Thursday, 9 Sep 2021

Written Answers Nos. 1171-1190

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (1171)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

1171. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter regarding vaccination centres (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41945/21]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Departmental Policies

Questions (1172)

Carol Nolan

Question:

1172. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the measures he is taking to promote or facilitate remote working for staff in his Department or bodies under the aegis of his Department; the costs this has generated in terms of the provision of laptops, desktop computers or contributions to wi-fi costs or phone-related expenses; the number of staff who have applied for permission to work from home on a permanent or hybrid-model basis (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41955/21]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The staff in my Department and in the agencies under the aegis of my Department are currently working in line with Government COVID-19 guidance, which provides for home working to continue where possible.

Post-Covid Blended Working Framework

A central framework for Blended Working in the Civil Service will be finalised in conjunction with employee representatives over the coming months. This framework will inform the development of organisation level blended working policies tailored to the specific requirements of each Department/Office, whilst ensuring a consistency of approach across key policy areas.

Senior human resources staff and CEOs of the agencies under the aegis of my Department have been kept fully briefed in respect of the development of the Civil Service Framework and the shift towards blended working patterns for the post-Covid era. It is intended that the public sector, including the agencies under the aegis of my Department, will develop their own blended working policies based on the principles set out in the Blended Working Framework for the post-Covid era when it is agreed.

My Department has established an internal Blended Working Group involving key Corporate functional areas which is examining the practical implications of facilitating blended working by staff in the Department of Health. This will be ongoing over the coming months and will take account of central framework on remote working from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. An application process for blended working will be put in place for the staff of my Department and the public health sector staff in due course.

Over the past 3 years my Department has had a rolling programme in place to issue all staff with a personal laptop, as opposed to a desktop device. These devices are used in the office and are also in use by staff as they work remotely at present. For health and safety reasons, staff have been facilitated in bringing home some other equipment from the office, e.g. office chairs and peripheral ICT equipment such as a keyboard, mouse and external monitor, to provide for an ergonomically appropriate work-station as they are required to work remotely.

In line with Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Guidance on working arrangements during COVID-19 for the Civil and Public Service, it has been decided that public service employers should not pay a daily allowance to their employees in respect of working from home. My Department does not pay broadband or phone costs for staff, other than the normal arrangements where a mobile phone is provided on an identified business need. It is open to employees to make claims directly from Revenue in respect of actual costs incurred in working from home at the end of the relevant tax year, in accordance with relevant Revenue rules. Any claim in this regard is solely a matter for the individual concerned.

In respect of costs in the agencies under the aegis of my Department, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter. The information has been sought from the Non-Commercial State Agencies, and once collated, will be provided by way of separate letter to the Deputy.

In line with the Government campaign - #MakingRemoteWork – I am supportive of facilitating all reasonable and practical applications for blended working, while ensuring the continued effective and efficient delivery of the Department’s business.

Ambulance Service

Questions (1173)

Neasa Hourigan

Question:

1173. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the under-resourcing of the Athlone ambulance service in the context of a town of its size and the huge area it serves; his plans to increase staffing resources for the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41965/21]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to reply to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Health Services Staff

Questions (1174)

Neale Richmond

Question:

1174. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to recruitment issues in the homecare sector; if he is taking steps to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41966/21]

Written answers

Minister for Health

In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Hospital Services

Questions (1175)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

1175. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if there are hospitals in which cardiac rehabilitation phase III is not operational in view of the strong evidence base for cardiac rehabilitation and the need for equitable and timely access to cardiac rehabilitation for all eligible patients living in Ireland; if so, the hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41970/21]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Hospital Services

Questions (1176)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

1176. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if there are hospitals in which eligible patients for cardiac rehabilitation phase III are still waiting in view of the strong evidence base for cardiac rehabilitation and the need for equitable and timely access to cardiac rehabilitation for all eligible patients living in Ireland; the reasons for persons not being referred or being seen for such rehabilitation; if these problems have only occurred since the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41971/21]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Tax Code

Questions (1177, 1181)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

1177. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the status of the evaluation currently underway of the sugar-sweetened drinks tax; when details of the tax are due to be completed and published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41982/21]

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

1181. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the status of the evaluation currently underway of the sugar-sweetened drinks tax; when details of the tax are due to be completed and published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42020/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1177 and 1181 together.

