Patricia Ryan
Question:2027. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health the funding provided to each local first responder group in 2019, by county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36259/21]
View answerEmergency Services
Questions (2027)
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.
Disease Management
Questions (2028)
Patricia Ryan
Question:2028. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health his plans to include Crohn's disease and inflammatory bowel disease on the list of illnesses covered under the long-term illness scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36260/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Long Term Illness Scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). The conditions covered by the Long Term Illness (LTI) Scheme are: acute leukaemia; mental handicap; cerebral palsy; mental illness (in a person under 16); cystic fibrosis; multiple sclerosis; diabetes insipidus; muscular dystrophies; diabetes mellitus; parkinsonism; epilepsy; phenylketonuria; haemophilia; spina bifida; hydrocephalus; and conditions arising from the use of Thalidomide.
Under the scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge.
There are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the scheme at this time. However, a review of the current eligibility framework, including the basis for existing hospital and medication charges, will be carried out under commitments given in the Sláintecare Implementation Strategy.
For people who are not eligible for the LTI Scheme, there are other arrangements which protect them from excessive medicine costs.
Under the Drug Payment Scheme, no individual or family pays more than €114 a month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The scheme significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals with ongoing expenditure on medicines.
Those who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be entitled to a medical card. In the assessment process, the HSE can take into account medical costs incurred by an individual or a family. Those who are not eligible for a medical card may still be able to avail of a GP visit card, which covers the cost of GP consultations.
Tax relief is also available on the cost of medical expenses. This includes medicines prescribed by a doctor, dentist, or consultant. Relief is at the standard tax rate of 20%, and further information is available at www.revenue.ie.
Medical Aids and Appliances
Questions (2029)
Patricia Ryan
Question:2029. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health the number of publicly accessible defibrillators in each county; the amount his Department has provided funding for in each county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36261/21]
View answerWritten answers
This matter relates to the work of the Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest (OHCA) Steering Group. In 2019, this Group finalised an Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest Strategy for Ireland, “Putting Survival at the Heart of the Community” and submitted it to the Health Service Executive (HSE) Commissioners, who have accepted the recommendation of the Steering Group.
As this Parliamentary Question relates to service delivery 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.
Medical Aids and Appliances
Questions (2030)
Patricia Ryan
Question:2030. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health if it will be ensured publicly accessible defibrillators will be provided along the Barrow blueway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36262/21]
View answerWritten answers
This matter relates to the work of the Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest (OHCA) Steering Group. In 2019, this Group finalised an Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest Strategy for Ireland, “Putting Survival at the Heart of the Community” and submitted it to the Health Service Executive (HSE) Commissioners, who have accepted the recommendation of the Steering Group.
As this Parliamentary Question relates to service delivery 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 Appointments Status
Questions (2031)
Sorca Clarke
Question:2031. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) can expect a date for surgery. [36328/21]
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.
Social Workers Register
Questions (2032)
Sorca Clarke
Question:2032. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the number of complaints received by HIQA relating to social workers in each of the years 2018 to 2020 and to date in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36329/21]
View answerWritten answers
In relation to the particular query raised I have asked CORU, Ireland's multi-profession health regulator, to respond to the Deputy directly. Social workers are one of the health and social care professions regulated by CORU through statutory registration. HIQA does not have a role in the regulation of social workers.
Hospital Inspections
Questions (2033)
Sorca Clarke
Question:2033. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the hospitals inspected for asbestos in each of the years 2015 to 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form; and the remedial works carried out on each. [36330/21]
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.
Medical Cards
Questions (2034)
Brendan Griffin
Question:2034. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if the removal of a benign squamous papilloma in a general practitioner surgery is covered under the medical card system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36331/21]
View answerWritten answers
This procedure is covered under the GMS scheme. However, the clinical decision to remove a benign squamous papilloma as a minor surgical procedure in the GP surgery would rest with the GP who would consider the size, location etc. of the papilloma, the suitability of the facilities available and the suitability of the patient for the procedure.
In the event that the GP decides to proceed to remove a benign squamous papilloma as a minor surgical procedure in the GP surgery he/she may submit a claim to the HSE Primary Care Reimbursement Service for a ‘Special Item of Service’ fee under the GMS scheme.
