Written Answers Nos. 3308-3332
3308. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health his plans to provide additional post-lockdown mental health supports to assist persons who suffered with isolation and other negative effects during this difficult period as well as those who are grieving the loss of loved ones or dealing with significant health impact from Covid-19 infection. [41315/21]
View answerWhile there is no doubt that Covid-19 has posed significant challenges, including isolation, bereavement, anxiety and loss of income and work for many, we do not yet fully understand the impact of Covid-19 on mental health and subsequent demand on services. A negative mental health outcome from the pandemic is not inevitable, if we respond in a cohesive manner.
Since the pandemic started, mental health services have responded rapidly, continuing to deliver supports in the safest possible way throughout the country. The HSE and the Department continue to plan for any surge in demand for mental health services and supports as it arises. The HSE have service surge capacity plans in place, including access to acute beds in the private sector.
The HSE has a range of proactive responses for any rise in mental health service needs. In 2020, an additional €2.2 million was allocated to develop telehealth and psychosocial responses to Covid-19.
Telehealth services are now fully established including YourMentalHealth.ie, which offers a wealth of information on mental health supports and coping with difficult situations during Covid-19; the information line 1800 111 888, the crisis textline, 50808 and NGO online supports such as MyMind, Turn2Me, Jigsaw and many others. ALONE, in collaboration with the Department of Health and HSE, is also running a national support line which is open Monday to Friday, 8am-8pm at 0818 222 024.
The HSE Psychosocial Framework, published in January 2021, builds on a range of supports introduced last year in response to Covid-19, including self-help and psychological first aid supports for staff. The Framework acknowledges the impact of the pandemic on mental health in all areas of society and identifies priority groups, including health care workers and people bereaved due to Covid-19. The framework provides a cohesive, coordinated, consistent and collaborative whole-of-population approach to the provision of mental health services and supports across 5 key levels from mental health promotion to specialist supports.
I would also like to draw your attention to the Government well-being campaigns to promote physical and mental wellbeing in the safest possible ways. The Covid-19 pandemic and the associated restrictions have challenged society, especially in the area of human interaction and connectedness. As part of our response to these challenges, the Department of Health has provided guidance and support for people to manage both their physical and mental wellbeing and to stay connected. This guidance has been provided through public health information campaigns and through information networks including key organisations working with vulnerable people.
Following on from the “In This Together”, campaign, in November 2020 the Department of Health launched the “Keep Well” campaign, with €7 million allocated to support the delivery of a range of actions and support services.
This campaign encourages us all to do something that is good for us each day or week, like going for a walk, connecting safely with friends or family, engaging in a hobby or reaching out for the supports that we may need. By doing so, we are more likely to create balance, routine and resilience. The campaign is focused on five main themes, which include Minding your Mood and Staying Connected, which address challenges to mental wellbeing and isolation respectively.
Furthermore, it is envisaged that all aspects of mental health services will be improved and developed, through the implementation of the national mental health policy Sharing the Vision (launched June, 2020) and commitments set out in the HSE National Service Plan 2021. Sharing the Vision aims to enhance the provision of mental health services and supports across a broad continuum from mental health promotion, prevention and early intervention to acute and specialist mental health service delivery, during the period 2020-2030. The NIMC Steering Committee, tasked with overseeing the implementation of Sharing the Vision and chaired by Mr John Saunders, was established in December 2020. The work of the Steering Committee is progressing.
I secured an additional €50 million for mental health services in 2021, bringing the annual budget to in excess of €1.1 billion. €23 million of this additional funding is dedicated to commencing implementation of many of the short-term recommendations of Sharing the Vision while €15 million is allocated to address additional challenges posed by Covid-19.
Earlier this year, the Taoiseach announced additional funding for mental health for proposed cross-governmental and inter-agency initiatives to meet evolving demands for mental health arising from Covid-19, including those relating to young people. This will cover, for example, promoting positive mental health, increasing awareness of the wide range of supports available, and improving signposting to these services and supports. The Department of Health is at present progressing the details of this new initiative, including consultation with other relevant stakeholders in the health and education sectors.
I would like to assure the Deputy that I, along with the Government as a whole, remain fully committed to enhancing the provision of mental health services nationally.
3309. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health the status of the request for an appointment (detail supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41328/21]
View answerI asked the Dublin Dental Hospital to investigate this matter and they have advised that the patient has an appointment this week.
3311. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the breakdown of the monthly financial cost of the Covid-19 vaccination programme in Ireland from January 2021 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41333/21]
View answerThe overall initial funding allocation for the COVID-19 vaccination programme, and related expenditure approval, is for a total of €200m for 2021. The core responsibility for the operational delivery of the vaccination programme lies with the HSE, which provides detailed estimates of the gross cost of implementation to my Department.
While the cyber-attack has had some impact on data reporting systems, the latest figures available from June indicate an estimated expenditure of approximately €174m. It is envisaged that the overall costs associated with the implementation of the vaccination programme will be significantly in excess of the €200m already allocated. My Department will continue to work closely with the HSE and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, to ensure cost-effectiveness in the context of the Covid-19 vaccination roll-out.
