Written Answers Nos. 2895-2917
2895. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Health if he will request an online portal for access to the EU Digital COVID Certificate along with online supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39531/21]
View answerThe team responsible for the EU Digital Covid Certificate Call Centre are currently developing online options for people who prefer digital means of contacting the health service in relation to DCCs. For instance, it is planned to establish an on line service for people requesting DCC Recovery Certificates for those who are recovered from Covid in the past 180 days and who have not yet been vaccinated.
2896. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the contingency plans given the recent judicial review into supervised injection facilities. [39537/21]
View answer2897. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health if mobile supervised injection facilities have been explored as an alternative given delays. [39538/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 2896 and 2897 together.
The judgement of the High Court is to set aside the decision of an Bord Pleanála to grant permission to Merchants Quay Ireland for a supervised injecting facility and to provisionally remit the matter to the Bord for reconsideration.
The matter is to be further considered by the Court in October, following submissions by the respective legal teams, including those representing An Bord Pleanála and Merchants Quay Ireland.
The Government and I are committed to the establishment of a supervised injecting facility in Dublin city. We have passed legislation and provided resources for this harm reduction and life saving service.
The legislation providing for the establishment, licensing and operation of supervised injecting facilities refers to the operation of a facility in respect of certain premises. It does not provide for mobile injecting facilities. Furthermore, the Government decision approving the provision of supervised injecting facilities envisages the initial establishment of such a facility in Dublin city centre on a pilot basis.
It is not appropriate to make any further comment on this matter until the High Court proceedings are concluded.
2898. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health the status of the children’s disability network team for CHO2 – 6; if it is set to go ahead in 2021; the timeframe for it; if it is not going ahead, the reason; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39551/21]
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.
2900. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a centre (details supplied) will not be reopening until August 2021 due to staff redeployment. [39557/21]
View answerDay centres are fundamental to the health and well-being of our older population and play a key role in enabling older people to live independently in their own communities. The pandemic and associated restrictions has had a profound impact across society and especially for our older population.
All Community Health Organisations through the National Older Persons Office were requested in April 2021 to provide information on the status of their Day Care Services in order to ascertain the level of service that could resume on receipt of updated public health guidance. As a result, it was intended that approximately 100 day centres would re-open week beginning 5 July. It was also intended that an additional 55 centres would resume in July and August, with a further 90 centres that require works expected to reopen before the end of the year. It was indicated that these dates may be subject to change as the HSE continues to deal with the significant challenge of the on-going cyber-attack.
Since then updated Public Health guidance to support the re-opening of Day Care Services for Older People was provided in June 2021 to facilitate re-opening plans. Following on from this a further information request issued to HSE Services to obtain an update on re-opening plans. The process for reopening of the centres has already commenced and it is expected that more centres will reopen in the coming weeks.
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.
2901. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the details of discussions that have taken place to date in relation to the proposals to open the Drogheda vaccination centre on a full-time basis, considering it is the largest town in Ireland and Drogheda residents continue to have to travel to counties Meath, Kildare and Dublin for vaccinations, when an increase in opening times would address such demand; if and when he expects this to happen; if not, the reason; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39559/21]
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.
2902. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health when he expects water parks, family entertainment centres and gaming arcades to be permitted to reopen under the current Covid-19 restrictions.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39560/21]
View answer3045. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Health when he plans to allow for the reopening of certain businesses (details supplied) in a safe manner and in compliance with expert public health advice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40095/21]
View answer3046. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Health if he is giving consideration to the potential for the reopening of indoor water parks; if he will provide guidance on the timeline involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40096/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 2902, 3045 and 3046 together.
As 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.
I can confirm to the Deputies that swimming pools reopened for individual training on 7 June.
Unfortunately, due to current uncertainties with regard to the Delta variant there is not yet an indication of when indoor family entertainment centres and gaming arcades 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.
2903. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the support that can be offered to general practitioners seeking to support a patient through a community detoxification programme. [39563/21]
View answerUnder the HSE Methadone Treatment Scheme GPs are contracted for the provision of a full range of treatment services of stabilised opioid-dependent persons in their own practice. The HSE reimburses the contracted GP for the service provided, with no charges to patients for treatment. Relevant training is provided to GPs by the ICGP, and clinical guidelines for opioid substitution treatment have been published to support best practice.
Outside of the Methadone Treatment Scheme, GPs can refer patients into the local HSE addiction services where a comprehensive assessment and risk assessment can be completed which will inform the individualised care plan for the person. The psycho-social aspects of that care plan would likely then be led by the addiction service and the detox component within the care plan may be led by the GP. Completing an unsupported detox in the community could pose a serious risk to opioid dependent patients. GPs can also consider other treatment option such as drug stabilisation programmes or referral into residential services.
