Wednesday, 24 Nov 2021

Written Answers Nos. 159-178

Departmental Funding

Questions (159)

Martin Kenny

Question:

159. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Justice the financial supports her Department offers to an association (details supplied). [57956/21]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

The Association referred to is a representative association that is primarily funded through membership dues.

I can confirm that my Department does not provide funding to the Association in question. The Association is provided with subventions for certain expenses from the Garda Vote representing a subvention in respect of post, telecommunications and accommodation costs originally provided directly by the State. As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is the Accounting Officer for the Garda Vote and I have no role in this regard.

In addition to this direct subvention, there is also provision for the full time secondment of the General Secretary and Deputy General Secretary of the association, where these are Garda members, to work with the Association. In these circumstances, their salaries continue to be paid directly from the Garda Vote. Similarly, certain travel and subsistence expenses of Association members in connection with Association business are paid directly from the Garda Vote.

Details on the subventions paid in recent years is provided in the following table which has been supplied to me by the Garda authorities:

Year	Accommodation/ Postage/ Telephone Subventions	Travel & Subsistence	Secondments	TOTAL
2020	€126,070	€53,190	€68,226	€247,486
2019	€125,838	€71,132	€99,619	€296,589
2018	€125,132	€90,792	€116,471	€332,395

Crime Data

Questions (160)

Martin Kenny

Question:

160. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Justice the number of persons in the State who have been arrested under section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 since 2016. [57957/21]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy will be aware, the detection of and response to any criminal activity is an operational function for the Garda Commissioner, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.

The table below, which has been provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the number of arrests which occurred during the period 2016 to date in 2021 under Section 2 of the Drug Trafficking Act 1996 (as amended by the Criminal Justice Act 1984).

Count of Arrests

2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021*
594	513	518	517	633	479

I am advised by the Garda authorities that this incident data is based upon operational data from the PULSE system, as of 22 November 2021, and is liable to change.

International Protection

Questions (161)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

161. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice the status of the promised Afghan Admission Programme; the details of the eligibility criteria; when the programme will be open for applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58036/21]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I share the Deputy’s concerns for the Afghan people and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.

Ireland has acted swiftly and compassionately to demonstrate our support and solidarity with the Afghan people. My Department continues to work closely with colleagues in the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to ensure a coordinated national response.

As the Deputy is aware, the Government has approved my Department's proposal for an additional initiative: the special Afghan Admission Programme, which will provide places for up to 500 Afghan family members to travel to Ireland. Each applicant will have an opportunity to nominate up to four family members who are currently residing in Afghanistan or who have fled to neighbouring territories and whom they consider would be especially at risk in terms of their freedom and safety.

The Programme, including the detailed eligibility criteria and the application process, is currently being finalised by my Department, with a view to opening for applications in the coming weeks.

Our objective is to ensure that the options considered are as inclusive as possible and that the Programme is available to those who most require our help. The clearer the application process is made at the outset, the quicker my Department will be able to process applications which will be in the best interests of those concerned.

The creation of this Programme is unique to date in the EU and was welcomed by the UNHCR as a very welcome commitment by Ireland that will bring much needed solace to Afghans here who are worried about their relatives abroad.

In the meantime, I want to assure the Deputy that all current immigration avenues remain open for new applications, including visa and family reunification applications. More than 750 Afghan nationals have already been granted permissions to reside in the State so far this year. My Department will process any new applications received speedily and sympathetically.

Medicinal Products

Questions (162, 163)

Colm Burke

Question:

162. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if the Government has considered the key issues identified in an assessment by a company (details supplied) of the reimbursement of medicines for rare diseases process which hinder access to rare disease medicines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57864/21]

Colm Burke

Question:

163. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if the Government will consider the reimbursement of orphan medicinal products to feature as part of the work programme of his Department for 2022; if he will consider Rare Disease Day 2022, which is the week starting 28 February, as an optimal time for a discussion and renewed focus on the topic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57865/21]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 162 and 163 together.

I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has not received the report to which the question refers and therefore cannot comment on the specifics of the assessment completed.

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.

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.

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). Details of all NCPE rapid reviews and Health Technology Assessments (HTAs) are available on their website.

While the 2013 Health Act does not include provision for a different rule set when assessing orphan drugs, there are no legal barriers to the consideration of orphan drugs for reimbursement. In carrying out pricing/reimbursement assessments of new drugs, the HSE is mindful to take into account the unique circumstances that apply to orphan drugs, such as the small patient numbers and the nature of the condition to be treated.

