Written Answers Nos. 2002-2026
2002. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health the level of funding allocated for Covid-19 programmes in disability services in budget 2021 that has to date gone unspent; his views on whether the total allocation will be spent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36086/21]
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.
2004. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health the efforts he has made in respect of bringing forward an updated national carers’ strategy; the funding that has been allocated to date to review and update the strategy; the estimated additional funding required to conclude the review and publish the new strategy; the timeframe for the publication of the new strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36088/21]
View answerIreland’s National Carers' Strategy is designed around a core vision which recognises and respects carers as key care partners who are supported to maintain their own health and well-being, care with confidence and who are empowered to participate as fully as possible in economic and social life.
Under the Strategy, a range of measures have been introduced or extended by my Department to support family carers in recent years. Most recently, the Government allocated €2 million in Budget 2021 to advance the implementation of the National Carers' Strategy, with a focus on providing a more standard package of supports to family carers in every region. My Department is currently working on the details of this allocation with the HSE.
The Programme for Government contains a firm commitment to progress the review and update of the National Carers’ Strategy, and this is a priority for me, as Minister for Health. To this end, my Department will undertake preparatory work this year in relation to the design, scope and workplan for delivering a review of the Strategy. Furthermore, my Department is committed to keeping all the key stakeholders informed in relation to our progress in this area, including relevant government departments, representative organisations and those who advocate on behalf of family carers.
2005. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health the funding that was allocated for assistive technologies in 2019, 2020 and to date in 2021 respectively; the unmet need for assistive technologies in 2019, 2020 and to date in 2021 respectively; the additional funding needed to increase funding for assistive technologies by 5%, 10% and 25% respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36089/21]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that the issue of Assistive Technologies funding does not come within the remit of the Department of Health and that her question may be more appropriate for the Department of Education and Skills.
2006. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health the level of funding that was allocated to the Health Research Board in 2019, 2020 and to date in 2021; the level of funding that was allocated for the collection and analysis of disability service use and need; the estimated additional funding required to improve data collection on disability that is identified in the report (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36090/21]
View answerThe core allocation to the HRB in 2019 was €33.014m, in 2020 was €34.404m and in 2021 was €34.954m. The NASS captures information about the use and need for disability-funded services. The level of spend for the collection and analysis of disability service use and need in 2019 was €389,869, and in 2020 it was €489,274, while the expected spend for 2021 is €511,090.
The Transforming Lives programme (2014), is a national collaborative effort to build better services for people with disabilities. A key priority is to continue to deliver on the strategic aims and recommendations of the significant work and research of the Value for Money and Policy Review of Disability Services (2012). The priority objective is to address the need for a better service model for people with a disability where greater flexibility, choice and control from the service user perspective is central. Under Transforming Lives, the focus is on developing individualised person-centred supports to enable people with disabilities participate to their full potential in economic and social life in the community and be enabled to live ordinary lives in ordinary places.
The National Ability Supports System (NASS) is a confidential database of statistical information which is used to aid the planning, development and organisation of HSE-funded disability support services and is managed by the National Health Information Systems Unit of the Health Research Board (HRB) on behalf of the Department of Health.
This single Database replaces the National Intellectual Disability Database (NIDD) since 1995 and the National Physical & Sensory Disability Database (NPSDD) in place since 2004. All individuals who receive or require a disability-funded service due to an intellectual disability, or a persistent physical, sensory, neurological, learning, autism spectrum, and/or speech/language disability arising from disease, disorder or trauma, should be registered on NASS. The Health Research Board publish annual Reports at www.hrb.ie/data-collections-evidence/disability-service-use-and-need/publications/
The Disability Capacity Review - A Review of Disability Social Care Demand and Capacity Requirements to 2032’, was published 16th July, 2021. The Review estimates the additional costs of meeting anticipated demographic change, of addressing unmet need for services, and of completion of the programme of closing residential institutions. The projections of increased requirement are from the 2018 level of services.
