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Tuesday, 28 Sep 2021

Written Answers Nos. 592-611

Assisted Human Reproduction

Questions (592)

Claire Kerrane

Question:

592. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health the processes in place to ensure that parents of children born via assisted human reproduction such as IVF and surrogacy are able to secure legal guardianship of these children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46615/21]

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Written answers

The Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (the Act of 2015), reforms and updates family law to address the needs of children living in diverse family types. The Minister for Health is responsible for Parts 2 and 3 of the Act of 2015 and these Parts commenced on 4 May 2020. Parts 2 and 3 deal with the issue of donor-assisted human reproduction.

Subject to certain conditions, the provisions of Parts 2 and 3 of the Act of 2015 provide for the parentage of donor-conceived children born after the commencement of Parts 2 and 3 and retrospective declarations of parentage for donor-conceived children born prior to the commencement of Parts 2 and 3.

On a broad level, issues related to legal guardianship – including responsibility for the provisions of the Guardianship of Infants Act 1964 – come under the remit of the Minister for Justice. Specifically, section 6B of the Guardianship of Infants Act 1964, as inserted by the Act of 2015, provides for the guardianship of donor-conceived children to whom Parts 2 and 3 of the Act of 2015 apply.

The Act of 2015 does not make provisions in relation to the regulation of surrogacy. Provisions relating to domestic altruistic surrogacy are included in the forthcoming AHR legislation. The surrogacy provisions outline a court-based mechanism through which the parentage of a child born through surrogacy may be transferred from the surrogate (and her husband, if applicable) to the intending parent(s).

Hospital Waiting Lists

Questions (593)

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

593. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health the number of children and young persons in the CHO Dublin north city and county who are currently awaiting an appointment for child psychology services at CHI Temple Street. [45936/21]

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Written 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 Waiting Lists

Questions (594)

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

594. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health the current average waiting time to access child psychology services at CHI Temple Street. [45937/21]

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Written 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 Waiting Lists

Questions (595)

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

595. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health the number of persons currently awaiting an appointment for child psychology services at CHI Temple Street; the number of persons that have been waiting for six, 12, 18 and over 18 months, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45938/21]

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Written 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 (596)

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

596. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health if child psychology services at CHI Temple Street are currently accepting new referrals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45939/21]

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Written answers

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

State Properties

Questions (597)

Niall Collins

Question:

597. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health if he will report on his visit to the site of the former nursing home at Crooksling, County Dublin; if he has made a decision in respect of the future of the site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45946/21]

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Written answers

On Monday, 20 September, I had a productive visit to the site at Crooksling and met with officials from the HSE and a group of local representatives. No formal decision has been reached on the future of the site of the former nursing home. However, my department will continue to engage in discussions to progress plans for the site.

Dental Services

Questions (598)

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

598. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health the breakdown of dental practitioners currently providing dental care to persons holding a medical card under the dental treatment services scheme in CHO Dublin north city and county in tabular form. [45947/21]

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Written answers

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

Dental Services

Questions (599)

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

599. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health the number of dental practitioners contracted to provide dental care to persons holding a medical card under the dental treatment service scheme in CHO Dublin north city and county in each of the years 2016 to 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form. [45948/21]

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Written answers

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

Dental Services

Questions (600)

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

600. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting access to the dental treatment services scheme in CHO Dublin north city and county; the number of these persons that have been waiting for six, 12 and 18 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45949/21]

View answer

Written answers

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

Dental Services

Questions (601)

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

601. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health the number of dental practitioners that have withdrawn from the dental treatment services scheme in CHO Dublin north city and county in each of the years 2019 and 2020 and to date in 2021. [45950/21]

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Written answers

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

Dental Services

Questions (602, 603)

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

602. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health the status of the roll-out of the national oral health policy and the proposed review of the dental treatment services scheme contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45951/21]

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Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

603. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health the engagement that has taken place with dental practitioners and their representatives relating to the provision of services under the dental treatment services scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45952/21]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 602 and 603 together.

