Written Answers Nos. 951-970
951. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Justice her plans to introduce a new criminal offence for pet abduction which would recognise that pets are valued as more than just property; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43181/21]
View answerBoth Minister Humphreys and I are very conscious of the strong emotional attachment that many people have to their pets, and that the theft of a pet animal can be a traumatic experience.
As the Deputy will be aware, I previously introduced a Bill to enhance the place of companion animals in legislation. Work on this Bill is currently ongoing in my Department.
Minister McEntee and I also met with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in December 2020 to discuss the issues of pet theft and animal welfare legislation. A collaborative approach was agreed to dealing with the issue. As the Deputy will be aware, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine has responsibility for all animal welfare issues.
The Deputy may wish to further note that my Department is kept appraised by An Garda Síochána on the issue of pet theft. Under the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act, the theft of an animal carries a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment on conviction. If the animal was taken from a person's property the crime becomes burglary and attracts a potential maximum of up to 14 years imprisonment. These are significant sentences by any measure.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible under the Garda Síochána Act for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including all operational policing decisions. This includes crime prevention initiatives and strategies.
With regard to measures aimed at preventing such thefts, I am informed by the Garda authorities that information has been disseminated to the Crime Prevention Officers' Network countrywide specifically dealing with the topic of dog thefts. The Garda National Crime Prevention Unit's advice on pet safety concurs with the advice from animal welfare groups and animal insurance companies about keeping animals safe.
Ongoing patrols throughout the country also act as a deterrent to mobile criminals and thereby help prevent criminal activity. Improved awareness of dog thefts among the community will ensure more vigilance within neighbourhood watch and community alert areas.
952. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Health if emigrating to a different country was classified as essential travel during Covid-19 travel restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42903/21]
View answerS.I. No. 29/2021 provided for domestic travel restrictions from 1 February 2021 and required persons not to leave their place of residence to go to an airport or port for the purpose of leaving the State without reasonable excuse. These included those persons who were no longer an ordinary resident in the State travelling to the airport or port to leave the State. These restrictions were lifted on 19th of July 2021.
953. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the distinction of casinos, amusement arcades, play centres and leisure facilities as opposed to indoor dining venues with regard to being an indoor operator permitted to operate under the Covid-19 public health measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41423/21]
View answer1178. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the date on which he will allow children’s soft play centres, snooker halls and bowling alleys to reopen in the context of public health guidelines in view of the fact that other hospitality venues such as licensed premises and restaurants are permitted to allow indoor patrons; and the rationale for keeping such facilities closed at this time in view of the fact that the State has achieved a high degree of vaccination. [41997/21]
View answer1267. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health the expected timeframe for information on the reopening of indoor leisure facilities such as arcades, casinos, bingo and snooker halls; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42281/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 953, 1178 and 1267 together.
As outlined in COVID-19: Reframing the Challenge, Continuing Our Recovery and Reconnecting, which was announced by Government on 31 August, leisure facilities where patrons have defined areas which are pre-booked including bowling, snooker halls, indoor play centres and amusement arcades may reopen from 20 September. Capacity is limited to 100 people where all patrons are immune or accompanied minors. Where patrons have mixed immunity status, pods of up to 6 participants will be permitted with multiple pods permitted.
Based on the criteria of at or close to 90% of people 16 or over being fully vaccinated in the coming weeks and having regard to the incidence and behaviour of the disease at that time, from 22 October onwards, restrictions on high-risk activities, including casinos, will be lifted.
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: https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/f5291-post-cabinet-statement-covid-19-reframing-the-challenge-continuing-our-recovery-and-reconnecting/
954. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Health his plans to clear the backlog of waiting lists to see mental health therapists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41424/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
955. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health the status of the dental treatment services scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41427/21]
View answer1310. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 590 of 8 December 2020, the actions he has since taken to ensure that medical card patients are able to receive necessary and timely dental care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42414/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 955 and 1310 together.
The Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) provides dental care, free of charge to medical card holders aged 16 and over. These services are provided by independent dental practitioners who have a contract with the HSE.
The approach to future oral health service provision will be aligned with Smile agus Sláinte, the National Oral Health Policy (2019). The aim of the policy is to develop a model of care that will enable preventative approaches to be prioritised, improve access, and support interventions appropriate to current and future oral health needs.