Where a GP provides this service to a patient, the GP is precluded from charging additional costs to the patient under the terms of the GMS Contract.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (2035)
Gino Kenny
Question:2035. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to reports that persons fully vaccinated with a vaccine (details supplied) while travelling from Canada to the USA for an event were prevented from attending as the vaccine is not FDA approved; his views on the fact that this may cause significant issues for persons fully vaccinated with this vaccine in Ireland intending to travel to the USA for essential travel currently and non-essential travel when permitted; if there are issues along these lines with other vaccines; if there are other countries to which travel may be problematic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36332/21]
View answerWritten answers
There is comprehensive information on international travel on gov.ie/travel and www.dfa/travel and passengers are encouraged to check the public health advice and restrictions in place in the destinations they are travelling to before embarking.
Mental Health Services
Questions (2036)
Mark Ward
Question:2036. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health his views on the article in a newspaper (details supplied) and the statement in the article to enhance family member involvement through legislation and policy and through mental health provision; the status on this matter; and if there will be new legislation proposed to achieve same. [36333/21]
View answerWritten answers
I am very supportive of family involvement in a person’s mental health care and treatment. I believe that it should be encouraged and supported to the greatest extent possible, with the person’s consent.
The Deputy may be aware that the draft Heads of Bill to amend the Mental Health Act were approved by Government on 13 July and are available on the Department of Health's website at gov.ie - Draft Heads of a bill to amend the Mental Health Act 2001 (www.gov.ie).
The publication of the draft heads follows a review of the Mental Health Act which took account of the 165 recommendations of an Expert Group Review of the Act that was published in 2015, along with extensive consultation with the HSE, the Mental Health Commission and other key stakeholders.
The draft Heads of Bill also take into account Ireland's international obligations, including the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, as well as recent legislative changes in Ireland, most significantly the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 and the Mental Health (Amendment) Act 2018.
Finally, in March and April 2021, the Department undertook a public consultation as part of the review of the 2001 Act. Submissions were received from a broad range of stakeholders, including family members and carers.
The feedback from this consultation was carefully considered and informs the final draft legislation. I would like to assure the Deputy that I will look into and consider every feasible option available to enhance family involvement in a manner that respects the rights of the individual, and encourage and support people to involve their families in their care and treatment in the context of mental health service delivery.
I would point out that current mental health legislation and policy does not preclude the involvement of family members, and indeed, family involvement is already encouraged as part of Sharing the Vision, our national mental health policy, and the Mental Health Commission’s Quality Framework for Mental Health Services. In practice, most mental health care provided is based on the involvement of family members, with the support of the mental health service.
The Expert Group recommended that a person should be able to consult with a family member or advocate when making a decision about their treatment, involve family in the admission process and that family members should be involved in discharge planning.
The feedback on family involvement received through submissions as part of the public consultation was in line with the Expert Group recommendations. Many highlighted the importance of family/carer involvement in a person’s treatment planning and in the discharge planning processes. They also highlighted that families should be provided with information and support when their family member is receiving treatment, and at follow up stage when the person is back in the community. These submissions also highlighted the importance of respecting the person's autonomy and their right to make decisions about their own care and treatment.
Of note, the Expert Group did not recommend that a person’s medical information be shared without the person’s consent. However, information can and should be disclosed where a person is at serious risk of harm to themselves or others and this includes, for example, where a child or elderly person is at risk of violence or abuse. Medical Council guidelines specifically provide for this, and that course of action has always been available to doctors and health services.
In addition, existing provisions within the Mental Health Act on involuntary detention provide a basis for the protection of a person or others around them, where there is risk of serious and immediate harm.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (2037)
Niamh Smyth
Question:2037. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) cannot have their hip operation; the reason it is taking so long to be called; the reason the allocated hospital has no record of the appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36334/21]
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 (2038)
Pat Buckley
Question:2038. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Owenacurra Mental Health facility, Midleton is to close by October 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36338/21]
View answerWritten answers
Cork Kerry Community Healthcare notified me of its plan to close Owenacurra Approved Centre on a phased basis. The current building is not fit for purpose and cannot be brought to the standard required by the Mental Health Commission. The transfer of the 19 residents is the immediate priority of the HSE, with the future of the site to be considered at a later stage. Family members of residents have been contacted and further engagement will take place over the coming weeks.
