Written Answers Nos. 2052-2076
2052. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health if he will issue an apology on behalf of the State to all thalidomide survivors, both acknowledged and unacknowledged, for the specific mistakes that occurred in relation to their own individual circumstances. [36271/21]
View answer2053. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health if he will acknowledge the wrong that occurred by virtue of the State failing to timely withdraw thalidomide from the Irish market and the failing to acknowledge the existence of all thalidomide survivors resulting in unacknowledged thalidomide survivors. [36272/21]
View answer2054. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health if he will establish a compensation tribunal process for thalidomide survivors. [36273/21]
View answer2055. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health if it will be ensured a statutory healthcare package is provided for thalidomide survivors. [36274/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 2052 to 2055, inclusive, together.
There are a number of cases concerning thalidomide being case-managed by the High Court at present. Therefore it would be inappropriate for me to comment on matters that are sub judice. However, I would like to set out the ongoing supports provided to Irish survivors of thalidomide.
There are currently 29 Irish people in receipt of ex-gratia monthly payments for life from the Department of Health since 1975. The annual figure for the Irish monthly payments ranges from €6,175 to €13,313 for each individual. The rate of payment is related to each survivor’s level of thalidomide related injury.
In addition, the German Contergan Foundation also pay monthly payments to all thalidomide survivors including a lifelong monthly pension ranging from €8,928 to €100,765 annually; annual special payments since 2009 of between €460 and €3,600; and annual specific needs payments since 2017 of between €5,676 and €14,700.
Both the German payments and the Irish ex-gratia monthly payments are exempt from tax, including Deposit Interest Retention Tax (DIRT), and are not assessable as means for the purpose of Department of Social Protection payments.
Each Irish survivor is also provided with health supports from the Irish State including a medical card on an administrative basis, regardless of means, along with access to a full range of primary care, hospital and personal social services.
In April, 2010, the Government decided to provide additional financial assistance and a designated Senior Manager in the Health Service Executive to liaise with survivors in relation to meeting their ongoing health and personal social service needs.
I wish to inform the Deputy that work is underway in the Department of Health to bring forward legislative proposals on health and personal social services for Irish survivors of thalidomide on a statutory basis.
It is open to any Irish person to apply to the German Contergan Foundation for assessment of their disability as being attributable to thalidomide. Any Irish person who establishes that their injury is attributable to thalidomide will be offered appropriate supports by the Irish Government, commensurate with those currently provided to Irish thalidomide survivors.
2056. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health the spend on homeless services by his Department and agencies under his remit for each year since 2013; and the estimated spend for 2021. [36414/21]
View answerThe Department of Health and Health Service Executive (HSE) are responsible for the delivery of a range of health-related services and supports to homeless persons. Under the Health Acts, in particular the 1953 Act, the HSE has statutory obligations towards homeless persons; today this is understood to mean responsibility for the delivery of health and social care supports to homeless persons either directly or through Section 39 funded services. Addressing the health needs of homeless persons and improving their access to healthcare is a key priority for the Department of Health and the HSE.
The Department of Health provides annual funding to the HSE for the health services and supports for homeless people. In addition to targeted supports, people who are homeless can also avail of health services as provided for the general population. This includes services targeted at low income households, such as medical cards and GP cards.
Expenditure on homeless health-related services by the Department of Health and associated agencies each year since 2013 is indicated below.
|
Year of Funding |
Funding Amount |
|
2013 |
€33m |
|
2014 |
€29.9m (€3.3m transferred to Tusla for domestic refuges) |
|
2015 |
€30.9m |
|
2016 |
€31.5m |
|
2017 |
€32.6m |
|
2018 |
€36m |
|
2019 |
€36m |
|
2020 |
€36m |
|
2021 |
€39.79m plus €11m Covid 19 funding (estimated) |
2057. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Health the number of children awaiting access to a speech and language therapist in CHO5 for over three, six, 12 and 18 months, respectively in tabular form. [36415/21]
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.
2058. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the details of the nature, value and duration of contracts with a company (details supplied) to provide services in relation to contact tracing. [36416/21]
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.
2059. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the details of the nature, value and duration of contracts with a company (details supplied) to provide services in relation to contact tracing. [36417/21]
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.
2060. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the progress on the report on the breastfeeding action plan; the status and timescale for the full implementation of each of its elements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36418/21]
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.
I can confirm however that due to Covid 19 the timeframe for the implementation of the National Breastfeeding Action Plan has been extended from 2021 to 2022.
I can also confirm that in May of this year I announced significant investment towards implementing the HSE Breastfeeding Action Plan, with €1.58 million of funding to provide an additional 24 lactation consultants across hospital and community settings.
2061. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health the status of the new guidelines that are being suggested for HIQA, specifically the new regulations to replace the National Standards for Foster Care with the new Child Care Services Standard. [36419/21]
View answerHIQA has a remit under the Health Act 2007 to set standards for Ireland's health and social care services, and to monitor services against these standards.
