Cathal Crowe
Question:3169. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health if his Department and the HSE will be introducing a diabetes education for adults programme within the University of Limerick Hospital Group. [40568/21]
View answerHealth Promotion
Questions (3169)
Written answers
As this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
Health Services
Questions (3170)
Cathal Crowe
Question:3170. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health if his Department and the HSE will be introducing insulin pumps for adult diabetic patients within the University of Limerick Hospital Group (details supplied) [40569/21]
View answerWritten answers
As this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
Question No. 3171 answered with Question No. 2735.
Health Promotion
Questions (3172)
Jennifer Whitmore
Question:3172. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Health the status of the implementation of action item 3.13 of the National Breastfeeding Action Plan which pertains to the WHO Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40575/21]
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.
I can say however that promoting an increase in the number of new mothers breastfeeding is a priority in the Healthy Ireland Strategic Action plan 2021-2025. Infant formula is needed as not all babies are breastfed. 2021 is the year of the 40th anniversary of the adoption of the International Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes which is aimed at protecting children and families from inappropriate marketing of breastmilk substitute products. The Code covers infant formula products up to the age of 3 years. I am advised that the HSE are working to strengthen compliance with the International Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes through partnership and cross sectoral working.
Question No. 3173 answered with Question No. 1688.
Question No. 3174 answered with Question No. 2265.
Question No. 3175 answered with Question No. 2354.
Medical Aids and Appliances
Questions (3176)
Cathal Crowe
Question:3176. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health if his Department and the HSE will extend the flash glucose FreeStyle Libre device to those over 21 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40580/21]
View answerWritten answers
As this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services.
Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
Question No. 3177 answered with Question No. 2921.
Question No. 3178 answered with Question No. 2917.
Vaccination Programme
Questions (3179, 3326)
Mattie McGrath
Question:3179. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the number of adverse reactions reported in Ireland following the roll-out of the Covid-19 vaccination programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40583/21]
View answer
Catherine Connolly
Question:3326. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who have reported serious cardiac related side effects via the HPRA Covid-19 Vaccine Adverse Reaction Reporting Form, after vaccination with the MRNA vaccines manufactured by companies (details supplied); the analysis that his Department has carried out into this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41349/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 3179 and 3326 together.
Up to 7 July, the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) received 11,445 reports describing suspected side effects in association with COVID-19 vaccines, of which 6,011 were in association with mRNA vaccines (Comirnaty and Spikevax (previously COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna)), 5,361 in association with Adenoviral vector vaccines (Vaxzevria and Covid-19 Vaccine Janssen) and 73 reports were in association with vaccines where the brand was not known or provided at the time of reporting.
The majority of regularly reported suspected side effects are consistent with the types of events typically observed following vaccination, including those described in the product information for the individual vaccines. Whilst not experienced by everyone, all vaccines have some side effects, the vast majority of which are mild to moderate in nature. These side effects need to be continuously balanced against the benefits in preventing COVID-19 illness. Overall, the national reporting experience continues to support the favourable assessment that the benefits of COVID-19 vaccines outweigh the risks.
The HPRA has been publishing regular public safety updates on reporting experience with the COVID-19 vaccines, including information on the numbers and nature of these reports. To date, nine such updates have been published and are accessible from the HPRA website (www.hpra.ie/homepage/medicines/covid-19-updates/covid-19-vaccine-communications) with the most recent publication issued on 15th July.
Vaccination Programme
Questions (3180)
Mattie McGrath
Question:3180. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the number of patients that have been hospitalised or who have had a suspected adverse reaction following vaccination; if hospitals and general practitioners are legally obliged to report all suspected adverse reactions to the HPRA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40584/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) operates the national adverse reaction reporting system, through which healthcare professionals and members of the public can notify a report of a suspected adverse reaction (ADR) on a voluntary basis. Up to 7 July, the HPRA had received 11,445 reports describing suspected adverse reactions in association with COVID-19 vaccines, of which less than 1% described a hospital attendance.
It is important to note that the HPRA receives reports based on suspicion that an adverse experience may be associated with vaccination. This does not mean the vaccine caused the adverse experience. The information received by the HPRA may also be limited at the time of initial reporting (for example the report may or may not specify whether the patient has been hospitalised), and more information about individual reports may become available through follow-up.
The HPRA has and continues to engage with healthcare professionals, for example, via the HPRA Drug Safety Newsletter, to emphasise the importance of and to encourage reporting. A safety update is published monthly, which sets out an overview of the national reporting experience associated with COVID-19 vaccines.