The allocation of €50m for new medicines in 2021, described by the pharmaceutical industry as “a game-changer”, has had a significant impact on the availability of orphan drugs in Ireland this year. This funding has enabled the HSE to approve 43 new medicines/expanded uses of existing medicines to date (as of 12th November), 15 of which have been for the treatment of rare diseases.

The allocation of €30m for new medicines in 2022 will ensure that patients continue to get access to new and innovative medicines, including those for the treatment of rare diseases.

As outlined in the IPHA agreement, and in line with the 2013 Act, the HSE will decide, within 180 days of receiving an application (or a longer period if further information is sought from the company), to either add the medicine to the reimbursement list or agree to reimburse it as a hospital medicine, or refuse to reimburse the medicine.

The HSE strives to reach reimbursement decisions on all medicines, including orphan drugs, in as timely a manner as possible. However, it must ensure that the best possible price is achieved, as these commitments often represent multimillion-euro investments on an ongoing basis. This can lead to a protracted deliberation process.

There has been a number of key changes in the HSE assessment process of medicines within the confines of the 2013 Health Act. These have included changes to the HSE Drugs Group, whose membership has been expanded to include representatives from the National Patients Forum and more clinical expertise in the area of rare diseases.

In June 2018, the HSE Leadership appointed a Technology Review Committee for Rare Diseases (RDTRC) to complement the existing assessment process. This Committee’s reviews provide an opportunity for input from patients and families impacted by rare diseases, as well as from clinicians with expertise in the treatment of rare diseases.

Any potential new work streams for 2022 in relation to new medicines (for the treatment of rare diseases or otherwise) will be considered in the context of the HSE’s upcoming National Service Plan.

Question No. 163 answered with Question No. 162.

Medicinal Products

Questions (164)

Colm Burke

Question:

164. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the reason the review of the governance structures regarding the HSE drug reimbursement process by a company (details supplied) still remains under consideration by his Department despite being submitted to his Department in January 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57866/21]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Following a tender by the Office of Government Procurement, Mazars conducted a review of the governance structures around the HSE's drug reimbursement process. The report was submitted to my Department in January 2020.

The review made recommendations in respect of the HSE’s systems, structures, processes, governance arrangements and use of specialist resources in respect of the drug reimbursement process.

The report was under consideration by officials, however the focus of the Department of Health changed to the immediate public health considerations of the COVID-19 pandemic and the preservation of life. This meant that this work stream was suspended to reallocate resources to support essential services.

My Department aims to complete its consideration of the report’s recommendations when resources permit.

Cross-Border Co-operation

Questions (165)

Christopher O'Sullivan

Question:

165. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if support will be considered for additional expenses such as accommodation for the family of patients who have to travel for treatment under the cross-Border directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57645/21]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The EU Cross Border Directive (CBD) provides rules for the reimbursements to patients of the cost of receiving treatment abroad, where the patient would be entitled to such treatment in their home Member State, and supplements the rights that patients already have at EU level. The CBD enables persons resident in the State to access and be reimbursed for healthcare in another Member State by the HSE, provided such healthcare is publicly available within Ireland.

The EU CBD is a patient centred initiative and does not extend to the family members of a patient. Reimbursement under this scheme is made at the lesser of either the cost of the treatment in Ireland, or the cost of the treatment incurred by the patient in the other State. Details are available from the HSE's CBD National Contact Point (NCP). It is important to note that reimbursement is confined to the costs of the care itself and does not include any additional costs, such as travel or accommodation costs, incurred by the patient. There are no plans to expand coverage of the scheme to cover the costs of the family members of patients.

Hospital Staff

Questions (166)

Seán Canney

Question:

166. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health the number of ICU nurses trained in each of the years 2018 to 2020 and to date in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57646/21]

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.

Health Services

Questions (167)

Joe McHugh

Question:

167. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that day services are protected for users in facilities and receive great care such as Cashel na Cor in Buncrana, County Donegal in order to ensure that both the user and families/carers have security in advance in order to pre-plan and prepare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57648/21]

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.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (168)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

168. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health when early treatments for Covid-19 patients will be made available to Irish citizens; if the Department will run an awareness campaign in relation to the importance of vitamin D and other health measures that citizens can take to improve their health during the winter period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57649/21]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Developments in relation to potential interventions are kept under frequent review, and a HIQA evidence synthesis paper on? potential interventions for COVID-19, including vitamin D, prepared for the NPHET, was discussed at its meeting on 26th May 2021.

