use as adjunctive therapy of seizures associated with Dravet Syndrome in conjunction with clobazam, for patients two years of age and older.

On 5 February 2020, the HSE commissioned the NCPE to complete rapid reviews with respect to each of these indications.  The NCPE recommended full health technology assessments (HTAs) to assess the clinical effectiveness and cost effectiveness of Epidyolex compared with the current standard of care with respect to the above indications. On 16 March 2020, the HSE commissioned a full pharmacoeconomic assessment for these indications.

In July 2020, the applicant’s HTA submissions for both of the above indications were received by the NCPE.

On 8 March 2021, the NCPE completed its assessments of these indications, recommending in both cases that Epidyolex not be approved for reimbursement unless cost effectiveness could be improved relative to existing treatments.

The final HTA reports will be reviewed by the HSE Drugs Group, along with the outputs of commercial negotiations which took place in April 2021, and any patient group submissions received during the HTA process. The HSE Drugs Group will consider all the evidence and make a recommendation to the HSE Executive Management Team (EMT).

The HSE has also advised that a further pricing/reimbursement application was received with respect Epidyolex on 9 June 2021 for the following indication:

- for use as an adjunctive therapy of seizures associated with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) for patients 2years of age and older.

On 9 June 2021, the HSE commissioned a rapid review with respect to this indication. On 8 July 2021, the NCPE completed this rapid review and recommended a full HTA to assess the clinical effectiveness and cost effectiveness of Epidyolex compared with the current standard of care, on the basis of the proposed price relative to currently available therapies.

The HSE EMT is the decision-making body for the reimbursement of medicines under the Health Act 2013 and it will, following receipt of the outcome of the Drugs Group's deliberations, make the decisions on whether Epidyolex will be reimbursed for the above indications.

Given the disruption caused by the cyberattack on its IT systems, the HSE is currently working to restore all of its operations, in accordance with the priority needs for the safe and effective functioning of the health service. The timelines for medicine pricing/reimbursement applications to be deliberated on by the HSE EMT may therefore be outside of those usually expected.

Ambulance Service

Questions (115)

Denis Naughten

Question:

115. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health his plans for the expansion of the air ambulance service based at Custume Barracks, Athlone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27789/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Emergency Aeromedical Service (EAS), based at Custume Barracks, is a nationwide Helicopter Emergency Medical Service provided by the Irish Air Corps in conjunction with the National Ambulance Service (NAS) during daylight hours. The service is staffed by an Air Corps flight crew, an Emergency Medical Technician and a NAS Advanced Paramedic. Reserve support is provided by the Irish Coast Guard.  

A review into the operation of the EAS is currently ongoing, in line with the 2015 Government Decision, which established the EAS service on a permanent basis and provided that whilst the current joint service model will continue it will be subject to ongoing review in the context of ensuring a sustainable long term service arrangement.  The review is being led by the Department of Defence and includes representation from my Department and from the NAS.  Its primary objectives are to ensure that the EAS remains a sustainable and resilient service into the future, continues to provide a high quality of service to the public and is well positioned to respond to future demands as these arise. 

The operation of the EAS going forward will be informed by the review's findings and recommendations. 

Home Care Packages

Questions (116)

Barry Cowen

Question:

116. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the number of homecare support hours being provided in counties Laois and Offaly in 2021; the way this compares to 2020; the number of persons currently waiting for homecare in each county at the moment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37666/21]

View answer

Written answers

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 ongoing, 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.   

Covid-19 Tests

Questions (117)

Verona Murphy

Question:

117. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Health the reason the Covid-19 PCR testing system in Ireland is set to a higher cycle than is widely recommended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37684/21]

View answer

Written answers

I have been informed by the HSE that a number of commercial SARS-CoV-2 PCR assays are in use in Ireland, all of which are operated in accordance with the manufacturers' instructions, and the CE marking for the assay. It is the manufacturer that decides the optimal number of cycles for the assay, not the testing laboratory or the HSE.

National Children's Hospital

Questions (118, 133)

Alan Kelly

Question:

118. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the status of the national children’s hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37594/21]

View answer

Marc MacSharry

Question:

133. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the construction of the new children’s hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37732/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 118 and 133 together.

The New Children’s Hospital Project, comprising the main hospital at St James’s campus in Dublin, and two paediatric outpatient and urgent care centres at Connolly and Tallaght hospitals, is a Government priority.

The National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB) has the statutory responsibility and resources to plan, design, build, furnish and equip the new children’s hospital.

The main hospital was scheduled to be substantially completed by August 2022 and, following a commissioning process of 9-10 months, to open in 2023.  This contractual completion date has been revised to October 2022 as the contractor was granted an extension of time by the Employer’s Representative, in line with the contract, due to the impact of Covid-19 and the closure of the site in March 2020.  