HIQA has advised the Department of Health that a draft set of standards for Children's Social Services have been developed in line with HIQA’s standards development process. The draft standards have been informed by an evidence review, which is published on www.hiqa.ie, a public scoping consultation, feedback from an Advisory Group made up of a diverse range of interested and informed parties convened to inform the development of the standards, targeted focus groups with a wide range of key stakeholders in the area of children’s social services, and a six-week public consultation which ran from 10 March to 21 April 2021.
HIQA has advised the Department of Health it is within HIQA's remit to develop supports to facilitate effective communication within and between services, and with children, families and foster carers.
HIQA has advised the Department of Health that it is continuing to engage with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth as policy-makers, and with Tusla as the national service provider and commissioner of services, to identify and progress the development and implementation of the Draft National Standards for Children’s Social Services.
2062. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health the reason the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 has not yet been fully enacted over five and a half years later; the definitive timeline for its enactment given the human rights implications of the anachronistic Lunacy Regulation Act 1871 which is still being used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36420/21]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that commencement of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 is a matter for the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.
2063. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health the position of indoor activity centres under the current reopening plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36421/21]
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.
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.
While gyms, swimming pools and leisure centres are now open for individual training, other indoor activity and leisure facilities remain closed. Unfortunately, due to current uncertainties with regard to the Delta variant there is not yet an indication of when indoor activity centres will reopen. 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.
2064. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health if visiting restrictions at nursing homes will be further eased in view of Covid-19 numbers. [36422/21]
View answerThe Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) has recently published updated guidance on visiting in long-term residential care: COVID-19: Normalising Visiting in Long Term Residential Care Facilities (LTRCFs). This guidance came into effect on 19 July. The public health advice is to restore visiting to near normal in terms of frequency of visits in those settings with a high level of vaccination of residents as quickly as possible, while also recognising the need to remain cautious as we continue to deal with the evolving risks associated with COVID-19.
The new guidance provides that:
- Providers should put in place the necessary measures to progress to more normalised visiting and visiting frequency as quickly as possible in line with public health guidance with no more than two visitors at any one time.
- Routine visiting will no longer need to be scheduled in advance.
- There is no requirement to have a list of nominated visitors.
- The duration of the visit should not be limited.
- Fewer restrictions will apply to residents going on outings or visits outside of the nursing home.
In relation to outings, the guidance provides that outings and visits to a home can be facilitated if there is a high level of vaccination in the nursing home. Nursing home residents are reminded that they should follow public health advice while on outings from the nursing home. This means keeping distance from other people, regularly washing hands and wearing masks when indoors with people that might not be vaccinated. The guidance states that residents do not need to stay in their room on their return from a drive or visit. If a resident is not vaccinated the risk to them of going out to meet other people is a lot greater especially if the people they meet are not vaccinated.
Notwithstanding the current positive epidemiological outlook and the cautious reopening of society, risks continue to remain and emergent risks such as variants of concern present ongoing challenges and the need for vigilance. Visiting arrangements should continue to take account of general public health advice and the necessary infection prevention and control measures, to reduce the risk of introduction and spread of COVID-19 and protect those living in our communities. This is particularly important in the context of the increasing prevalence of the more transmissible Delta variant. This new variant poses a significant risk, in particular to those who are not yet fully protected though vaccination.
Visitors are reminded of their responsibilities with regard to self-checks for COVID-19 in advance of visits, infection and prevention control and social interaction with all individuals, while in the nursing home.
The guidance will be kept under continuing review as new evidence and data emerges.
2065. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the case of students who will be going on Erasmus as a mandatory aspect of their college course in August 2021 given that as per the current projections many in this situation will not have been reached by the vaccination programme; if there are plans in place to deal with this cohort in advance of their scheduled departure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36485/21]
View answerThe COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Strategy sets out a provisional list of groups for vaccination. The Strategy was developed by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) and my Department, endorsed by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), and approved by Government on 8 December 2020.
On the 23rd of February, I announced an update to Ireland’s COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Strategy. In comprising the initial Vaccine Allocation Strategy, the NIAC listed several conditions associated with increased risk of severe disease and death. In the intervening period, national and international evidence has become available which has enabled a more detailed analysis of underlying conditions that may increase the risk of developing severe disease or death.
The NIAC has now been able to more comprehensively identify those medical conditions and to distinguish between those which place a person at very high or high risk of severe disease if they contract the virus. Medical conditions and the magnitude of the risk they pose will continue to be monitored and periodically reviewed.
On the 30th of March, the Government approved a further update to the COVID-19 Vaccination Allocation Strategy. Based on clinical, scientific and ethical frameworks produced by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee and my Department, following the vaccination of those most at risk, future groups will be vaccinated by age, in cohorts of 10 years (i.e., 64-55; 54-45, etc.).
The move to an age-based model better supports the programme objectives by:
- protecting those at highest risk of severe disease first, which benefits everyone most;
- facilitating planning and execution of the programme across the entire country;
- improving transparency and fairness.