I am committed to ensuring the sustainability of the DTSS, but recognise that it needs to be aligned with the new Policy. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused the roll-out of the National Oral Health Policy to be delayed, and the proposed review of the DTSS contract to be deferred. Officials in my Department and from the HSE are currently engaging with the Irish Dental Association on matters relating to the provision of services under the DTSS.
956. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health the current and future funding streams that will be available for addiction services specifically funding that will be made available to organisations (details supplied); the timeframe for which funding will be available; the criteria linked to that funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41428/21]
View answer1266. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health the current funding available to an organisation (details supplied); the future funding that may be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42280/21]
View answer1269. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health the current funding available to a group (details supplied); the future funding that may be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42283/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 956, 1266 and 1269 together.
The National Drug Strategy, Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery, recognises the role of families affected by drug use in contributing to the planning, design and delivery of effective addiction services.
In Budget 2021, I secured €280,000 in additional funding to support family services. This funding will be used to develop and broaden the range of peer-led, mutual aid and family support programmes in accordance with best practice, in line with action 2.1.16 of the National Drugs Strategy.
The development of family support services is listed as a drug and alcohol priority in the HSE National Service Plan for 2021. It is intended that the HSE will use this additional funding to develop coordinated family support programmes in the following four areas this year:
- Dublin North Inner City,
- Cork/Kerry,
- Louth and Meath
- Donegal.
It is anticipated that each initiative will be allocated €70,000. I am happy to report that the drawdown of the funding for these services has been approved by the Department and the funding is now available to the HSE for allocation to community healthcare organisations.
I am aware of the interest in the allocation of this funding in Louth/Meath and the other three regions by organisations and or groups representing families.
I would encourage such groups to engage with the HSE regarding the allocation of this funding in their region.
957. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health if he will delay the current situation in relation to cancer care; the status of any Covid-19 delays to services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41429/21]
View answerThe National Action Plan on Covid-19 identified the continued provision of cancer care as a priority. Cancer services continue to operate in line with guidance issued by the HSE's National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP).
The NCCP is continuing to closely monitor trends in numbers coming forward to diagnostic services, and the level of attendances for appointments for treatment. GP e-referrals to Rapid Access Clinics (RACs) from January to July stand at 117% of the activity in the corresponding period in 2019. New attendances at RACs from January to June 2021 (24,702) is at 96% of 2019 activity (25,791).
Medical and radiation and oncology services are continuing, utilising the safeguards of social distancing and infection prevention & control measures built up in the past year. The number of patients receiving chemotherapy from January to April 2021 was at approximately 90% of 2019 activity, while radiation oncology was operating at 81% of 2019 activity.
Urgent surgery has been prioritised and there has been an emphasis on maintaining safe patient pathways in this regard. For 2021, surgery numbers up to end of May were 64% of 2019 levels. However, this figure does not include surgeries involving public patients that were undertaken in private hospitals, so the overall figure is likely to be higher.
We would point out that data for 2021 may be subject to some change due to on-going validation processes. The availability of data has also been impacted by the ransomware attack in May this year.
Funding of €12m has been allocated this year for the restoration of cancer services to 95% of 2019 (pre-Covid) levels. This funding is being used to support hospitals in addressing backlogs, extending clinic times, providing additional clinics, increasing diagnostic capacity and providing locum/temporary support. It is also supporting virtual clinics and more accurate triage, and facilitating infrastructure and minor equipment purchases to increase capacity across RACs and surgical oncology, medical oncology and radiation oncology services.
In addition, as part of Budget 2021, an extra €20m has been allocated for the continued implementation of the National Cancer Strategy this year. This funding is being used to facilitate developments across prevention, diagnosis, treatment and patient supports.
958. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health if he will initiate an immediate public enquiry into the Covid-19 deaths in nursing homes during the pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41430/21]
View answerHIQA, in discharging its duties, determines, through examination of all information available to it including site inspections, whether a nursing homes meets the regulations in order to achieve and maintain its registration status. Should a nursing home be deemed to be non-compliant with the Regulations and the National Quality Standards, it may either fail to achieve or lose its registration status. In addition, the Chief Inspector has wide discretion in deciding whether to impose conditions of Registration on nursing homes.