3312. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of the vaccination rollout in Ireland in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41334/21]
View answerThe overall initial funding allocation for the COVID-19 vaccination programme, and related expenditure approval, is for a total of €200m for 2021. The core responsibility for the operational delivery of the vaccination programme lies with the HSE, which provides detailed estimates of the gross cost of implementation to my Department.
While the cyber-attack has had some impact on data reporting systems, the latest figures available from June indicate an estimated expenditure of approximately €174m. It is envisaged that the overall costs associated with the implementation of the vaccination programme will be significantly in excess of the €200m already allocated. My Department will continue to work closely with the HSE and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, to ensure cost-effectiveness in the context of the Covid-19 vaccination roll-out.
3313. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 37 of 13 July 2021, the legal supports that are in place for persons making claims against the State for injuries associated with the Covid-19 vaccine; the mechanisms that are in place for the covering of costs and the payment of such claims; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41335/21]
View answerThe Deputy is advised that there are no plans at present for the introduction in Ireland of a COVID-19 specific vaccine compensation scheme.
3314. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 37 of 13 July 2021, the status of the development of proposals regarding the establishment of a vaccine compensation scheme; the timeline for the completion of these proposals; the details of the person or body that is developing these proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41336/21]
View answerIn June 2018, the Government agreed to the establishment of the expert group to review the management of clinical negligence claims. It was chaired by the High Court judge, Mr. Justice Charles Meenan. The expert group examined the system from the perspective of the person who has made the claim to explore if there is a better way to deal effectively, yet more sensitively, with certain cases.
Mr. Justice Meenan submitted the final report on the current system for managing clinical negligence claims to the then Minister for Health and Minister for Justice in January 2020, prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Government subsequently published the Meenan report in December 2020. One of the report's recommendations is that a compensation scheme be established.
On foot of a request from my Department, the Health Research Board, HRB, carried out an evidence review on the vaccine injury redress programme in other jurisdictions, which was completed in March 2019. The expert group's report, in addition to the HRB's evidence review, and consultation with other Departments and relevant State agencies will inform the development of proposals regarding the establishment of a compensation scheme, including the need for primary legislation, and work to advance policy development in this regard is under way in the Department.
There are no plans at present for the introduction in Ireland of a COVID-19 specific vaccine compensation scheme.
3315. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health his plans to introduce adult safeguarding legislation to prevent abuse and neglect of adults wherever it occurs; the legislative timeframe for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41338/21]
View answerSafeguarding adults at risk of abuse, harm and neglect by others in the context of their interactions with the health sector is a key objective of the Department of Health, every statutory body under its aegis, and every health and social care service that interacts with such adults. In the health sector, a framework of standards, policies and procedures for safeguarding adults who may be at risk of abuse, harm, neglect, and exploitation within the sector is in place, and further measures are being developed to strengthen this framework. The framework includes:
- joint national adult safeguarding standards developed by HIQA and the Mental Health Commission, approved by the Minister for Health and launched in 2019;
- the significant inspection and other regulatory powers of HIQA and the Mental Health Commission in relation to the quality and safety of healthcare and social care provision generally (under the Health Act 2007 and the Mental Health Acts);
- the HSE’s national operational adult safeguarding policy Safeguarding Vulnerable People at Risk of Abuse – Policy and Procedures (2014), which is in place primarily in all HSE and HSE-funded social care settings, and
- a range of structures and processes established by the HSE to support and further develop its national operational adult safeguarding policy, including 9 social work-led Safeguarding and Protection Teams, a
- National Safeguarding Office providing policy direction and training, and a planned revision of the operational policy which will expand the policy outside of its current social care remit to all HSE and HSE-funded services.
To strengthen this framework, my Department is currently developing a national policy on adult safeguarding in the health and social care sector. This national sectoral policy will be in place in all private, voluntary, and public health and social care settings and services and will be underpinned by any legislation that may be required.
In common with other projects, there has been some degree of disruption arising from my Department’s and the wider health system’s lead role in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, significant policy development work has been undertaken to date, and my Department, assisted by a high-level Steering Group has now completed the key stakeholder consultation and primary evidence development phases of this major and complex policy project. The Department is now preparing for a public consultation exercise and costing study with a view to submitting a costed draft policy to Government for approval during 2021 and, will thereafter, prepare any legislation required to underpin the approved policy.
3320. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health his plans for a new National Cardiovascular Health Strategy in view of the fact that previous strategy expired in 2019; the timeline for the new strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41343/21]
View answerThe cardiovascular policy, “Changing Cardiovascular Health 2010-2019”, built on the first national cardiovascular health strategy, entitled “Building Healthier Hearts” (Department of Health 1999). The reorganisation of care was reflected in the national cardiovascular strategy in 2010 which proposed the centralisation of cardiovascular services in order to maximise access, expertise and population coverage which formed part of the consideration of the current National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services.
The National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services with specific terms of reference is cognisant of recommendations in the Changing Cardiovascular Health 2010 – 2019.
