Written Answers Nos. 1419-1443
1419. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health the measures that his Department has introduced and implemented to increase services available to high functioning autistic persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39413/21]
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.
1420. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when an appropriate programme will be made available to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40479/21]
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.
1421. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health if there is funding available to cover the cost of a person with special needs travelling by taxi to attend the Cashel Day Centre in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40943/21]
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.
1422. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Health if there is a replacement prescription in place for roActemra patients (details supplied) that have now been taken off the medication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40988/21]
View answerThe Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA), the competent authority for medicines in Ireland, has been notified by the marketing authorisation holder that there is a shortage of tocilizumab-containing medicines caused by increasing demand for the active ingredient. The shortage is not specific to the Irish market and is global in nature, affecting multiple countries.
The company which supplies tocilizumab products in Ireland has confirmed that it has implemented measures that aim to increase supply to prevent future shortages and mitigate the impact of the current shortages. The company has also stated that it expects supply to patients in Ireland to resume in September. The HPRA has published information concerning the shortage on its website, including a communication from the company which has been sent to healthcare professionals.
Patients or their carers who have any concerns regarding their treatment with this or any other medication should discuss this directly with their doctor of pharmacist.
1423. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the status of plans to develop primary care facilities on Inisbofin; the engagement his Department has had with the HSE on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41330/21]
View answer3328. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 66 of 2 July 2019, the status of plans to develop primary care facilities on Inisbofin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41351/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1423 and 3328 together.
As these Parliamentary Questions relate 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.
1424. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health the status of a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39330/21]
View answer2793. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health the status of a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39200/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1424 and 2793 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, drafting of a bill on assisted human reproduction (AHR) and associated areas of research, based on the published General Scheme of the Assisted Human Reproduction Bill, is ongoing by officials in my Department, in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General. This comprehensive piece of legislation will encompass the regulation, for the first time in Ireland, of a very wide range of practices, including domestic altruistic surrogacy.
The surrogacy provisions outline the specific conditions under which surrogacy in Ireland will be permitted, including a requirement for all surrogacy agreements to be pre-authorised by the AHR Regulatory Authority, the establishment of which the Bill will provide for. The legislation also sets out a court-based mechanism through which the parentage of a child born through surrogacy may be transferred from the surrogate (and her husband, if applicable) to the intending parent(s).
The draft Bill does not contain provisions to regulate surrogacy arrangements undertaken in other jurisdictions. As issues relating to international surrogacy concern areas of law that intersect across the remits of several Government Departments, my Department is engaging with the Department of Justice and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth in respect of this policy area.
1425. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if funding will be made available for research to examine the effect of long-Covid on work and need to take sick leave. [39351/21]
View answer2290. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the supports being put in place to help persons suffering with long-Covid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37262/21]
View answer2446. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health if statistics on the number of cases of long-Covid are being compiled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37862/21]
View answer2843. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if funding will be allocated towards research into the prevalence and effect of long-Covid on health in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39353/21]
View answer2844. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if his Department acknowledges the long-Covid as a recognised illness in Ireland. [39355/21]
View answer2845. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the data, statistics or any relating information gathered by his Department to date on the prevalence and effects of long-Covid in Ireland. [39356/21]
View answer2846. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if there are plans to work with the EU to define long-Covid and provide official treatment guidance such as the NICE guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39357/21]
View answer2922. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Health if there are plans to make long-Covid clinics more accessible and affordable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39643/21]
View answer2924. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if long-term illnesses and medical difficulties arising as a result of long-Covid will qualify for supports such as a medical card, a general practitioner card or disability benefits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39352/21]
View answer2961. Deputy Kieran O'Donnell asked the Minister for Health the strategy of his Department for managing long-Covid; the identified symptoms of same; the estimated impact on the health service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39712/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1425, 2290, 2446, 2843 to 2846, inclusive, 2922, 2924 and 2961 together.
