Written Answers Nos. 1524-1544
1524. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health if his Department and the Health Service Executive can account for the recent diminution of services offered at the Broadford primary care centre, County Clare; his plans to reinstate services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63489/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1525. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the waiting time for those seeking transgender health care (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to the fact that just to be first seen is now a waiting time of over two and a half years; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that according to a study carried out, this kind of waiting time is actively dangerous, considering the rates of both suicidal ideation and attempts among pretransition trans people; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that patients are forced to answer invasive questions regarding their sexuality, including various sex acts they have engaged in, the number of partners they have been with and the genders of these partners; his views on whether such questions are of zero clinical necessity; and if his attention has been drawn to the fact that patients have reportedly been refused treatment on the basis of them being autistic or having ADHD. [63493/21]
View answer1526. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the status of the development by the HSE of a well-governed and patient-centred healthcare service for adults and children in the transgender community, in line with the Programme for Government; if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties being faced by persons on the matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63494/21]
View answer1530. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health the improvements his Department is making in the area of healthcare for trans persons; his views on whether the current waiting time of over two and a half years to be first seen is unacceptable; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this has declined further during the Covid-19 pandemic; his views on the immense negative impact this is having on the mental health of pre transition trans persons given the rates of both suicidal ideation and attempts in this group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63499/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1525, 1526 and 1530 together.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1527. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health the geographic breakdown of the assaults that were recorded on nurses in each of the years 2015 to 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63495/21]
View answerI have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this issue.
1528. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health the geographic breakdown of the assaults that were recorded on doctors in each of the years 2015 to 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63496/21]
View answerI have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this issue.
1529. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a school (details supplied) is still lacking in services following the withdrawal of progressing disability services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63498/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1531. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if the case of a person (details supplied) will be reviewed and advice offered in this instance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63504/21]
View answerThe EU Digital COVID Certificate is a document which is issued to help facilitate the safe and free international movement of people across the EU during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ireland is currently accepting applications for vaccination certificates from Irish citizens vaccinated in third countries in line with Article 8 of the EU Regulation.
Currently, Irish passport holders, who have reliable proof a vaccination regime completed in Northern Ireland with a vaccine product authorised for use in Ireland, can apply for an EU Digital COVID Certificate online at covidcertificateportal.gov.ie.
1532. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health his plans to establish infusion suites in Kilkenny Hospital and Waterford Hospital for patients with multiple sclerosis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63507/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have refereed it to the HSE for direct response
1533. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if a date for a hip operation for a person (details supplied) will be expedited.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63508/21]
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.
1534. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 233 of 10 November 2021, if it will be open to the public and stakeholders to feed into the review of the existing provision of prosthetic services across the country which is being led by the Community Operations division of the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63509/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1535. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of applicants for medical cards from 2015 to 2021; and the number of these applications rejected by the HSE by reason in tabular form. [63511/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1536. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of applications for medical cards from those with a cancer diagnosis from 2015 to 2021; and the number of these applications approved by the HSE. [63512/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1537. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health the actions that are being taken by his Department to improve transgender health services in Ireland and in particular to address the waiting time for first-time appointments which currently stands at two and a half years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63515/21]
View answer1547. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is a two and a half year waiting list for an initial assessment at the National Gender Service; the steps he is taking to address these long waiting times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63567/21]
View answer1794. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to address the current two and a half year wait to access the National Gender Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1846/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1537, 1547 and 1794 together.
It is recognised that waiting times for scheduled appointments and procedures have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. While significant work continues to positively impact on waiting times and improve pathways to elective care, acute hospitals have been impacted by operational challenges arising from surges in cases related to the Delta and Omicron variants.
At present the acute hospital system is prioritising unscheduled Covid-19 care and urgent time-sensitive work. The HSE has confirmed to the Department that patient safety remains at the centre of all hospital activity and elective care scheduling. To ensure services are provided in a safe, clinically-aligned and prioritised way, hospitals are following HSE clinical guidelines and protocols.
The Department of Health continues to work with the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) to identify ways to improve access to care, including through increased use of private hospitals, funding weekend and evening work in public hospitals, funding “see and treat” services, providing virtual clinics, and increasing capacity in the public hospital system.
In addition, the Department of Health, the HSE and the NTPF are also working on a Multi Annual Waiting List Plan to bring waiting lists in line with Sláintecare targets over the coming years. This process will be overseen by a Ministerial Taskforce, chaired by the Secretary General of the Department of Health and includes representatives from the HSE and National Treatment Purchase Fund.
The PQ has been referred to the HSE for a specific response on the waiting list for the National Gender Service as a service delivery issue.
1538. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health the services that are currently operated out of a premises (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63516/21]
View answerAs the Health Service Executive is responsible for the management of the public healthcare property estate, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to you in relation to this matter.
