Michael McNamara
Question:1271. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Health if funding will be made available to continue a service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42296/21]
View answerDepartmental Funding
Questions (1271, 1273)
Michael McNamara
Question:1273. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Health if urgent funding will be made available to an organisation (details supplied) to continue a service in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42301/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1271 and 1273 together.
The Department of Health and the HSE provide specialist disability services, including Day Services and Rehabilitative Training, to people with disabilities who require such services. The HSE has no statutory obligation to provide transport services and no funding is allocated for this. Transport is not considered a core health service and as such Day Service funding does not include transport.
Some transport supports are provided by the HSE or funded agencies on a discretionary basis, and a variety of transport solutions are pursued in different CHO areas. These include travel training by to enable public transport to be used upon commencement of a day programme (where applicable), local transport such as Local Link, private bus transport providers and taxis, funded via a combination of service provider, HSE funding, service user contribution, and / or combined funding; and some service providers provide transport where capacity exists.
In general, day service users are in receipt of disability allowance and are automatically entitled to the Free Travel Pass.
There are improvements in access to a range of transport supports available to persons with disabilities in the State, for example the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers scheme, operated by the Revenue Commissioners; the Free Travel Scheme operated by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection; and CLÁR funding, approved by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, to voluntary organisations providing transport for people with significant mobility issues.
Under the National Disability Inclusion Strategy 2017 - 2021, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has responsibility for the continued development of accessibility and availability of accessible public transport.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Health Services
Questions (1272)
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:1272. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 264 of 25 February 2021, if a further response will issue to queries (details supplied). [42300/21]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Question No. 1273 answered with Question No. 1271.
Health Promotion
Questions (1274)
Róisín Shortall
Question:1274. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to address excessive consumption of unhealthy foods in preschool settings particularly in relation to celebrations (details supplied); if guidance has been issued to preschools on the consumption of unhealthy foods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42306/21]
View answerWritten answers
My Department is finalising Nutrition Standards for Early Learning and Care Services developed in consultation with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. The Standards will be available in early October.
While these Nutrition Standards recognise that there are instances where the food provided varies due to the location or the nature of the occasion such as field trips and birthday celebrations, they recommend that food provided on these days still needs to comply with the Standards and suggest non-food treats to mark these occasions.
In a large service a birthday may be celebrated every couple of days. If children fill up on cakes and treat foods they will have little room left for the nutritious food that they need. It is important to celebrate and mark birthdays and the Standards provide advice on dealing with them. They recommend marking the occasion with fun games and activities rather than foods, and if a parent insists that a cake is sent to the Service they suggest parents are asked to keep it small, keep servings for children to bite size amounts and send leftovers home with the parent. If a number of birthdays fall on the one week, the Standards suggest consider marking them together at one celebration.
Question No. 1275 answered with Question No. 1248.
Vaccination Programme
Questions (1276)
Richard O'Donoghue
Question:1276. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Health if discussions are expected to take place to seek clarity for those persons who have had a severe reaction to the first-dose of the Covid-19 vaccine and are advised by hospital consultants and doctors not to get a second dose of the vaccine and are therefore unable to get the EU Digital COVID Certificate (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42311/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Digital COVID certificate is not a precondition for travel but can make travelling within the EU easier.
The Digital COVID Certificate is designed to support safe travel within the EU and other countries may be using the EU Digital COVID Certificate for domestic purposes, for example access to restaurants or cinemas.
It is advisable to check the rules in the destination country before travelling.
Departmental Funding
Questions (1277)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:1277. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health his plans to provide funding for appropriate respite services for persons affected by Prader Willi Syndrome in view of the ultimate cost savings of such a services due to it allowing families and communities retain persons affected by this syndrome in families and in the community longer thus reducing the requirement for full-time residential care and also reducing incidences of crises for families and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42316/21]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Health Services Staff
Questions (1278)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:1278. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the steps he plans to take to address the crisis in recruitment in the homecare sector in view of the savings and other advantages to homecare as opposed to institutional care in many cases and also the health benefits as evidenced during the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42318/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Programme for Government (2020) commits to the introduction of “a statutory scheme to support people to live in their own homes, which will provide equitable access to high-quality, regulated home care.” In this regard, the Department is in the process of developing a statutory scheme for the financing and regulation of home-support. It is intended that the new scheme will provide equitable and transparent access to high-quality services based on a person’s assessed care-needs.
As part of this work, the Department is examining the potential demand and cost of introducing such a scheme. Following this, work will be undertaken to examine the associated workforce requirements for the introduction of such a scheme and my Department will engage with other sectors as required in this regard.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (1279)
Kathleen Funchion
Question:1279. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Health when indoor classes (details supplied) are allowed to recommence. [42321/21]
View answerWritten answers
As outlined in COVID-19: Reframing the Challenge, Continuing Our Recovery and Reconnecting, which was published by Government on 31 August, organised indoor group activities can take place from 20 September with capacity limits of 100 people (with appropriate protective measures) where all patrons are immune (fully vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19 within previous 6 months), or accompanied minors (under 18). Where patrons have mixed immunity status, pods of up to 6 participants will be permitted with multiple pods permitted subject to protective measures.