Mental Health Services
Questions (2039)
Pat Buckley
Question:2039. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health the location that the 19 residents and patients will be redeployed to in east County Cork after the closure of the Owenacurra Mental Health centre, Midleton; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36339/21]
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 (2040)
Pat Buckley
Question:2040. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health the location that the staff at the Owenacurra Mental Health centre, Midleton, County Cork will be redeployed to after the closure in October 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36340/21]
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 (2041)
Pat Buckley
Question:2041. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health his plans for the Owenacurra Mental Health centre, Midleton, County Cork once it closes in 2021; if the building is deemed not fit for purpose if it will be used for an alternative purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36341/21]
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 (2042)
Pat Buckley
Question:2042. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health the plans in place on the site of the Owenacurra Mental Health centre, Midleton, County Cork to reinstate the services that were there previously; if the existing building will be demolished and a new centre built in its place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36342/21]
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 (2043)
Pat Buckley
Question:2043. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health when chiropody services will be made available in Athenry, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36343/21]
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.
Healthcare Infrastructure Provision
Questions (2044, 2242)
Bernard Durkan
Question:2044. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which his Department continues to approve the Naas Hospital development plan with particular reference to the need to ensure the rapid advancement of the programme to facilitate the immediate and future needs of the hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36093/21]
View answerBernard Durkan
Question:2242. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which the extension of facilities at Naas General Hospital remains an integral and necessary part of the capital programme; when the programme’s ambitions will be met in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37139/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 2044 and 2242 together.
There are a number of projects included in the Capital Programme for 2021 at Naas General Hospital. These include the Day Procedures/Endoscopy Unit, Oncology and Physical Therapy Unit and a new Acute Mental Health Unit.
Funding has been allocated to progress the project design for the Day Procedures/Endoscopy Unit Oncology and Physical Therapy Unit project. The procurement of the design team is underway and nearing completion.
The scope of the Acute Mental Health Unit has changed considerably and is currently being reviewed. The service area has progressed an extensive exercise to examine latest delivered mental health projects including the National Forensic Mental Health Service Hospital facility in Portrane. Following this review, service requirements have been rescoped to incorporate different room layouts, wider corridors, and additional recreation space. Other scope changes have been made such as inclusion of a decking carpark and seclusion rooms. The schedule of accommodation has just been confirmed and the design team are now working on the Stage 1 report.
The delivery of capital projects is a dynamic process and subject to successful completion of the various approval stages as well of availability of funding.
The development of a modular isolation unit providing 12 single isolation rooms at Naas General Hospital is currently being progressed. The final contract to construct this unit is expected to be agreed within the next two weeks with offsite fabrication and associated site works commencing in September. Construction of the modular unit is due for completion in Q1 2022.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (2045, 2185)
Seán Crowe
Question:2045. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health when he expects the EU Digital COVID Certificate to come into effect. [36346/21]
View answer
Catherine Connolly
Question:2185. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the way in which the EU Digital COVID Certificate will be rolled out by the 19 July 2021 target date; the way in which persons who have been vaccinated can obtain the certificate; the reason the certificate has not been made available since 1 July 2021 in line with other EU member states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36873/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 2045 and 2185 together.
The EU Digital COVID Certificate Regulation, which became directly applicable to EU member states on 1 July 2021, is designed to facilitate safe free movement of citizens in the EU during the COVID-19 pandemic. Certificates issued under this Regulation hold digital proof that a person has either been vaccinated against COVID-19, received a negative test result, or recovered from COVID-19 in the last 6 months. It is valid in all EU Member States, including Ireland, EEA states and third countries recognised under an EU implementing act.
It should be noted that while the Regulation aims to facilitate free movement the EU Digital COVID Certificate is not a travel document and the possession of an EU Digital COVID Certificate will not be a precondition to exercise free movement rights. Travellers who do not have a Digital COVID Certificate can provide other verifiable forms of proof of vaccination, or a valid negative test under the current travel measures. Certificates based on vaccination and recovery are now being issued. Certificates based on negative tests for travel within the EU can be obtained from private testing services signed up to the Digital Covid Test Certificate Service.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (2046)
Seán Crowe
Question:2046. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health if the EU Digital COVID Certificate will come before Dáil Éireann for debate and examination before implementation. [36347/21]
View answerWritten answers
Information notes on the draft EU Digital COVID Certificate regulations were submitted for Oireachtas scrutiny in March 2021.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (2047)
Seán Crowe
Question:2047. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health if the EU Digital COVID Certificate will be used to regulate access to indoor dining and other hospitality in line with domestic Covid-19 restrictions. [36348/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Health Act 1947 (Sections 31AB and 31AD) (Covid-19) (Operation of certain indoor premises) Regulations 2021 came into operation on 26th July 2021.
