John McGuinness
Question:1698. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if an appointment for an assessment for a person (details supplied) will be expedited. [34984/21]
View answerHospital Appointments Status
Questions (1698)
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.
Health Services Staff
Questions (1699)
John McGuinness
Question:1699. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if it is stipulated by his Department or the HSE that persons contracted by the HSE for the provision of counselling services through an outside agency (details supplied) will be required to set up a limited company for the purpose; the reason for same given that it causes unnecessary bureaucracy and costs and acts as a disincentive to some counsellors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34989/21]
View answerWritten 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 (1700)
John McGuinness
Question:1700. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the number of versions of a vaccine (details supplied) available; and if all versions are authorised for use in the EU. [34990/21]
View answerWritten answers
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 Conditional 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 to Vaxzevria provides a high level of assurance that the vaccine has undergone rigorous testing and has met the requirements of the independent regulatory process as regards demonstrating its safety and efficacy. The AstraZeneca vaccine Vaxzevria (previously COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca) COVID-19 Vaccine (ChAdOx1-S [recombinant]) is the sole version of AstraZeneca's vaccine approved for use in the EU.
Vaccination Programme
Questions (1701)
Eoin Ó Broin
Question:1701. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health the vaccination plans in place for rough sleepers particularly in rural counties including County Clare. [34991/21]
View answerWritten 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.
Health Services
Questions (1702)
Eoin Ó Broin
Question:1702. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health if new applications for intensive care packages are still being accepted; and if so, the procedure by which families can apply for this support for their family members suffering from dementia. [34992/21]
View answerWritten 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.
Health Services Staff
Questions (1703)
Dessie Ellis
Question:1703. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Health the number of occupational therapists currently attending to appointments at the Wellmount Health Centre, Finglas, Dublin 11; the number of appointments per week currently available at the health centre; if any of the occupational therapists assigned to the health centre been redeployed throughout the past year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34993/21]
View answerWritten 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.
Primary Medical Certificates
Questions (1704)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:1704. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an application for a primary medical certificate for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34782/21]
View answerWritten answers
As 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.
Question No. 1705 answered with Question No. 1580.
Medical Aids and Appliances
Questions (1706)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:1706. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35041/21]
View answerWritten 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.
Mental Health Services
Questions (1707)
Mark Ward
Question:1707. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if his Department can work with an organisation (details supplied) that has suspended new referrals due to staff shortages; and if the resources needed will be provided in order to take on new referrals. [35042/21]
View answerWritten 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. 1708 answered with Question No. 1585.
Food Industry
Questions (1709)
Marian Harkin
Question:1709. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Health if he will request his Department to review the Broadcast Authority of Ireland code that pertains to infant formula products and ensure that it is updated to be in line with WHO recommendations including those of the WHO Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes (details supplied); the way he plans to bring the Broadcast Authority of Ireland code in line with the WHO code in this regard and the implementation of this process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35044/21]
View answerWritten answers
The BAI is the regulator of broadcasting in Ireland. The BAI also implements broadcasting codes and standards.
My Department has worked with the BAI on the Expert Working Group for the Diet and Nutrition rules in the Children’s Communications Code, 2013. This Code is being reviewed and we will continue to liaise with the BAI on diet and nutrition issues.
Food Industry
Questions (1710)
Marian Harkin
Question:1710. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Health the status of Ireland’s progress on implementing via legislation the WHO Code of Marketing on Breast-milk Substitutes; the reason for the lack of progress in this matter since 2013 and the delay in adopting into domestic law the provisions of the WHO Code in its entirety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35045/21]
View answerWritten answers
As the HSE Breastfeeding Action Plan 2016-2021 is 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.
I can say however that promoting an increase in the number of new mothers breastfeeding is a priority in the Healthy Ireland Strategic Action plan 2021-2025. Infant formula is needed as not all babies are breastfed. 2021 is the year of the 40th anniversary of the adoption of the International Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes which is aimed at protecting children and families from inappropriate marketing of breastmilk substitute products. The Code covers infant formula products up to the age of 3 years.
My Department works closely with the HSE National Breast Feeding Co-ordinator, who has responsibility for the implementation of the HSE Breastfeeding Action Plan 2016-2021. I have been advised that the HSE has established the National Breastfeeding Implementation Group to progress the actions. One of these is reviewing the Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes in public health services and this is at final draft stage and is due for implementation, across all health services in 2021.
Health Services
Questions (1711)
Seán Sherlock
Question:1711. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the status of operations in a respite centre (details supplied). [35066/21]
View answerWritten 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.
Health Services
Questions (1712)
Seán Sherlock
Question:1712. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the status of operations in a respite centre (details supplied). [35067/21]
View answerWritten answers
As 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.
Medical Aids and Appliances
Questions (1713)
Seán Sherlock
Question:1713. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if a person can obtain portable tables from the HSE for wheelchair users who are bed bound. [35068/21]
View answerWritten 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.
Health Services
Questions (1714)
Seán Sherlock
Question:1714. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 148 of 22 April 2021, if a full-time residential place will be secured for the person. [35069/21]
View answerWritten 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.