The Deputy will be aware that the Nursing Homes Expert Panel was established, on foot of a NPHET recommendation, to examine the complex issues surrounding the management of COVID-19 among this particularly vulnerable cohort. This Expert Panel report has added further to our knowledge and learning. This report clearly outlines the key protective measures that we must ensure are in place across our nursing homes. These actions are based on learning from our own and the international experience of COVID-19 to date. The report also recommends additional analysis and examination of the relevant public health and other data sets in order that further causal and protective factors for COVID-19 clusters are identified. HIQA and the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) recently jointly published an “Analysis of factors associated with outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2 in nursing homes in Ireland”, delivering on recommendation 6.7 of the Expert Panel report, to further the learning from the pandemic. Further data analysis work and learning will also continue, in line with other recommendations of the Expert Panel, although these have been affected by the recent cyberattack on the health system. Many of the short- and medium-term recommendations have already been implemented.
Work to progress the recommendations of the Nursing Home Expert Panel report, particularly those recommendations requiring a priority focus in the response to COVID-19, is ongoing across all of the health agencies and stakeholders. Continued learning and understanding of progression of the disease in Ireland is an integral part of those recommendations.
At a broader level, there has been significant and ongoing consideration of this impact since the start of the pandemic, with various examinations and development of reports with a focus on COVID-19, its impact on nursing homes and the pandemic learnings that can inform future policy, regulation and the model of care for older persons. There has been a very clear national commitment to continue to learn from the pandemic as the national and international understanding of the virus evolves, and where necessary to ensure that the public health-led approach evolves, as evidence and learning materialises. Findings of these reports confirm that the very infectious nature of COVID-19 makes it difficult to prevent and control in residential care settings. The reports produced nationally identify findings consistent with international evidence, which have highlighted that the probability of COVID-19 introduction into nursing home depends on the levels of the disease circulating in the community, with a higher risk associated with higher incidence rates in the community.
While significant progress is being 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 has rapidly increased in Ireland and this poses a significant risk, in particular to those who are not yet fully protected though vaccination. It must be recognised that the pandemic has not concluded and at this time a priority focus of Government remains on the ongoing management of the COVID-19 response, to 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.
The Government is 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.
959. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health his plans to add additional funding to home support packages. [41431/21]
View answerHome supports enable older people to remain in their own homes and communities, as well as facilitating timely discharge from hospital. We have made improved access to home support services a priority. In 2021 an additional investment of €150 million has been made available to fund over 24.2 million hours of home support and to support the roll out of the inteRAI standard assessment tool and the establishment of a National Home Support Office. This is 5 million hours more than the 2020 target.
The level of funding available in 2022 and the quantum of services to be provided by the HSE, including home support will be considered as part of the national Estimates and budgetary process and National Service Planning.
960. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health the status in relation to antigen testing and the expert panel group; the pilot programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41432/21]
View answerI have established an Expert Advisory Group on Rapid Testing, chaired by Professor Mary Horgan, Consultant in Infectious Diseases at Cork University Hospital and President of the Royal College of Physicians.
The group will support and advise government departments, who are responsible for progressing pilots and the rollout of rapid tests in their respective sectors. It will also be responsible for communicating to the general public.
The membership of the group and it's terms of reference are available at https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/e2767-minister-donnelly-establishes-expert-advisory-group-on-rapid-testing/
Minutes of the Groups meetings are available at https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/8b585-minutes-and-agendas-from-meetings-of-the-rapid-testing-expert-advisory-group/
961. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health the status of the medical cannabis access programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41433/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly as soon as possible.
962. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health the status of the situation facing a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41434/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
963. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health his plans to implement the National Hepatitis C Treatment Programmes into the Irish Prison Service as is set out in the HSE National Service Plan for 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41435/21]
View answerThe HSE established a National Hepatitis C Treatment Programme (NHCTP) in 2015 and began the process of providing treatment for Hepatitis C using Directly Acting Antivirals to patients prioritised according to clinical need.
The NHCTP is continuing to strengthen the seek and treat model in order to continue to reach as many people as possible who are in need of testing and treatment.
The NHCTP has provided funding for a Hepatitis C Nurse to support St. James’s Hospital’s outreach to the Irish Prison Service. A new HSE Hepatitis C pilot project within Cork Prison is due to commence in Quarter 3 of 2021.
964. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if Ireland is still on target to reach the World Health Organisation goal of eliminating hepatitis C by 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41436/21]
View answerThe HSE established a National Hepatitis C Treatment Programme (NHCTP) in 2015 and began the process of providing treatment for Hepatitis C using Directly Acting Antivirals (DAA’s) to patients prioritised according to clinical need. The HSE in its National Service Plans has committed to the continued implementation of a multi annual public health plan for the therapeutic treatment of hepatitis C. The Programme is allocated funding of €25m each year by my Department.