Covid-19 is a new disease so information on it, its features and its course are still emerging. Scientific and clinical evidence is evolving on the long-term effects of COVID-19. An increasing number of reports and studies are now being published on the topic, however, at present there is no agreement on the definition or the terminology.
Scientific and clinical evidence is evolving on the long-term effects of COVID-19. It is recognised that persistent and prolonged symptoms can occur after acute COVID-19 infection in a proportion of patients, including in some patients who did not develop symptoms severe enough to require hospitalisation. My Department, through the Health Research Board, continues to fund research into the clinical impacts of COVID-19.
Patients with persistent symptoms following Covid-19 infection may be followed up by their GP or in hospital settings as clinically appropriate. People in the community who are concerned about persistent symptoms following Covid-19 should contact their GP in the first instance. Treatment is currently focused on management of specific symptoms. In line with Sláintecare, we need to ensure that as much reablement and rehabilitation care as possible is delivered in the community, as close to people’s homes as possible. General practice plays a key part in the delivery of a national post-acute (Long) COVID-19 service.
Specific guidance on the treatment of Long Covid is presently under development both here and internationally.
The HSE is assessing need and the best way to care for those impacted by Long COVID. I can advise the Deputies that the HSE as part of its work on post-Covid care, is now looking at how it can model the possible numbers that will be affected, noting that this will take time as more evidence emerges. I understand that the HSE has been in touch with a group of people who are suffering post-Covid symptoms to inform understanding. Guidance is being developed to align needs with care provision and to develop criteria and strategies for the ongoing evaluation of patients.
The Department of Health will continue to develop an understanding of the implications of Long Covid to inform policy as appropriate.
Under the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is based primarily on means. The Act obliges the HSE to assess whether a person is unable, without undue hardship, to arrange general practitioner services for himself or herself and his or her family, having regard to his or her overall financial position and reasonable expenditure. The issue of granting medical cards based on having a particular disease or illness was previously examined in 2014 by the HSE Expert Panel on Medical Need and Medical Card Eligibility. The Group concluded that it was not feasible, desirable, nor ethically justifiable to list medical conditions in priority order for medical card eligibility. In following the Expert Group’s advice, a person’s means remains the main qualifier for a medical card.
However, every effort is made by the HSE, within the framework of the legislation, to support applicants in applying for a medical card and, in particular, to take full account of the difficult circumstances in the case of applicants who may be in excess of the income guidelines. The HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, even though an applicant exceeds the income threshold where they face difficult financial circumstances, such as extra costs arising from, the social and medical impacts of an illness.
The Disability Allowance and Illness Benefit Schemes do not fall under the remit of my Department, however information on the scheme and how to apply can be found at www.gov.ie/en/service/df6811-disability-allowance/ and www.gov.ie/en/service/ddf6e3-illness-benefit/
1426. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health the measures that are being put in place to remove the barriers for those seeking a diagnosis for autism spectrum condition which currently costs in excess of €800 per test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39412/21]
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.
1427. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the status of the closure of indoor camps despite many camps running under guidelines issued for education in schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39577/21]
View answer2606. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if he can provide exact clarity in relation to the running of summer camps for children, both indoors and outdoors and summer classes for children, both indoors and outdoors (details supplied); if they are allowed to be run; the State body providing advice on this for parents and guardians and those running the classes and camps; the State body assigned to monitor compliance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38355/21]
View answer2760. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Health the status of indoor summer camps and indoor summer activities; if they can take place or not under Covid-19 regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39031/21]
View answer2779. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health if summer camps can resume in summer 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39110/21]
View answer2823. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health when children’s summer camps can reopen; if they are permitted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39294/21]
View answer3026. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the plans in place for the summer months to facilitate the provision of summer camps for children both indoors and outdoors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40014/21]
View answer3091. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Health when operators in the summer camp sector will be permitted to run their businesses again; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40239/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1427, 2606, 2760, 2779, 2823, 3026 and 3091 together.
As the Deputies will be aware, on 29 June, Government announced the next phase of reopening the economy and society in line with Recovery and Resilience: The Path Ahead.