The Sugar-Sweetened Drinks Tax was introduced on 1st May 2018, and has now been in operation for more than three years. The introduction of the tax was an important action in the Obesity Policy and Action Plan, with the aim of combatting obesity through reducing consumption of added sugar in drinks and encouraging reformulation of products by the drinks industry.

Initial indications are that the tax has had a positive impact, particularly in terms of encouraging drinks producers to reduce the sugar content in their products. However, a more comprehensive analysis of the effects of the tax is needed, and the Department has commenced an evaluation of the measure.

The first step in this process was to look at existing examples that could inform the methodology to assess the impacts of the tax. This work is well advanced. The literature review and data scoping exercise will enable the Department to make an assessment of the potential approaches to evaluate the impact of the tax and the timelines and resources required for the evaluation. It is intended that the evaluation will be published when completed.

Question No. 1178 answered with Question No. 953.

Health Services

Questions (1179)

Mark Ward

Question:

1179. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the supports that are in place for persons who suffer with agoraphobia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42017/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Healthcare Policy

Questions (1180, 1188, 1223, 1234, 1307, 1313)

David Cullinane

Question:

1180. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if he plans to adjust the blood transfusion policy regarding men who have sex with men in line with evidence-based practice as has recently occurred in the North and in Britain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42019/21]

Gino Kenny

Question:

1188. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health the position on the abolition of the current ban on gay and bisexual men donating blood and the introduction of an individualised risk assessment system for all prospective donors similar to that now in place in Britain and Northern Ireland; when this will happen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42047/21]

Patrick Costello

Question:

1223. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health if his Department will move to abolish the current ban on gay and bisexual men donating blood and the introduction of an individualised risk assessment system for all prospective donors, similar to that now in place in the UK and Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42113/21]

Paul Murphy

Question:

1234. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health his views on the introduction of an individualised risk assessment system which is not based on gender and sexuality for all prospective blood donors by the end of 2021, similar to that now in place in Britain and Northern Ireland since 16 August 2021. [42160/21]

Róisín Shortall

Question:

1307. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1195 of 31 March 2021, the status of the review of the 12-month blood donation ban for gay men, bisexual men, transgender men and men who have sex with men; if an individual risk-based assessment is still under consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42409/21]

Neale Richmond

Question:

1313. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health if work is underway to end the restrictions on gay men donating blood; the steps he has taken to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42428/21]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1180, 1188, 1223, 1234, 1307 and 1313 together.

The remit of the Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) is to provide a safe, reliable and robust blood service to the Irish health system. A major objective of the IBTS is to ensure that it always has the necessary programmes and procedures in place to protect both the recipients and the donors of blood and blood products. The IBTS constantly keeps all deferral policies under active review, in the light of scientific evidence, emerging infections and international evidence, to ensure the ongoing safety of blood and the products derived from it.

The IBTS lifted its lifelong ban on men who have sex with men (MSM) from donating blood in January 2017, when the deferral policy was reduced to a period of one year following their last sexual encounter with a man. My Department has established a post-implementation surveillance monitoring group, which is scheduled to meet later this week. The group will assess the impact, if any, on the incidence of transfusion transmitted infections, following the change to donor deferral policies in 2017. The output of this Group will contribute to the evidence base that can inform future decisions on proposed changes to deferral policies, including any future changes to MSM deferral policy.

The IBTS established an independent ‘Advisory Committee for Social Behaviours Review’ to review the evidence base for donor selection, deferral and exclusion in Ireland in relation to social behaviours that may increase the risk of acquiring specific blood-borne infections. The Advisory Committee aims to conclude its work in September 2021 and submit its report to the IBTS for consideration. My Department will be engaging with the IBTS during the course of this work.

Question No. 1181 answered with Question No. 1177.

Vaccination Programme

Questions (1182)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

1182. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the way a person who was vaccinated abroad can receive a digital Covid pass (details supplied) which is readable in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42022/21]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Following the successful rollout of the initial implementation phase of the EU Digital COVID Certificate in Ireland, the Government is creating a specific portal to enable Irish citizens vaccinated outside of the EU, with vaccines authorised for use in Ireland, to obtain a COVID certificate valid in Ireland and across the EU.

This portal is currently being advanced on a cross departmental basis involving technical and process development, and resource management. It is expected that this portal will be launched in the coming weeks on a phased basis.