The National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services commenced in January 2018 with Professor Phillip Nolan as Chair of the Steering Group. This Review aims to achieve optimal patient outcomes at population level with particular emphasis on the safety, quality and sustainability of the services that patients receive by establishing the need for an optimal configuration of a national adult cardiac service. This aligns with the Sláintecare reform programme. The National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services is a key enabler for future policy and its recommendations will inform the future provision of services.
While substantial progress has been made on the Review, the COVID-19 Pandemic has impacted on the progress of the review, as the Chair has played a key role in the national COVID-19 response, both as a member of the NPHET and Chair of the Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group. Work is now underway to progress the Review to completion over the coming months.
3321. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health his plans to introduce a national registry of heart valve disease to include data from public and private hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41344/21]
View answerThe management of heart valve disease is a specialists cardiac service. The National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services is a key enabler for future policy and its recommendations will inform the future provision of services.
The National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services commenced in January 2018 with Professor Phillip Nolan as Chair of the Steering Group. This Review aims to achieve optimal patient outcomes at population level with particular emphasis on the safety, quality and sustainability of the services that patients receive by establishing the need for an optimal configuration of a national adult cardiac service. This aligns with the Sláintecare reform programme.
While substantial progress has been made on the Review, the COVID-19 Pandemic has impacted on the progress of the review, as the Chair has played a key role in the national COVID-19 response, both as a member of the NPHET and Chair of the Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group. Work is now underway to progress the Review to completion over the coming months.
As part of the response to 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.
3322. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the number of cardiac physiologists currently employed in Ireland; the number of cardiac physiologists employed in Galway city and county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41345/21]
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.
3323. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the number of patients on waiting lists for echocardiography services across primary care in Galway city and county in tabular form; of the number of these patients waiting 3, 6, 9, 12 and 18 months and 2, 3 and 4+ years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41346/21]
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.
3324. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the number of echocardiogram machines in Galway city and county including in acute hospitals and primary care; the location of these machines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41347/21]
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.
3327. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the analysis his Department has carried out into the reasons for and consequences of the ongoing closure of respite services in Galway city and county; if any impact assessment has been carried out in this regard; when these essential respite services will be fully restored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41350/21]
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.
3329. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health the reason Parliamentary Questions are not being responded to in cases in which questions require simple answers from him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41352/21]
View answerThe Department of Health endeavours always to answer all parliamentary questions submitted to it in a timely and comprehensive manner.
The Deputy will be aware that the Department and HSE were hit by a cyberattack in May of this year. This criminal assault on our ICT infrastructure created difficulties in processing PQs and that the Department has been working consistently to resolve the backlogs that arose as a result and to minimise delays.
3330. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Health the number of women waiting for BreastCheck appointments by hospital in tabular form. [41364/21]
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.
3331. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Health the number of women waiting for BreastCheck appointments by hospital for less than 3, 3 to 6, 6 to 9, 9 to 12, 12 to 18, 18 to 24 and over 24 months, respectively in tabular form. [41365/21]
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.
3332. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Health the number of persons waiting for an appointment to access a sexual health clinic by hospital in tabular form. [41370/21]
View answerThe COVID-19 pandemic has led to an unprecedented interruption to normal healthcare activity in 2020/2021, affecting the provision of all healthcare services, including public STI clinics.
Over the last year, public STI services have re-configured services, establishing online booking systems and providing virtual appointments, in order to support service provision in line with social distancing and infection prevention control requirements resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Public STI clinics have prioritised those with symptoms and who require treatment, in order to treat active infections and minimise onward transmission. The GMHS website and other resources such as www.man2man.ie and www.sexualwellbeing.ie are regularly updated to reflect current service delivery and to signpost users to the HSE list of approved STI and PrEP services.
The HSE is continuing to progress a number of initiatives that aim to reduce the level of HIV and STIs nationally and improve access to services for those in need as follows:
- The promotion of safer sex messages to the public via a range of social media platforms including Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
- During the pandemic, the public has been advised about STI clinic restrictions and encouraged to consider safer sexual practices to reduce the risk of HIV and STI transmission.
- Guidance has been issued around sex and COVID-19 which advised the public to limit numbers of partners to reduce transmission of HIV/STIs as well as COVID-19 during the pandemic.
- Those who are symptomatic are advised to contact a clinic directly for an emergency appointment.
- Condoms are freely available to NGO partners and service providers via the National Condom Distribution (NCDS) service.
- A number of NGOs have established postal services to make condoms and lubricant accessible to service-users throughout the pandemic while venues were closed.
- Free rapid HIV testing is available in Dublin, Cork, Galway and Limerick through community NGO partners HIV Ireland, Sexual Health Centre Cork, Sexual Health West and GOSHH. NGO partners have adapted their services and are currently providing free rapid HIV testing from their offices or alternative venues.
- STI/HIV testing is currently available through a HSE home STI testing pilot project in Dublin, Wicklow, Kildare, Cork and Kerry (funded by the Sláintecare Integration Fund).
With regard to the detailed information sought by the Deputy, as this relates to operational issues, this Parliamentary Question 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.