The HSE may also have further information with respect to hospitalisations that may have occurred following vaccination but where no ADR report was sent to the HPRA. Members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
Vaccination Programme
Questions (3181)
Pa Daly
Question:3181. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health the estimated number of over 60s who have registered for but have yet to receive a second Covid-19 vaccine appointment. [40593/21]
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 (3182)
Pa Daly
Question:3182. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the waiting list for speech and language therapists in County Kerry; and the steps that are being taken to address the backlog. [40594/21]
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 (3183)
Pa Daly
Question:3183. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the waiting list for psychiatrists in County Kerry; and the steps that are being taken to address the backlog. [40595/21]
View answerWritten answers
As this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
Disability Services
Questions (3184)
Niamh Smyth
Question:3184. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health when a child (details supplied) in County Monaghan who has been diagnosed with autism will have a speech and language and an occupational therapy support to help them advance in their most formative years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40610/21]
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 (3185)
Johnny Mythen
Question:3185. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Health the number of persons waiting on the CAMHS waiting list in County Wexford; the average waiting time; the number waiting more than six and more than 12 months, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40613/21]
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 (3186)
Johnny Mythen
Question:3186. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting a speech and language appointment in County Wexford; the number who have been waiting less than three, three to six, six to 12 and more than 12 months, respectively in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40614/21]
View answerWritten answers
As this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
Question No. 3187 answered with Question No. 2354.
Question No. 3188 answered with Question No. 2932.
Departmental Funding
Questions (3189)
Johnny Guirke
Question:3189. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Health the last occasion on which a Department-wide review of all funding within his Department took place; the frequency of such reviews; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40638/21]
View answerWritten answers
Reviewing funding requirements and analysing financial performance is a continuous year-round process which the Department successfully performs, in conjunction with its stakeholders.
The starting point for reviewing funding requirements in the Department of Health is the estimates process. The Department's Financial Performance Unit consults with DoH Policy Units and the HSE to identify areas of priority for the next year and establish funding requirements for the next calendar year. Similar discussions take place between the Capital Infrastructure Unit in the Department and HSE Estates to establish capital funding requirements within the context of the ongoing National Development Plan, which is continually reviewed in conjunction with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. Line units with oversight of other health agencies liaise with them to establish the priorities and requirements for each agency. This is communicated to the Vote Management Unit. Within the Department, the Vote Management Unit and Accounts Unit liaise with budget holders within the Department to establish the non-agency requirements of the Department. This ensures that a full Department-wide review is carried out.
An analysis of all requirements and further discussions with stakeholders takes place before the Department submits its request for funding, in the estimates process, to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER). Bilateral Negotiations take place involving both Ministers and Departmental officials from the two Departments to reach a Budget Settlement. Once this is concluded the estimates book and budget materials are prepared.
Subsequent to the budget, the Minister issues a Letter of Determination to the HSE setting out the maximum net expenditure for current and capital that the HSE may incur. The HSE then submit a draft National Service Plan Service Plan, based on the Letter of Determination, to Minister for approval.Throughout the year, the how available funding is spent by the HSE is continually monitored by the Department through reviews of monthly financial reports and regular dialogue between the Department and its counterparts in the HSE. Officials from the Departments of Health and Public Expenditure and Reform, and the HSE meet at the Health Budget Oversight Group on a monthly basis to review the performance of funding allocated and identify issues currently arising or which may arise in the future. Many other meetings take place between officials from the Department of Health and both the HSE and DPER during the month to ensure that a comprehensive analysis of funding and expenditure is carried out.
In relation to non-HSE agencies, Oversight and Performance Delivery Agreements are put in place between the Department and agencies to monitor how funding is spent. These agreements include provision for the Department to review performance against budgeted funding and non-financial performance indicators throughout the year.
In relation to the Department’s non-agency expenditure, monthly reports are provided to budget-holders to enable an ongoing dialogue over the course of the year. This enables effective monitoring of expenditure.
Each month the Department submits estimates and final returns of all Departmental expenditure to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. This is a monthly Department-wide review of funding and performance by subhead. The total figures are published by the Department of Finance in the Fiscal Monitor. The Department also provides monthly reports as part of an ongoing dialogue with the Parliamentary Budget Office to assist them in their analysis of Departmental expenditure in support of the work of parliamentarians.
So in summary, the Department reviews how funding is utilised each month within the overall annual envelope of funding provided to the Department in the estimates process. The findings of these reviews inform decisions over funding in the annual estimates process outlined above.
Question No. 3190 answered with Question No. 1925.
National Maternity Hospital
Questions (3191)
Jennifer Whitmore
Question:3191. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost and timeline of the State using a compulsory purchase order to acquire the land owned by a group (details supplied) at the location the new national maternity hospital is planned to be built; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40672/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Government is committed to the development of the new National Maternity Hospital (NMH) planned for the St Vincent’s University Hospital Campus at Elm Park, as set out in the Programme for Government. The draft legal framework provides for the new hospital to be built on a site leased by the State from the St Vincent’s Healthcare Group (SVHG) for a period of 99 years, with the potential to extend for a further 50 years. The framework also provides for an Operating Licence to be issued by the HSE to NMH at Elm Park DAC and SVHG to facilitate the provision of health services in the new building.
I have been very clear that I will not bring any proposal to Government unless it provides assurances around all legally permissible services being provided in the new NMH. In addition, the safeguarding of the State’s investment must also be affirmed beyond doubt. In that context, there has been further engagement with the stakeholders in relation to these matters. However, as previously stated, I will not be making any further comment on the nature of this engagement until it concludes.
With regard to the use of a compulsory purchase order (CPO), it can be noted that undertaking a CPO on any State project is likely to entail significant costs, including both compensation and legal costs, particularly should a legal challenge arise, and in terms of any risk of delay to the project in question.
Question No. 3192 answered with Question No. 2259.