Available to read here: www.hiqa.ie/sites/default/files/2021-08/Advice-to-NPHET_Interventions-to-prevent-COVID-19.pdf.

The NPHET minutes of 26th May are available to read here:

www.gov.ie/en/collection/691330-national-public-health-emergency-team-covid-19-coronavirus/#april-june-2021 .

With regard to Vitamin D supplementation in the population, the Deputy is advised that the existing guidance on vitamin D was updated in November 2020 and advises that in addition to following a healthy diet, adults aged 65 years and older to take a 15 microgram (600 IU) daily supplement for bone and muscle health.

Available to read here: www.gov.ie/en/press-release/7d595-new-advice-on-vitamin-d-supplement-for-people-aged-65-years-and-older.

The NPHET agreed that efforts should be made to increase awareness of existing guidance. Adults spending increased time indoors or those who are housebound or in long-term residential care or have dark skin pigmentation are also recommended to take a daily vitamin D supplement.

These recommendations for the use of vitamin D have been incorporated into wider messaging, and additionally are being communicated across the health service, including nursing homes and social care settings, as necessary. The Department of Health issued a communication to the HSE and Nursing Homes Ireland to encourage implementation of guidance on vitamin D in nursing homes in February 2021. Additional communication is planned for November 2021.

The Government will continue to look to the NPHET to provide recommendations with regard to Vitamin D and COVID-19.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (169)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

169. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health if he can confirm reports that the Covid programme office at St James’ Hospital sent a text message to staff on 15 November instructing that all staff that are household close contacts may attend work if they are fully vaccinated and remain asymptomatic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57650/21]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to this matter.

Hospital Services

Questions (170)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

170. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the action he or his Department is taking following an email the Minister received dated 23 July 2021 from a person (details supplied) regarding the treatment of a patient / family of a patient in St Vincent’s Hospital. [57651/21]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I can confirm to the Deputy that an email from the person concerned has been received in my Office and my Department has corresponded directly with the person on this matter.

Disabilities Assessments

Questions (171, 176, 177)

Mark Ward

Question:

171. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health his plans to address the backlog for assessment of needs; the reason for the current backlog; the estimated timeframe to address the backlog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57652/21]

Mark Ward

Question:

176. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the number of assessment of needs that resulted in a diagnostic assessment in the past year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57657/21]

Mark Ward

Question:

177. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the breakdown of the €7.8 million provided to address the overdue assessment of need in August 2020; the amount spent on private providers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57658/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 171, 176 and 177 together.

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

Disability Services

Questions (172, 173, 174)

Mark Ward

Question:

172. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the number of vacancies in Children’s Disability Services; the plans to address same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57653/21]

Mark Ward

Question:

173. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the progress made in the recruitment of 85 WTE posts for Children’s Disability Network Teams announced in June 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57654/21]

Mark Ward

Question:

174. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if all CHO areas now have a Children Disability Network Team in place; the staffing contingent of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57655/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 172, 173 and 174 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. 173 answered with Question No. 172.

Question No. 174 answered with Question No. 172.

Disability Services

Questions (175)

Mark Ward

Question:

175. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the current waiting lists for children’s access to speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and physiotherapy for each CHO area in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57656/21]

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.

Question No. 176 answered with Question No. 171.

Question No. 177 answered with Question No. 171.

Health Services

Questions (178)

Michael Creed

Question:

178. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health if his Department has had negotiations with HIQA with regard to HIQA standards as they relate to staffing schedules in publicly-funded services and specifically with regard to current recruitment difficulties and current Covid-19-related recruitment difficulties and the possibility of relaxation of these standards by agreement in certain circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57678/21]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) is an independent authority established to drive high-quality and safe care for health and social care services in Ireland. HIQA operates under the Health Act 2007. Under Section 8 of the Act, which sets out the functions of the Authority, HIQA has a remit to set standards for Ireland's health and social care services, and to monitor services against these standards.

The HIQA Chief Inspector regulates designated centres under the relevant regulations for designated centres and applies the same framework to all designated centres irrespective of the public, private or voluntary funding. The regulation requires that the provider has the appropriate numbers of staff and skill mix having regard to the assessed needs of residents. The appropriateness of the staffing levels and skill mix is reviewed on inspection.

The Minister and his officials regularly engage with HIQA in regard to its functions and activities including the setting and monitoring of standards.