The National Oral Health Policy, Smile agus Sláinte (2019), provides a framework to transform oral health services and will broaden the care provided to the public from birth to old age. Progress is being made on the priority actions identified in the Policy in the areas within my Department's remit, including liaising with other agencies such as the Dental Council.

The roll-out of the Policy has been delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the proposed review of the Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) contract has been deferred. I am committed to the sustainability of the DTSS which provides dental care, free of charge, to medical card holders aged 16 and over and which will need to be aligned with the new policy. 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.

Question No. 603 answered with Question No. 602.

Budget 2022

Questions (604)

Kieran O'Donnell

Question:

604. Deputy Kieran O'Donnell asked the Minister for Health if he has considered a pre-budget submission (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45953/21]

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Written answers

I recently received Mental Health Reform’s Pre-Budget 2022 submission. I value their input - they play an important role in raising awareness and advocating for improvements to mental health service delivery.

I am giving detailed consideration to the submission, in consultation as appropriate with other relevant areas within the Department and with the HSE. More broadly, the Department is engaging in dialogue with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the HSE in relation to the 2022 Estimates. Until these discussions are concluded it would not be appropriate for me to comment on this matter. However, I am committed to ensuring the continued enhancement of mental health services through the allocation of additional development funding in mental health in 2022.

I would note for the Deputy that 2021 saw a record budget for mental health of over €1.1 billion, including €23 million to commence implementation of many of the short-term recommendations of Sharing the Vision in 2021 and the HSE National Service Plan. €15 million is to address the additional challenges posed by Covid-19, including increased step-down beds, private surge capacity, extra resources for community mental health teams and reconfiguration of residential facilities to meet Mental Health Commission recommendations. An additional €2.2 million was allocated in 2020 to develop telehealth and psychosocial responses to Covid-19 for healthcare workers and the public.

While we do not yet fully understand Covid-19’s impact on mental health, the extent of supports that may be required and how this will affect longer term service demand the Department and HSE continue to plan for any potential surge in demand as it arises and as services return to normal provision and capacity. The HSE has a range of proactive responses for any rise in service need.

Throughout the pandemic, with adaptations, enhancements and improvements, mental health services continued to operate to approximately 85-90% capacity. In particular, expanded and enhanced digital services were crucial in responding to both existing and new and emerging need.

Vaccination Programme

Questions (605)

Denis Naughten

Question:

605. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health when Covid-19 booster vaccines will be available for those who are immunocompromised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45956/21]

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Written answers

On 1 September, I announced an update to the Covid-19 vaccination programme following updated recommendations from the NIAC. The recommendations involved extending the primary vaccination course with an mRNA dose for immunocompromised individuals aged 12 years and older irrespective of whether the initial doses were an mRNA or adenoviral vector vaccine.

The third dose of an mRNA vaccine should be given a minimum of two months after the second dose of the extended vaccination schedule.

It is currently anticipated that the administration of the third dose extension programme for immunocompromised will commence the week of 27 September and will take approximately 5-6 weeks to complete.

It is important to note that the NIAC has made a distinction between an additional vaccine for those who have mounted a sub-optimal immune response to the primary vaccination course and booster vaccine doses which may be required by some, or all, of the population as a result of waning immunity and vaccine effectiveness over time.

On 8 September, I announced a further update to the Covid-19 vaccination programme following additional advice from the NIAC. The Committee has recommended a booster dose of an mRNA vaccine (irrespective of whether the primary vaccination course was of an mRNA or adenoviral vector) for residents aged 65 years and older living in Long Term Residential Care Facilities and for those aged 80 years and older living in the community.

I have accepted this advice and the HSE has been requested to make the necessary arrangements to operationalise the recommendations. The NIAC continues to examine emerging evidence regarding booster vaccines for those with waning immunity and reduced effectiveness in other groups.

Vaccination Programme

Questions (606)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

606. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if payment to pharmacies for the administration of vaccines (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45969/21]

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Written answers

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

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (607)

Robert Troy

Question:

607. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if his Department has put forward proposals to compensate front-line healthcare workers for their outstanding efforts to date in dealing with Covid-19 (details supplied). [45970/21]

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Written answers

I wish to convey my sincere gratitude to health sector workers in relation to their continuing efforts in the delivery of health services during this very challenging pandemic period.