Further details are available here:
www.gov.ie/en/press-release/93f8f-minister-donnelly-announces-update-to-irelands-vaccination-prioritisation-list/
Please note the latest group who can register online to get a COVID-19 vaccine are people aged 18 to 24.
If over 24, people can still register if they have not already.
2066. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health if the use of heterologous vaccination for persons aged 60 years and over who have only received one vaccine (details supplied) to date is being considered in view of the threat posed by an increase in the Delta variant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36486/21]
View answerIreland’s COVID-19 vaccination programme strategy is to distribute all available vaccines as quickly as is operationally possible, prioritising those who are most vulnerable to COVID-19. The programme is based on the principles of safety, effectiveness and fairness, with the objective of reducing severe illness, hospitalisations and deaths from COVID-19 infection.
The immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). The Committee's recommendations are based on the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland and international best practices in relation to immunisation. It makes recommendations on vaccination policy to my Department.
The NIAC review all data relating to COVID-19 vaccines on a rolling basis. Following the recommendation for use of vaccines against COVID-19 by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and authorisation for use by the European Commission, the National Immunisation Advisory Committee develops guidance for their use in Ireland which is contained in the Immunisation Guidelines for Ireland. These guidelines are continuously updated and include guidance on all new vaccines as they are approved for use in Ireland. The current Guidelines state: There are currently four COVID-19 Vaccines authorised for use in Ireland. The vaccines are not interchangeable.
For vaccines that have a two-dose schedule, the same vaccine should be used for both doses.
You can read the guidelines at:
www.hse.ie/eng/health/immunisation/hcpinfo/guidelines/covid19.pdf
There is insufficient evidence to recommend a change from the authorised two-dose Vaxzevria® schedule or to support giving an mRNA vaccine instead of the second dose of Vaxzevria®.
There is a need for further evidence on the safety and effectiveness of mixed (heterologous) vaccine schedules. Further information is expected in the coming months which may warrant an update of these recommendations.
2067. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health when vaccine registration will open for persons aged 30 to 35 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36487/21]
View answer2068. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health when vaccine registration will open for persons aged 20 to 29 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36488/21]
View answer2069. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health when vaccine registration will open for persons aged 18 to 20 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36489/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 2067 to 2069, inclusive, together.
The 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 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 18 to 24.
If over 24, people can still register if they haven't already.
2070. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health his plans for persons aged 18 to 49 to avail of an adenoviral vector vaccine subject to informed consent, further to the recent NIAC and NPHET recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36490/21]
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 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 18 to 24.
If over 24, people can still register if they haven't already.
2071. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health the consultation that has taken place with his colleague the Minister for Education further to the recent NPHET recommendations; the preparations that are underway to address any potential impact that an increase in the Delta variant will have in educational settings; the measures that are being considered to ensure the public health response to Covid-19 is robust in these settings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36491/21]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that COVID-19 measures in educational settings is a matter for the Department of Education.
2072. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health the consultation that has taken place with his colleague Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to the recent NPHET recommendations; the preparations that are underway made to address any potential impact that an increase in the delta variant will have on further and third-level settings; the measures that are being considered to ensure the public health response to Covid-19 is robust in these settings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36492/21]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that the COVID-19 measures in further and higher education settings is a matter for the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
2073. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health the status of the HSE review of the epidemiological profile and public health response to Covid-19 in educational settings further to the recent NPHET recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36493/21]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that the response to Covid-19 in educational settings is a matter for the Department of Education.
2074. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the hospitals that enter into agreements to rent or lease parking space to outside companies; the revenue raised in each location; the duration of the arrangement in each location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36494/21]
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.
2075. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health if health authorities have communicated with church dioceses regarding first holy communion and confirmation ceremonies following the recent update to the Government’s plan Recovery and Resilience: The Path Ahead; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36495/21]
View answer2156. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health if health authorities have communicated with church dioceses regarding First Holy Communion and Confirmation ceremonies following the recent update to Recovery and Resilience: The Path Ahead; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36684/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 2075 and 2156 together.
As the Deputy 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, 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.
In line with the delay to other July measures, the current advice is that religious ceremonies (outside of weddings and funerals) should not go ahead at present. This is in recognition of the multi household, multi-generational nature of these events and linked social activities and is a response to concerns from public health across the regions in relation to gatherings of this nature. Unfortunately, due to current uncertainties there is not yet an indication of when religious ceremonies will recommence. The epidemiological situation will be monitored on an ongoing basis and the level of restrictions will be kept under review by Government.
Church leaders have been very supportive of the overall national public health response to date and the Government will continue to work with them to ensure that all ceremonies can return when it is safe to do so.
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.
2076. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health if he will clarify the public health guidelines now in place regarding First Holy Communion and Confirmation ceremonies scheduled to take place prior to 5 July 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36496/21]
View answerMy Department has confirmed with the Deputy that this Parliamentary Question was withdrawn as given the passage of time the question is now out of date.