While significant progress is being made in relation to the roll-out of our vaccination programme, the rapidly increasing prevalence of the more transmissible Delta variant, and the significant risk this poses, in particular to those who are not yet fully vaccinated, meant that 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.
Disease incidence has increased rapidly in recent weeks, especially among those who are not yet fully protected through vaccination and the outlook for the coming weeks is very uncertain.
Summer camps should adhere to public health measures on organised indoor and outdoor activities as appropriate, applying at the time. At present, that means that outdoor camps can go ahead, but indoor camps are not permitted as they would involve significant indoor social mixing of households. Details of public health measures can be found online: www.gov.ie/en/press-release/7894b-post-cabinet-statement-resilience-and-recovery-the-path-ahead/
As the Deputies will appreciate, there is no Government Department with specific responsibility for summer camps. However, guidance is provided by a range of Government Departments for relevant activities that come within their remit e.g. guidance for sports activities and activity providers, which would also be applicable to summer camps.
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.
1428. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health the number of applications received by the HSE civil registration service for new birth registrations from January 2021 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33175/21]
View answer1429. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health when the civil registration service will reopen for walk-in services in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33176/21]
View answer1430. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health the length of time applications are currently taking to process by the civil registration service for new birth registrations at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33177/21]
View answer1431. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health the number of applications that have been received by the civil registration service and that are currently awaiting processing for the period January 2021 to date by month in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33178/21]
View answer1435. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health if an alternative means of contacting the HSE Civil Registration Office in order to register a birth can be made available until such time as full services are restored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33213/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1428 to 1431, inclusive, and 1435 together.
I wish to advise the Deputy that birth registration matters are for the Department of Social Protection.
1432. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health if his Department has received a report on the pilot personalised budget for persons with a disability; and if this is a measure which he would like to see expanded. [33181/21]
View answerThe report of the Task Force on Personalised Budgets was launched by Minister McGrath in July 2018. The report set out how personalised budgets could work as a funding mechanism for people with a disability.
Personalised budgets can help to provide people with disabilities with greater choice and control over the services and supports they receive.
The Task Force reviewed national and international research and consulted with service users and their families. They recommended that the Department of Health, with the HSE, should establish a pilot project to test the delivery of personalised budgets - the aim being to identify the best approach to roll-out personalised budgets following this pilot phase.
Funding can be spent on specific personal supports funded by the HSE such as employing your own support worker or having support staff at a time you choose. These supports will be agreed and identified in a personal support plan for each participant. The funding is allocated by the HSE.
Funding cannot be spent on informal care from a partner or close relative or to pay for supports that would normally be provided by another Government Department or Statutory Agency, e.g. housing.
The Personalised Budget pilot is open to adults with a disability that are currently in receipt of HSE funded services. This included appropriate school leavers in 2019 and 2020.
It is hoped that the pilot will have up to 180 participants over two phases who access day services, residential services, respite services, rehabilitative training and personal assistance.
Some other variables that the HSE are also considering in relation to the sample of participants include types of disability, complexity of need, CHO and type of funding models.
In order to take part in the pilot, participants submitted an expression of interest. Expressions of interest for phase 2 closed in September 2020 and the HSE received 136 applications. Due to COVID-19 there was a pause in processing applications, so applications are still being processed.
There are currently 55 participants in the various stages of the pilot. This means that the pilot is running behind schedule. This is due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in the closure of services, and then the knock-on effect that this has had in making it difficult to recruit staff for the HSE team. The current restrictions are negatively impacting with the HSE’s ability to meet with individuals and progress.
The Personalised Budget Office continues to embed the option of Personalised Budgets in each CHO through regular linking with Disability Managers and Day Opportunity Co-ordinators, to offer advice and problem solving for participants.
In November 2020, I approved an extension to the pilot project until June 2022. This will facilitate applicant participation of 12 months minimum and allow time for a robust evaluation to be completed thereafter.