I note that this important matter was recently before the Labour Court, and the resulting recommendation issued last Wednesday, 22 September is being given careful consideration by Health Service Management. In the meantime, I wish to reassure the Deputy that the Department and the HSE acknowledge frontline healthcare workers' critical and significant response to this pandemic, and are working to appropriately recognise those efforts.

Dental Services

Questions (608)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

608. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health his plans in relation to the provision to dental services (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45971/21]

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Written answers

The Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) provides dental care, free of charge to medical card holders aged 16 and over. As the Deputy is aware, 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. The intention is to review the DTSS contract and to explore ways of mitigating the difficulties some patients are currently experiencing in accessing services. In the meantime, I am assured by the HSE that they will assist anyone experiencing problems accessing a service in their locality.

Hospital Procedures

Questions (609)

Seán Canney

Question:

609. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health if Irish hospitals perform surgery on unborn children for any conditions; and if so, if a list of the conditions and the location in which they are carried out will be provided. [45983/21]

View answer

Written 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 Procedures

Questions (610)

Seán Canney

Question:

610. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health if Irish hospitals perform surgery on unborn children with spina bifida; if so, the amount that has been allocated to in utero care for babies with spina bifida in Ireland. [45984/21]

View answer

Written answers

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

Assisted Human Reproduction

Questions (611, 747, 748, 750, 803, 804, 806, 808, 816)

Emer Higgins

Question:

611. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the status of the assisted human reproduction Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45986/21]

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Dara Calleary

Question:

747. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health his plans to progress the Assisted Human Reproduction Bill 2017; his planned timeline in relation to the Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46384/21]

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Niall Collins

Question:

748. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health if an update will be provided on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46385/21]

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Brendan Griffin

Question:

750. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if advice will be provided on a matter (details supplied) in relation to assisted human reproduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46436/21]

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Mark Ward

Question:

803. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health his plans to introduce legislation for assisted human reproduction specifically the surrogacy section; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46667/21]

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Mark Ward

Question:

804. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health his plans to address issues regarding surrogacy (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46668/21]

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Noel Grealish

Question:

806. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health the current status of the assisted human reproduction Bill which was listed under priority legislation for publication in the summer session 2021; when the Bill is likely to be published and brought before the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46671/21]

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Gerald Nash

Question:

808. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on assisted human reproduction Bill; the steps he is taking to create a legislative framework to govern surrogacy in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46688/21]

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Jennifer Carroll MacNeill

Question:

816. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Health the status of the assisted human reproduction Bill; the timeline for the publishing of this Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46728/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 611, 747, 748, 750, 803, 804, 806, 808 and 816 together.

As the Deputies will be aware, drafting of a bill on assisted human reproduction (AHR) and associated areas of research is ongoing by officials in my Department, in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General. I can assure the Deputy that publication of this legislation is a priority for my Department and the Government, and a commitment to enact this legislation is included in the Programme for Government, “Our Shared Future”. My Department and the Office of the Attorney General continue to prioritise the drafting of this complex legislation and will engage intensively over the next few months to finalise the Bill.

The AHR legislation encompasses the regulation, for the first time in Ireland, of a wide range of practices, including domestic altruistic surrogacy, as well as: gamete (sperm or egg) and embryo donation for AHR and research; pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) of embryos; posthumous assisted reproduction; and embryo and stem cell research. The legislation also provides for the establishment of an independent regulatory authority for AHR.

The surrogacy provisions of the Bill outline the specific conditions under which surrogacy in Ireland will be permitted, including a requirement for all surrogacy agreements to be pre-authorised by the new AHR Regulatory Authority. The legislation also sets out a court-based mechanism through which the parentage of a child born through surrogacy may be transferred from the surrogate (and her husband, if applicable) to the intending parent(s).

Overall, the provisions outlined within the Bill will ensure that AHR practices and related areas of research are conducted in a more consistent and standardised way and with the necessary oversight.

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