Tuesday, 19 Oct 2021

Written Answers Nos. 725-746

Assisted Human Reproduction

Questions (725, 845)

Jackie Cahill

Question:

725. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health when the legislation on surrogate parenthood will be amended to give improved rights to parents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50406/21]

Aindrias Moynihan

Question:

845. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Health when the assisted human reproduction Bill will be published; the steps being taken to create legislative framework to govern surrogacy in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51070/21]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 725 and 845 together.

Drafting of a bill on assisted human reproduction (AHR) and associated areas of research is ongoing by Department of Health officials, in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General. This legislation encompasses the regulation for the first time of a wide range of practices undertaken in this jurisdiction, including domestic altruistic surrogacy.

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 to the intending parent(s).

Publication of the AHR Bill is a priority for the Department and the Government, and a commitment to enact this legislation is included in the Programme for Government, “Our Shared Future”. This Department and the Office of the Attorney General will continue to engage intensively over the next few months to finalise this complex legislation.

General Practitioner Services

Questions (726)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

726. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the procedure to be followed to secure a local general practitioner for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50419/21]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Under the GMS scheme, the HSE contracts GPs to provide medical services without charge to medical card and GP visit card holders. Certain groups, including those under 6 years of age and those over 70 years of age, are automatically entitled to a GP visit card.

Where a GMS patient experiences difficulty in finding a GP to accept him/her as a patient, the person concerned having unsuccessfully applied to at least three GPs in the area can apply to the HSE National Medical Card Unit which has the power to assign that person to a GP's GMS patient list. 

People who do not hold a medical card or GP visit card access GP services on a private basis and can make enquiries directly to any GP practice they wish to register with. As private contractors, it is a matter for each individual GP to decide whether to accept additional private patients. 

The Government is aware of the workforce issues currently facing general practice, including the limited access to GP services in certain areas, and has implemented a number of measures to improve recruitment and retention in general practice. 

These measures include an increase in investment in general practice by approximately 40% (€210 million) between 2019 and 2023 under the terms of the 2019 GMS GP Agreement GP. The Agreement provides for increased support for GPs working in rural practices and for those in disadvantaged urban areas, and for improvements to maternity and paternity leave arrangements.  In addition, the number of GPs entering training has been increased steadily over the past ten years, rising from 120 in 2009 to 233 in 2021, with plans for further increases in future years.

These measures will see an increase in the number of GPs working in the State, improving access to GP services for patients throughout the country. 

Vaccination Programme

Questions (727)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

727. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the process for assessing and putting supports in place for injuries associated with the Covid-19 vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50422/21]

Written answers

Minister for Health

There is currently policy development work underway in relation to the potential establishment of a vaccine compensation scheme. In June 2018, the Government agreed to the establishment of an Expert Group, chaired by High Court Justice Charles Meenan, to review the current systems for the management of clinical negligence claims.

Justice Meenan submitted his final report in January 2020, prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the report was subsequently published in December 2020. One of the report’s recommendations is that a compensation scheme is established to deal with certain vaccine damage claims.

On foot of a request from my Department, the Health Research Board (HRB) carried out an evidence review on vaccine injury redress programmes in other jurisdictions and this was completed in March 2019.

The Expert Group’s report, in addition to the HRB's evidence review, and consultation with other Government Departments and relevant State agencies will inform the development of any proposals regarding the establishment of a compensation scheme, including the need for primary legislation, and work to advance policy development in this regard is underway in my Department.

Healthcare Policy

Questions (728)

Richard Bruton

Question:

728. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health if the termination of certain screening programmes when persons reach a certain age can be reviewed in view of the fact it creates the perception that a lower value is placed on a person's health as they advance in age. [50429/21]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I am fully committed to supporting our population screening programmes which are a valuable part of our health service. 

All of our national screening programmes deliver services in line with international criteria for population-based screening programmes, which are kept under constant review. Decisions about changes to our national screening programmes will be made on the advice of our National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC).  This independent expert group considers the evidence for changes in a robust and transparent manner.