2904. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Health if a person has their marriage name on their passport but on their EU Digital COVID Certificate is their maiden name due to divorce, if they can they still use the EU Digital COVID Certificate to travel abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39564/21]
View answerAs the Minister for Health, I am supporting the work of my Department in collaborating with relevant Departments under the leadership of the Department of Taoiseach to assist in the on-going implementation of the EU Digital COVID Certificates.
Certificates based on vaccination and recovery are now being issued. Citizens who have not received their Digital COVID Certificate and require it urgently to travel in the coming days can call the helpline on 1800 807 008. Certificates based on negative PCR and antigen tests for travel within the EU can be obtained from private testing services signed up to the Digital Covid Test Certificate Service.
Every effort has been made to ensure the data on EU Digital Covid Certificates is correct and complete. For citizens who have a concern about the detail on your Digital COVID Certificate, they can call the helpline on 1800 807 008 to have the details corrected.
The Digital COVID Certificate Regulation is intended to facilitate people’s fundamental right to move and reside freely and help to support the lifting of restrictions currently in place in a coordinated manner within the EU.
2907. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Health the timeline of the progress of the Time To Move On Strategy; the steps he will take to ensure that all persons included within the programme receive adequate support following the decongregation process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39603/21]
View answerAlmost ten years ago, the Time to Move on from Congregated Settings Report identified approximately 4,000 people with disabilities living in congregated type settings. The 2011 Report expected that decongregation could happen at a much faster pace than was actually possible.
Since 2014, the Transforming Lives Programme provides the framework for implementation and for putting policy into practice across key reports, including Time to Move on from Congregated Settings in respect of residential centres.
Today less than 2,000 people live in congregated settings.
The Programme for Government – ‘Our Shared Future’ includes a commitment to continue with moving people out of old style congregated settings, into new homes within the community, with the necessary supports.
Today, people are being supported to live lives of their choice out in the community. Several congregated settings have closed fully and many more have closed specific units within the centres.
Thoughtful planning, capacity building work with stakeholders and sharing the learning across services is enabling meaningful person-centred planning and transitions that are sustainable.
While the pace of change has been slow in some services, there is momentum and progress is being made.
Budget 2021 provides for an unprecedented level of investment in disability services, with the investment of €100m for new initiatives in 2021. The increased level of funding in 2021 will enable us to build on initiatives currently underway, including the decongregation programme, with a renewed focus on assisting people to move out of congregated settings to homes in the community. The HSE has prioritised the transition of a further 144 people from congregated settings in 2021 under its Service Plan.
As the numbers in the large settings continues to fall, the people still remaining in these services have access to better living conditions and share with fewer people
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.
2908. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Health if certain service users at a facility (details supplied) will be exempted from the time to move on policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39604/21]
View answerThe HSE’s policy A Time to Move on from Congregated Settings – A strategy for Community Inclusion, is also based model of support where people with disabilities are supported to move from large institutions (congregated settings) to their own homes in the community with the supports they need. It is about supporting people to ‘live ordinary lives in ordinary places’.
Today less than 2,000 people live in congregated settings, and the HSE has prioritised the transition of a further 144 people from congregated settings in 2021 under its Service Plan.
People are being supported to live lives of their choice out in the community. Several congregated settings have closed fully and many more have closed specific units within the centres. Thoughtful planning, capacity building work with stakeholders and sharing the learning across services is enabling meaningful person-centred planning and transitions that are sustainable.
The position of the HSE is that it wishes to see all individuals supported to have the option of living independently in the community provided this is in their best interests and in partnership with their families. It is recognised that this will take time to put in place. The HSE will continue to work with St John of Gods in terms of working towards the implementation of a community living model for St Marys of the Angels.
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.
2909. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if he will respond to matters (details supplied) in relation to staff involved in Covid-19 contact tracing call centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39605/21]
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.
2910. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 319 of 15 July 2021, the reason the reply does not deal with the question which relates to the recommendations of the Oireachtas Special Committee on Covid-19 which called for an inquiry into the deaths in nursing homes from Covid-19; his position on actions he intends to take in relation to those recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39631/21]
View answerThe COVID-19 pandemic has led to an unprecedented challenge across our health services and none more so than in our nursing homes. The pandemic has been a hugely difficult time for all residents, relatives, and staff of nursing homes.
I have addressed these matters recently in the Dáil and, while it is undoubtedly important that we learn from our responses to the pandemic, it must be recognised that the pandemic has not concluded. At this time, a priority focus of Government remains the ongoing management of the COVID-19 response. This will ensure that the positive gains now been experienced are preserved, and that those most vulnerable to the virus continue to be safeguarded, having regard to the residual risk.