The projections of services required to meet current and likely future demand provide a basis for multi-year planning, with a view to achieving best value for investment in disability services in relation to people’s needs. The analysis will support a sustainable planning approach to the delivery of specialist disability services and inform the annual Estimates processes in planning for cost-effective service delivery that best meets individual needs.
An interdepartmental Working Group, chaired by the Department of Health, will prepare an Action Plan, for consideration by the Cabinet SubCommittee on Equality and Social Policy by the end of this year. The Action Plan will set out the optimum approach over the period to 2025 to meet projected demand.
Prepared under the 2019 Sláintecare Implementation Plan (action 1.3), the Disability Capacity Review updates and extends an earlier published forecast of future needs for disability services (to 2025). Drawing on the Health Research Board’s disability databases, the CSO’s population projections, and other data sources, it sets out future capacity requirements under different demand scenarios. The projections are based on pre-COVID-19 utilisation rates and cost base. The Report was peer reviewed by experts from the NDA, the HRB, the ESRI, and the Department of Health’s Research Unit.
2007. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health the spending breakdown from the €2 million funding that was secured for the autism plan in budget 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36094/21]
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.
2008. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) is waiting on an appointment in a Drogheda hospital for surgery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36113/21]
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.
2009. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he is satisfied in the context of the freedom of information publication scheme that all logs are published and up to date in compliance with the Freedom of Information Act 2014; if not, the reason they are not published; and if he will update them as a matter of priority. [36135/21]
View answer2010. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the amount collected on an annual basis since the Freedom of Information Act 2014 commenced in respect of fees attached to freedom of information requests submitted to his Department. [36153/21]
View answer2011. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of freedom of information requests refused by his Department since the Freedom of Information Act 2014 commenced for the reason that search and copy costs would exceed the maximum threshold; the number of requests that were subsequently granted following engagement with the requester to narrow the scope of the request; and the costs associated with same. [36171/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 2009 to 2011, inclusive, together.
My Department has no record of any Freedom of Information requests that were refused for the reason that search and copy costs would exceed the maximum threshold. It is the policy of my Department to engage with any such requesters and to assist them with refining a request that does not come within the scope of the Act.
The Department strives to ensure that as much information as possible is available publicly. However, the recent cyber security incident has impacted on its ability to provide up to date information in some cases. Work on restoring access to affected systems is continuing.
The amount collected on an annual basis since the Freedom of Information Act 2014 commenced in respect of fees are set out below:
Search & Retrieval Fees Requested Internal Review Fees
2014 - €375 2014 - €30
2015 - €82 2015 - €150
2016 - €500 2016 - €150
2017 - €324 2017 - €180
2018 - €52 2018 - €270
2019 - €272 2019 - €180
2020 - €563 2020 - €180
2012. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the date to which the moratorium regarding claims made by a company (details supplied) has been extended to in respect of National Paediatric Hospital Development Board in view of the fact it was due to cease at the end of June 2021 in relation to court actions being taken. [36180/21]
View answerAs the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB) has statutory responsibility for planning, designing, building, and equipping the new children's hospital. This includes assessment and defence of claims submitted by the contractor under the construction contract. I have therefore referred your question to the NPHDB for direct reply.
2013. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the status of the independent employer representative that is engaged to adjudicate on the dispute between the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board and a company (details supplied); the number of claims adjudicated on; the value of those claims; the eventual settlement that has been agreed; the number of outstanding claims; and the value of same. [36181/21]
View answerI am aware that the main contractor has submitted a significant number of claims to the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB), which it alleges are outside the agreed scope of the construction contract. It is entitled to do so. However, the NPHDB has a revised and strengthened process in place for the assessment of claims by the contractor in accordance with the construction contract. It is robustly defending all claims where, in the opinion of the Board and its advisors, there is no contractual entitlement. This is vital to mitigating the risk of escalating costs and delays on this project.
Last month, as part of the NPHDB’s ongoing engagement with BAM, both parties agreed to a period of moratorium on claims. This will allow both parties to dedicate all their energies towards delivering the project as quickly as possible.