1433. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health the category of St. Vincent’s University Hospital under the Health Act 2004; and if there have been changes in such categorisation since 1 January 2016. [33198/21]
View answer1434. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health the funding arrangements under which St. Vincent’s University Hospital receives funds from the HSE; and if there have been changes in such funding arrangements since 1 January 2016. [33199/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1433 and 1434 together.
As these Parliamentary Question relate 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.
1436. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) cannot obtain funding for full-time care for their special needs. [33231/21]
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.
1437. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health the work being carried to secure funding at source for medication produced by a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33286/21]
View answer1438. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health when medication produced by a company (details supplied) will be funded at source; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33287/21]
View answer1458. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health if he has given consideration to introducing a scheme to cover the upfront costs of a medication manufactured by a company (details supplied) for patients in order to alleviate the financial pressures on families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33458/21]
View answer1895. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the status of upfront funding of drugs manufactured by a company (details supplied). [35774/21]
View answer1896. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the work he has undertaken on securing upfront funding of drugs manufactured by a company (details supplied). [35775/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1437, 1438, 1458, 1895 and 1896 together.
The Dutch authorities will not allow the commercial export of oil-based cannabis products to pharmacies or wholesalers. Representations were made to the Dutch authorities about having the products exported to Ireland to facilitate their inclusion in the Access Programme if the producers wished to do so. The Dutch authorities replied that magistral preparations may only be provided directly to patients or their representative on the basis of a prescription, presented for dispensing.
Since April 2020 owing to the travel restrictions and quarantine requirements the Department of Health has been collecting patients prescribed products and delivering them to Irish patient’s homes, collections occur approximately every four weeks. In December 2020 I announced this scheme would be made permanent.
Owing to the restrictions the manufacturers of the Dutch products are not in a position to apply to the Health Products Regulatory Authority to have the products included in the Access Programme and treated in the same manner as the products included in the Access Programme.
It was a requirement for patients or their families to pay the dispensing pharmacy in the Netherlands and a reimbursement application can subsequently be made to the Primary Care Reimbursement Service in the HSE.
I was aware that this placed financial burden on those patients and families. I asked officials in my Department to find a solution that ensured patients were not left out of pocket for any period of time. Officials in my Department and in the HSE worked tirelessly to come up with a solution to this issue.
On 19 July I announced that the refund system for eligible patients who obtain their prescribed cannabis-based products from the Netherlands will be replaced by a direct payment system.
The HSE will be contacting eligible patients and their families directly.
Eligible patients are those suffering from one of these three stated conditions:
- Spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis resistant to all standard therapies and interventions whilst under expert medical supervision
- Intractable nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, despite the use of standard anti-emetic regimes whilst under expert medical supervision
- Severe, refractory (treatment-resistant) epilepsy that has failed to respond to standard anticonvulsant medications whilst under expert medical supervision.
1439. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Health the provisions being made within his Department in regard to an updated and appropriate dental treatment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33288/21]
View answer1631. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health his plans to address the crisis in the dental treatment services scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34523/21]
View answer1889. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties that many persons have in trying to access dental treatment given that a large number of independent dental practices have withdrawn from the dental treatment scheme in County Wicklow over the past number of years; if the HSE is currently in discussions with independent dental practices in order to get more practices to sign up to the scheme; if progress has been made in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35712/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1439, 1631 and 1889 together.
The 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 and that some patients are experiencing delays in accessing care due to a backlog of treatment during lockdown, along with a reduction in capacity in dental practices since the introduction of Covid-19 Infection Prevention Controls.
For dentists opting to leave the Scheme, I would expect due process to be followed, in particular regarding an appropriate period of notice. I would also expect dentists to continue to honour their ethical and contractual obligations to patients during the notice withdrawal period, to either provide a service or to ensure that patients are referred to another dentist who will provide a service. 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.