Although significant progress has been made in relation to the roll-out of the vaccination programme and the current situation in nursing homes is broadly stable, the prevalence of the more transmissible Delta variant is rapidly increasing in Ireland. This poses a significant risk, particularly to those who are not yet fully protected though vaccination, which must be managed.
It is also important to recognise that learning from the early stages of the pandemic has been integral to the Government’s responses as the pandemic has progressed. The COVID-19 Nursing Homes Expert Panel considered lessons learned from the initial wave of the pandemic in developing recommendations that focus on immediate, short-term actions required for the response to COVID-19 as well as on long-term actions required to effect the strategic reform of nursing home systems, operation, policy, and legislation.
Continuing the approach of the Expert Panel, the HSE will undertake a detailed analysis of the management and outcomes that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, with lessons for causal factors and preparedness for infection prevention and control, in line with recommendation theme 6 of the Expert Panel’s report.
The blend of operational data from the frontline, voluntary surveys’ findings and key stakeholder feedback also continuously provide insight into the current status of the nursing home sector's response to COVID-19.
The ongoing learning from the pandemic, including consideration of new evidence and information that emerges nationally and internationally, is critical to the Government’s continued response to the pandemic as it evolves.
While we are still dealing with a degree of risk in nursing homes due to COVID-19, we are continuing to look at options which may be available to the State in relation to listening to the voices of those who have lost a loved one.
2911. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health if there are plans to allow for mixing of Covid-19 vaccines between first and second doses; the options available to those advised not to obtain a second dose of the same vaccine due to an adverse reaction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39632/21]
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 NIAC 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 the four COVID-19 Vaccines currently authorised for use in Ireland 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 a 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.
2913. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health the reason the report by an organisation (details supplied) on Traveller homelessness was not published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39634/21]
View answer2995. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health when the report by a person (details supplied) on Traveller homelessness will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39820/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 2913 and 2995 together.
The Department of Health has oversight responsibility for the health policy for vulnerable and socially excluded groups, including members of the Traveller and Roma communities. Responsibility for the provision of health service falls under the HSE National Social Inclusion Office, which works to improve access to mainstream health services, as well as providing targeted measures. The Department funds the HSE for the delivery of a range of health-related services and supports to members of the Traveller community.
In relation to the research referenced by the Deputies, I am advised that in 2019 the HSE provided funding, through CHO 6, to the organisation referred to, for a Traveller homelessness research project. I understand from the organisation's website that it decided not to publish the full text at this point as the research requires considerable edits and modifications to make it accessible for the readers and users for whom it was intended.
I trust that this is information is useful.
2914. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the plans he has to show his appreciation for all front-line workers under his remit other than a clap on the back; if he is planning a bonus, gratuity payment for all those workers who have been struggling and worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic; if so, when this will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39635/21]
View answerI wish to convey my sincere gratitude to health sector workers in relation to their continuing efforts in the delivery of health services during this very challenging pandemic period.
Government have indicated their intention to recognise front-line healthcare workers in respect of the extraordinary contribution and commitment they have made in the management of the pandemic.
The HSE, my Department and Government are considering the most appropriate means and timeline for such recognition, noting that the pandemic is ongoing.
2915. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if a permanent location has been chosen for the inclusion centre in Ballybofey and Stranorlar, County Donegal; if there are plans to move the centre from its current location; if so, the other locations that are being considered for the centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39636/21]
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.
2917. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he will extend the type 2 diabetes cycle of care programme to all persons with type 2 diabetes; his views on whether it is equitable that persons with type 2 diabetes without a GMS or general practitioner visit card but who otherwise meet the HSE criteria for uncomplicated type 2 diabetes to be managed in primary care are excluded from the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39638/21]
View answer3178. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health if he will extend the type 2 diabetes cycle of care beyond general practitioner and medical card holders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40582/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 2917 and 3178 together.
In October 2015, the Diabetes cycle of care programme was introduced nationally by the HSE. Under this programme, adult GMS patients, those who hold a medical card or GP visit card, with a diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes are eligible to be managed as part of the programme by their GP.
The 2019 GP Agreement introduced the chronic disease management programme for GMS patients who have one or more specific chronic diseases, of which Type 2 Diabetes is one. The structured programme commenced in 2020 and is being rolled out to all adult GMS patients over four years (2020 to 2023). This year the programme has been rolled out to those aged 65 years and over. The chronic disease management programme will replace the Diabetes cycle of care programme as it is rolled out.
People 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. People who are not eligible for a medical card may still be able to avail of a GP visit card.
While Type 2 diabetic patients who do not hold a medical card or GP visit card are not eligible under the Diabetes cycle of care or chronic disease management programmes, diabetes is one of the conditions covered by the Long Term Illness Scheme. Under this scheme, patients with diabetes can receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness free of charge, regardless of whether they hold a medical card.