Importantly, the Committee’s role is to undertake an independent assessment of the evidence for screening for a particular condition against internationally accepted criteria and make recommendations accordingly. This ensures policy decisions are informed by the best available evidence and advice. In relation to consideration of any age changes, such as extending the age of any of the screening programmes, it is vital we remember that screening is a population health measure. It is not an individual diagnostic test.  The balance between the benefits of screening and the potential harms or risks to the population as a whole require careful, evidence-based consideration and balancing.

I am pleased to advise that the NSAC is currently finalising plans for its first ‘annual call’ which will be announced in the coming weeks. Applications for proposals for new population based screening programmes and modifications to existing programmes, such changes in the age of those eligible for screening, will be welcomed from the public as well as the HSE, health professionals and other professional bodies.  Further information on the 'annual call' will be published on the NSAC website in the coming weeks.

Disability Services

Questions (729, 730)

Brian Stanley

Question:

729. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health if the Spraoi Centre, Portlaoise, County Laois is fully operational; the number of children awaiting speech and language services there; and the longest waiting time. [50433/21]

Brian Stanley

Question:

730. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health the number of children that are waiting for all services at the Spraoi centre, Portlaoise, County Laois; and the longest waiting time. [50436/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 729 and 730 together.

As these are service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Question No. 730 answered with Question No. 729.

Healthcare Policy

Questions (731)

Colm Burke

Question:

731. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the progress that has been made in dealing with the request made by the chiropractic profession to restore the right of a chiropractor to refer a patient for an x ray, having previously lost this right in 2018; if new regulations will be put place to restore this right; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50437/21]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The European Union (Basic Safety Standards for Protection Against Dangers Arising from Medical Exposure to Ionising Radiation) Regulations 2018 (S.I. No. 256 of 2018) designated those who may refer an individual for medical radiological procedures; nurses, doctors, dentists and radiographers are designated.

Chiropractors are not designated in these regulations and chiropractors were not designated as prescribers (referrers) in the previous regulations (S.I. No. 478 of 2002).

There are no plans to amend the regulations to designate chiropractors as referrers.

Gender Recognition

Questions (732)

Carol Nolan

Question:

732. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if an organisation (details supplied) is still in receipt of funding from either the HSE or his Department; if it has had its funding suspended as was reported in July 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50448/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The organisation referred to by the Deputy is a non-profit member-driven organisation, founded in 2006 and registered as a company limited by guarantee in February 2010. The governance is provided by a volunteer Board and operations are led by the Chief Executive and staff. Community engagement is an essential part of their identity and their mandate is based on a substantial membership, which elects the Board and is involved in long-term strategic planning. 

The organisation "seeks to improve conditions and advance the rights and equality of trans people and their families." The organisation is not funded by the Department.

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

Medical Aids and Appliances

Questions (733)

Ivana Bacik

Question:

733. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Health the timeline for the publication of recommendations from the full health technology assessment of the FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system. [50450/21]

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 (734)

David Cullinane

Question:

734. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the reason there are no transitional care services for adolescents using insulin pump therapy at University Hospital Waterford; his plans to provide this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50456/21]

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 Staff

Questions (735)

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Question:

735. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health the number of doctors and nurses working in the community ophthalmology service in County Donegal in each of the years 2001 to 2021, in tabular form. [50486/21]

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 Staff

Questions (736)

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Question:

736. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health the number of doctors and nurses working in the ophthalmology service at Letterkenny University Hospital in each of the years 2001 to 2021, in tabular form. [50487/21]

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 Staff

Questions (737)

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Question:

737. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health the number of administrative and secretarial staff working in the ophthalmology service at Letterkenny University Hospital in each of the years 2001 to 2021, in tabular form. [50488/21]

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 (738)

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Question:

738. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health the numbers of patients in County Donegal on the waiting list for the community ophthalmology service. [50489/21]

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 Waiting Lists

Questions (739)

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Question:

739. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health the number of patients in County Donegal on the waiting list for the ophthalmology service at Letterkenny University Hospital. [50490/21]

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 (740)

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Question:

740. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health the interim arrangements that have been put in place at the Letterkenny University Hospital community ophthalmic service in view of all three physicians having left the facility. [50491/21]

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 (741)

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Question:

741. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health when a full service will be restored at the Letterkenny University Hospital community ophthalmic service. [50492/21]

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 (742)

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Question:

742. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health the protocols that were in place at the Letterkenny University Hospital community ophthalmic service on 24 August 24 2021 when a person (details supplied) requiring urgent care was referred to Sligo University Hospital; the protocols that were in place at Sligo University Hospital ophthalmic service on 24 August 2021 that failed to deal with the patient until 8.30 pm; the reason the patient who had to endure a 200km journey back to north County Donegal on 24 August 2021 due to the fact the phlebotomy department at Sligo University Hospital was closed at 8.30pm; if on the morning of 24 August 2021 there were three physicians on duty at the Letterkenny University Hospital campus, when the patient was advised to travel onwards to Sligo University Hospital due to the fact no physician was available; and the protocols that were in place at Letterkenny University Hospital ophthalmic services that allowed the above patient to be denied access to a physician given that the patient had eye inflammation and was in pain. [50493/21]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this refers to an individual case, I have referred this matter to the HSE for their attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Hospital Services

Questions (743)

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Question:

743. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health if he is satisfied that the level of ophthalmic service is in accordance with best health practice for the community of north County Donegal, where many of the patients are over 200 kilometres from Sligo Hospital. [50494/21]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The HSE Primary Care Eye Services Review Group (PCESRG) Report was launched in June 2017. The Report sets out current levels of service, models of service provision and the consultation process undertaken with patients, advocates, ophthalmic staff and representative bodies. It also highlights the limitations of the current model of service delivery and sets out the way forward for a significant amount of eye services to be delivered in a primary care setting. The Report estimates that 60% of existing outpatient activity could be moved to primary care thus enabling hospital services to focus on patients who require more specialist diagnostics or treatments.

The National Clinical Programme for Ophthalmology has developed a model of care which details how the realignment of eye services from the acute hospitals to the community will be undertaken. The recommendations from the PCESRG Report also complement the Model of Care.

The PCESRG Report remains current and the temporary arrangements currently required for processing of some ophthalmic patients from Donegal in Sligo Hospital are not aligned with the long-term objectives outlined therein. The HSE has advised that work is currently underway to increase the capacity of ophthalmic services in Donegal.

The HSE is implementing a number of measures under the PCESRG Report. Included in current priorities is transferring the care of children aged 8+ years to the care of local private optometrists, creating a new role of Consultant Medical Ophthalmologist, and recruiting additional Consultant Medical Ophthalmologists to other CHOs.

Departmental Contracts

Questions (744, 745)

Alan Kelly

Question:

744. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the number of management consultancy firms his Department and statutory agencies associated with his Department have under contract in tabular form; the projects they are working on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50503/21]

Alan Kelly

Question:

745. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the number of management consultancy firms his Department and statutory agencies associated with his Department have under contract in tabular form; the projects they are working on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50506/21]

Written answers

Minister for Health (Deputy Stephen Donnelly)

I propose to answer Questions Nos. 744 and 745 together.

Details of management consultancy firms under contract with my Department and the projects they are working on are set out in the attached table.

It is the policy in my Department only to engage the services of external consultants where highly specialised skills are not available within the Department and, in particular, when such an approach is felt to be more appropriate and cost-effective. 

In relation to firms under contract with the HSE, as this is an operational matter, I have forwarded your query to the HSE and asked that they respond directly to you as soon as possible. 

Details for other bodies under the aegis of my Department are operational matters for the bodies concerned and the Deputy should contact the relevant Director/CEO/Registrar directly.

Consultant	Brief description
Ms. Eithne Fitzgerald	Provision of disability policy analysis expertise and advisory services
Mazars	Actuarial, accounting, insurance, and economic advice on Private Health Insurance
Mazars	Embedding Risk Management
Crowe Advisory Services	Independent Patient Safety Council Project on Open Disclosure Policy
Conor Feeney, Barrister at Law	Legal Advice re Disability Services Transfer of Functions to DCYA
Crowe Advisory Services	Review of Patient Advocacy Services
Grant Thornton	Provision of Data Protection Advisory and Support Services to ensure ongoing compliance with Data Protection obligations
Trinity College	Evaluation of the 2001 Report of the National Advisory Committee on Palliative Care

Nursing Homes

Questions (746)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

746. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health if a detailed breakdown can be provided to a person (details supplied) in respect of the means assessment made on their nursing home subvention scheme application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50507/21]

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.