The NHCTP aims to make hepatitis C a rare disease in Ireland by 2026 and to achieve the World Health Organisation goal of eliminating hepatitis C by 2030. Achieving this will require identification and treatment of the majority of chronically infected individuals in the community. In this regard, the NHCTP are currently engaged in a formal epidemiological study to determine prevalence and to facilitate informed decisions regarding screening.
With the outbreak of COVID-19, hepatitis C clinics were significantly impacted. However, clinics are returning to normal and the NHCTP is confident that the Programme is on target to make hepatitis C a rare disease in Ireland by 2026, and in alignment with the WHO goal, to fully eliminate the disease in Ireland by 2030. To ensure that these targets are met, the NHCTP has implemented the following:
1. The Community Prescribing Project
2. The Irish Prison Service Treatment Programme
3. Extending the Seek and Treat Approach to people who are non-methadone dependant
The National Hepatitis C Treatment Programme Strategy 2020-2026 is currently under consideration by the Department. This refreshed strategy will set a clear direction for the further expansion of the programme.
965. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the payment system to be implemented further to his recent statement on the refund system for eligible patients who obtain their prescribed cannabis-based products from the Netherlands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41438/21]
View answerThe HSE have advised that a patient who has a valid medical prescription for medical cannabis, whose treating clinician holds a Ministerial licence under the Misuse of Drugs Act and who has sourced a cannabis-based product, may submit an application to the HSE Corporate Pharmaceutical Unit in the Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS) for reimbursement.
The HSE has advised that in the previous situations where it considered reimbursement support appropriate, the following steps were completed:
- The patient’s consultant is satisfied that all therapeutic options have been exhausted and is prepared to accept the responsibility for monitoring the patient’s response to the cannabis product.
- A prescriber has successfully applied to the Minister for a Ministerial license.
- The consultant completes an Individual Reimbursement Form, setting out the therapeutic benefit for the patient. It is important that this is completed in sufficient detail for therapeutic benefit to be demonstrated.
- The Individual Reimbursement Form is considered by the Medicines Management Programme (MMP).
- On review of the documentation, the MMP makes a recommendation for or against reimbursement support for the patient to the HSE, under the patient's eligibility, and informs the PCRS of that recommendation.
- If approval is given, the PCRS, when authorised to proceed, will make the necessary arrangements to cover the costs involved for the patient.
The contact details for the CPU as follows:
Corporate Pharmaceutical Unit,
HSE, Primary Care Reimbursement Service,
Exit 5, M50,
Finglas,
Dublin 11.
D11XKF3
Phone No: 01 8915725
Fax No: 01 8915757
Email Address: CPU@hse.ie
966. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health his plans in regard to the challenges that face persons suffering from eating disorders particularly in relation to the pressures on acute and day services; his further plans to address these pressures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41439/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
967. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health the number of vacant positions to be filled in CHO8 mental health services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41440/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
968. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) can expect a hospital appointment. [41444/21]
View answerUnder 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.
969. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) can expect a hospital appointment. [41445/21]
View answerUnder 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.
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.
970. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if he will provide clarification regarding weddings (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41449/21]
View answer972. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health if it is proposed to increase the numbers permitted to attend wedding ceremonies; if it is intended that the Health Amendment (No. 2) Act 2021 will apply to wedding receptions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41451/21]
View answer1001. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health the restrictions that will be proposed or in place for weddings over the next few months given that couples planning weddings need details to plan around for the day and are concerned about postponing weddings again. [41524/21]
View answer1002. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health the number of guests to be allowed at a wedding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41526/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 970, 972, 1001 and 1002 together.
As outlined in COVID-19: Reframing the Challenge, Continuing Our Recovery and Reconnecting, which was announced by Government on 31 August, there will be no change to the current limit of 100 guests at weddings before 22 October. Guidance on weddings can be found here: https://failtecdn.azureedge.net/failteireland/Guidelines-for-Re-opening-Hotels-and-Guesthouses.pdf
Based on the criteria of at or close to 90% of people 16 or over being fully vaccinated in the coming weeks and having regard to the incidence and behaviour of the disease at that time, from 22 October onwards, restrictions will be lifted including restrictions on religious and civil ceremonies and limits on numbers at indoor and outdoor events and activities.
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: https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/f5291-post-cabinet-statement-covid-19-reframing-the-challenge-continuing-our-recovery-and-reconnecting/