It is intended that the EU Digital COVID Certificates for vaccination and recovery will be the primary evidence used when going into a pub, restaurant, café or food court to access indoor hospitality. Other proofs of immunity include the HSE COVID-19 Vaccination Record and appropriate COVID-19 Certificates issued by other states. Such certificates must contain confirmation that the person has been vaccinated, the date or dates on which the person was vaccinated and the vaccine used, and also the state body which either delivered the vaccination programme or is authorised to issue the certificate. Where a certificate is not in Irish or English, a translated version must be provided.
People may also be asked for photo ID to prove that that EU Digital COVID Certificate, HSE COVID-19 Vaccination Record or other proof of immunity relates to them. Acceptable forms of ID are a driving licence, passport, student ID, age card issued by An Garda Síochána, Irish residence permit, national identity card for international visitors, or any other official document (with photograph) issued by a state including Ireland. Children under 18 accompanying adults may also be asked for information to prove their age. Further information on the reopening of hospitality can be found on www.gov.ie.
Vaccination Programme
Questions (2048)
Patrick Costello
Question:2048. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health if pharmacies will be permitted to administer vaccines (details supplied) to the under 50s cohort in view of the NIAC recommendation that vaccines may be administered to persons aged under 50. [36363/21]
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.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (2049)
Bríd Smith
Question:2049. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will address a series of matters relating to vaccination and mandatory hotel quarantine (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36375/21]
View answerWritten answers
States are designated under the Health Act 1947 by the Minister for Health on the advice of the CMO and following consultation with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and across Government as necessary. The list of designated states is under constant review. Each designation and revocation is informed by a detailed and individualised risk assessment on a country basis by public health experts and senior officials.
Any person, other than an exempted traveller, who has been in a designated State within 14 days of arriving in Ireland must pre-book accommodation in a designated quarantine facility and present for quarantine on arrival.
Ireland procures COVID-19 vaccines through its participation in an EU procurement process and their approval is by the Commission following recommendation by the EMA. At present, the Sputnik vaccine has not received EMA approval.
COVID-19 vaccines can only be approved and used if they comply with all the requirements of quality, safety and efficacy set out in the EU pharmaceutical legislation. No vaccine will be used until Market authorisation from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) is obtained and any authorised vaccine will be subject to ongoing monitoring in Ireland by the Health Product Regulatory Authority (HPRA).
Passengers who are fully vaccinated in accordance with the table below and have the documents to confirm this are not required to complete mandatory hotel quarantine on arrival in Ireland.
What 'fully vaccinated' means:
|
A full course of any one of the following vaccines |
Regarded as fully vaccinated after: |
|
2 doses of Pfizer-BioNtech Vaccine: BNT162b2 (Comirnaty®) |
7 days |
|
2 doses of Moderna Vaccine: CX-024414 (Moderna®) |
14 days |
|
2 doses of Oxford-AstraZeneca Vaccine: ChAdOx1-SARS-COV-2 (Vaxzevria® or Covishield) |
15 days |
|
1 dose of Johnson & Johnson/Janssen Vaccine: Ad26.COV2-S [recombinant] (Janssen®) |
14 days |
Dependents in the company of adults who are travelling on the basis of their status as a fully vaccinated traveller or a traveller who has recovered from Covid-19 and who have the documents to confirm this, will not be required to undergo mandatory hotel quarantine.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (2050)
Robert Troy
Question:2050. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will clarify entry guidelines for a fully vaccinated Greek national wishing to visit Ireland for business reasons; and the requirements for this person in order to enter Ireland according to health guidelines. [36326/21]
View answerWritten answers
S.I. 135 of 2021 provides for the testing and quarantine travel measures for arrivals to Ireland from overseas based on their country of departure and whether they hold accepted evidence of vaccination, recovery or a negative RT-PCR test result.
Currently passengers arriving into Ireland from inside the EU with valid proof of vaccination of an EMA approved vaccine are not subject to additional travel-related testing or quarantine.
There is comprehensive information on international travel on gov.ie/travel and www.dfa/travel and passengers are encouraged to check the public health advice and restrictions in place in the destinations they are travelling to before embarking.
Disabilities Assessments
Questions (2051)
Aindrias Moynihan
Question:2051. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the measures that are being adopted to ensure early intervention assessments are carried out in a timely manner given that scope of assessment for children is from 0 to 4.11 years of age; the current wait time from screening assessments being carried out to receiving appointment for direct assessment for service to ensure the necessary supports can be in place when commencing primary school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36298/21]
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.