Traveller Community
Questions (1715)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:1715. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when he plans to introduce a national Traveller mental health strategy as promised in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35070/21]
View answerWritten answers
Government policy strategy for improving the lives of Traveller and Roma communities is outlined in the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy (NTRIS). The strategy is a cross-departmental initiative and contains a set of specific actions aimed at improving the situation for Traveller and Roma communities in Ireland. The Strategy includes 10 actions relating to mental health and suicide among Travellers. There is also an action under NTRIS to implement a detailed action plan to address the specific health needs of Travellers, using a social determinants approach.
In addition, the national mental health policy, Sharing the Vision, makes a series of recommendations that will improve mental health outcomes for the whole community, including the Traveller and Roma community. Sharing the Vision recognises the particular issues faced by different priority groups with respect to mental health and the policy will address these by implementing recommendations that are designed to individualise services to the needs of the user by taking account of their unique socio-economic and cultural background.
It is envisaged that Traveller and Roma representation will engage in a significant way with Sharing the Vision’s National Implementation and Monitoring Committee to ensure that the implementation of Sharing the Vision will maximise beneficial outcomes for Travellers and Roma. It is also envisaged that the mental health actions in NTRIS will be incorporated in the Traveller health action plan and will be aligned with the overall approach in Sharing the Vision. This will allow for an integrated and coordinated response to the specific health needs of Travellers, as outlined in NTRIS.
Covid-19 Tests
Questions (1716)
Neale Richmond
Question:1716. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health the reason antigen Covid-19 tests are not being used for the Digital COVID Certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34544/21]
View answerWritten answers
COVID-19 tests for the purposes of travel, both to and from the State, can be sourced via private testing providers, in order to preserve the testing capacity of the HSE for priority groups and public health screening. Antigen tests can be sourced via private providers and Digital COVID Certificates based on antigen tests can be issued for the purpose of travelling to an EU country where antigen tests are accepted.
Currently, Ireland does not accept antigen tests for incoming travellers. These travel measures are kept under continuous review based on public health advice and the international epidemiological situation.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (1717)
Seán Sherlock
Question:1717. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health when he last spoke with the heads of the maternity hospitals on the issue of partner access; the date of that meeting; and the outcome of same. [35092/21]
View answerWritten 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.
Disability Services
Questions (1718)
Michael Collins
Question:1718. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Health the waiting list for specific speech and language disorder units for the treatment of severe speech delay and verbal dyspraxia in County Cork; his plans to develop further units in County Cork given that there are only four units currently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35093/21]
View answerWritten 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.
Mental Health Services
Questions (1719)
Pa Daly
Question:1719. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health his plans for 24-hour mental health services nationwide as part of the Minding Your Wellbeing launched in November 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35094/21]
View answerWritten 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.
Mental Health Services
Questions (1720)
Pa Daly
Question:1720. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health the number of persons waiting for primary psychological care in County Kerry in tabular form noting age cohorts for under 12, 12 to 18 and 18 plus years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35095/21]
View answerWritten 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.
Mental Health Services
Questions (1721)
Pa Daly
Question:1721. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health the number of persons that requested mental health services in University Hospital Kerry accident and emergency department in each of the years 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35096/21]
View answerWritten 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.
Hospital Procedures
Questions (1722, 1723, 1724)
Paul Murphy
Question:1722. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health the way in which the consultant and surgeon triage patients for elective surgeries; and the location in which this is recorded. [35118/21]
View answerPaul Murphy
Question:1723. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health the location in which waiting lists of patients who are pending elective surgeries are recorded. [35119/21]
View answerPaul Murphy
Question:1724. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health the way in which the consultants and surgeons communicate with the admission office in relation to patients and waiting lists changes for elective surgeries. [35120/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1722 to 1724, inclusive, together.
In relation to the specifics raised by the Deputy regarding the triaging of patient referrals, communication at hospital level, and any associated policies and operational protocols at hospital level, as this 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.
More broadly in relation to patient pathways and associated protocols, the majority of patients requiring admission to an acute hospital for an elective procedure are usually referred by their General Practitioner (GP) and attend an outpatient consultation. At this consultation, the clinical decision will be made as to whether or not an inpatient, day case or planned procedure admission is required.
The National Inpatient, Day case and Planned Procedure Waiting List Management Protocol (2017) developed by the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) and published in full on the NTPF website, is intended to provide guidance to ensure that there is a consistent and standardised user friendly approach to the management and scheduling of patients on Inpatient, Day case and Planned Procedure (IDPP) waiting lists within each hospital and across hospital groups. The purpose of this protocol is to ensure the safe, timely and effective access and treatment of patients in a fair and equitable manner.
As per the guidance of the protocol, once a patient has been seen by a Consultant or Senior Clinician and the decision to admit has been made, the patient is verbally informed. A waiting list booking form is completed and forwarded to the booking administrator or booking office. Clinical Priority must be clearly indicated on this form. Categorisation of patients by clinical priority is required to ensure that all patients receive care in a timely and clinically appropriate manner. The clinical prioritisation of the patient remains at all times a matter for the treating physician. The clinical priority category should be appropriate to the patient, their clinical situation and, sometimes, other exceptional social circumstances.