1539. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health the person or body that is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of a building (details supplied) given the front of the building is in very poor condition and in need of attention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63517/21]
View answerAs the Health Service Executive is responsible for the management of the public healthcare property estate, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to you in relation to this matter.
1540. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health when the day care centre at Clonakilty Community Hospital will return to normal service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63521/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy. This PQ should not be answered before the 19th January 2022.
1541. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if immediate funding can be facilitated to increase paediatric and adult care at the National Orthopaedic Hospital with particular reference to the urgent surgeries that await same and given the stress and anxiety that this delay is now causing to the children and families affected by same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63527/21]
View answerThe National Orthopaedic Hospital, Cappagh is Ireland’s major centre for Elective Orthopaedic Surgery. The hospital provides the full range of Orthopaedic Services including Major Joint Replacement (ankle, hip, knee, foot, shoulder, elbow and wrist), Spinal Surgery, Primary Bone Tumour Service, Paediatric Orthopaedics and the management of Sports Injuries.
As part of Children’s Health Ireland’s (CHI) paediatric orthopaedic service, most complex cases (including patients with scoliosis) are treated at Crumlin and Temple Street, with Crumlin providing specialised multi-disciplinary treatment for the most complex patients. The National Orthopaedic Hospital at Cappagh provides additional capacity for the treatment of more routine orthopaedic patients, including some routine scoliosis procedures. By using the capacity provided by Cappagh, CHI can free up space in order that complex orthopaedic procedures, including spinal fusions, can be carried out centrally at CHI sites. More specifically, additional theatre capacity at the National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh commenced on the 26 April 2021 for daycase surgery. CHI have advised the Department of Health that this should result in a positive impact in reducing long waiting times for general orthopaedics in addition to consequential capacity gains for complex patient needs. In 2022 CHI are planning to undertake a range of inpatient, daycase and outpatient orthopaedic appointments in Cappagh.
Funding proposals submitted to the HSE by Children’s Health Ireland for increased investment in paediatric orthopaedic services in 2022 and increased activity through 'Cappagh Kids' will be decided as part of the finalisation of the Waiting List Action Plan 2022. In addition the HSE has advised my Department that a proposal to fund an additional theatre at Temple Street is currently progressing through the normal HSE capital approval process. Improving access to scheduled care capacity remains a priority for me and my Department as we work to finalise 2022 Waiting List Action Plan.
For 2022 an additional allocation of €250 million, comprised of €200 million to the HSE and €50 million to the National Treatment Purchase Fund has been provided in respect of work to reduce hospital and community waiting lists. The €250 million will be used to fund additional activity in both the public and private sectors. The €50 million additional funding provided to the NTPF brings its total allocation for 2022 to €150 million, and as a consequence there will be a budget of €350 million available to support vital initiatives to improve access to acute hospitals and community health services.
In addition, my Department, the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund are also working on a Multi Annual Waiting List Plan to bring waiting lists in line with Sláintecare targets over the coming years. This process will be overseen by a Ministerial Taskforce, chaired by the Secretary General of my Department and includes representatives from the HSE and National Treatment Purchase Fund.
1543. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health the reason hotel residents are exempt from the 8:00 pm rule for hospitality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63531/21]
View answerWhile guidance for this sector is a matter for my colleagues, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, I can inform the Deputy that the measures in place for overnight hotel residents have been differentiated throughout the pandemic in recognition of the practical requirement that those resident in hotels have access to dining facilities.
Hotels have remained open throughout the pandemic, including at Level 5 for essential non-social and non-tourist purposes. Fáilte Ireland has published significant guidance for hotels which can be found here
failtecdn.azureedge.net/failteireland/Guidelines-for-Re-opening-Hotels-and-Guesthouses.pdf
1544. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health if he has considered the implications of the PCR and antigen test requirements for persons with Covid recovery certificates travelling into the country within 90 days of receipt of their certificate; and the rules in place for those with a recovery certificate who may be unable to get a clear PCR or antigen test result within 90 days of receiving the certificate. [63542/21]
View answerSince 6th January overseas travellers to Ireland holding accepted vaccination or recovery certificates may arrive to Ireland without any additional pre-departure test results.
Under the current travel rules, passengers without accepted proof of vaccination, or accepted proof of recovery from COVID-19 must show evidence of a negative / not-detected PCR test result taken within 72 hours prior to arriving in Ireland.
In cases whereby a person is unable to present evidence of a negative/not-detected RT-PCR test prior to travel due to persistently positive RT-PCR test after recovery, then a positive RT-PCR result which is no less than 11 days prior to the date on which the person arrives in the State and no more than 180 days prior to the date on which the person so arrives, will be accepted.
Travel restrictions are kept under close consideration due to the evolving epidemiological circumstances.