As the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB) has statutory responsibility for planning, designing, building and equipping the new children's hospital. I have referred your question to the NPHDB for direct reply.
2014. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to ensure that it is attractive for general practitioners to take up positions in rural practices in view of the difficulty being experienced in many cases attracting new doctors to such practices when doctors retire; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36182/21]
View answerThe Government is aware of the workforce issues currently facing general practice, including those effecting certain rural areas, and has implemented a number of measures to improve recruitment and retention in general practice.
These include changes to the entry provisions to the GMS scheme to accommodate more flexible/shared GMS GP contracts, and to the retirement provisions for GPs under the GMS scheme, allowing GPs to hold GMS contracts until their 72nd birthday. Enhanced supports for rural GP practices have also been introduced.
The 2019 Agreement on GP contractual reforms will see the Government increase investment in general practice by approximately 40% (€210 million) between 2019 and 2023, providing for significant increases in capitation fees for GPs who participate in the reform programme and the introduction of new fees and subsidies for additional services such as the chronic disease programme. The Agreement provides for increased support for GPs working in rural practices and for those in disadvantaged urban areas, and for improvements to maternity and paternity leave arrangements.
The number of GPs entering training has been increased steadily over the previous years, rising from 120 in 2009 to 213 in 2020. Following the transfer of responsibility for training General Practitioners from the HSE to the Irish College of General Practitioners, the number of GPs entering training has further increased this year to 233.
These measures will see an increase in the number of GPs working in the State, improving access to GP services for patients throughout the country.
2016. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36192/21]
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.
2017. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the supports and safeguards that have been provided for vaccinators that do not have a professional indemnity insurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36193/21]
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 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.
2018. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the details in relation to insurance for vaccinators; if nurses who have been recruited as vaccinators and are former members of their union will be covered by the union's professional scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36194/21]
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.
2020. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health if permission will be given for novelty acts at weddings that can be carried out behind a perspex screen in a Covid-19 safe manner if live music continues not to be allowed at weddings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36228/21]
View answerAs the Deputy 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. However, as an exception, weddings already planned have been allowed to proceed with the planned increase in the number of guests to 50 at the wedding reception with protective measures from 5 July.
Unfortunately, the outlook for the coming weeks is very uncertain and there is not yet an indication of when novelty acts will be permitted at weddings. This is outlined further in the Fáilte Ireland guidelines. These guidelines can be found online: covid19.failteireland.ie/operational-guidelines/ The epidemiological situation will be monitored on an ongoing basis and the level of restrictions will be kept under review by Government.
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.
2021. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health if he will alter the current nation Covid-19 vaccination strategy in order that children with a cystic fibrosis diagnosis are prioritised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36229/21]
View answerIreland welcomes the European Medicines Agency age extension recommendation for the COVID-19 vaccines Comirnaty (Pfizer/BioNTech) and Spikevax (Moderna) to include use in children 12+. The National Immunisation Advisory Committee is reviewing the matter and will make a recommendation as appropriate. Currently, Ireland's COVID-19 Vaccination Programme is administering vaccines to those aged 16+.
2022. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health when the removal of the age cap on a vaccine (details supplied) will come into effect; when he expects pharmacies to commence administering this vaccine to under 40s; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36244/21]
View answerThe HSE is currently offering everyone who registers online an mRNA vaccine - either the Moderna or Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine - when it is available. People waiting for their first vaccination appointment also have a choice to opt-in or out of getting the AstraZeneca vaccine if it is available earlier than an mRNA vaccine. If opting for this vaccine, a person may be vaccinated sooner, depending on the availability of supply.
Alternatively, an individual can now get a COVID-19 vaccine at a local pharmacy if not already vaccinated and are aged:
- 50 or over
- 18 to 34
Availability of pharmacy vaccines will depend on supply. Many pharmacies are offering people in these age groups the Janssen vaccine.
The latest group who can register online to get a COVID-19 vaccine are people aged 16 to 17.