Health Service Executive

Questions (1183)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

1183. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if it is current HSE hospital policy to carry out PCR tests on the deceased; the names of all hospitals that have carried out PCR tests on the deceased; the numbers of tests carried out on the deceased; the reason a PCR test would be carried out on a deceased citizen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42027/21]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (1184)

Thomas Gould

Question:

1184. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the current restrictions on indoor addiction recovery support groups; and the timeline for the lifting of same. [42033/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The majority of indoor activities are still restricted given the current high level of Covid-19 infection. However, the Dept of Health has supported the continued operation of drug and alcohol support groups and treatment programmes given their importance for the health and wellbeing of participants. It is committed to continue to provide bespoke guidance for this important health sector. 

The Department has advised that the maximum number of participants in drug and alcohol support groups and treatment programmes can be increased from 15 to 20, to include organisers. This higher limit is subject to 2 metre social distancing in the venue. 

A further increase in the maximum number of participants will be considered on foot of the Government roadmap to further re-open social and economic activities, which was recently published. 

The following guidance should be taken into account in increasing the number of participants in support groups and programmes:

- All participants should be encouraged to available of the Covid-19 vaccination. Vaccination will not alone protect them from the impact of the disease, but will  protect other participants in support groups and programme. Vaccination is an important contribution to social solidarity. 

- The Delta variant of Covid-19 is highly infectious and poses a major risk to the population, in particular those who are not vaccinated. Public health advice remains that the non-vaccinated should avoid congregated indoor settings. Other meeting formats - outdoors and online - should continue to be provided.  

- People living with drug and alcohol addictions may experience poor physical health and weakened immune systems, making them especially vulnerable to Covid-19. Participants who are vaccinated may continue to face these heightened risks due to weakened immune systems. 

- Masks remain an important protective measure for everyone, including those that are fully vaccinated. Good ventilation of indoor venues is also imperative. 

 I appreciate the positive engagement by drug and alcohol support groups with the Department on this matter and their patience as we sought clarification on what was possible given the continuing public health restrictions. 

My officials will continue to engage with these group to further increase attendance at indoor meetings, in line with the Government roadmap.

Pension Provisions

Questions (1185)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

1185. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that retirees from the HSE who are members of the public service pension scheme and are paid their pension fortnightly by way of interim payments have been advised that this practice is to cease; the number of persons impacted by this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42035/21]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Pension Provisions

Questions (1186)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

1186. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that retirees from the HSE who are members of the public service pension scheme and who receive fortnightly payments by way of an interim payment have been advised that this practice is to be discontinued; the legal basis on which this decision has been taken; if consideration will be given to allowing the persons in receipt of this interim payment arrangement to continue on a red circled basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42036/21]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Medicinal Products

Questions (1187)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

1187. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding a case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42046/21]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drugs schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.

I fully appreciate the desire of patients to access all potential treatments for their condition as soon as possible. However, Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars me as the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.

In line with the 2013 Health Act and the national framework agreed with industry, a company must submit an application to the HSE to have a new medicine added to the reimbursement list.Reimbursement is for licenced indications which have been granted market authorisation by the European Medicines Agency or the Health Products Regulatory Authority.In making a relevant reimbursement decision, the HSE is required under the Act to have regard to a number of criteria including efficacy, the health needs of the public, cost effectiveness and potential or actual budget impact.HSE decisions on which medicines are reimbursed by the taxpayer are made on objective, scientific and economic grounds, on the advice of the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE).The HSE has advised that on 8 March 2021 it received an application for the reimbursement of Cemiplimab (Libtayo) for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic or locally advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (mCSCC or laCSCC) who are not candidates for curative surgery or curative radiation.On 31 March, following the completion by the NCPE of a rapid review, the HSE commissioned a full health technology assessment (HTA) with respect to this indication, as per agreed processes. When completed, the HTA report will be an important input into the decision-making processes of the HSE.The HSE Executive Management Team is the decision-making body for the reimbursement of medicines under the Health Act 2013 and it will, following receipt of the outcome of the Drugs Group's deliberations, make the decision on whether Cemiplimab will be reimbursed.

Question No. 1188 answered with Question No. 1180.

Special Educational Needs

Questions (1189)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

1189. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the number of children waiting for early intervention services by service in County Tipperary; the average waiting time; the efforts being made to reduce these waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42051/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Hospital Admissions

Questions (1190)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

1190. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the number of patients attending hospitals with strokes to date in 2021 and in each year for the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42058/21]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.