The NPHDB has now advised my Department that BAM’s contractually compliant programme, approved by the Employer’s Representative in March 2021, forecasts a substantial completion date of December 2023.  Therefore, if BAM can meet its own schedule, the new hospital could open in 2024, after the necessary commissioning period.

The NPHDB and BAM are currently engaged in a process to allow the forecasted December 2023 completion date to be met.  There remain external risks beyond the control of the Development Board and the contractor to that timeline, arising from Brexit, the global pandemic, global supply chain difficulties and shortages of construction raw materials. However, BAM, as a Tier 1 construction company, has global reach into supply chains and is doing its best to mitigate those risks.

Despite delays and Covid-19 restrictions, significant progress is being made on the site at St James’s and the new children’s hospital building is taking shape.  Over 90% of all concrete has been placed, with the concrete frame now complete. In March, a key milestone was reached when the last section of the seventh-storey was poured with concrete, meaning that the building has now topped out.  The infill concrete slabs over the steelwork frame, closing in the concourse, will be complete by August 2021.

Glazing and façade works are continuing such that the distinctive shape of the building is becoming clear. It is anticipated that the majority of the building will be weathertight by the autumn. The fit out of certain internal areas has begun, with discernible rooms and areas taking shape. The primary Mechanical and Electrical Plant comprising boilers; combined heat and power, generators, transformers, main distribution boards and medical gases are well progressed with the focus now on primary and secondary distribution around the building.

A major milestone was reached in July 2019, when the Urgent Care Centre at the Connolly Hospital campus opened, providing a new model of ambulatory care for children. The opening of the second of the three new campuses, at Tallaght Hospital later this year, will be another important milestone in the NCH programme and in the delivery of children’s health services. 

Construction work on the 4,600m2 facility is nearing an end, with a substantial completion date scheduled for September 2021. It will then be handed over to Children’s Health Ireland to open for services after an 8-week period of operational commissioning and equipping.

National Maternity Hospital

Questions (119, 171)

Jennifer Whitmore

Question:

119. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Health the details of his latest efforts to progress the issue of the need for the new national maternity hospital to be in State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37587/21]

View answer

Bernard Durkan

Question:

171. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the current and expected position in regard to the proposed location of the new national maternity hospital; the extent to which all issues of concern have been addressed and resolved to date; if any further matters are outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37597/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 119 and 171 together.

The Government is committed to the development of the new National Maternity Hospital (NMH) planned for the St Vincent’s University Hospital Campus at Elm Park, as set out in the Programme for Government. Significant progress has been made on the capital project, with planning permission for the hospital secured in 2017 and, in 2018, the awarding of the contract for substantial enabling works.

However, the ownership and governance arrangements are more complex. The proposed corporate and clinical governance arrangements for the new NMH at Elm Park were set out in the Mulvey Agreement, which was finalised in 2016 following an extensive mediation process between the NMH and the St. Vincent’s Healthcare Group, published thereafter and noted by Government in 2017. The Mulvey Agreement provides for the establishment of a new company - National Maternity Hospital at Elm Park DAC - which will have clinical and operational, as well as financial and budgetary, independence in the provision of maternity, gynaecology and neonatal services. The draft legal framework that has been developed is designed to copper fasten these arrangements.

I have been very clear that I will not bring anything to Government unless it provides assurances around all legally permissible services being provided in the new NMH. In addition, the safeguarding of the State’s investment must also be affirmed beyond doubt.

In that context, and as I have previously stated, there will be further engagement with all stakeholders in relation to this project, as we move toward the finalisation of the legal arrangements. However, I will not be making any further comment on the nature of this engagement until it concludes.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (120)

Joan Collins

Question:

120. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who have been mandatory hotel quarantined since its introduction; the number who have developed the virus when in quarantine; and the number who left the quarantine without a PCR clearance or before the full complement of quarantined days. [37591/21]

View answer

Written answers

Mandatory hotel quarantine has been introduced as one element of Ireland’s public health measures to combat the transmission of Covid-19 and to protect the population when there is a high risk of importation of infection from Covid-19 and from challenges posed by new variants of concern.

Mandatory hotel quarantine is required for applicable travellers who have been in the designated states, including those who have transited through a port or airport in a designated state, even if they stay airside or portside, in the 14 days prior to their arrival in Ireland.

As of 06 July, a total of 7,886 people completed their stay in Mandatory Hotel Quarantine accommodation since it began on 26 March.  Of these, 340 have tested positive for Covid-19 in MHQ.

It is a criminal offence for an applicable traveller to leave a designated facility without authorisation. A person found guilty of this or other relevant offences is liable for a fine of up to €2,000, imprisonment for 1 month, or both. Where an applicable traveller leaves a designated facility without authorisation, An Garda Síochána will be notified, to investigate any suspected offences and enforce these laws.

Top
Share