If over 18, people can still register if they haven't already.
2023. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health the number of dentists that are registered for public treatment in each of the years 2016 to 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36245/21]
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.
2024. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health the number of registered complaints and or cases taken against dentists by medical card holders and non-medical card holders, respectively in each of the years 2016 to 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36246/21]
View answerThe information sought by the Deputy is not held by my Department. The Dental Council, established under the Dentists Act 1985 is the regulatory body for the dental profession. The Dental Council deals with complaints concerning breaches of its Codes of Practice. The Dental Council publishes the results of Fitness to Practise Inquiries where allegations of professional misconduct against a dentist have been proven together with the sanctions imposed.
With regard to any complaints made to the HSE by medical card holders, this is an operational issue and therefore 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.
2025. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health the progress made to develop elective only hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36247/21]
View answerThe development of elective hospital facilities in Dublin, Cork and Galway is in line with the National Development Plan, the Health Service Capacity Review, the Programme for Government and the Sláintecare Implementation Strategy & Action Plan 2021-2023.
The Elective Hospitals Oversight Group, under the joint governance of the HSE, Department of Health and Sláintecare, is guiding the development of the elective hospitals, following the process outlined in the Public Spending Code.
A Strategic Assessment Report has been completed and approved setting 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.
A Preliminary Business Case (PBC) is being prepared. As part of the process, the Oversight Group made a call for site submissions from private owners, the HSE, Land Development Agency and Hospital Groups. Submissions are undergoing evaluation to examine their suitability with a view to recommending a single preferred option in each location. The site identification process in Cork and Galway has been fully informed by discussions with relevant Hospital Groups.
Once completed, the PBC will be assessed by the Department of Public Expenditure & Reform and submitted to Government for consideration.
2026. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health if he will report on access to indoor facilities for those who have not been able to avail of a vaccine to date and or those who cannot receive a vaccination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36248/21]
View answer2235. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health his response to issues raised in relation to vaccine passports for indoor dining (details supplied). [37082/21]
View answer2385. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Health his views on antigen testing usage for return of indoor hospitality to ensure that non-vaccinated persons can be included in proposed return of indoor dining and drinking for this sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37658/21]
View answer2689. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health if there is a plan in place to consider using a vaccine passport domestically or the EU Digital COVID Certificate in a national context; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38788/21]
View answer2697. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health if he has made provision for the use of hospitality by persons that are unable or choose not to avail of a Covid-19 vaccine; if he is considering the use of antigen testing in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38805/21]
View answer2824. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health the situation with respect to the resumption of indoor dining for those who have received only one dose of a two shot Covid-19 vaccination, having been advised by their medical practitioner against receiving a second dose for medical reasons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39295/21]
View answer3099. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health the consideration that will be made in the domestic Covid-19 pass system for persons who are medically advised against receiving a Covid-19 vaccination. [40297/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 2026, 2235, 2385, 2689, 2697, 2824 and 3099 together.
As the Deputies will be aware, on 29 June, Government announced the next phase of reopening the economy and society in line with Resilience and Recovery: The Path Ahead.
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.
As of 26 July, indoor dining has reopened for fully vaccinated individuals and those who are considered immune as a result of recovering from a covid-19 infection in the previous six months. The HSE guidance on when a person is fully vaccinated is available online www2.hse.ie/screening-and-vaccinations/covid-19-vaccine/get-the-vaccine/when-you-have-been-vaccinated/
Access to businesses is being restricted to those who are fully vaccinated or recovered as the risk is still high, however the system will be kept under review and Government will consider further phases of the reopening of hospitality as the epidemiological situation allows. Details of measures in place can be found online: www.gov.ie/en/publication/41f70-reopening-hospitality/
Significant progress has been made on suppressing the virus over recent months due to the huge effort of people across the country. By working together, we have saved lives and limited the impact of the disease on society in Ireland. To protect the gains of recent months we must continue to practice basic preventative behaviours and to follow public health guidelines.