Since the onset of the pandemic, we have saved lives and limited the impact of the disease on society in Ireland due to the huge effort of people across the country. Thanks to the hard work of the Irish people and the progress of our vaccination programme, we are now entering a new phase in the management of the pandemic. As our approach to the management of COVID-19 transitions from population wide restrictions to guidance we must continue to practice basic preventative behaviours, including in relation to self-isolation and restricting movements when advised, observing good respiratory and hand hygiene, physical distancing and mask wearing when appropriate.
COVID-19: Reframing the Challenge, Continuing Our Recovery and Reconnecting can be found online: www.gov.ie/en/press-release/f5291-post-cabinet-statement-covid-19-reframing-the-challenge-continuing-our-recovery-and-reconnecting/
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (1280)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:1280. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42322/21]
View answerWritten answers
Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars 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.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Question No. 1281 answered with Question No. 1265.
Health Services
Questions (1282)
Brendan Griffin
Question:1282. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health his views on a series of matters raised by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42351/21]
View answerWritten answers
Ireland’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.
You can read the guidelines at: www.hse.ie/eng/health/immunisation/hcpinfo/guidelines/covid19.pdf
On the 28th of May, the EMA recommended an extension of the use of the Pfizer vaccine to include those aged 12 to 15 years. The EMA subsequently advised an extension of indication for the Moderna vaccine to include use in children aged 12-17 years. The NIAC reviewed these findings and has recommended that vaccination be extended to those aged 12 -15 years, those in this age group will be offered an mRNA vaccination to protect themselves from COVID-19. There are currently no vaccines authorised for use for those aged under 12 years old.
Clinical trials to assess the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in children under 12 years of age are currently ongoing, with results expected later this year. Vaccine manufacturers Pfizer and Moderna are conducting trials in healthy children between the ages of 6 months and 11 years old using lower vaccine doses. Children have different reactions to medications and vaccinations, so conducting clinical trials specific to that population is important to fully understand the benefits and potential side effects of COVID-19 vaccines in this group. Once the data becomes available, it will be thoroughly reviewed by the European Medicines Agency and the National Immunisation Advisory Committee prior to the vaccines being administered to children under age 12. Non-pharmaceutical interventions including social distancing, hand hygiene, good respiratory etiquette and ventilation, as well as vaccinating as many adults and adolescents as possible will all help lower case rates amongst younger children.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Questions (1283)
Niamh Smyth
Question:1283. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) is waiting so long for surgery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42354/21]
View answerWritten answers
Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars 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.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Home Help Service
Questions (1284)
Bernard Durkan
Question:1284. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if additional home help will be allocated to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42361/21]
View answerWritten answers
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 (1285)
Bernard Durkan
Question:1285. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if an extension to a current hospital stay may be granted to facilitate additional medical assessment as to such a time that family members who are currently in mandatory isolation may contribute to an in-person assessment in the case of a person (details supplied); if a more realistic offer of home help hours may be provided as to the current offer due to the exception health needs of family members in the residence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42362/21]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Vaccination Programme
Questions (1286)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:1286. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the reason for the decision to withdraw the Defence Forces in their vital support role in the vaccination centres in Galway considering that their role has been of vital importance to the effective and efficient vaccine roll-out programme to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42365/21]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Vaccination Programme
Questions (1287)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:1287. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health if persons who have received mixed Covid-19 vaccinations (details supplied) are accepted in order for EU Digital COVID Certificates to issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42368/21]
View answerWritten answers
EU Digital COVID Certificates are being issued to individuals who have received a heterologous vaccine regimen in Ireland.
As such persons who have received a ‘mixed-dose’ vaccination regimen in Ireland can also request or acquire a Digital COVID Certificate after they have received their second vaccination from the HSE.
It is important to note that for the purposes of travel into Ireland, a person with mixed vaccination doses is not considered a fully vaccinated person. International travel policy is under continuous review, including in relation to this matter.
An Irish issued DCC can be used for travel purposes within the EU and for indoor hospitality where necessary in Ireland
Ambulance Service
Questions (1288)
Richard Bruton
Question:1288. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health the average cost to the health service of an emergency ambulance response to a 999 call; and the average cost to the health service of an emergency ambulance to a 999 call with regard to each advanced medical priority dispatch system category in 2019 and 2020. [42369/21]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Emergency Departments
Questions (1289)
Richard Bruton
Question:1289. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health the fully absorbed cost of the average emergency department attendance; and the average daily running cost of a hospital bed in an accident and emergency department at a model 4 hospital for example Cork University Hospital in 2019 and 2020. [42370/21]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Hospital Charges
Questions (1290)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:1290. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if the case of a person will be reviewed (details supplied); and if the HSE can offer assistance in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42377/21]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.