The national approach to future oral health service provision will be informed by Smile agus Sláinte, the National Oral Health Policy, which was published in 2019. The aim of the policy is to develop a model of care that will enable preventative approaches to be prioritised, improve access, and support interventions appropriate to current and future oral health needs.
I am committed to ensuring the sustainability and viability of the DTSS, which will need to be revised to align it with modern evidence and with the National Oral Health Policy. There was an intention to commence a review of the DTSS contract last year. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, this was not possible.
Officials in my Department and from the HSE are currently engaging with the Irish Dental Association on matters relating to the provision of services under the Dental Treatment Services Scheme.
1440. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health when a primary medical certificate application will be approved for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33289/21]
View answerAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the Health Service Executive (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 to 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.
1441. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health when the assisted human reproduction Bill will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33306/21]
View answer1669. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the drafting status of the Assisted Human Reproduction Bill; when it will be advanced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34883/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1441 and 1669 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, drafting of a bill on assisted human reproduction (AHR) and associated areas of research is ongoing by officials in my Department, in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General. This comprehensive and far-reaching piece of legislation encompasses the regulation, for the first time in Ireland, of a wide range of practices, including: gamete (sperm or egg) and embryo donation for AHR and research; domestic surrogacy; pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) of embryos; posthumous assisted reproduction; and embryo and stem cell research. The legislation also provides for the establishment of an independent regulatory authority for AHR.
I can assure the Deputy that publication of this legislation is a priority for my Department and the Government, and a commitment to enact this legislation is included in the Programme for Government, “Our Shared Future”. Officials in my Department and the Office of the Attorney General continue to prioritise the drafting of this complex legislation and will engage intensively over the next few months to finalise the Bill. Overall, the provisions outlined within the Bill will ensure that AHR practices and related areas of research are conducted in a more consistent and standardised way and with the necessary oversight.
1442. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health the State agencies, organisations or boards under the responsibility of his Department or that receive funding from his Department that have been charged interest for savings on deposit in Irish banks since negative interest rates were introduced; the amount of interest that has been charged to each State agency, organisation or board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33305/21]
View answerThe information sought by the Deputy is not held by my Department. Contact details for these bodies are set out in the attached document, should the Deputy wish to contact the aegis bodies directly with his query.
|
Aegis Bodies |
Aegis Bodies Contacts for compliance PQ |
|
Dental Council |
info@dentalcouncil.ie |
|
Food Safety Authority of Ireland |
parliamentaryquestions@fsai.ie |
|
Food Safety Promotion Board - Safefood |
parliamentary-questions@safefood.net |
|
Health Information and Quality Authority |
info@hiqa.ie (general queries) concerns@hiqa.ie (concerns about a health or social care service) mwhelan@hiqa.ie (head of communications and stakeholder engagement) |
|
Health Insurance Authority |
info@hia.ie |
|
Health Products Regulatory Authority |
pqsandbriefings@hpra.ie |
|
Health Research Board |
hrb@hrb.ie ccronin@hrb.ie |
|
Health Service Executive |
reps@hse.ie. oireachtas.pcrs@hse.ie(for medical card queries) |
|
Health and Social Care Professionals Council |
oireachtasquery@coru.ie |
|
Irish Blood Transfusion Service |
contactus@ibts.ie |
|
Medical Council |
oireachtasqueries@mcirl.ie |
|
Mental Health Commission |
pad@mhcirl.ie |
|
National Cancer Registry Board |
oireachtasqueries@ncri.ie |
|
National Paediatric Hospital Development Board |
info@nph.ie |
|
National Treatment Purchase Fund Board |
pq@ntpf.ie |
|
Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland |
oireachtas@nmbi.ie |
|
Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland Council |
oireachtasqueries@psi.ie |
|
Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council |
director@phecc.ie |
|
VHI Healthcare |
brighid.smyth@vhi.ie |
1443. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health the arrangements in place to provide dental treatment of residents of nursing homes in CHO area 3 which covers counties Clare, Limerick and north County Tipperary; the advised pathway for patients to access dental treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33345/21]
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.
